Smile Politely

Weekender: October 5-7

FRIDAY, October 5th 

The All American Rejects, Knox HamiltonState Farm Center, 7:30 p.m., $20-$35

Everyone knows those now-throwback radio jams by All American Rejects — don’t act like you don’t. “Swing Swing”? “Dirty Little Secret”? C’mon now. They’re performing on Friday night at the State Farm Center, another big live act heading through after performances recently from Avett Brothers and Counting Crows in September. (PS) 

Pokey LaFarge (solo), Kenna Mae, Independent Media Center, 8 p.m., $20 advance/$25 door

Pokey LaFarge is heading through Urbana on his solo tour, and his first time back through C-U in a few years. Though he’s performed in nearby Bloomington within the last couple of years, he performed at the Highdive in 2015. He’ll be joined by local singer-songwriter Kenna Mae for this one at the IMC on Frdiay night. (PS) Photo by Thomas Baltes

SATURDAY, October 6th

Watch Neither Wolf Nor Dog, Savoy 16, 9:30 a.m. (additional screenings here), $8

Have you ever seen any Native American films on the big screen? Probably not. The star of the movie is Lakota Elder Dave Bald Eagle, who made the film when he was 97 years old. It has a very limited run here in Champaign, so do check it out while you have the chance. Trailer is below. (JH) 

 

C-U Oktoberfest, Downtown Champaign, 3 p.m. to midnight, $5 entry plus cost of food and drink

The 6th Annual C-U Oktoberfest will feature lots of German beer, some brats, pretzels, and polka. It’s a fundraiser for DSC, and as long as you can tolerate polka music, a good time. The weather should cooperate, so grab some friends and don your dirndl and lederhosen. Prost! (JH) Top photo by Bobbie Bonebrake

Okstonerfest: RedLeg, Edna, Centaur, Void King, Dibiase, Loose Cobra, 4 p.m., donations

Okstonerfest at the Loose Cobra is where there’s heavy tunes, cold brews, and most likely, a burning shopping cart sitting in the parking lot for all to see. A rare show from Matt Talbott’s side project Centaur is a highlight here, though all of these bands are rad. (PS) Photo from the Facebook event page

See Men on Boats, Station Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $10-15

The Celebration Company at the Station Theatre kicks off their fall season with this production directed by Latrelle Bright. It’s the somewhat true story of 10 men who volunteered to chart the course of the Colorado River in 1869, yet in this play the men are all played by “ethnically diverse, female-identifying women.” Keep an eye out for our review next week. You can purchase your tickets here. (JM)

SUNDAY, October 7th

Vet Med Open House, University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free

The 2018 Vet Med Open House is an opportunity to check out over 40 exhibits and demos, learn more about the veterinary school (and medicine), and meet a bunch of creatures. This annual event is one that is much anticipated by our community. It’s a good time, so bring the kids. (JH) Image from Facebook

Learn about Indigenous food, Common Ground Co-op, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., $20

Celebrate Indigenous People’s Day by learning all about foods that are native to our area (you will taste them as well). The class will be taught by Co-op teacher Cara Feng along with students from Native American House. All proceeds from the class will be donated to NAH which is kind of a great thing. Reserve your spot here. (JM)

UI Black Chorus Concert, Krannert Center Foellinger Great Hall, 3 to 5 p.m., $10

If you have never heard this amazing group of people perform, your life is not complete. They are celebrating their 50th year, and their conductor Ollie Watts Davis has been at the helm for 38 of those years. This performance will feature “African-American Sacred Music Traditions with arrangements of spirituals, anthems, hymns, and traditional and contemporary gospel selections” and will surely be uplifting and wonderful. (JM) Image from Facebook

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All event information is accurate to the best of our abilities, but sometimes we make mistakes and sometimes event information, times, prices, etc., change after we look them up. Whenever possible, we’ve provided a link to the original event page; you should always double-check the source before you make any firm plans. Thanks for your understanding.

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