COVID-19 drive thru testing began on May 19th at Market Place Mall in Champaign, and in case you were curious on how the process works, there's a video that showcases it so you can see. Check it out in case you are interested in getting tested, and remember, the tests are free and open to the public.
Top image is a screenshot from the video.
REO Speedwagon is one of two musical artists to achieve massive — truly massive — success from Champaign-Urbana. The other is Alison Krauss. There are lots of bands and musicians who have done big big stuff, too, but in this case, I am talking literally top of the charts, arena tour, top festival billing, style success.
Anyhow, REO Speedwagon had two number one hits in the 1980s:
"Keep on Lovin' You" from Hi Infidelity (1981)
Back in April, Krannert Art Museum announced they would be hosting the curated lineup of artists to perform as a part of their virtual Remastered from Home series. Remastered typically takes place in the museum itself, but due to COVID-19, the series went online, but the mission of creating a song based on artwork still remains. You can watch the sessions that have happened thus far, below: Zzo, CJ Run, and Cole Bridges have all performed.
Tune in every Thursday at 11 a.m., as there are a few more coming up in the coming weeks: Ausar on May 21st, and Mermaid Heaven on May 28th.
Top image from L to R: Zzo, CJ Run, and Cole Bridges, screenshots from the YouTube videos.
Every week, Urbana Public Television posts a video update hosted by Elizabeth Hess, where she talks to C-U Public Health Director about the latest COVID-19 updates. They are short, factual, and give small bites of important information. This week's installment is all about masks. You can follow UPTV on Facebook to find each week's videos.
The U of I Men's and Women's Glee Clubs came together virtually to sing the Illinois state song. You should probably take a listen.
Krannert Center's chamber orchestra, Sinfonia da Camera, is sharing some of their performances from the season on YouTube so the community can hear them either for the first time, or enjoy them again.
Here they are performing Antonín Dvořák, Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88, if you need a little classical music in your life today. You can find more gems on their YouTube channel.
Dance at Illinois has been sharing #distancedances on social media since late March, and they've been fantastic.
To mark the end of their time in school, the 2020 University of Illinois Dance graduates put together a three and a half minute video, "and so we go," and it's beautiful and fun and charming.
Check it out here:
Top image screenshot from Dance at Illinois' Instagram Page.
International Prep Academy is one of the Unit 4 Schools getting a new building as part of the 2016 referendum. The district has created a video tour of the plans, so that the public can view and offer feedback.
Maybe you love Mayor Marlin, maybe you don't. Perhaps you didn't like that one thing she did that one time, or the way she responded to another. Perhaps you feel she was the model of maturity in the face of this vote, or that one. Maybe you knocked on doors for her, maybe you voted for her opponent.
Regardless, you should watch this video and be reminded what it means to be an elected leader in the face of a deeply difficult moment for all of us:
Months ago, when I visited the Complex Territory exhibition, Whitney Sage's work fascinated me. I was struck by her take on the human and psychological aspects of changing residential landscapes. But I missed her artist talk, and, didn't make it back to Giertz Gallery before it closed due to COVID-19. When Parkland released a video of Sage's talk, I was grateful that one small pandemic-related regret could be righted. Join me in watching this installment of "For Art's Sake" on Parkland College's YouTube channel.
Top image: Still photo from Whitney Sage's artist talk on Parkland College's "For Art's Sake" video series. Still photo from YouTube.
Giving Tuesday was earlier this week, which was created to encourage giving back to organizations in communities, especially in times like these. Former Smile Politely Music Editor John Steinbacher is the Membership Coordinator at WILL, and if you haven't done so already, please enjoy this funny video of he and his two kids as he promotes giving back to Illinois Public Media for Giving Tuesday.
Steinbacher does these videos from time to time, and they are always a real treat, and while I don't have kids, I can certainly believe that this sums up what a lot of parents are navigating during this COVID-19 stay at home order. The face palm sums it up nicely. Sure, this is a bit over the top (or is it, parents out there?), but well done, so tip of the cap as always for this.
A ton of organizations helped make this CU Sing a Song Sing-Along possible, and there's an amazing video montage featuring a ton of submissions from community members that was released today. I will reiterate what I mention in the title, which is: I have a hard time believing watching this video won't bring a huge smile to your face.
Check it out:
Top image from the video.
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