Ya Heard?

So there is a lot going on this weekend in Chambana (that's why we love it, right?)

I'm going to give you Friday's top priority:



JD McPherson, free, at Krannert, 5-7pm.

I've seen him twice, I've listened to his record a thousand times, I still haven't gotten enough.

Whether you're a rockabilly cat or even just a "normal person", you'll love the musicianship and passion exuding from this group. Plus, they were on Letterman, so they're totally legit.

Saturday, you're going to want to do a lot of things for the Boneyard Arts Festival. I know I do! It is actually to the point that there are so many great things to do I'm tempted to have a meltdown and sit on the couch in my sweats. I'm 97% sure I won't, but that 3% possibility is always there...

ANYWAY, my top priorities are to visit The Living Letterpress, The Art Theater, and The Virginia Theatre. Here's why:

Image from LLP's Facebook.

The Living Letterpress - Friday & Saturday, 11-5pm, visit the studio and pull a print. Also, see artist Lisa Kesler in action making a linocut.
I'm mildly obsessed with their work. I think there is something very special about letterpress and I appreciate the work they've put into bringing it back. I really like words and phrases, and that is a lot of what they do (obviously!). Bonus: Everyone I've met involved with Living Letterpress is a wonderful person, passionate about their work.

Ippatsu Salon - Friday, 8-10pm, artist reception *free wine alert*
I won't be able to make it there, but you should also go to Ippatsu tonight to see the wonderful Baub Aldred's artwork at their fancy reception. It will be faboosh!

The Ghastly Love of Johnny X - @ The Art Theater, Friday & Saturday, Midnight
I want to see this because it is supposed to be awesomely bad. See it on IMDB. "A truly mad concoction, blending 1950s juvenile delinquents, sci-fi melodrama, song-and-dance, and a touch of horror, everything in just the right combination to create an engaging big screen spectacle!" The movie's opening weekend earned $86. It will probably be a cult classic in like 3 seconds. Don't you want to say you saw it before the hipsters took it over? Yeah, I thought so.

Image via my phone+Instagram <3

The Virginia Theatre - Saturday, 1-5pm, free Open House to view latest restoration.
Okay, so part of that is a work plug. What? I didn't make the announcement that I now work as the Marketing Coordinator for the Champaign Park District? Welp, there it is. Here's what makes my work plug legit - I've been to The Virginia Theatre many times in the last week alone. I still want to go. The restoration work blows my mind, especially seeing before and after pictures (which we have on display within the theatre). Please please please walk through and take a peek. It is free, beautiful, there will be free popcorn (!!!) and an organ performance around 2pm.

Pullin' on the heartstrings...

So I was browsing The News Gazette the other day and saw a huge article about a couple named Scott and Jessica planning on providing care to pets of terminally ill hospice care patients. When a person is admitted into hospice care with pets, they or their family have to deal with the stress of planning the pet's future. Not always can a family member care for the pet, so they then have to make the difficult choice to take them to a shelter or to put them down. What the couple's organization, Hospice Hearts Sanctuary, will offer is care for these pets and the opportunity for the patient to maintain a relationship with them, rather than have to say "goodbye". If the patient passes away, Hospice Hearts Sanctuary will then either adopt out or extend care for the animal. This is a huge undertaking for Scott and Jessica and is quite commendable!

So reading this story, I see that they are planning a French Market to fund-raise. Hm.. Intriguing! So I did what any normal, self-respecting person would do - stalk the organization on Facebook!

The event page says this:

This Saturday, March 23rd, Hospice Hearts Sanctuary will be hosting a French Market

New Champaign Non-Profit to Hold French Market
Urbana, Illinois, March 1, 2013 – Join central Illinois artisans and other local vendors on Saturday, March 23, 2013, for a French Market to benefit Hospice Hearts Sanctuary, a Champaign County non-profit that will provide care for dogs and cats with terminally ill owners.
The French Market will be open from 1:00–8:00 p.m. at the Urbana Civic Center at 108 East Water Street. Admission to the French Market is $3 for adults. Children are free, but are welcome to bring a donation of pet food for local rescue organization Catsnap.
Inspired by an open air market in France, the French Market will integrate forty local vendors selling handcrafted and other unique goods and an assortment of other activities, including:

• Local musicians — including Motherlode Stringband, Caleb Cook, David Howie, and Jammin’ Jimmy Bean — will set the mood of the market with acoustic tunes.
• Gourmet small plates of French hors d’eourves from Cheese and Crackers and French desserts from The New Sweet Indulgence will be available for purchase.
• Over fifty handmade quilts, blankets, and afghans from the Hospice Hearts Sanctuary Cover With Love Online Auction will be available for viewing and bidding.
• Champaign-Urbana therapy dogs will be onsite in Le Smooch Le Pooch Booth, accepting kisses and hugs for donations to Hospice Hearts Sanctuary.

More information about Hospice Hearts Sanctuary is available online.





I'm sorry... Le Smooth Le Pooch? Adorable!

I contacted Hospice Hearts Sanctuary to find out how they managed to put this all together. I've been there, I've done that, and it is difficult! Luckily for them, they have a strong team of friends helping them make their dream happen. As far as locating vendors? Word spread and people got really excited. And who wouldn't for such a good cause?

This definitely seems like an organization that needs your support getting off the ground. If you can't make it to the fundraiser, you may contribute online here. As of 3/20/13 they are about a third of the way to their goal.

If you can, well.. enjoy a little shopping with some great music and food! Oh, and don't forget your striped shirt and barrett ;)

Weekly Wednesday Meltdown

Noooo!!! Snow!!!

Dang, I was hoping we were headed to warmer and brighter things.

But hey, don't have a midweek meltdown!
 

Here is something to do to forget how rough your hump day was...






Skate with the Twin City Derby Girls!!!!! That'll warm you up in no time. Plus, a certain blogger you love might be there. Okay, yeah, it is me. I won't be skating, I'll be dishin' out info on how great TCDG is! So whether you're a fan, are thinking about volunteering, or want to join the league as a skater, come to the meet and greet tonight!!! Here are some reasons to love TCDG:

TCDG is fun and friendly! (photo Alex Wild)

The Mayor loves us!

We taught a junior derby camp and the participants had a blast! (photo: Laura Fitch)

We love teaching this sport and sharing the love of derby! (Photo Laura Fitch)

 

Details on tonight from TCDG's event page: 
Come out to Skateland March 6th and skate with ladies of the Twin City Derby Girls. This is your chance to meet members of the league, ask questions and find out more information about our league, our involvement in the community and how to get involved!

Open skate is from 6:30-8:30 and it's $5.00 admission or $15.00 for a family of up to 6 family members. Skate rental is $3.00 for regular skates / $4.00 for speed skates.

Also, this Saturday is your chance to TRY OUT! If you want information on how to try out to be a skater, coach, or ref, follow this link.