WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign-Urbana Sep. 05 – Sep. 08

Listen to Kimberly Schofield talk about weekend events on IPM News AM 580, FM 90.9, and Illinois Soul FM 101.1 – Wednesdays at 6:45 and 8:45 a.m., and Thursdays at 5:44 p.m.

Thursday, September 5

Flatlands Dance Film Festival presents: Bad Like Brooklyn Dancehall at Spurlock Museum 
     Time: 7 p.m.
     Location: Spurlock Museum, Urbana
     Details: This documentary film explores the cultural connection between Jamaica and New York through dancehall music. The screening will be followed by a discussion with a dancer and several professors.

Corey Smith at The City Center 
     Time: 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.)
     Location: The City Center, Champaign
     Details: Enjoy an evening of American singer-songwriter and guitarist Corey Smith, known for his heartfelt lyrics and acoustic sound.


Friday, September 6

BroomCorn Festival in Arcola
     Time: Friday at 10 a.m.
Saturday 5k/10k at 8 a.m., festival opens at 9 a.m.
Sunday at 9 a.m.
     Location: Arcola
     Details: Celebrate the BroomCorn Festival with street and food vendors, live music, and the National Broom Sweeping Contest at 4 p.m. on Friday.

Meadowbrook Park Jazz Walk at Meadowbrook Park
     Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
     Location: Meadowbrook Park, Urbana
     Details: Stroll through Meadowbrook’s Wandell Sculpture Garden while enjoying live jazz music from local bands including the Chip McNeill Quartet, CU Uke Jam, Katie Flynn Duo, and more.


Saturday, September 7

Paul Drescher’s Sound Maze at Krannert Center
     Time: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
     Location: Krannert Center, Urbana
     Details: This interactive installation invites you to explore sound in new ways by improvising with over a dozen newly invented instruments. Open to all ages and levels of musical experience.

Tabletop Central Gaming Convention at the Savoy Recreation Center
     Time: Starts at 8 a.m.
     Location: Savoy Recreation Center, Savoy
     Details: Dive into the world of board games, card games, RPGs, and miniatures at this two-day event. With over 400 games to check out, a silent auction, and door prizes, it’s perfect for both casual and avid gamers.

James Jones Trio at Rose Bowl Tavern in Urbana
     Time: 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
     Location: Rose Bowl Tavern, Urbana
     Details: Enjoy an evening of blues with the James Jones Trio, featuring incredible guitar work and soulful rhythms.


Sunday, September 8

Old Orchard 60th Anniversary Parking Lot Party at Old Orchard Lanes and Links in Savoy
     Time: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
     Location: Old Orchard Lanes, Savoy
     Details: Celebrate 60 years of fun with live music from Luke Rund and 90’s Daughter, pizza, face painting, Kona Ice, and more at this family-friendly event.

Parkland College Scholarship Fundraiser at Alto Vineyards in Champaign
     Time: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
     Location: Alto Vineyards, Champaign
     Details: Support local students while enjoying live music from The Fairchilds, A-Train & Ther’up.y, Men of Essence, and Candy Foster & Friends. Auctions, food trucks, and raffles will be held throughout the day.

Squeezebox Sunday at Rose Bowl Tavern in Urbana
     Time: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
     Location: Rose Bowl Tavern, Urbana
     Details: The 3rd Annual Squeezebox Sunday is a fundraiser for the CU Folk and Roots Festival, featuring a lineup of accordion-driven bands including the Turino Family Band, Los Texano’z, Occasional Cajun Band, and Papashoy Klezmer Band. Bonus jams with the Hot Club of Urbana!

Alex Winton