WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign-Urbana Aug. 15 – Aug. 18

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

Thursday, August 15

Bats at the Bridge at the Museum of the Grand Prairie at Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve 
     Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
      Location: Museum of the Grand Prairie, Mahomet
      Details: Learn all about bats, the only mammal that can fly, with an indoor presentation followed by an observation of bats emerging. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

Willi Carlisle with special guest Anna Tivel at Rose Bowl Tavern 
      Time: 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 p.m.)
      Location: Rose Bowl Tavern, Urbana
      Details: Folk singer Willi Carlisle performs songs from his latest album, “Critterland,” which addresses human suffering and complex truths.


Friday, August 16

Great White & Slaughter at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheatre in Decatur
      Time: 7 p.m.
       Location: Devon Lakeshore Amphitheatre, Decatur
       Details: Both bands bring their hard rock sound to the stage for an electrifying performance.

Twin City Theatre Company’s True West opens at Parkland College Theatre in Champaign
       Time: 7:30 p.m.
        Location: Parkland College Theatre, Champaign
        Details: This production of “True West” runs Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through next weekend.


Saturday, August 17

Champaign County Forest Preserves: Pedal the Preserves, starting at Meier Field at the Kickapoo Rail Trail in St. Joseph
        Time: Check-in between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.
         Location: Meier Field, Kickapoo Rail Trail, St. Joseph
         Details: Biking options include routes through Kickapoo Rail Trail, Homer Lake Forest Preserve, and Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, with a bike-to-camp option available. Open to all ages and skill levels to celebrate nature and community.

Pens to Lens at Virginia Theatre in Champaign
        Time: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
         Location: Virginia Theatre, Champaign
         Details: This event showcases short films and posters created from local kids’ scripts, honoring young screenwriters in the Pens to Lens competition. For more information, visit penstolens.com.

Summer Concert Series: Afro D & Global Soundwaves at Middle Fork Forest Preserve in Penfield
        Time: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
         Location: Middle Fork Forest Preserve, Penfield
         Details: This local 6-piece socially-conscious hip hop/jazz/funk band makes soulful music designed for audiences of all ages.

Music at the Vines with Cougar Trap at Alto Vineyard in Champaign
         Time: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
          Location: Alto Vineyard, Champaign
          Details: Enjoy a performance by the four-piece rock band covering hits from the ’60s through the 2000s.


Sunday, August 18

Dan Kusaya at Riggs in Urbana
          Time: 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
           Location: Riggs, Urbana
           Details: Experience a mix of world, jazz, funk, house, and afrobeat with Dan Kusaya.

Sunday Winedown with Kolton Taylor at Alto Vineyard in Champaign
            Time: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
             Location: Alto Vineyard, Champaign
             Details: Enjoy the acoustic country sounds of Kolton Taylor, lead singer of Kolton Taylor & the Truck Toppers.

Alex Winton