WEFT 90.1FM

WEFT 90.1 FM is a community based radio group which allows any citizen a chance to become an “air blaster”. Listen to hear people voice their concerns with a slant toward social justice, community supports, inclusion, freedom, and choice.

Highdive

Located at 51 East Main Street, the Highdive is Downtown Champaign’s largest live concert venue.  This old historic theater (The Illini) is now rocking to the sounds of indipentant and main stream music from across the country.  Visit their website at www.thehighdive.com to buy tickets and check out upcoming events.

The Highdive

51 Easy Main Street

Hours vary depending on shows – visit website for complete upcoming calander

Radio Maria

Radio Maria offers a sensational new selection of unique, diverse dishes in a artistic ambience. Currently Radio Maria is offering free appetizers with Friday afternoon Happy Hour from 4:30-5:30 pm at 119 North Walnut Street. Brunch, lunch, and dinner are all offered here, view the menu at www.shout.net/~radiom.

Circles Boutique

For over 25 years, Circles Boutique has remained one of the most unique independently owned women’s clothing boutiques in downtown Champaign. Jameson operates the store with only two other part-time employees, advertising mainly through loyal customers spreading
the word. The boutique has endured dips in the economy, fires, new construction, and other hardships mainly, Danelle Jameson, owner says, “Because we offer a consistent, quality product.”

Relocated to North Neil Street a year ago, Circles’ eclectic atmosphere boasts inspiration from all over the world, which is where many of the clothing heralds. Danelle Jameson has even designed clothes in Bali, a place of great influence to the shop’s decoration. Circles also supports designers and clothing lines from Illinois, adding a local element to the global style and diverse selection customers will find in the store. Jameson finds unique designers and items no other shop carries, like hand sewn handbags from a designer in Milwaukee, to keep the
selection new and innovative.

“Circles brings the art-side of shopping. It’s a creative process—different, not run-of-the-mill,” said Kathryn Coulter, employee of Circles Boutique for over 3 years. The importance of creative design is everywhere in the store, from clothing to display elements in the shop itself.

Coulter, expressed her excitement about the new space, noting that many of the doors and decorative pieces are reused from older buildings in the area. Another green addition to the store is the circular light fixtures; these fixtures were once air ducts from the Orpheum Theatre
before becoming functional art. Circles maintains this sense of functionality through their casual to formal clothing choices, having something for everyone.

Jameson adds, “Many customers have mentioned that shopping in the store is similar to going to a clothing gallery. Everything is designed beautifully and has importance in the space……it is definitely a whole experience.”

Circles Boutique
114 N. Neil St.
359-2195
circlesboutique@gmail.com

Article written by Ayla Ault, Communications Intern

ZipCar’s Now Available in Downtown Champaign

The City of Champaign is pleased to announce that ZipCar is now available as yet another transit choice for the Downtown community.  These cars are part of a six car program that the City’s of Champaign and Urbana, the University of Illinois and the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District have embarked on together.  This system allow those that need a car for hour increments to now have an option.  Whether you take the bus to work, car pool or have someone drop you off, now you have the option to run those errands over lunch.  Perhaps you are a one car family (or want to be) now you have another option.

In order to participate all you have to do is become a Zip Car member by signing up at www.zipcar.com.  The yearly membership includes all insurance, gas, and maintenance needs.  Cars are rented at variable rates but average $8.00/hour.  Think of the money you could save by sharing a car!

The cars in Downtown can be found in the Neil and Washington Street lot right next to the Neil Street Entrance (north of One Main Plaza).  The cars include a Toyota Prius and a Mazda3.