LIVE EVENTS

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7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25
$8 adults / $6 adults 55+ / $4 students (Door Only)
Doors and Varsity Bar at 7

Terriers Live! Improv Comedy troupe is making its monthly appearance at The Varsity at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25. 

The talented group of students is based at Carbondale Community High School. They perform a variety of short-form improvisational games. The show is appropriate for all ages.

The troupe is sponsored by CCHS teachers Erik Berrey and Josh Taylor. Their work is also made possible through a grant from the Garwin Family Foundation.

Tickets are available only at the door night of show when doors open at 7 p.m. That’s also when the Varsity Bar opens, featuring wine, beer, select cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.

“Sojourn: American Quilt Series”
Artist Reception: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8

Free Admission / Bar Open

The Varsity is pleased to announce the arrival of a new exhibit. “Sojourn: American Quilt Series” by Rachel Malcolm Ensor is a collection of paintings and will be open Feb. 8.

After a substantial career teaching art history, Ensor returned to her original passion, which is painting. Her expression of her ideas, thoughts and goals are expressed in vivid color. Influences include early 20th century modern painters, American abstract expressionists, African writing systems, textiles, and the African Diaspora in the Americas, and all contribute to her work. The “American Quilt Series” reflects on Ensor’s depth of experience and knowledge regarding modern art, the African Diaspora and textile traditions handed-down from her grandmothers.

“The series reflects a strong parallel with African-American folk quilters, especially their use of asymmetry and irregularity of form,” Ensor said. “Time spent with my grandmothers and their textile traditions – quilting, tatting, embroidery and pattern-making – provided a foundation for my work.”

Ensor, of Murphysboro, received her Bachelor Fine Arts in painting from the Kansas City Art Institute and her Master of Arts and Ph.D. in Art History from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She created the RME Art Studio, where she taught for many years, and co-founded the Oak Street Art Group in Murphysboro. She has exhibited her work across the country and throughout Southern Illinois.

7-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9
$10
Doors and Varsity Bar at 6:30

Krish Mohan has spent the last year touring the country and will bring his brand new, hour-long comedy performance. Krish is an Indian comic and writer who regularly tours the country with his socially conscious comedy. Having toured his this set nationally, he's bringing it back to Carbondale to share the final version, much for the first time. 

Krish appreciates a varied schedule of performances in small theaters, bars, comedy clubs, colleges and DIY venues. His quirky attitude, personality and intelligent humor captivates and engages audiences of all backgrounds.  Krish is unafraid to tackle hot button topics like race, religion, war and immigration. Adding an optimistic philosophical and sociological twist, Krish captures his audience’s minds while earning their laughter.

Krish has been featured on NPR and performs at Fringe Festivals from Indianapolis to Philly, and he has opened for big names such as Lee Camp of Redacted Tonight, Stewart Huff and Hari Kondabolu. Current projects include the weekly socio-political commentary web show “Fork Full of Noodles” and the podcast “Taboo Table Talk.”

His “Empathy on Sale!” show is all about the difficulties of stepping out of our bubbles. Krish has explored bubble culture and the current divide in our modern political climate. He uses comedy and wit to illustrate how race, identity politics and misunderstanding progressivism has led to dividing us. 

Tickets are not available in advance at the venue. They will be available at the door on the night of the show when doors and The Varsity Bar open at 6:30. 

7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23
$8 adv / $10 night of show
Doors and Varsity Bar at 6

There’s no better time to let loose and have fun than in the days and nights leading up to Lent. This year, the Carnival Drag Show at The Varsity will be offering everyone a chance to be bad before you have to be good.

Join host Blanche DuBois and a bevvy of others on Saturday, Feb. 23, for comedy and song. Joining in the revelry will be Jodie Santana, Jasmine Cavalli, Kailey Kreme, Faim Lee Jewels and Holly Haliwell.

The show starts promptly at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23. Tickets are $8 in advance. Tickets also will be available at the venue for $10 on the night of the event when doors open at 6. That’s also when the Varsity Bar opens, so feel free to come early and have a special cocktail or two.

Young people are welcome to attend, but the show is on the R-rated side, so those under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.