Arts & Culture
This week in Black Central Illinois: dedications, beef prices, and bicycle rides
This episode of “Dialogue” features a round-up of stories from around our region including a tribute to Black musicians and a moonlight bicycle ride.
Central Illinois cyclists connect with the prairie, grab ice cream on moonlight bike ride
IPM’s Arjun Thakkar hopped on his bike to ride 22 miles with cyclists under the fool moon — and see how the experience helps them get in touch with the countryside.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Oct. 2 – Oct. 5
The CU Folk and Roots Festival, a guided journey of storytelling and fine dining, autumn celebrations, and more are happening in central Illinois this week.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Sep. 25 – Sep. 28
Orchestra and band concerts, UIUC homecoming celebrations, an award-winning play, and more are happening in central Illinois this week.
Bob and Bill Odenkirk discuss Illinois roots and their passion for comedy on Prairie Fire
Brothers Bob and Bill Odenkirk stopped by the studio of the WILL-TV show “Prairie Fire” to talk about their Illinois roots, their professional relationship and their latest work.
Two new sculptures join Urbana Parks’ permanent collection
The Urbana Park District recently acquired two marble sculptures for its permanent art display at Meadowbrook Park. Sculpted into a slab of swirling diverted petals, artist Jon Isherwood titled them “The Gifting Angel” and “After Giverny,” referencing impressionist artist Claude Monet’s waterlilies.
NPR to trim $5 million this year as public radio stations struggle to pay bills
At NPR and many member stations, listener contributions have spiked up significantly. They are helping to make up for the cuts, at least in the short term.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Sep. 18 – Sep. 21
Riggs Oktoberfest, Pygmalion, fall festivals, and more are happening in central Illinois this week.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Sep. 11 – Sep. 14
Opening night of one play and auditions for another at the Station Theatre, a jazz walk, an arts festival, and more are happening in Central Illinois this week.
BERTHA rocks ELLNORA guitar festival with ‘Grateful Drag’
In 2020, Melody Walker and her friend Caitlin Doyle decided they wanted to form an all-female Grateful Dead cover band. After a few male friends expressed interest in taking part in the group, they allowed it — as long as they dressed like women.
‘KPop Demon Hunters’ lead actress Arden Cho talks about her days at the University of Illinois
A University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana graduate stars in Netflix’s most popular original movie.
217 Today: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Sep. 4 – Sep. 7
In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about what is coming to the Central Illinois area in the world of arts, culture and entertainment.