White Christmas opens at Parkland College to celebrate the holiday season
White Christmas, the stage musical adaption of the 1954 film, runs for the next two weekends in Champaign.
Local theater holding auditions for actors to explore race and the American dream
The Station Theatre in Urbana is holding auditions for Skeleton Crew this weekend. The play tells the story of four Black characters working at an auto plant that’s at risk of going under.
Celebrate the holidays on Candy Cane Lane at the Parade of Lights
The Parade of Lights returns to kick off the holiday season in downtown Champaign this Saturday, November 30th.
A new take on The Library of Babel delves into the concept of infinity and the creative process
Artist Vicki Bennett’s most recent work, The Library of Babel, uses film to explores themes of infinity, knowledge, and metaphors. The film is being screened at the Spurlock Museum in Urbana on Monday, November 11th.
Michael Feinstein pays tribute to Tony Bennett in song
Michael Feinstein is currently on tour with the Carnegie Hall Big Band to celebrate the late Tony Bennett and is performing at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, November 9th. Morning Edition host Kimberly Schofield spoke with Feinstein about the Because of You tour and his extensive career.
Zakir Hussain pays tribute to late friend and musician
URBANA – Zakir Hussain is one of the most prominent percussionists in the world. Following in his father’s footsteps with the tabla, a pair of hand drums from India, Hussain has performed with other world-renowned musicians, including his father, Ustad Allah Rakha, John McLaughlin of Shakti, and Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead. This year…
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts celebrates latest season with opening night party
The Krannert Center for the Performing Arts has announced its 2024-2025 performance season featuring international, national, and local acts.
What’s Your Story? Urbana Free Library seeks visual artists for new program starting this fall
URBANA – The Urbana Free Library is looking for local artists to share their work and knowledge for the Artist-in-Residence Program. Three artists will have each have one month to share their work and guide the public through creating visual artwork, which can be anything from painting to collages to yarn work. Morning Edition host…
Local athlete heads to Paris for his fourth Paralympic games
CHAMPAIGN – Athletes around the world are preparing for the Paris 2024 Paralympics that kick off at the end of August. Brian Siemann, a local resident, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduate, and four-time Paralympian, will compete in the 100m, 400m, 800m, 5,000m, and marathon events for the US Paralympic Track and Field Team. Morning Edition…
Baseball tournament for the visually impaired comes to Savoy
SAVOY – This weekend, three Midwestern teams are coming to Savoy for the Beep Baseball Tournament. This event provides an adaptive version of the sport for visually impaired players and coaches. The Indy Thunder, Chicago Comets, and Gateway Archers will compete at Prairie Fields Park in Savoy on Saturday, July 6th, starting at 9:30am. Morning…
Five Cities Baroque Festival is back for second season in central Illinois
DECATUR- Singers and musicians from across central Illinois are collaborating to celebrate Baroque music this June at the Five Cities Baroque Festival. Performances will be held throughout Champaign and Decatur starting this Sunday, June 16th through Saturday, June 22nd. Morning Edition host Kimberly Schofield spoke with the festival’s founding director, Nate Widelitz, about bringing 17th…
Feel The Beat: New entertainment district opens in downtown Champaign
CHAMPAIGN – A new entertainment district is coming to downtown Champaign. The Beat, located on Market St, will be a space for adults to listen to music, support local businesses, and establish a sense of community. Morning Edition host Kimberly Schofield spoke with Tracy Parsons, the Community Relations Manager for the City of Champaign, about…
Professor blends nature and music with the sounds of cicadas in Illinois
David Rothenberg has a keen interest in how humans and nature can connect in ways some may have never thought of before, specifically through music. A professor of philosophy and music at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rothenberg has written books about the musicality behind humpback whales, birds, and even bugs, playing instruments with…
Movie filmed in Champaign premiering at Eberfest
CHAMPAIGN – Christine Swanson, has been writing, directing, and producing films for over 25 years, but her latest film was shot primarily in Champaign, IL. Albany Road premieres at Ebertfest this Saturday, April 20th, at 4pm at the Virginia Theatre. Swanson spoke with Morning Edition host Kimberly Schofield about the film, what it’s like to…
Ebertfest Festival Director highlights its 25 year history
CHAMPAIGN – Opening night of Eberfest is Wednesday, April 17th at the Virginia Theatre in downtown Champaign. Now in its 25th year, the annual film festival showcases films, filmmakers, and special guests, including famed actors and musicians. Nate Kohn has been the festival director since its founding in 1999 and spoke with Morning Edition host…