A woman with shadows across her face stands looks into the camera
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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.

A man holds a microphone with musical instruments behind him.
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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.

Two musicians pose with instruments.
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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…

A courtyard in the background of a building with a sign reading "The Urbana Free Library"
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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…

A man in a racing wheelchair leans forward before pushes around a track.
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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…

A baseball player wears an eye mask while swinging at bat at a ball.
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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…

A group of musicians holding instruments poses for a photo at a performance.
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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
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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…

A man with is bent over playing a saxophone with insects covering him.
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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…

Two women in a care
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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

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…

UIUC’s Black Chorus pays tribute in annual Mom’s Day concert
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UIUC’s Black Chorus pays tribute in annual Mom’s Day concert

URBANA – The University of Illinois Black Chorus presents their annual Mom’s Day concert this Saturday, April 13th, at 7:30pm at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Morning Edition host Kimberly Schofield spoke with conductor and professor, Dr. Ollie Watts Davis, about those being honored at the concert and the impact Black Chorus has…

Long-delayed ‘Falsettos’ production explores family, Jewish identity, LGBTQ+ history
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Long-delayed ‘Falsettos’ production explores family, Jewish identity, LGBTQ+ history

Two of Illinois Public Media’s very own will take the stage for the opening week of Falsettos at the Station Theatre in Urbana. IPM News Director, Reginald Hardwick spoke with IPM’s hosts and reporters Owen Henderson and Kimberly Schofield about their roles and the significance of this musical. Reginald Hardwick: This is Morning Edition from Illinois…

Nadirah Shakoor in front of a wall
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Nadirah Shakoor talks life, music, and her upcoming performance at the Krannert Center

Nadirah Shakoor is best known as the former lead female vocalist of the hip hop group Arrested Development. She’s had a long career, working with big names like Madonna and Quincy Jones, she also spent nearly three decades as the featured female vocalist of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band. Shakoor is coming to the Krannert…