“Pride of the Illini” showcases LGBTQ+ stories and art at UIUC
URBANA — Before graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in winter 2023, Lindsay Peters created a senior project that combined her passions for sound editing and LGBTQ+ community advocacy. Peters wanted to combat the underrepresentation of the queer community in media, so she recorded and produced a series of original songs, poems and short […]
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign-Urbana Jan. 11– Jan. 14
Illinois Public Media News Presents: Will Call – What’s Happening in Champaign-Urbana January 11th to January 14th Event Guide Thursday, January 11th Live Jazz and Tarot Readings at Gallery Art Bar, Urbana Jazz Performance: Nathaniel Ruiz and Friends, 8 PM – 10 PM Tarot Readings: Azul Celeste, 7 PM – 9 PM Friday, January 12th […]
Illinois Public Media launches Illinois Soul: a new platform amplifying Black voices and music
On February 1, 2024, Illinois Soul will launch on FM 101.1 here in Champaign-Urbana. And outside of the twin cities, you can tune it in on a high definition radio at FM 90.9. HD 2.
Black ministers and scholars discuss the state of the Black Church in Central Illinois
More than 200 people came to The Virginia Theatre to learn the history and current role of the Black Church in Central Illinois. The event showcased a panel of Black church and community leaders discussing the evolving role of pastors, the diminishing influence of predominantly Black churches, and the overall journey and significance of the Black Church through the years.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign-Urbana Dec. 21 – Dec. 24
Screening of “Die Hard” at The Virginia Theatre Date & Time: Thursday, December 21st, 7:00 p.m. Location: The Virginia Theatre, Champaign Details: Enjoy the Rewind 92.5 Film Series with a screening of “Die Hard.” Winter Solstice Celebration at the Gallery Art Bar Date […]
Kimberlie Kranich reflects on her influential role in educational and community programming at Illinois Public Media
For nearly 26 years, Kimberlie Kranich has worked to foster a more diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment during her career with Illinois Public Media.
CU group works for ‘radical’ inclusion in the arts
URBANA — A group of artists who identify as people of color is having its first meeting on Wednesday, December 13th. The newly formed CU BIPOC Artist Collective aims to help non-white artists connect with each other, network, and find emotional support. The collective is a partnership between the City of Urbana’s Arts and Culture […]
UIUC students celebrate Hanukkah while thinking about Middle East war
The festival of lights not only celebrates the miracle of a small amount of oil keeping a Temple’s menorah lit for eight days.
The Black Church: An in-depth look on its impact on Black culture in Black America
The series The Black Church: This is Our Story, this is Our Song explores how the Black church has served as a nurturing ground for the major institutions that help define Black America for centuries. On December 15, Illinois Public Media will host an episode of the series at the Virginia Theatre in downtown Champaign. […]
Ana Gasteyer fuses comedy, music for Krannert holiday performance
URBANA — Saturday Night Live’s Ana Gasteyer brings her comedic and musical stylings to the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday, Dec. 6, for a performance of her Christmas album, “Sugar and Booze.” During her six years as a cast member on SNL, Gasteyer gained fame for her impressions of celebrities like Celine […]
Champaign Urbana Ballet Presents The Nutcracker: A Behind-the-Scenes Look with IPM News
As the holiday season approaches, the Nutcracker ballet takes center stage in Champaign Urbana. Illinois Public Media’s Kimberly Schofield and Owen Henderson sat down with Kay Greene, the Executive Director of the CU Ballet, and Kevin Burnside, a lead soloist, to talk about this year’s production. They discussed what goes into making this classic ballet […]
‘Woman Warrior’ Unveils Four Generations of Japanese American History in Illinois
URBANA —The Spurlock Museum in Urbana will host a one-woman show on December 2, following its successful run in Chicago. This performance delves into the Japanese-American experience in Illinois, spanning four generations. Connie Shirakawa, the creator and performer of ‘Woman Warrior,’ initially believed she had no stories to share. However, as she delved into the […]
Here’s where to find tree-lighting ceremonies around central Illinois
CHAMPAIGN — As the holiday season approaches, many towns and cities are gearing up for their annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremonies. From Danville to Charleston, there are plenty of events to choose from. Here are some of the upcoming events: Danville’s Lighting of the Old Oak Tree: The Danville Girls Chorus, the San Ramon Valley High […]
WILL Call: What’s happening in Champaign-Urbana Nov. 16-19
“12 Angry Jurors” at Centennial High School, Champaign Date & Time: Evening Performances: November 16th, 17th, and 18th at 7 p.m. | Matinee: Sunday, November 19th at 2 p.m. Details: A play about 12 ordinary people deliberating on the guilt or innocence of a young man accused of murdering his father. Based on the 1950s […]
WILL Call: What’s happening in Champaign-Urbana Nov. 9-11
Thursday, November 9 25th Annual Salute to Veterans Concert at Danville High School in Danville Time: 6 p.m. at the DHS auditorium. Details: Join the DHS Music Department for a night of music and honor. Performances by the Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and Madrigals will be featured. A special Armed Forces Salute will recognize each military […]