How Champaign got its groove back; Inside the creation of ‘The Beat’

The City of Champaign created The Beat to support local downtown businesses, revive the entertainment scene, and unite the community. As the first year comes to an end, was it a success? 

Join us this week as Dialogue talks with the creators of The Beat about the importance of community spaces and their hopes for the new entertainment district. Then, hear from attendees live at The Beat on Market Street.  Finally, a conversation with Dr. Reginald Lewis, a saxophonist and music educator in Illinois. 

GUESTS: 

Deborah Frank Feinen

  • Mayor of Champaign 

Danté Scott

  • Entertainment Manager for The Beat 
  • Owner of Slim Entertainment 

Dr. Reginald Lewis 

  • Director of Jazz at Illinois Wesleyan University
  • Teacher of Jazz Improvisation at Chicago State University

Editor’s Note: This episode of Dialogue was recorded prior to the September 9, 2024, arrest of Dante Scott.

Penny Bradford

Patricia "Penny" Bradford is a senior majoring in journalism and minoring in public relations at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign. She is a producer for Dialogue and a native of the Champaign-Urbana area.