Shows / Community Voices
Community Voices
Community Voices is events you might have missed and conversations with neighbors, artists, and area business people. Get to know your neighbors with Community Voices. Suggest a guest at communityvoices@nprillinois.org.
Episodes
Community VoicesBrian Beals of the Mud Theatre Project Featured at Recent Chancellor's Thinkers Series on UIS Campus
Brian Beals and Darius Franklin started the Mud Theatre Project while incarcerated. Brian was featured at a recent UIS Chancellor's Thinkers Series. He was…
- Community Voices
Echoes of Yesteryear: A Walk Through Oak Ridge Cemetery 2026
Susan Helm discusses the Sangamon County Historical Society’s annual Echoes of Yesteryear: A Walk Through Oak Ridge Cemetery. Hear history come to life through…
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What has changed in voting rights since the 2024 election?
Election rules are changing, but voters remain engaged. Experts discuss redistricting, voting access, election trust, and what it means for 2026 and beyond…
- Community Voices
Wendy Bell and White Oaks Mall Everything from Wintree Wonderland Festive Forest of Trees to Caring Santa
Wendy Bell and Wintree Wonderland Festive Forest of Trees at White Oaks Mall from Designer Trees to Schools and Scouts Trees and Caring Santa. Wintree…
Community VoicesLincoln Land Community College’s Haunted Lab brings spooky science to kids
Lincoln Land Community College’s Haunted Lab returns Friday, Oct. 23, with free, hands-on science activities, chemistry demonstrations, slime-making, and more…
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Comedian Ali Siddiq brings The Custom Fit Tour to Springfield
Stand-up comedian Ali Siddiq discusses The Custom Fit Tour, his nearly 30-year comedy career, and the life lessons behind his storytelling. He will perform at…
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David Hale III was the DJ for the Women's Pro Baseball League and Shares His Excitement of Inaugural Season
David Hale III was the DJ for the Women's Pro Baseball League. He shared his excitement of inaugural season, which wrapped with the Los Angeles Queens winning…
- Community Voices
Matt Brookens is Back with a Film in the Route 66 Film Festival and is Also Ready to Collaborate
Matt Brookens is Back in the NPR Illinois studio with Jeff Williams. They discuss Matt's Film 'Psychic Zero' in this secondary segment; which will also be in…
Community VoicesTwo Men and a Truck collects winter clothing donations for Contact Ministries
Two Men and a Truck is collecting winter clothing donations for Contact Ministries through Oct. 31. Walt Jackson and Kameron Logan share how the community can…
Community VoicesElizabeth Wake Shares Haunted Stories including Downtown Springfield and George Washington Chatterton
NPR Illinois Sponsor Account Executive, Elizabeth Wake Shares Haunted Stories for Halloween. Stories include some in Downtown Springfield and even George…
- Community Voices
Psychic Zero Filmmaker Matt Brookens and Jeff Williams Tell One Spooky Story Each as Halloween Nears
Filmmaker Matt Brookens and Jeff Williams Had an In-Depth Conversation covering many topics. This special segment features Matt and Jeff telling one spooky…
- Community Voices
SPOOKY BUSINESS Terror On The Square and Spirits From The Past with Shawn McKinney and Austin Godbey
Shawn McKinney and Austin Godbey bring the Spooky Business to Petersburg, Illinois. Terror On The Square and Spirits From The Past attract Haunted House…
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A discussion on What the Constitution Means to Me, post performance
The U.S. Constitution is more than a legal document. Hear how local voices connected its principles to everyday life, civic action, and democracy.
Community VoicesMaking hearing health more accessible: Sertoma Club of Springfield resources and annual walk
The Sertoma Club of Springfield supports people with hearing loss through hearing aid assistance, scholarships, and community resources. Board members Mark…
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Rhythm on Route 66 fundraiser brings ragtime, jazz, and crafts to Illinois State Museum Oct. 16
Rhythm on Route 66, a ragtime and jazz fundraiser for the Illinois State Museum’s Miles of Memories exhibit, takes place Friday, Oct. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at…
Community VoicesUnthynck is playing at Hobgoblinspookadelic 2026 and Came to the Studio to Talk About Their Music
UnthYnck is playing at Hobgoblinspookadelic 2026 and Came to the Studio to Talk About Their Music and History of the band. This event will be on Saturday…
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Portraits of American Diplomacy event shares how diplomacy impacts Central Illinois
What do diplomats really do? Hear firsthand stories of crisis prevention, global trade, and public service then attend this free Oct. 23 event in Springfield.
- Community Voices
Amber Burke Johnson and The UNusual Suspects Murder Mystery Dinner at Edwards Place Historic Home
Amber Burke Johnson and The UNusual Suspects at Edwards Place Historic Home. This Murder Mystery Dinner happens in one of the oldest houses in Springfield on…
Community VoicesLisa Stevenson of Four Leaf Accounting offers a free Lunch and Learn for non-profit Board Members
Four Leaf Accounting is a women founded business offering financial clarity for nonprofit organizations. Lisa Stevenson is presenting "Growing Into Your Board…
Community VoicesThe Art of Jazz brings monthly performances to The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space
The Art of Jazz brings monthly performances to The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space every second Tuesday of each month. This month's event on Oct. 13 features…
Community VoicesCommunity Open House at First Presbyterian Church details from Pastor Susan Phillips and Aziza McNeese
A Community Open House will happen at First Presbyterian Church on Sunday, October 18 from 1-4pm. Pastor Susan Phillips and Event Coordinator Aziza McNeese…
Community VoicesThe Moving Pillsbury Forward project Ben Singson speaks with Robert Mazrim and Chris Richmond
Ben Singson speaks with artist/curator Robert Mazrim and Moving Pillsbury Forward President Chris Richmond about the abandon Pillbury Mill, the art that arose…
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Junior League's Kenzie Anderson and Leadership 411's Bev Neisler host Free Nonprofit Leadership Training
The Junior League of Springfield's Kenzie Anderson and Bev Neisler of Leadership 411, LLC host a Free Nonprofit Leadership Training event on October 22, 2026…
- Community Voices
Retired Combat Veteran Major Michael P Hart brings insight and a new book to Author Fall Festival
Strategic consultant, philanthropist and author, Major Michael P. Hart brings his new book to Author Fall Festival, located at Barnes and Noble. Saturday, Oct…
Community VoicesMeet Melissa Snider: Community Voices welcomes a new co-host
Meet Melissa Snider, the newest co-host of Community Voices! From Emmy-winning TV news to NPR Illinois, she's bringing fresh stories and audio passion to the…
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CEFCU and UIS Athletics team up to launch Prairie Stars Kids Club
CEFCU Prairie Stars Kids Club
Community VoicesELLIOT FIGHTS DRAVET Ali and Karen Ladage and a Purple Pumpkin Patch to celebrate the life of Ali's son
Elliot Fights Dravet, Raising awareness about Dravet's Syndrome. Ali and Karen Ladage and a Purple Pumpkin Patch to celebrate the life of Ali's son. at…
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Wings and Wheels Fly-In and Cruise-In Event at the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport with Liz Bron
Wings and Wheels Fly-In and Cruise-In Event at the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport with Liz Bron. The event runs from 11am to 3pm on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Community VoicesSt. Agnes welcomes all animals for Blessing of the Animals Oct. 4
Blessing of the Animals returns to St. Agnes School Oct. 4
Community VoicesGrand Market invites local businesses, makers, and vendors to showcase their goods
Grand Market to be hosted by BJ Grand Salon & Spa Oct. 4
Community VoicesArtisan and Antique Market at the Historic Brinkerhoff Mansion with Tammy and Gordon Fidler
Artisan & Antique Market at the Historic Brinkerhoff Mansion with Tammy and Gordon Fidler. Saturday, October 3 from 9am until 4pm. The Fidlers also provide…
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UIS Chancellor's Thinkers Series featuring former Congresswoman Cheri Bustos: 'A Call to Think: Authentic Leadership.'
University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Janet L. Gooch hosts conversation with former Congresswoman and UIS alum Cheri Callahan Bustos as part of her…
Community VoicesWrapping up Recovery Month with Alpharus Health, formerly Gateway Foundation
Alpharus Health, formerly Gateway Foundation
Community VoicesGive back by giving blood with ImpactLife: Upcoming blood drives and student incentives
Teresa Tran of ImpactLife joins Melissa Snider on Community Voices to talk about how you can give back locally during the organization's upcoming blood drives
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Invested in Illinois: U of I leaders tour the state to learn about challenges and opportunities
President Timothy Killeen and the three campus chancellors discussed the tour as it ended at UIS.
Community VoicesMeleah Berkowitz and Mahnaz Habib and Westminster Presbyterian present the Children of Abraham
Meleah Berkowitz and Mahnaz Habib and Westminster Presbyterian present the Children of Abraham program. Diversity and strength, rooted in all faiths learning…
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Java Fest brings free family fun to Route 66 celebration Sept. 25
Free food, live music, family fun & a front-row seat to the Route 66 parade! Join Java Fest Sept. 25 at Grab a Java on S. 6th St. ☕🚗🎶 #Route66 #SpringfieldIL
Community VoicesNATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH with President of the Hispanic Women of Springfield Ana Manriquez
National Hispanic Heritage Month is upon us! Many events are happening. President of the Hispanic Women of Springfield Ana Manriquez shares information on the…
Community VoicesVAULT 66 PINBALL Brian Galecki Jeff Black and Chris Nickell the wizards revitalizing old school fun
Brian Galecki, Jeff Black, and Chris Nickell bring pinball to downtown Springfield. The new VAULT 66 pinball venue and Dumb Records; for both locals and Route…
Community VoicesMusic, poetry, and more: Springfield Area Arts Council shares creative opportunities for all ages
Mayor’s Awards for the Arts, Arts in Education Grant, Poetry Out Loud, Music at the Market
- Community Voices
Music, poetry, and more: Springfield Area Arts Council shares creative opportunities for all ages
Mayor’s Awards for the Arts, Arts in Education Grant, Poetry Out Loud, Music at the Market
- Community Voices
Shelley Flynn Singleton and LAND OF LINCOLN GOODWILL Programs Like Youth Adult and Career Services
Shelley Flynn Singleton and LAND OF LINCOLN GOODWILL offer programs like Youth Services, Adult Services, and Career Services. Shelley also provides information…
Community VoicesSpringfield VEGAN CHEF CHALLENGE the month of October Austin Simmons and Autumn Gwinn serve up info
Austin Simmons and Autumn Gwinn and the Springfield VEGAN CHEF CHALLENGE. From October 1-31. Restaurants in Springfield, Illinois will be featuring fantastic…
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UIS play examines the argument to replace or keep the U.S. Constitution
What does the Constitution mean to you? A new play at UIS blends storytelling, live debate, and audience participation to explore how America’s founding…
Community VoicesStephanie Fulton and Prairieland Punishers Central Illinois Roller Derby are Inclusively Recruiting
Stephanie Fulton tells us some of the history of Prairieland Punishers Roller Derby in central Illinois. Stephanie also explains the rules. The team is…
Community VoicesA Preview of the Edwards Place Fine Art Fair with Betsy Dollar
Upcoming Edwards Place Fine Art Fair
Community VoicesJoseph Copley NTW Punk and Metal and Black Artists Matter Magazines Recognizing Musicians and Artists
Joseph Copley NTW Punk and Metal and Black Artists Matter Magazines Recognizing Musicians and Artists. This issue features Shatriya Smith and Mr. John Crisp.
Community VoicesFrom Shipwrecked Slave Ships to RBG to Bicycles ALPLM and Joe Crain bring us info on upcoming events
Joe Crain from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum brings us info on upcoming events. This includes programs that are free to attend but…
Community VoicesAshley Earles at BIRTH TO FIVE ILLINOIS Region 51 Connecting Families to Early Childhood Resources
Ashley Earles, Regional Council Manager at Birth to Five Illinois (Menard/Sangamon region) Connecting Families to Childcare, Mental Health and Early Childhood…
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FRESH CYCLE LAUNDROMAT Ryan and Danielle Watson Are Keeping It Clean on the Northside of Springfield
FRESH CYCLE LAUNDROMAT Ryan and Danielle Watson Are Keeping It Clean on the Northside of Springfield. They tell of their journey transforming the old Cravens…
Community VoicesWhitney Devine and Austin Dambacher Explain Stronger Together Recovery & Community Fest
Whitney Devine and Austin Dambacher with the Sangamon County Recovery Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) invites the community to the 2nd Annual Stronger Together…
Community Voices5th Street Renaissance and the Harvest for Homes Celebration with Penny Powell and Ty Charnley
5th Street Renaissance battle homelessness and other public health issues. The Harvest for Homes Celebration is a great fundraising opportunity for the…
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Cori Claycomb and Jenn Edginton with The Illinois State Museum with Info on Hispanic Heritage Month
Cori Claycomb and Jenn Edginton with The Illinois State Museum with Info on Hispanic Heritage Month
- Community Voices
Cori Claycomb and Jenn Edginton with The Illinois State Museum with Info on Hispanic Heritage Month
Cori Claycomb and Jenn Edginton with The Illinois State Museum with Info on Hispanic Heritage Month