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 VoicesHAIRSPRAY at HOOGLAND CENTER FOR THE ARTS we hear from Sophie Carpenter and Matt Woodson
The Hoogland Center for the Arts is excited to present the smash hit musical HAIRSPRAY.Sophie Carpenter, who plays Tracy Turnblad, and Matt Woodson, who plays…
Community VoicesFAE FOLK ART FESTIVAL brings us Folklore Fantasy Art Puppetry and more with Bri Skeels and Cee Jones
FAE FOLK ART FESTIVAL brings us Folklore Fantasy Art Puppetry and more! We talk with Bri Skeels and Cee Jones give info on the Saturday, Sept., 12th event at…
Community VoicesNeill Dresen Booked Many Bands at Donnies Homespun Now Brings Decatur RHYTHM AND BLUES IN THE PARK
Neill Dresen Booked bands like Los Lobos, Black Flag, Reverend Horton Heat, and The Wailers at Donnie's Homespun, Springfield and Decatur locations. Now he…
Community VoicesWILD ROSE and Monica Zanetti Reed Dance and Art in Downtown Springfield with La Esquina del Movimiento
Wild Rose Artisans Gallery and Boutique. Monica Zanetti Reed Bring Dance and Art to Downtown Springfield ALL MOVES WELCOME All Moves Welcome to Le Esquina…
Community VoicesHear Songs from Tom Irwin and His Sing Along Book for Kids at Downtown Discovery Day in Jacksonville
Hear Songs from Tom Irwin and His Sing Along Book for Kids at Downtown Discovery Day in Jacksonville, Illinois. This event starts at 11am and goes to 2pm on…
Community VoicesThe Declaration still has work for us to do to secure our rights | llinois 250 Ep. 6 of 6
What can the Declaration of Independence teach us about labor, free speech and voting rights today? Illinois 250 explores the history—and the unfinished work…
Community VoicesFrom a Chatham kitchen to millions of monthly visitors: the story behind AllThingsMamma.com
From a Chatham kitchen to 10 million monthly visitors, Kasey Schwartz built AllThingsMamma.com into a thriving recipe business—and has learned how to adapt as…
- Community Voices
COMPASS FOR KIDS Back to School Brunch 2026 Fundraiser with Brandy Apgar and Christy Freeman Stark
Brandy Apgar and Christy Freeman Stark with COMPASS FOR KIDS speak on the history and impact of this educational resource for underserved kids. BACK TO SCHOOL…
Community VoicesIt Is Not Exactly a TINY HOUSE Yet It Is a MINI ART GALLERY Seth Leary and GALLERY 1624
Seth! Leary built a wee art house called 'Gallery 1624'. It's located at 1624 Holmes Ave. for those who want to take a little look. He was inspired by one that…
Community VoicesCopper Coin brings the music of Prince to The Muni for Rockballet 26, Sept. 12
Copper Coin Ballet Comapny’s Rockballet returns Sept. 12 with an all-Prince program, live music and dance under the stars at Springfield Muni Opera. Purple…
Community VoicesBrittany Apgar's journey powers Women's Pro Baseball League debut
She trained from sunrise to midnight to make history. Meet Brittany Apgar, a founding Women's Pro Baseball League player inspiring the next generation in…
Community VoicesDr. Mesbah ditches health insurance to bring back personal care
Discover a different approach to health care. Dr. Hossain Mesbah explains how direct primary care puts patients—not insurance paperwork—at the center of…
Community VoicesHow the Declaration shaped Native American history | llinois 250 Ep. 5 of 6
How did the Declaration of Independence shape Native American history? Author Kimberly Sigafus explores resilience, truth, and inclusion in America's story…
Community VoicesFrom quilt codes to heritage trails - Illinois Black histories | Illinois 250 Ep. 4 of 6
From Underground Railroad quilt codes to the Black Panther Heritage Trail, learn how Illinoisans are preserving Black history for future generations in this…
Community VoicesThe National Road, Route 66, and more; Illinois Roads that built the U.S. | Illinois 250 Ep. 3 of 6
The U.S. story is written on Illinois roads. Discover the National Road, Route 66, and the highways that shaped a nation in this Illinois 250 episode in…
Community VoicesHow Illinois became a crossroads of American music | Illinois 250 Ep. 2 of 6
Illinois' music tells the story of our state. Discover how French Creole traditions, folk music, and river culture have helped shape Illinois and America for…
Community VoicesIllinois 250 invites every resident to help tell the state's story | Ep. 1 of 6
Illinois 250 wants your story. Discover how 'Illinois Voices 250' is preserving the thoughts of everyday people for generations as America marks its…
Community VoicesLocal advocate on how people and businesses can benefit from Artificial Intelligence
From handwritten notes to instant invoices: see how AI is transforming small business. Catch Adam Gurski’s live demos are June 10–11, with more to come.
Community VoicesReunification Ride keeps incarcerated moms, their kids connected at Logan, Decatur
A unique Illinois program helps incarcerated mothers stay connected to their children through family visits, crafts, meals, and love.
Community VoicesPreview the 2026 Levitt AMP Springfield summer of free concerts
Levitt AMP Springfield concert series kicks off the 2026 season. Bella Szabo provides some attendance tips.
Community VoicesCivil War heritage group brings national convention home to Springfield
Families forever shaped by the Civil War gather in Springfield this summer at the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War national convention.
Community VoicesEnos Park Neighborhood Gardens is growing more than food
Fresh food, free events, and friendships are growing at the Enos Park Neighborhood Gardens — where community blooms one raised bed at a time. 🌱
- Community Voices
Small-Town Secrets Unravel in Zion Falls Mystery - local author Chris Cooper
A beloved small-town doctor is found dead—and secrets unravel fast. Mount Zion author Chris Cooper debuts a new murder mystery.
Community VoicesWQNA nearing return to Springfield’s airwaves with eclectic volunteer mix
WQNA is coming back to Springfield’s airwaves. After 7 years, the eclectic, community-driven station is weeks from relaunch. Here’s what to expect.
Community VoicesAI, water, and climate: Illinois’ policy fights explained - UIS PAR class of 2026
From AI data centers to drinking water and carbon storage, Illinois faces big environmental decisions this spring - UIS PAR class of 2026.
Community VoicesIllinois Debates Cash Bail, Cell Phones, and College Funding - UIS PAR 2026
Cash bail, classroom phone bans, and the fight over college funding—here’s what Illinois lawmakers are really debating this spring. - UIS PAR 2026
Community VoicesIllinois Lawmakers Face Tough Choices on Drugs, Hospitals, Pensions - UIS PAR Class of 2026
What do drug prices, hospital closures, and pensions have in common? They’re all shaping affordability debates at the Illinois Capitol. The UIS PAR class of…
- Community Voices
Kevin Lust shares how the Small Business Skill Share event helps startups - May 7
Free Small Business Skillshare May 7: AI, loans, government contracts & more. Quick, practical tips to grow your business—plus breakfast and lunch included.
- Community Voices
Haunted school adventure set in central Illinois from the mind of Mark Russell
A haunted school, a dragon-shaped lake, and a hero with ghostly powers. Meet Strangely Bumptious—a funny, spooky new middle-grade adventure set in central…
- Community Voices
Springfield's The Lovelorn joins the Chicago leg of 50 shows in 50 states
Springfield’s The Lovelorn joins Nordista Freeze’s 50 shows in 50 states world record run May 17 in Chicago. Be part of music history in the making.
Community VoicesWestminster Coop Preschool's Meleah Berkowitz on play-based learning
Research has shown that engaging children in learning through play is the best way to set them up for success, both academically, but also socially.
- Community Voices
Local author, Mark Suszko, launches new space opera series
A local author launches two space adventures—misfit crews, starship mortgages, and library inspiration. Meet Mark Susko and his expanding universe.
- Community Voices
Why Illinois needs more prescribed burns — and what’s blocking them
Prescribed burns keep Illinois ecosystems alive — but insurance barriers are stopping them. A new bill aims to change that. Ellicia Sanchez and Tharran Hobson…
- Community Voices
Jacksonville Rallies to Fight Alzheimer’s, Todd Lamison updates events
Jacksonville rallies against Alzheimer’s with trivia, empathy games and a fall walk. See how you can join the effort and support local families facing dementia.