Community Voices

Kate Schwartz (formerly known as Mark Schwartz) is a central Illinois musician who has recorded over 40 albums under her own name and with bands End Times Trio, Forest Saints, Tin Ghost, Demons on Wheels, and collaborations like Petulant Clark. Kate shares how she recently transitoned and how she facillitates a trans support group at the Phoenix Center.

Richard Kyte is a professor, author, and national expert on third places. Third places refer to places outside of home and work where people socialize. Kyte spoke to Community Voices about the importance of third places, how they've shifted over time, and about his new book Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way). Rick also talks about how to find and create third places in our society today.

Reggie Britton is the lead vocalist, drummer, and harmonica player for central Illinois blues band Black Magic Johnson.Reggie discussed the path of his musical journey including playing with Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, Lonnie Brooks and others. He also shares his challenge with cancer.

The Legacy Theatre is serving the community with its regional premiere of the hit musical “Waitress.” Director Lori Ann McCabe and leading lady Elizabeth Eckert spoke to Community Voices about the show, which features music by Sara Bareilles. They highlighted the cast members and explained how many pies it takes to perform “Waitress.”The show runs Oct. 11-13, 16-20 and 23-27. For tickets visit: https://www.atthelegacy.com/

“Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad” is a new traveling exhibit, which highlights the people and challenges of the Underground Railroad. Sarah Watson, executive director of Looking for Lincoln and the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, and Program Manager of Looking for Lincoln Heather Feezor spoke to Community Voices about the exhibit and how it shares stories often unheard about the underground railroad.The exhibit is on view and open to the public at the Lincoln Library: Springfield’s Public Library through November 30, 2024.To learn more visit: https://www.lookingforlincoln.org/

This year is the 150th anniversary of the dedication of the Lincoln’s Tomb. President of the Old State Capitol Foundation Crystal Boyd and Vice President Alex Smith spoke to Community Voices about the celebration of the 150th anniversary on Oct. 12, which will feature food, a President Grant impersonator and 1800 TinType photography.

MERCY Communities is celebrating its 25th anniversary with an open house on Oct. 11 from 4-7:00 p.m. at MERCY’s Administrative Office at 1344 N. 5th St. in Springfield. Executive Director Amy Voils and Board Member Sister Marilyn Jean Runkel spoke to Community Voices about the organization and its roots with the Dominican Sisters in Springfield. They also shared how transitional and permanent housing reduces homelessness and leads to independent living.To learn more visit: https://www.mercycommunities.org/

Shawn McKinney is the owner of Terror on the Square in Petersburg which provides visitors a spooky experience throughout October. He spoke to Community Voices about his lifelong love of illusions and how he was inspired by the Haunted Mansion in Walt Disney World to create his own haunt. He also shared the history of the funeral home that is now home to Terror on the Square and how the haunt changes from year to year.For ticket information visit: https://terroronthesquare.com/

Local businesses and not-for-profit organizations spoke at the July Citizens Club of Springfield meeting titled “The Adams Street Fire: Reflecting on the Past; Developing a Vision for the Future.” They shared what is known and unknown about the start of the fire, how area businesses were affected and the future of Adams Street.

The Academy of Lifelong Learning is hosting the “Arts for ALL” series which are free, public presentations that feature the beauty and uniqueness of all people through the arts. On Oct. 2, Dorothy Paige Turner and Joel Ross will perform at the Trutter Center on the Lincoln Land Community College Springfield campus. Turner spoke to Community Voices about the performance which will explain the roots of jazz among enslaved Africans. She also talked about her love of the Great American Songbook and how she used music to reach students.For more information on Arts for ALL visit: https://www.llcc.edu/news/llcc-arts-for-all