Surf's up! Rory Davis of Springfield band, Go! Tsunami joins Community Voices to talk about making the transition to monster surf rock.

Thanks to a Healing Illinois grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Field Foundation of Illinois, administered by the United Way of Central Illinois, the NPR Illinois team is visiting several diverse communities to discuss what it's like to live in central Illinois. In this LISTEN session, you hear from international students that attend UIS as they discuss their experiences in Springfield, some of the challenges they face, and how they work to keep their culture alive away from home.

Rev. Dr. Cary Beckwith serves Springfield Grace United Methodist Church. He spoke to Community Voices about the church’s role in improving life in Springfield through community engagement including its Serving with Amazing Grace or SWAG program.

Colin Helton of the Colin Helton Band joined Community Voices to preview their July 4, 2024 Levitt AMP opening slot. The band has one album out and is preparing to record their second.

Jason Frazier is the CEO and president of MindsEye Radio. He spoke to Community Voices about MindsEye’s mission to create an inclusive community by translating vision into audio for those who are blind or visually impaired.

Hannah Levin is playing Cinderella in the Springfield Muni’s upcoming production of "Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella." She spoke to Community Voices about the show as well as her experiences in the Springfield area theatre community.

Jaleesa Davis is the founder of the hair braiding organization Girls Glory, as well as the owner of Glaze Hair & Nail Salon. She spoke to Community Voices about her passion for hair, entrepreneurship and mentorship in the Springfield area.

Kyshona is a Nashville-based musician headlining the June 27 Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series concert. She draws heavily on her music therapy background and collaboration with patients and other artists. In Kyshona's latest release, Legacy, she works to capture her family's heritage.

Kathy Brennan hosts “Never Ever Really Dirty” comedy shows every other month at Harvest Market. She spoke to Community Voices about the creation of NERD Comedy as well as her journey with standup comedy in the Springfield area. The next upcoming performance is June 24 at 7 p.m. at Harvest Market in Springfield, IL.

Ben Majeska, guitarist for Armchair Boogie out of Madison, Wisconsin share how the band is quickly growing and goes beyond the bluegrass genre. Armchair Boogie headlines the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series June 20, 2024.