Julie Ratz is the Artistic Director of the Copper Coin Ballet Company. She spoke to Community Voices about the upcoming “Rockballet” performance, which will feature songs from music royalty including Queen, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Prince and Sir Elton John. She also shared that the Copper Coin Ballet Company will return to the Sangamon Auditorium stage at the UIS Performing Arts Center with their production of “The Nutcracker.”

Lance Cain is a local stand up comedian and host of the comedy open-mic at Anvil & Forge in downtown Springfield. He has performed across the St. Louis and Springfield areas, as well as some virtual reality spaces. He sat down with Community Voices to talk about his experience as a comedian, musician, and father.

Andrew Lenhardt IV is the Club Director for the Springfield Area Soccer Association (SASA). He spoke to Community Voices about SASA’s efforts to make soccer accessible for everyone, from the region’s most elite players to recreational athletes to “walking soccer” leagues.

Susan Furlong is a local author who has released a new book titled “The Killer’s Wife.” She spoke to Community Voices about her writing process, how she developed the characters in the book, and what it’s like to be recognized for writing a New York Times Best Crime Novel of the Year.

Kyle Abraham is a student working at NPR Illinois this summer. He attends Yale University in Connecticut. He spoke to Community Voices about his interests in neuroscience, rural health, journalism and his experience here at NPR Illinois.

Victor Holstein is a stage and film actor who has appeared on shows like "Chicago Med" and "Chicago P.D." He is also a Central Illinois native. He spoke to Community Voices about the SAG-AFTRA strike and what working-class actors are experiencing in Hollywood.

Community Voices brings you another event you may have missed, A Conversation with new Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher at the Citizens Club of Springfield.

LoneHollow, a Nashville-based duo focusing on Appalachian and Americana country music, will perform as the final act of the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series on Aug. 3. Guitarist and singer Rylie Bourne spoke to co-host Logan Bricker about the origins of the band, inspirations for their music, and much more.

Lora Beavers, Office Administrator of Concordia Lutheran Church-School-Preschool, and Roger Gruber, president of the Concordia Lutheran School Board, spoke to Community Voices about Concordia Lutheran School and its values, challenges, and future. The two also shared how the school is seeking students for enrollment.