Chambana Proud

Episode 94: Getting Connected on the Kickapoo Rail Trail

The Kickapoo Rail Trail has been decades in the making. This summer will see many of those final connection points take place. Terri and Carly chat with Sam Ihm from the Champaign County Forest Preserves to learn more about the KRT, how it started, get up to speed on the progress, and learn about the potential for future expansion.   Stay tuned in for the many ways you can celebrate the 4th of July all around Central Illinois this weekend.   This episode is sponsored by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and supported by Busey Bank.   Show links: * Krannert Center for Performing Arts: https://krannertcenter.com/ [https://krannertcenter.com/] * Busey Bank:https://www.busey.com/ [https://www.busey.com/] * Kickapoo Rail Trail: https://www.onekrt.org/ [https://www.onekrt.org/] * Champaign County Forest Preserves: https://www.champaignforests.org/ [https://www.champaignforests.org/] * Horse Progress Days: https://horseprogressdays.com/ [https://horseprogressdays.com/] * Audiofeed Festival: https://audiofeedfestival.com/ [https://audiofeedfestival.com/] * Monticello Freedom Fest: https://www.facebook.com/groups/149410032585824/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/149410032585824/] * Homer Freedom and Music Festival: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Homer-Village-Hall/197714027540413 [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Homer-Village-Hall/197714027540413] * Tuscola Sparks in the Park: https://tuscola.org/sparks26 [https://tuscola.org/sparks26] * Paxton’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July Party: https://www.paxtonmainstreet.com/event/paxtons-old-fashioned-4th-of-july-celebration/ [https://www.paxtonmainstreet.com/event/paxtons-old-fashioned-4th-of-july-celebration/] * Champaign County Freedom Celebration: https://july4th.net/ [https://july4th.net/] * The Farms: Beehive Observation: https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/beehive-observation/ [https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/beehive-observation/] * Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/ [https://www.chambanaproud.com/] * Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events [https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events]

What's Happening in Chambana: June 26–28

Fireworks, drone shows, community celebrations, local beer, and more Pride events combine for another brilliant weekend in the Champaign-Urbana area. Tune in as Carly & Terri run down all the details you need to know to get out and about.   Tune in at chambanaproud.com or wherever you podcast and start planning.   This episode is sponsored by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and supported by Busey Bank.   Show Links: * Krannert Center for Performing Arts: https://krannertcenter.com/ [https://krannertcenter.com/] * Busey Bank:https://www.busey.com/ [https://www.busey.com/] * Riggs Fest: https://www.riggsbeer.com/events/riggs-fest-2024-956-473/ [https://www.riggsbeer.com/events/riggs-fest-2024-956-473/] * Tolono Fun Days: http://tolonofundays.org/schedule-of-events/ [http://tolonofundays.org/schedule-of-events/] * Arthur’s Freedom Celebration: https://arthuril.us/events/event/arthurs-freedom-celebration-4 [https://arthuril.us/events/event/arthurs-freedom-celebration-4] * MLK Jettie Rhodes Community Day: https://www.mlkjrd.com/#/ [https://www.mlkjrd.com/#/] * Tea with the King and Queen: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/drag-tea [https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/drag-tea] * Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/ [https://www.chambanaproud.com/] * Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events [https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events]

What's Happening June 19–21

This weekend is filled with celebrations! Carly & Terri share how you can celebrate Juneteenth with a concert, Pride at Toast to Taylor Street, America 250 with an incredible exhibit, the stunning summer blooms with the Master Gardener Walk, and our vibrant theatre scene with a production at the Station Theatre.   Tune in at chambanaproud.com or wherever you podcast and start planning.   This episode is sponsored by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and supported by Busey Bank.   Show links: * Krannert Center for Performing Arts: https://krannertcenter.com/ [https://krannertcenter.com/] * Busey Bank:https://www.busey.com/ [https://www.busey.com/] * Forging Liberty Exhibit: https://www.champaigncountyhistory.org/ [https://www.champaigncountyhistory.org/] * Juneteenth Concert: https://champaignparks.org/event/juneteenth-concert/ [https://champaignparks.org/event/juneteenth-concert/] * The Complete Works of Jane Austen (Abridged): https://stationtheatre.com/season-53 [https://stationtheatre.com/season-53] * Champaign County Master Gardner Walk: https://extension.illinois.edu/cfiv/garden-walk-2026 [https://extension.illinois.edu/cfiv/garden-walk-2026] * Toast to Taylor Street Pride Edition: https://www.facebook.com/taylorstreetblockparty [https://www.facebook.com/taylorstreetblockparty] * Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/ [https://www.chambanaproud.com/] * Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events [https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events]

Episode 93: Celebrating America’s 250 with the Champaign County History Museum

The Champaign County History Museum, vital to preserving our local history, is pulling out all the stops to help us celebrate America’s 250 with an exception exhibit. Tune in as Carly  & Terri talk with Museum President, TJ Blakeman, about the rare items on display for a brief time at the Champaign Public Library.  Stay tuned in for weekend events from Raggedy Ann rallies to soda fests to Juneteenth celebrations. This episode is sponsored by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and supported by Busey Bank. Show links: * Krannert Center for Performing Arts: https://krannertcenter.com/ [https://krannertcenter.com/] * Busey Bank: https://www.busey.com/ [https://www.busey.com/] * Champaign County History Museum: https://www.champaigncountyhistory.org/ [https://www.champaigncountyhistory.org/] * Forging Liberty Exhibit:  https://secure.champaigncountyhistory.org/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fpo rtal%2Fevents * Raggedy Ann Rally: https://www.facebook.com/events/2012694962919848/ [https://www.facebook.com/events/2012694962919848/] * Mahomet Soda Fest: https://www.mahometchamber.com/soda-fest [https://www.mahometchamber.com/soda-fest] * Junteenth Celebration: https://champaignparks.org/event/juneteenth/ [https://champaignparks.org/event/juneteenth/] * Dark Sky Series: Disney and Pixar’s Elio:  https://www.champaignforests.org/events/details/dark-sky-series-disney-and- pixars-elio * Songs for a New World: https://twincitytheatreco.ludus.com/index.php [https://twincitytheatreco.ludus.com/index.php] * Chambana Proud: https://www..com/ * Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events:  https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events

Episode 92: A New Season of World-Class Performance

The 2026–2027 season at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts was just announced, and it’s filled with must-see performances. Terri & Carly sit down with Julianne Ehre, Assistant Director of Programming and Engagement, to dig in on those dates we need to circle on our calendar, the collaborations that make Krannert Center so unique, and how our  performing arts venue stacks up against others across the country. Hint: we’re right there at the top!   With summer programming in full swing, we have more ways to spend your weekend, so tune in at chambanaproud.com or wherever you podcast to start planning.   This episode is sponsored by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and supported by Busey Bank.   Show links: * Krannert Center for Performing Arts: https://krannertcenter.com/ [https://krannertcenter.com/] * Busey Bank:https://www.busey.com/ [https://www.busey.com/] * Love for All(erton): https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/love-for-allerton/ [https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/love-for-allerton/] * Cereal Celebration: https://urbanafreelibrary.libnet.info/event/15564561 [https://urbanafreelibrary.libnet.info/event/15564561] * Pour Bros. 4th Annual Market St. Beer Fest: https://www.facebook.com/events/1450384366774201/?active_tab=discussion [https://www.facebook.com/events/1450384366774201/?active_tab=discussion] * Saturday Morning Goat Hike: https://www.prairiefruits.com/event-details/saturday-morning-goat-hike-2026-05-30-09-30 [https://www.prairiefruits.com/event-details/saturday-morning-goat-hike-2026-05-30-09-30] * Postmark Urbana: https://40north.org/our_programs/postmark-urbana/ [https://40north.org/our_programs/postmark-urbana/] * Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/ [https://www.chambanaproud.com/] * Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events [https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events]