Chambana Proud

Episode 95: A Decade of Dank Meme

What started as a bit of a joke became a flagship beer for Triptych Brewing. Carly & Terri talk with Triptych owner, Anthony Benjamin, about the humble beginnings of Dank Meme and their creative plans for how they plan to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
 
Stay tuned in to plan your weekend in the Champaign-Urbana area.
 
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/
Busey Bank:https://www.busey.com/
Triptych Brewing: https://triptychbrewing.com/
Dank Meme Day: https://www.facebook.com/events/36021280947471452
Good Trouble Lives On: https://www.champaigncountyindivisible.org/gtlo
Beep Baseball Tournament: https://www.facebook.com/nbba76/photos/beep-baseball-fans-the-annual-champaign-event-is-coming-soonmark-your-calendars-/1427983689355087/
Untold Story of the Potawatomi Trail of Death:https://www.champaignforests.org/events/details/potawatomi-storytelling-with-george-godfrey
Taylor Street Block Party: https://www.facebook.com/taylorstreetblockparty
Re-Circle Pop-Up: https://circlesboutique.com/
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events

What's Happening in Chambana: July 10–12

Looking for plans this weekend? Carly & Terri run down a few ways to get out and enjoy this summer weekend in the Champaign-Urbana area. From big agricultural shows, to free airplane rides, to scavenger hunts for world-class costumes, you’ll find plenty of ways to stay active.
 
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/
Busey Bank:https://www.busey.com/
Historic Farm Days: https://www.historicfarmdays.com/
Red, Whites, and the Blues: https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/reds-whites-blues/
Young Eagles Rally: https://eaachapters.org/event-details/YE26221BR
Haunts and Legends of UIUC: https://www.champaigncountyhistory.org/tours
PostMark Urbana: https://40north.org/our_programs/postmark-urbana/
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events

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/
Busey Bank:https://www.busey.com/
Kickapoo Rail Trail: https://www.onekrt.org/
Champaign County Forest Preserves: https://www.champaignforests.org/
Horse Progress Days: https://horseprogressdays.com/
Audiofeed Festival: https://audiofeedfestival.com/
Monticello Freedom Fest: https://www.facebook.com/groups/149410032585824/
Homer Freedom and Music Festival: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Homer-Village-Hall/197714027540413
Tuscola Sparks in the Park: https://tuscola.org/sparks26
Paxton’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July Party: https://www.paxtonmainstreet.com/event/paxtons-old-fashioned-4th-of-july-celebration/
Champaign County Freedom Celebration: https://july4th.net/
The Farms: Beehive Observation: https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/beehive-observation/
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana 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/
Busey Bank:https://www.busey.com/
Riggs Fest: https://www.riggsbeer.com/events/riggs-fest-2024-956-473/
Tolono Fun Days: http://tolonofundays.org/schedule-of-events/
Arthur’s Freedom Celebration: https://arthuril.us/events/event/arthurs-freedom-celebration-4
MLK Jettie Rhodes Community Day: https://www.mlkjrd.com/#/
Tea with the King and Queen: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/drag-tea
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana 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/
Busey Bank:https://www.busey.com/
Forging Liberty Exhibit: https://www.champaigncountyhistory.org/
Juneteenth Concert: https://champaignparks.org/event/juneteenth-concert/
The Complete Works of Jane Austen (Abridged): https://stationtheatre.com/season-53
Champaign County Master Gardner Walk: https://extension.illinois.edu/cfiv/garden-walk-2026
Toast to Taylor Street Pride Edition: https://www.facebook.com/taylorstreetblockparty
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana 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/
Busey Bank: https://www.busey.com/
Champaign County History Museum: https://www.champaigncountyhistory.org/
Forging Liberty Exhibit: https://secure.champaigncountyhistory.org/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents
Raggedy Ann Rally: https://www.facebook.com/events/2012694962919848/
Mahomet Soda Fest: https://www.mahometchamber.com/soda-fest
Junteenth Celebration: 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
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/
Busey Bank:https://www.busey.com/
Love for All(erton): https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/love-for-allerton/
Cereal Celebration: https://urbanafreelibrary.libnet.info/event/15564561
Pour Bros. 4th Annual Market St. Beer Fest: 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
Postmark Urbana: https://40north.org/our_programs/postmark-urbana/
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events

What's Happening in Chambana: May 29–31

Live music on the streets, a wine walk, 20 years of Amish baked goods, old-time baseball, and historic trains—it’s all on tap this weekend in the Champaign-Urbana area! Carly and Terri run down just a few ideas to get out and explore.
 
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/
Busey Bank:https://www.busey.com/
The Homestead Bakery 20th Anniversary Open House: https://www.facebook.com/thegreatpumpkinpatch
Friday Night Live!: https://40north.org/our_programs/friday-night-live/
Champaign Clippers Round Robin: https://champaignclippers.org/schedule/
6th Annual Wine Walk: https://champaigncenter.com/wine-walk/
Pizza on the Rails: https://www.mrym.org/events
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events

Episode 91: It’s in the “Meat Mail”

Whether you’re looking for something to grill for Memorial Day weekend or a special cut that you can’t find at the grocery store, the University of Illinois Meat & Egg Sales Room is the destination you need to know about. Carly & Terri chat with Elli to learn about the academics and science behind the storefront to discover what students are learning and how they shape the future of the food industry.
 
Stay tuned in for ideas on how to spend your Memorial Day Weekend in and around the Champaign-Urbana area at chambanaproud.com or wherever you podcast.
 
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/
Busey Bank:https://www.busey.com/
Meat Science Lab: https://ansc.illinois.edu/about/facilities/meat-science-laboratory
Meat & Egg Sales Room: https://meatandeggsales.illinois.edu/
Candlelight Serenade: Jazz Edition: Strawberry Day: https://www.okawvalleyorchard.com/
4th Annual Comedy Competition: https://yellowandcoevents.com/buy-tickets
Junction Futball Club Women’s Premier Soccer League: https://www.junctionfcwpsl.com/
Candy Foster 60th Anniversary Celebration Concert: https://thevirginia.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1127
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events

What's Happening in Chambana: May 15–17

This weekend, we say goodbye to our many graduates from the University of Illinois, and we also welcome back some spring and summertime favorites. From plant sales to live music on the streets, Carly and Terri run down the many ways you can get out in and around C-U this weekend.
 
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/
Busey Bank:https://www.busey.com/
Sola Gratia Spring Plant Sale: https://www.solagratiacsa.com/events/spring-plant-sale-2026
Ikebana: Party with Shakuyaku and a Grand Ikebana Demonstration: https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/the-farms-ikebana-party-with-shakuyaku/ and https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/the-farms-grand-ikebana-demo/
Illinois Amish Heritage Center Guided Tour: https://www.illinoisamish.org/
Drag Story Hour: https://www.goodjudyscu.com/event-list
Toast to Taylor St.: https://www.soundbridgefoundation.org/about-toast
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events