Chambana Proud

Episode 62: Be Kind

Glass-blower and owner of Prairie Fire Glass, Jim Downey, took a serendipitous path to discover his creative outlet in life. Terri & Carly talk with him about these happy accidents and why being kind gives back tenfold. Enjoy this light-hearted conversation, plan a day-trip to Monticello, and plan your weekend events in this week’s episode.
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/
Prairie Fire Glass: https://prairiefireglass.com/
Make It Monticello: https://makeitmonticello.com/
Small Shop Stroll: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572920242443
Meadowbrook: A History Walking Tour: https://www.facebook.com/events/1515626589123558
Illini Get Pickled Pickleball Tournament: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/picbal
41st Annual Lincon Square Train Show: https://www.illinoisterminaldivision.org/show/show.htm
Babies and Brunch: https://www.exploretock.com/prairie-fruits-farm/event/533130/babies-and-brunch
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: March 21-23

As spring break starts to wind down, Carly & Terri share some ideas for enjoying a University of Illinois gem while students are away, as well as several other community events in the Champaign-Urbana area. With locally-made games, youth theatre, live music, and a film screening, you’ll enjoy a perfect early spring 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/
Spring Break at Krannert Art Museum: https://kam.illinois.edu/event/spring-break-krannert-art-museum-were-open
CPD Youth Theatre Presents: The Lightening Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical: https://champaignparks.org/series/cpd-youth-theatre-presents-the-lightning-thief-the-percy-jackson-musical/
CUDO Plays Season 11 Grand Exhibition : https://www.cudoplays.com/events/season11-grand-exhibition
Saturday Music with Keith & Kathy Harden: https://www.facebook.com/events/1157358299107293/
9 to 5: The Story of a Movement: https://champaign.org/event/9-to-5-the-story-of-a-movement-12084405
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events

Episode 61: In Chambana Weather We Trust

Spring feels like it’s here! But is it? Will winter weather return? Will it feel like summer for the rest of March? Carly sits down with Andrew Pritchard, aka Chambana Weather, to discuss his passion for meteorology, how he got into this work, and the community’s inherent trust in his predictions. While storms are predicted for Friday, Terri & Carly run down the weekend events so you can get out and enjoy all our community has to offer.
Stay tuned for a weekend of fun events throughout 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/
Chambana Weather: https://www.chambanaweather.net/
Illinois Public Media: https://will.illinois.edu
IHSA Boys State Basketball: https://legendsplayhere.com/ihsa-boys-basketball/
Pie Day Celebration at The Brown Bag: https://www.facebook.com/events/1643903879584508
Patrick’s Day Festival at Savoy Recreation Center: https://www.facebook.com/events/1549743952328396
Bee Lucky Fairy Garden Workshop: https://www.thehivemahomet.com/workshops
90’s Daughter St. Patrick’s Day Party: https://www.facebook.com/events/569698372570479
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: March 7–9

This episode, Terri & Carly share a wonderfully diverse set of events for all in the Champaign-Urbana area featuring theatre from Champaign-Urbana Theatre Company, Fighting Illini Sports, Literacy for all, an outdoor collaboration between Champaign County Forest Preserves and Uniting Pride, and world-class musicians and composers on campus. Tune in and make your weekend plans!
 
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/
CUTC presents Little Women: https://www.facebook.com/events/1154375309579268/1165180265165439
Fighting Illini Spring Sports: https://fightingillini.com/calendar
Read Across America at Lincoln Square: https://www.urbanaparks.org/calendar/events/free-read-across-america-at-lincoln-square
OUTside in Champaign Forests: https://www.champaignforests.org/events/details/outside-in-champaign-forests-march-2025
The Enchanted Viola: https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/45/33514288
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events

Episode 60: Illinois Soul Inspiring & Empowering Communities

With one year in the books, Illinois Soul has become a force in inspiring and empowering our community. Terri & Carly chat with Jill Clements from this new station from Illinois Public Media that serves the adult African American audience. Learn about the beginnings of this station, their programming, and how they are bringing people together.
Stay tuned for a weekend of fun events throughout 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/
Illinois Soul: https://will.illinois.edu/illinoissoul
Illinois Public Media: https://will.illinois.edu
Taste of Language: https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/4193?eventId=33508086
Leaves: https://twincitytheatreco.ludus.com/index.php
Free Walker’s Book Club: https://www.urbanaparks.org/calendar/events/free-walkers-book-club
Champaign-Urbana’s Anime and Comic Convention: https://www.ui-con.org/
Star Gazing at Sola: https://www.solagratiacsa.com/events/stargazing-at-sola
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: February 20–23

Coming out of a week of cold weather, it’s finally time to get out and about in C-U. Whether it’s hairy, scary tarantulas at the 42nd Annual Insect Fear Film Festival, a Black Joy celebration, one-act plays, Fighting Illini Women’s Gymnastics, or tapping maple trees, Terri & Carly share ways to celebrate the diversity of our community 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/
Black Joy Social with Open Mic, Step Performance & Choir: https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-Parkland/Newsroom/Parkland-Events?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D1239604963
Playwright Showcase: A Night of Original One-Act Plays: https://monticellotheatre.org/tickets/
42nd Inest Fear Film Festival: https://publish.illinois.edu/uiuc-egsa/ifff/#41st%20IFFF
Illini Women’s Gymnastics Senior Night: https://fightingillini.com/sports/womens-gymnastics/schedule
Sap to Syrup: Exploring Maple Tapping in Central Illinois: https://www.champaignforests.org/events/details/sap-to-syrup-exploring-maple-tapping-in-central-illinois-2025
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events

Episode 59: The Epicenter of Biomanufacturing

Acres of agriculture surrounding the Champaign-Urbana area translates into investment in AgTech. Terri & Carly chat with Beth from the University of Illinois’ Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory about the newly designated iFab Tech Hub and its profound impact on the community. Stay tuned in to schedule your Valentine’s weekend around the C-U 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/
iFab Tech Hub: https://ifabtechhub.research.illinois.edu/
Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory: https://ibrl.aces.illinois.edu/
AgTech Week: https://www.cuagtechweek.com/
Valentine’s Day Comedy with Bob Zany: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/214-730pm-yellow-and-co-valentines-day-show-with-comedian-bob-zany-tickets-1094872034729?aff=oddtdtcreatortor
Anti-Valentine’s Day: https://www.facebook.com/events/1118567616149469
Land of Drinkin’: https://www.facebook.com/events/1130286168711702/
CU International Film Festival: https://www.cuiff.org/
CUSF We Are The Schools Music Fest: https://www.facebook.com/events/883147683668899
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: February 7–9

The weekend is finally upon us! From live music, Lunar New Year celebrations, female, Black-led comedy, and powerful stories from local women, there’s a lot of ways to get out this weekend. Tune in to Chambana Proud as Terri & Carly give their weekend wrap-up!
 
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/
Folk & Roots Winter Weekend: https://www.facebook.com/events/970497498304517
PostMark Urbana: https://www.facebook.com/events/2408071419536252
That’s What She Said: https://shesaidproject.com/event/2025-champaign-urbana-il/
Set It Off Women Comedy Show: https://www.facebook.com/events/3963075033964627
Kurishio: An Exploration of Sound to Celebrate Lunar New Year: https://www.facebook.com/events/991262786243584/
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events

Episode 58: We Fly CU

Flying local is one of the biggest conveniences of Champaign-Urbana. Carly & Terri sit down with Tim Bannon from the University of Illinois Willard Airport to answer all those questions from new routes, new airlines, and yes, parking. Stay tuned in for a weekend of fun events 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/
University of Illinois Willard Airport: https://iflycu.com/
Comic & Toy Show: https://www.facebook.com/events/1891551598021562
Newborn Goats + Yoga Pajama Party: https://www.facebook.com/events/917581620475873/
Secondhand Sweethearts Market: https://www.facebook.com/events/1116152336912021
Illinois Soul 1st Anniversary Celebration: https://krannertcenter.com/events/illinois-soul-1st-anniversary-celebration-loose-ends-featuring-jane-eugene
FusionFest: Lunar New Year Celebration: https://krannertcenter.com/events/fusionfest-lunar-new-year-celebration
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: January 23–27

It’s finally Restaurant Week! Terri & Carly talk about what they’re looking forward to and tips for making it a fun week. With students back on campus, there are plenty of other events this weekend to help you stay warm, from a Dance Film Festival to a Spelling Bee to a Drag Show. Tune in to plan your 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/
Champaign-Urbana Area Restaurant Week: https://experiencecu.org/events/restaurant-week
Flatlands Dance Festival: https://www.spurlock.illinois.edu/events/event.php?ID=2538
3rd Annual Pineapple Fest: https://www.facebook.com/events/1312459703120408/
Adult Spelling Bee: https://www.facebook.com/events/1358568862188309/
Inferno! An Alt Drag Show: https://www.facebook.com/events/624107520037047
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events