Chambana Proud

What's Happening in Chambana: January 16–18

Terri & Carly are back with ideas ways to get out in 2026, starting with this weekend! From a new exhibit at the Urbana Free Library to celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, you’ll be sure to find brilliant ways to stay active this holiday weekend.
 
Tune in 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/
Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad Travelling Exhibit Opening: https://urbanafreelibrary.libnet.info/event/15076847
Custom Home and Interior Showcase: https://www.customhomeandinterior.com/
Community Seed Exchange at Sola Gratia Farm: https://www.solagratiacsa.com/events/2nd-annual-community-seed-exchange
The 1985—Totally 80’s Mixtape: https://thecadillacevents.com/etn/the-1985-totally-80s-mixtape-live/
40th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Service of Celebration: https://eeborman.wixsite.com/website-8
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events

Episode 81: Our Annual Ask Us Anything

It’s time for Carly & Terri’s annual Ask Us Anything episode. Find out what their favorite trip together was this year, where their go-to international food destinations are, what drives them crazy about each other’s work style, their favorite moments of the year, and much more.
 
They wrap up some weekend events in the Champaign-Urbana area, so tune in to plan your end-of-year markets, light displays, live music, and more.
 
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/
Amasong Solstice Concert: https://www.amasong.org/
Hibernation Solstice Market: https://www.cloudmountainkombucha.com/
Pathway of Lights Santa Night: https://www.aikmanwildlife.com/
Winter Lights in Downtown Urbana: https://www.urbanail.gov/community-development-services/page/arts-culture-calendar-events
Rose Bowl Holiday Spectacular: https://rosebowltavern.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: December 12–14

Winter celebrations and holiday happenings can be found throughout the Champaign-Urbana region this weekend. Terri & Carly round up some of the weekend’s top events, with local theatre, a Santa 5K, a winter lights display, and much more.
 
Tune in to plan your weekend at chambanaproud.com or wherever you podcast.
 
This episode is sponsored by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and supported by Busey Bank.
 
Email your questions for Carly & Terri for next week's episode to Jordan at jordan@champaigncountyedc.org.
 
Show links:
Krannert Center for Performing Arts: https://krannertcenter.com/
Busey Bank: https://www.busey.com/
Dot: https://stationtheatre.com/
8th Annual St. Joe Santa 5K Run/Walk: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/StJoseph/Santa5kRaces
Christmas in Tolono: https://www.facebook.com/events/673956705435666/
Season of Light and Santa’s Secret Star: https://parkland.universitytickets.com/w/default.aspx?cid=173
Winter Lights in Downtown Urbana: https://www.urbanail.gov/community-development-services/page/arts-culture-calendar-events
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events
 
 

Episode 80: Eating Her Way through Champaign-Urbana, One Story at a Time

When you want reviews on where to eat and drink in the C-U area, there’s no better resource than Alyssa Buckley, Food & Drink Editor at Smile Politely. Terri & Carly chat with this delightful food connoisseur who had some journalistic dreams come true in 2025. Here about this incredible experience and what she loves about dining out in our brilliant culinary scene.
 
Don’t miss out on the upcoming events this weekend, with a quick rundown of just a few of many happenings in the 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/
Smile Politely Food & Drink: https://www.smilepolitely.com/category/food-drink/
Derailed Fest: https://www.pretzlerecords.com/event-list
Tuscola Christmastown 2025: https://tuscola.org/residents/community-events/event/2025/12/05/christmastown-2025
Mahomet Village Christmas: https://visitmahomet.com/new/index.php/events/mahomet-village-christmas#
Allerton Holiday Showcase: https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/openingweekend/
Crisis Nursery Children’s Holiday Shop: https://www.facebook.com/events/1857481961841526/?acontext=%7B
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: November 27–30

Happy Thanksgiving! Terri & Carly have several ways for you to enjoy this festive weekend. Whether you start it off early this morning with the Urbana Park District’s Turkey Trot so you can feel good about filling your plate later, or you head out later this weekend to enjoy shopping local, holiday markets, festive parades, and lighted walks, we have the rundown for you!
 
Tune in 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/
58th Annual Turkey Trot: https://www.urbanaparks.org/calendar/events/free--58th-annual-turkey-trot
Riggs Christmas Market: https://www.riggsbeer.com/christmas-market-2025/
Paxton’s Annual Christmas Parade: https://www.paxtonmainstreet.com/event/paxtons-annual-christmas-parade/
Winter Fest & Parade of Lights: https://champaigncenter.com/parade-of-lights/
Lighted Walks: https://www.champaignforests.org/events/details/night-lights-2025 and https://champaignparks.org/winter-nights-at-prairie-farm/
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events

Episode 79: Shopping Local on Monticello’s Historic Square

Adding to the charm of Monticello’s Courthouse Square, Monticello Mercantile is your quintessential boutique featuring a variety of locally-made goods alongside must-have fashion items, and adorable baby items (even if you don’t have a baby!) Owner, Callie Jo, also with the City of Monticello, shares why shopping local is not only important during the holiday season, but all year long.
 
Plan your outings this weekend with a number of holiday markets, entertaining film, and your chance to visit the reindeer.
 
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/
Monticello Mercantile: https://www.monticello-mercantile.com/
Chambana Film Society Presents Found Footage Festival: https://www.chambanafilmfestival.org/
Gifford State Bank Country Christmas Craft Show: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Gifford-State-Bank-Craft-Show-100068785028089/
Mistletoe Market: https://mistletoemarketcu.square.site/
30th Annual Festival of Trees: https://champaign-urbana.jl.org/festival-of-trees/
Reindeer Experience Tour: https://www.reindeerranch.com/reindeer.html
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: November 14–16

Beyond football and basketball, there’s a lot happening around the area to fill your weekend. Terri & Carly run down a few events to check out, including the inaugural Midwest Yiddish Festival, theatrical performances, comedy, a Black Authors Book Fair, and a must-shop vintage market.
 
Tune in at chambanaproud.com or wherever you podcast.
 
This episode is sponsored by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and supported by Busey Bank.
Moon Over Buffalo
Kicks off tonight and plays all weekend, and next week at the Harold and Jean Miner Theatre at Parkland College
Described as a madcap comedy, the story follows two characters, George and Charlotte, fading stars of the 1950s who are on the brink of splitting up. They have one last shot at stardom as Frank Capra, the director of It’s a Wonderful Life, is coming to town to see their matinee and is considering casting them in his next movie remake. But everything that could go wrong does. The play is a perfect comedy for lovers of theatre and old Hollywood.
https://www.parkland.edu/Audience/Community-Business/Parkland-Presents/Theatre/Events/Theatre-Season/2025-2026-Theatre-Season/Moon-Over-Buffalo
2025 Midwest Yiddish Festival
Friday through Sunday across the community
This is the inaugural event celebrating Yiddish arts and culture, featuring live music, cooking and printmaking workshops, Yiddish 101, children’s story time, scholarly lectures, and more. Open to everyone this event, will be both on campus and off at spots like the Fab Lab, the Champaign Public Library, Illini Hillel, Sinai Temple, The Venue CU, Philips Recreation Center, and the ARC.
https://www.cujf.org/yiddishfest
Paula Poundstone
Friday at the Virginia Theatre
Legendary comedian Paula Poundstone will be on stage in Champaign, now known for her podcast Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone, and as a regular panelist on Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me! Her HBO special, Cats, Cops and Stuff is listed in Time magazine as one of the 5 finniest stand-up specials ever. Tickets are still available if you want to laugh all night.
https://thevirginia.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1046
Champaign Urbana Black Authors Book Fair
Saturday, 12–5pm at the IMC
Join in this celebration of Black literature and culture, where you’ll meet talented Black authors, discover new books, enjoy a reading corner, open mic opportunities, and more.
https://www.facebook.com/events/422777897492110
$15 & Under Vintage Market
Sunday, 11am–5pm at Lincoln Square Mall
This pop-up market from 217Flea is a curated selection of vintage, thrifted, and handmade pieces all at $15 and under. Refresh your wardrobe sustainably, and get one-of-a-kind finds. They’ll also have a free clothing swap on hand.
https://217flea.com/

Episode 78: From Seed to Spirit—Illinois Spirits Made from the Ground Up

A 5th generation, certified organic farm in Paxton, is shaping our palates to taste the difference in their homegrown spirits. Silver Tree Beer & Spirits, a sibling-owned distillery, is keeping it entirely local, down to the barrels that age their whiskey. Listen as Terri talks to Dallas Glazik to learn about the beginning of the business, the distillation process, and how we can experience their various offerings.
 
Stay tuned in to plan your perfect weekend in the Champaign-Urbana area, with art fairs, antiques, robots, cover bands, and inspiring short films.
 
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/
Silver Tree Beer & Spirits: https://www.silvertreebeerspirits.com
Country Spirit Antique Show: https://www.facebook.com/events/1809886313108481
The Great Cover Up: https://rosebowltavern.com/
Craft League of CU Annual Art Show: https://www.craftleaguecu.com/annual-art-fair-info
Robotics Robot Day: https://robotics.illinois.edu/
CU International Film Festival: https://www.cuiff.org/
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: October 31–November 2

From the University of Illinois Dad’s Weekend to spooky and cultural celebrations, there’s a lot happening this Halloween Weekend. Tune in as Carly and Terri do a run down of some of this weekend’s to-do activities, and hear Carly’s opinion on whether Terri should go through a haunted house. (Hint: the answer is absolutely not.)
 
Check out these events and more at experiencecu.org.
 
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/
Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy: Chapter Two: https://www.thevenuecu.com/promotionsandevents
U of I Dad’s Weekend: https://newstudent.illinois.edu/parents/dads-weekend
Champaign-Urbana Winter Farmers Market: https://www.thelandconnection.org/champaign-urbana-winter-farmers-market/
Dia de Los Muertos Celebration: https://champaignparks.org/event/dia-de-los-muertos-celebration/
Haunted Houses: https://217fear.com/index.html, https://www.facebook.com/nightmareatfoxhill
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/

Episode 77: Creating a New Vision for the Illinois Arboretum

The Illinois Arboretum, a campus and community favorite, has a new visionary. Terri & Carly sit down with Derek Peterson, who, alongside an incredible team, made Allerton Park & Retreat Center a must-visit destination. Derek, leading the same team, will bring a brilliant vision to the Arboretum to create a cohesive space filled with experiences as diverse as the ecosystems found within. Tune in to learn about their short- and long-term plans.
 
Stay tuned in to plan your weekend in the Champaign-Urbana, with everything from CU Pride Fest, to fall vibes at Flannel Fest, and so much more.
 
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 Arboretum: https://arboretum.illinois.edu/
Allerton Park & Retreat Center: https://allerton.illinois.edu/
Fade: https://stationtheatre.com/
Savoy Recreation Center Fall Carnival: https://savoyil.recdesk.com/Community/Calendar
Flannel Fest: https://champaignparks.org/event/flannel-fest/
Pride Fest: https://www.unitingpride.org/2025-schedule.html
Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary: https://thevirginia.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1044
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events