Chambana Proud

Episode 84: The Art of Krannert Art Museum

Podcast Description:
We’ve all resorted to saying “KAM,” but when we do, we leave out the most important word—ART. At Krannert Art Museum, it’s more than what is on the walls. It is the years of planning that go into curating a show and the thought behind engagement efforts to make an exhibit come to life. Tune in as Carly and Terri chat with the people behind the scenes that help shape the serene and meaningful experiences that await in this community and campus gem.
 
Stay tuned in for ideas on how to celebrate Valentine’s Day and Lunar New Year!
 
Listen 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/
Krannert Art Museum: https://kam.illinois.edu
Head over Heels: The Musical: https://stationtheatre.ludus.com/index.php
Love is a Joke Comedy Tour: https://yellowandcoevents.com/buy-tickets
Outside in Champaign Forests: Love Birds Edition: https://www.champaignforests.org/events/details/outside-in-champaign-forests-love-birds-edition
Anti-Valentine’s Day : https://www.bentleyspub.com/
Korean New Year Games: https://www.spurlock.illinois.edu/events/event.php?ID=2672
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 6–8

This weekend is all about celebration. Terri & Carly share how you can celebrate Black History Month with Illinois Soul, the heart of folk music at Rose Bowl Tavern, world cultures through dance at Spurlock Museum, a new educational space at Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery, National Women & Girls in Sports Day with Fighting Illini Women’s Basketball, and the final weekend of the Champaign-Urbana Area Restaurant Week presented by the University of Illinois Community Credit Union.
 
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.
 
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
CU Folk & Roots Winter Weekend: https://rosebowltavern.com/
Flatlands Dance Film Festival: https://www.spurlock.illinois.edu/events/event.php?ID=2671
Prairie Fruits Farm Store & Classroom Grand Opening: https://www.prairiefruits.com/event-details/farm-store-classroom-grand-opening-party
Illinois Soul 2nd Anniversary featuring MAYSA: https://krannertcenter.com/events/illinois-soul-2nd-anniversary-featuring-maysa
National Women & Girls in Sports Day with Fighting Illini Women’s Basketball: https://fightingillini.evenue.net/promotions/event/WB25/15/WB25SELLOUT

A Restaurant Week Preview with Urbana’s New Go-to Diner

The 10th Annual Champaign-Urbana Area Restaurant Week presented by the University of Illinois Community Credit Union kicks off tomorrow! First time participant, Lazy Daisy Diner & Café, sits down with Carly & Terri to share more about their restaurant concept, how it came to be, the story behind the Giant Pancake, and what you can expect on their Restaurant Week menu.
 
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/
Lazy Daisy Diner & Café: https://lazydaisydiner.com/
Champaign-Urbana Area Restaurant Week: https://experiencecu.org/events/restaurant-week
Opening Night at the Museum: https://kam.illinois.edu/event/opening-night-museum-spring-2026
UI Con 2026: https://www.ui-con.org/
A Comedy Extravaganza: https://wl.eventim.us/event/a-comedy-extravaganza/676154?afflky=CanopyClub
Mudpuppy Festival: https://www.landconservationfoundation.org/events-1/mudpuppy-festival-2026
Moses the Black with the Chambana Film Society: https://www.chambanafilmsociety.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: January 23–25

This chilly weekend, Terri & Carly are encouraging you to stay inside when exploring the C-U area. Plenty of activities will keep you warm and cozy, including live music, STEM activities, pineapple margaritas, and local films.
 
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.
 
Show links:
Krannert Center for Performing Arts: https://krannertcenter.com/
Busey Bank: https://www.busey.com/
Neko Case: Neon Gray Midnight Green Tour: https://thevirginia.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1067
Innovation Center Open House: https://champaignparks.org/event/innovation-center-open-house/
Blue Sky Revival: Allman Brothers Tribute: https://rosebowltavern.com/
Pineapple Fest at Esquire Lounge: https://www.facebook.com/people/Esquire-Lounge-Inc/100063634990834/
Champaign Movie Makers 48-Hours Film Competition Screening : http://www.chambanafilmsociety.org/
Moses the Black Trailer: https://www.fathomentertainment.com/releases/moses-the-black
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 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