Chambana Proud

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

What's Happening in Chambana: October 17–19

Another fall weekend is here, filled with events to spread across the area to enjoy. Terri & Jordan share some of this week’s top picks:
1: CU Jazz Festival
2: Odd Market & Tattoo Fest
3: 16th Annual DisAbility Resource Expo
4: Sinfonia da Camera: Love Triangle
5: Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball (yes! They’re back!)
 
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/
CU Jazz Festival: https://www.cujazzfest.org/
Odd Market & Tattoo Fest: https://www.oddmarket.org/
16th Annual Disability Resource Expo: https://www.disabilityresourceexpo.org/
Sinfonia da Camera: Love Triangle: https://krannertcenter.com/events/sinfonia-da-camera-love-triangle
Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball: https://fightingillini.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events

Episode 76: Getting Lost in Your Community Bookstore

What started as a feminist bookstore has become a three-story building, filled to the brim with used books and local history gems. Jane Addams Book Shop in downtown Champaign is a beloved stop for readers young and old, who find treasures among the inventory of over 70,000 books! Tune in to hear about the story of this shop and some of Judy’s favorite picks.
Stay tuned to plan your weekend out and about 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/
Jane Addams Book Shop: https://www.janeaddamsbooks.com/
Delight Flower Farm Fall Bulb Sale: https://www.delightflowerfarm.com/events/fall-bulb-sale-2025
Fighting Illini Football vs. #1 Ohio State: https://fightingillini.com/
C-U Small Press Fest: https://illinoislibraries.wixsite.com/smallpressfestcu/2025-events
Fungi Festival: https://www.urbanaparks.org/fungifest
Comedian Brian Hicks at Yellow & Company: https://yellowandcoevents.com/buy-tickets
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 2–5

While the Illini are away this weekend, the community is bursting with activities. Terri & Carly run down just a few of the many ways to get out and enjoy all fall has to offer. Urbana will be hopping with live music at the CU Folk & Roots Festival, joining up with more fall fun at the Urbana Fall Fusion Festival. Mahomet breaks out the pumpkins for their inaugural Fall for Mahomet Festival. Beckman Institute takes their Open House to downtown Champaign for a STEM Crawl for all ages; and the community comes together to walk and run for those we cherish at the Run to Remember. Enjoy these events and so much more in and around Champaign-Urbana 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/
Folk & Roots Festival: https://folkandroots.org/
2025 Run to Remember: https://illinoismarathon.com/races/run-to-remember/
Beckman STEM Crawl: https://beckman.illinois.edu/outreach/beckman-stem-crawl
Fall for Mahomet Festival: https://www.facebook.com/events/4112072835780198
Urbana Fall Fusion Festival: https://40north.org/our_programs/urbana-fall-fusion-festival/
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events

Episode 75: Collaboration, Community, and Just Really Cool Art

Known for Friday Night Live and the Boneyard Arts Festival, 40 North, the Champaign County Arts Council, never stops with programming and collaborations. Kelly and Elsie share upcoming events with this weekend's Saturday Night Live: Homecoming Edition, followed by the Urbana Fall Fusion Festival next weekend. Learn about the community partnerships that help this dynamic duo keep our cities vibrant and provide opportunities for artists and cultures of all kinds.
Don’t miss the round up of this weekend’s events—it’s a busy one!
 
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/
40 North: https://40north.org
Illinois Homecoming: https://homecoming.illinois.edu/
Pokey Lafarge: https://rosebowltavern.com/
Weekend Train at Monticello Railway Museum: https://www.mrym.org/schedule
Downtown Champaign Historic Buildings Tour: https://www.champaigncountyhistory.org/event-details/downtown-champaign-historic-buildings-tour-1
Live Comedy at Alto Vineyards: https://www.cucomedy.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: September 18–21

While it may not feel autumnal outside, fall festival season remains in full swing! Terri & Jordan share a few of the many ways to spend your weekend in the Champaign-Urbana area. From live music at Pygmalion, German celebrations at Riggs Beer Company, a streetfest in Paxton, a comic book & toy fair, and a look back at the first Farm Aid, this weekend is bursting with opportunities to get out.
 
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/
Pygmalion: https://thisispygmalion.com/
Riggs Oktoberfest: https://www.riggsbeer.com/events/riggs-oktoberfest-2/
Swine ‘N Dine: https://www.paxtonswinendine.com/
Champaign Comic Book Toy Show: https://www.facebook.com/events/1861368144695898
Songs of Solidarity: The 1985 Farm Aid Concert Exhibit Opening: https://www.spurlock.illinois.edu/events/event.php?ID=2603
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events

Episode 74: The Hidden Gem of Downtown Champaign

Champaign-Urbana is bursting with artisans, but the craftsmanship on display at Roberts: The Fine Art of Jewelry is a new level of brilliance. Carly and Terri talk with Cindy Westfall, who leads the custom design work, about her process in creating just the right piece. Pro tip: if you’re shopping for jewelry for the holidays, get started now.
Stay tuned in for a full weekend of events, including Urbana Park District’s Meadowbrook Park Jazz Walk, West Side Arts, the Flatlands Dance Film Festival, Haunts & Legends of the University of Illinois, and the final Toast to Taylor Street of the season.
 
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/
Robert’s: The Fine Art of Jewelry: https://www.robertsjewelrychampaign.com/
Flatlands Dance Film Festival: https://www.spurlock.illinois.edu/events/event.php?ID=2609
Meadowbrook Park Jazz Walk: https://www.urbanaparks.org/calendar/events/meadowbrook-park-jazz-walk
Haunts & Legends of the University of Illinois: https://www.champaigncountyhistory.org/event-details/haunts-and-legends-of-the-university-of-illinois
Toast to Taylor Street: https://www.facebook.com/toasttotaylor
West Side Arts: https://40north.org/our_programs/west-side-arts/
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events