Chambana Proud

The Spurlock Museum on campus holds tens of thousands of artifacts from six continents, thoughtfully curated across 9 permanent exhibits, but ultimately this dynamic spot showcases our shared humanity. Terri and Carly talk with Beth about upcoming exhibits and events that create thoughtful discussions, empathy, and action.   Stay tuned to plan a full fall weekend with many ways to start your holid...

When it comes to shopping for local art, opportunities are everywhere. Carly and Terri chat with Cammie from the Craft League for Champaign-Urbana and Kiri from the Champaign-Urbana Spinners & Weavers Guild about their upcoming fairs, happening the weekend of November 6–8. These organizations don’t just create opportunity for artists to sell, they provide a space for creativity and collaborati...

Things are getting spooky in C-U! Terri and Jordan share some ideas on how to get in the Halloween spirit this weekend. Among the many things this weekend holds, you’ll find a murder mystery, a flannel fest with lumberjacks (!), a music and thrift festival, an eerie evening, and some monster photo ops.   Tune in at chambanaproud.com or wherever you podcast and start planning.   This episode is spo...

The Champaign-Urbana area will be hopping this weekend! Terri & Carly run down just a few of the many events that will keep you busy on this fall weekend. Enjoy some whiskey, jazz, time on a flower farm, some aliens, and plenty of Pride.   Tune in at chambanaproud.com or wherever you podcast and start planning.   This episode is sponsored by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and supporte...

When the community supports local arts, we keep artists in our area, and we get to enjoy brilliant groups like the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra. Terri and Jordan talk with Vijay, the Executive Director, to learn about how this group is rooted in community, their upcoming 67th season, and how they’re reaching out to the next generation of musicians.   Stay tuned in to plan your ideal fall we...

It’s Illinois Homecoming Week, and Terri and Carly have all the Illini events for you to head out to this weekend. Beyond the campus activities, check out events in our surrounding communities, including a pumpkin fest in Arthur, Octoberfest in Monticello, or head to Alto Vineyards for a Renaissance Faire. Wrap up your weekend at the Vet Med Open House for a sneak peek into their work on animals o...

While football is away, the Champaign-Urbana area will play. Terri & Carly highlight some of this weekend’s must-do events, including Pygmalion, with dozens of performances from music, comedy, literature, and more to enjoy. Continue the celebration of reading at the Youth Literature Festival; get musical theatre celebrating 35 years with the Champaign-Urbana Theatre Company; pay tribute to the...

In Champaign-Urbana, welcome is a community effort. Francisco Baires of the New American Welcome Center and Ashlyn Henke of The Refugee Center join Terri and Jordan to explore how Welcoming Week brings Chambana together. From shared food and music to stories and new friendships, discover how celebrating immigrant and refugee neighbors builds belonging and strengthens our whole community. Plus, lea...

Fall events are in full swing, as this weekend is hoppin’ in the C-U area! Terri & Jordan run down the many ways you can get out. Celebrate the history of Broomcorn in Arcola, spend all weekend playing games in Savoy, cheer on Fighting Illini Football at Memorial Stadium, and be wowed by our vast art scene at two big arts events in Champaign & Urbana.   Tune in at chambanaproud.com or wher...

Jenny and Vaughn, owners of the new Haypenny Market in downtown Champaign, talk to Carly and Terri this week about what drove them to create the first convenience store/lunch counter in the modern downtown district. Evoking memories of Woolworth’s, this new spot fills a void and is finding ways to connect the community.     Stay tuned in to plan your Labor Day weekend, from Krannert Center’s Openi...

This weekend, Terri & Carly say goodbye for now to our summer programming while we welcome back our fall Illini sports. Add in an annual music festival, a top-notch costume and prop sale, and the return of RC Fest, and you have a busy weekend in the C-U area.   Tune in at chambanaproud.com or wherever you podcast and start planning.   This episode is sponsored by Krannert Center for the Perfor...

Parkland College is celebrating 60 years of making education and employment a possibility for tens of thousands in our region. Carly & Terri talk with Dr. Pam Lau, Parkland College President, about the impact over the years and how they are finding innovative ways to create learning opportunities that meet people where they’re at and position graduates for strong careers.   Keep tuned in for t...

Find ways to cool down this weekend before students return to campus! Terri & Carly run down a few ways to get out and cool in the C-U area. From flamingo races, to Black comedy, music and hikes under dark skies, celebrating upcoming screenwriters, and local businesses, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy.   This episode is sponsored by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and supported by...

Our summer weekends are waning, but Terri & Carly are back to share the many ways you can enjoy these last few weekends before school starts. From community celebrations to blues fests, movies on the country’s largest scoreboard, and theatre performances.   Tune in at chambanaproud.com or wherever you podcast and start planning.   This episode is sponsored by Krannert Center for the Performing...

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...

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 Cen...

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 Jul...

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 support...

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...

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 June...

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...

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 Bu...

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 fo...

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 Cent...

Farmers’ markets are back in action in the Champaign-Urbana area, but how do these growers get their start, and how are they supported? Meet the Land Connection. Terri & Jordan talk with Jacquelyn, Executive Director, about their farm trainings, education, and resources to help first generation farmers, and how they make local ingredients accessible for all.   We have more ideas on how to get...