St. Louis duo, Bruiser Queen has been a Springfield favorite. Morgan Nusbaum (guitars/vocals) and Jason Potter (drums/vocals) pack a powerful punch combining garage/raw power & nostalgic smoothness.

Vanessa Lively of Austin, and Ben Bedford of Springfield, are musicians, songwriters, and visual artists. They perform in Springfield before the release of the album Mirroring the Wilderness.

Todd Snider died November 14, 2025. The following is an archival interview previewing his performance at a NPR Illinois Bedrock 66 Live show January 13, 2012.—Todd Snider says what’s on his mind. His music is steeped in his beliefs about war and politics, religion and any other subject often viewed as taboo for most artists. Snider’s latest cd “The Storyteller” allows him to further explain his songs and whatever else is on his mind.

Springfield native and jazz artist will perform at the Hoogland Center for the Arts on December 22. This will be her first concert in Springfield since her rise through the jazz world. Craig had a chance to catch up with Stella to ask about her new album "It's Magic." They also discuss what it means for her to return to her hometown and perform on the Hoogland stage, as well as some her favorite international touring spots.It's Magic is available now through Decca Records.

Keagan Cross and Harrison Ketchum of The Lovelorn share how the band is organizing a one-day festival to highlight central Illinois musicians after several festivals didn't take place this past year. The New Soil Music Festival is Nov. 1, 2025, 2 to 11 p.m. at Boondock's Pub.

Elnora Brooks and Calia Cole join Community Voices to share the work of R&B Live Ladies Edition and to elevate R&B in the central Illinois music scene.

Jacksonville's Jeff Davidsmeyer discusses reunion shows with the New Goat Ensemble, how they got their name, and playing with Brad Floreth and Bryan Leonard in the Way Out Yonders.

Musician and producer Aidan McParland played bagpipes with family in Springfield, graduated Illinois, and now finds himself at a studio in Chicago and performing as Forever

Vanessa Lively and Ben Bedford bring their instruments into NPR Illinois Studio A to share some of their latest collaborations including her new single, Red Wolf.

Community Voices has a new theme thanks to the Micah Walk Band dusting off the masters and stripping the vocals from their song, Last One Home. The band shares what they have been up to since playing together.