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Vanessa Ferguson
Community Voices - Production CoordinatorVanessa is the Community Voices Production Coordinator. Reach Vanessa at vfergu3@uis.edu.
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Payton Case is a dancer from Central Illinois. He performs in the new film "Descendants: The Rise of Red" on Disney+. Craig and Vanessa from the Beyond the Mouse podcast chat with Case about how he made his way to the big screen, advice for the next generation of dancers and the "behind the scenes" of filming.
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The Perspectives Art Gallery in Petersburg, Ill. will feature an exhibit titled “Metamorphosis” from July 27 to Aug. 17, featuring the work of artist Daniel Lai. Lai spoke to Community Voices about what inspires him and how he repurposes discarded or damage items into thought provoking art.For more information about the exhibit visit: https://perspectivesartgallery.com/events/
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The much loved musical “Hello Dolly” is playing at The Legacy Theatre July 12-14, 17-21 and 24-28. Director Ed MacMurdo and star of the show Cynda Wrightsman, who portrays Dolly Levi, spoke to Community Voices about what makes this show so special.For more information about Hello Dolly visit: https://www.atthelegacy.com/
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Thanks to a Healing Illinois grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Field Foundation of Illinois, administered by the United Way of Central Illinois, the NPR Illinois team is visiting several diverse communities to discuss what it's like to live in central Illinois. In this LISTEN session, you hear from the interfaith community. With help from the Greater Springfield Interfaith Association, we spoke to several different leaders and representatives from various faith communities in Springfield including the Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Baha'i and Buddhist communities.
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Rev. Dr. Cary Beckwith serves Springfield Grace United Methodist Church. He spoke to Community Voices about the church’s role in improving life in Springfield through community engagement including its Serving with Amazing Grace or SWAG program.
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Hannah Levin is playing Cinderella in the Springfield Muni’s upcoming production of "Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella." She spoke to Community Voices about the show as well as her experiences in the Springfield area theatre community.
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Jaleesa Davis is the founder of the hair braiding organization Girls Glory, as well as the owner of Glaze Hair & Nail Salon. She spoke to Community Voices about her passion for hair, entrepreneurship and mentorship in the Springfield area.
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Kathy Brennan hosts “Never Ever Really Dirty” comedy shows every other month at Harvest Market. She spoke to Community Voices about the creation of NERD Comedy as well as her journey with standup comedy in the Springfield area. The next upcoming performance is June 24 at 7 p.m. at Harvest Market in Springfield, IL.
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Dr. Aimee Daily is the new president and CEO of Children’s Miracle Network. She is also a Springfield native. She spoke to Community Voices about her personal experiences which led her to Children’s Miracle Network. She also explained how local donations and rounding up at the checkout benefits HSHS St. John's Children's Hospital in Springfield.
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The Kidzeum of Health and Science is installing two murals at its entrance that will allow visitors to feel like an insect as they walk toward the entrance. Muralist Jane Kim spoke to Community Voices about the murals, her experience as a science illustrator and how the murals will allow visitors to reflect on the nature around them.For more information about Jane Kim visit: https://inkdwell.com/