#centralIllinoisMusicScene

Free concerts. paid artists. big impact. The Springfield Area Arts Council is hiring, and gearing up for a bigger-than-ever Levitt AMP season. Get involved and support local arts!

From Navy Band to solo “bass & spoken word,” William B. Hart blends Hendrix, Bach, bebop—and bold thoughts on AI. Hear his story on Community Voices.

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.

Writer, Educator, Activist, Poet, Christopher D. Sims relocated to Springfield from Rockford and is community organizer for Illinois Peoples Action.He attended Rust College, Mississippi’s oldest HBCU.

Ryan Napier and Clifton Jones talk gospel music and preview their Feb. 28, performance at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, The Good News Experience: A Journey Through Gospel Music.

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.

Ladd Mitchell introduced himself to the Community Voices audience to share his first novel, Theory Markspurn. After running a label and playing in California, he's returned home to launch his authorhood with a story of a high performing athlete and how the pressure is fracturing her health.

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.