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.

#centralIllinoisMusicScene duo Bill Poss and JJ Passalacqua share their project LoveSeat and their new album, Our Way. Bill also organizes the Moccasin Creek Festival at Lake Sara in Effingham, this year June 19-22, and he shares this year's lineup.

Jack McLaughlin and Jordan Shea are joined by Noah Thuma in Scarlet's Darling. I Didn't Mean to Call Your Name, is their Feb. 7, 2025 album release.

The central Illinois band, Crash Planet, has two EPs out — 2023's Subconscious and 2024's False Summit. They play shows in the area and are planning a regional tour.