Illinois Public Media

Music

Atomic Age logo with an illustration of Santa Claus carrying a sack of toys outdoors walking past some trees. Text reads

Hi-Fi Christmas on Atomic Age Cocktail Party

 This week on the program we’re all about spreading the musical holiday cheer. It's our annual Hi-Fi Christmas—a collection of some of the swingingest holiday music of all time! We’ll hear from The Three Suns, Patti Page, Mel Tormé, and many more!
IPM Newsroom
New season of Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. begins January 6 at 7:00 pm Central.
Clef Notes

The History of the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Concerts
On January 1, the Vienna Philharmonic rings in the New Year with its annual concert from the gilded Musikverein. Conducted for the first time by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the…
Prairie Performances
A Christmas card showing a bough of pine needles tied with a green ribbon. The card reads

Songs for Christmas Day
You know, choral music feels like such a perfect fit for Christmas Day.
Evening Concert

The Evening Concert on Illinois Classical
More Holiday programs this week on the Evening Concert
The 21st Show
VE Day

Remembering VE Day 80 years later
Eighty years ago at a school in Reims, France, German Army Field Marshall Jodl signed a five paragraph “Act of Military Surrender.” The Russians wanted the surrender…
The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: From ‘Grinchmas’ to chestnut roasts, these rural towns make the holidays central to their economy
In today’s deep dive, some rural towns are known for their holiday festivities. Tourist dollars are a big part of their local economy but getting people to town each year…
The 21st Show
A collage that includes a photo of author Shelby Van Pelt (a white woman with brown hair, wearing a navy blue outfit), and the cover of the book (which features a watercolor painting of bright orange octopus on the ocean floor)

Illinois author Shelby Van Pelt on the smash success of ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, novelist Shelby Van Pelt now makes her home in Wheaton, Illinois. Her debut novel, "Remarkably Bright Creatures," has been a…
Prairie Fire

Prairie Fire: Season 3 - Episode 4 - December 2025
We introduce you to Bloomington artist Herb Eaton, learn the important role the “Illinois Country” played in the American Revolution, and get a special holiday performance…
Mid-American Gardener

October 2025 Wrap-Up
We had back into the studio this month to show you some helpful ways to get ready for the winter!
State of Change

The state of the Illinois Prairie
State of Change 2025 looks at efforts to retain existing prairie in Illinois, as well as strategies to restore some areas to a more natural state.