Illinois Public Media

Music

Paintings and vintage photographs of composers who wrote songs of love.

The Love Stories that Inspired Musical Masterpieces

 Whether burning from afar or passionately reciprocated, love has been a fruitful muse for many of the great composers. Come along as we celebrate Valentine’s Day with the love stories that inspired four famous compositions.
IPM Newsroom
The linup for Uncorked concerts in February 2026, celebrating the second anniversary of Illinois Soul FM 101.1: Chris Greene, Therapy, Zo! and Tall Black Guy
Afternoon at the Opera

Afternoon at the Opera: Idomeneo
On this episode of Afternoon at the Opera, the 1986 rebroadcast of Mozart's Idomeneo. Saturday at Noon on Illinois Classical.
Atomic Age Cocktail Party
Atomic Age logo with an illustration of two martini glasses with hearts in them.

Valentine’s Day Special (157)
Love is on the air this week on The Atomic Age Cocktail Party. It’s our special two-hour Valentine’s Day program filled with lots of music just perfect for your romantic…
Evening Concert

The Evening Concert on Illinois Classical
ILLINOIS CLASSICAL: The Evening Concert: FEBRUARY 8 – 9 –10 – 11 – 12 – 13, 2026 
The 21st Show
a tall store sign against a clear blue sky; it reads Rise Community Market and Rise & Shine Deli Cafe, with movable type at the bottom reading

Cairo, Illinois, loses its only grocery store — again
Cairo, Illinois, spent seven years as a “food desert” — until 2023, when residents banded together to open a co-op grocery store. But as of January, the store is closed.…
The 21st Show
a stylized mosaic with the colors of the trans pride flag: pink, white and bue

Running (for office) while trans
Trans people have been much discussed in American politics — from sports to bathrooms to health care. But their representation in elected office has been minimal.…
The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Visa delays, rising costs, tightening restrictions and fear are keeping international artists from visiting the Midwest
 Under the Trump administration, rising visa costs and fears at ports of entry are keeping more international artists and musicians away from the Midwest.
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

Cool plants, Winter Gardening, and Valentine Flower Care
Winter gardening tips, flower care secrets, and how to start seeds outdoors using simple containers.
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.