Illinois Public Media

Arts and Culture

All new “Prairie Fire” explores the work of extraordinary Illinois-based artists

 In March's episode, artist Brian Dettmer transforms ordinary books into extraordinary sculptures. "Prairie Fire" gets to know professional quilter Millie Sorrells of Macomb, Illinois. At 93 years old, her intricate work has garnered national recognition. Viewers will also see a performance by Mother Nature, a women-led hip-hop group that got their start here in Central Illinois.
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Clef Notes

“I Hear America Singing” Celebrates American History Through Song
As part of its commemoration of America 250, the Peoria Riverfront Museum presents I Hear America Singing, an original performance curated by Julie and Nathan Gunn and their…
Atomic Age Cocktail Party
Atomic Age logo with an illustration of a court jester holidn a guitar.

These Foolish Things (160)
Coming up, on The Atomic Age Cocktail Party, “These Foolish Things.” It’s a show featuring song about being fooled or playing the fool. We’ll hear from Etta James,…
Evening Concert

The Evening Concert on Illinois Classical
ILLINOIS CLASSICAL: The Evening Concert: MARCH 15 – 16 –17 – 18 – 19 – 20, 2026 
The 21st Show

Journalist documents untold stories of Tuskegee Airmen in new book
Roughly 1,000 African-American men were trained in Tuskegee, Alabama to serve as military aviators in World War II. A new book takes a deep dive into the stories of airmen,…
The 21st Show

Belleville farm welcomes spring with tulip festival
Spring has officially begun. At Eckert’s Farm in Belleville, visitors can find an upcoming season dedicated to the colorful flower, check out the Tulip Trail and enjoy a…
The 21st Show
Nate Daubert (right) works at Eastend, a wellness center with a sauna in Chicago's Fulton Market District.

What to know about sauna wellness
Saunas have always been around in some form, but there’s more and more sauna businesses opening up, and content creators online are sharing all sorts of health claims…
Prairie Fire

Prairie Fire: Season 3 - Episode 6 - March 2026
We introduce you to the art of Brian Dettmer, get a special performance from hip-hop duo Mother Nature, and visit with quilter Millie Sorrells, who shows us creativity has no…
Mid-American Gardener

Peach Pruning and Early Spring Planting Guide
Pruning peaches, planting onions, and what to sow in early March. It’s almost spring and we’re getting our seeds, minds and garden ideas ready. 
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.