Dialogue

How Champaign got its groove back; Inside the creation of ‘The Beat’

Produced by Kennedy Vincent, Nidhi Shastri, and Penny Bradford
 
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Listen (Duration: 48:07)
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Editor's note: This episode of Dialogue was recorded prior to the September 9, 2024, arrest of Dante Scott.

The City of Champaign developed The Beat to support local downtown businesses, revive the entertainment scene, and unite the community. As the first year comes to an end, was it a success? 

Join us this week as Dialogue talks with the creators of The Beat about the importance of community spaces and their hopes for the new entertainment district. Then, hear from attendees live at The Beat on Market Street.  Finally, a conversation with Dr. Reginald Lewis, a saxophonist and music educator in Illinois. 

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GUESTS: 

Deborah Frank Feinen

  • Mayor of Champaign 

Danté Scott

  • Entertainment Manager for The Beat 
  • Founder of Slim Entertainment 

Dr. Reginald Lewis 

  • Director of Jazz at Illinois Wesleyan University 
  • Teacher of Jazz Improvisation at Chicago State University