In this installment of Illinois Country: Live at Home, Champaign-Urbana’s very own Dawna Nelson is joined by Tom Grassman and Guido Esteves – from 90s Daughter – and they are bringing us their spin on the Tammy Wynette song, Apartment Number Nine. Dawna has spent her career performing for audiences all around the Midwest, sharing the stage with Bill Anderson, Gene Watson, Charlie Daniels, Charley Pride, Randy Travis, Sawyer Brown, and Alison Krauss. Whether she is breaking your heart with a bluesy ballad or rocking the joint like nobody’s business, Dawna always brings her own unique style.
The WILL-TV spin off series Illinois Country: Live at Home showcases country artists with Illinois roots performing their songs from the safety of their homes as we shelter in place. Many of these artists may appear at a later date in front of a live studio audience on Illinois Country Live! from WILL-TV.
In this installment of “Illinois Country: Live at Home,” Chicago-based bluegrass band Henhouse Prowlers perform "Simplify," a song written by Ben Benedict. The band has toured with both the US State Department and with their non-profit, Bluegrass Ambassadors, talking with audiences worldwide about folk music, its intricate cultural diversity, and likenesses. On stage, in workshops, and wherever they are performing, the Henhouse Prowlers find and spread the commonality we share as human beings through the universal language of music.
The WILL-TV spin off series Illinois Country: Live at Home showcases country artists with Illinois roots performing their songs from the safety of their homes as we shelter in place. The Henhouse Prowlers are excited to appear at a later date in front of a live studio audience on "Illinois Country Live!" from WILL-TV.
In this installment of “Illinois Country: Live at Home,” songwriters John and Julie Pennell perform "Your Body Never Forgets," a song they co-wrote for their upcoming album. Both John and Julie were featured throughout Illinois Country – Illinois Public Media’s one-long documentary exploring Illinois’ role in the history of country music.
This spin-off series from WILL-TV showcases country artists with Illinois roots performing their songs—for now, from the safety of their homes as we shelter in place. Many of these artists may appear at a later date in front of a live studio audience on "Illinois Country Live!" from WILL-TV.
John and Julie Pennell’s new album, called "Keep on Walkin,” debuts June 6, 2020. Visit their website for more information, www.julieandjohnpennell.com.
In this special version of “Illinois Country Live at Home,” Illinois native and Curb Records recording artist Mo Pitney sings his new song, "Ain't Lookin' Back" from his newly-built home outside Nashville.
Many people believe 'real' country music died years ago. In this short video, Belmont University professor Don Cusic and country star David Lee Murphy weigh on the controversy.
Renowned fiddler and vocalist Andrea Zonn discusses her upbringing in Urbana, IL, her career playing with stars including Vince Gill and James Taylor and the personal revelations that have helped make her one of the most sought-after musicians in Nashville.
Want to watch Illinois Country? Get the upcoming airings on WILL-TV and on public media stations throughout Illinois. Or watch the full Illinois Country film right now through Passport, a benefit of membership with WILL for donations of $5/month or more.
Country star Suzy Bogguss and renowned Nashville fiddler and singer Andrea Zonn collaborate for the first time in this hour long television special filmed in front of a live studio audience in the WILL TV studio. Host Sarah Edwards speaks with Bogguss and Zonn about their Illinois roots, their stellar careers and some of the lessons along the way. The program features in-studio performances by both artists and a special grand finale collaboration you won’t want to miss. Check out the show here!
Champaign, IL native Mark Rubel is an audio engineer, audio expert witness, band member and audio instructor at Nashville’s Blackbird Academy. Rubel appears in the upcoming “Illinois Country” documentary as part of the team that creates the original song “Backroads”. In this video, Rubel discusses his extensive career in both Illinois and Nashville.
