Prairie Performances: Jazz
Prairie Performances Jazz Kurt Bielema
Tonight, we’ll explore a taste of what the Illinois jazz scene has to offer, what local artists are creating and listening to, and how to find jazz performances in your hometown. I had the pleasure of meeting with Jenelle Orcherton in the studio to discuss the upcoming CU Jazz Fest, Champaign-Urbana’s annual Jazz festival, which she founded eleven years ago. Jenelle was a huge help in selecting music for this episode, so we’ll get to hear some of the artists that have inspired her lately, including many from the state of Illinois!
This episode aired August 21st, 2025 on WILL, Classical 90.9.
Song list:
“Witches Dance” from Cortadito by the Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective
“Always Left” from Twin Talk Live by Twin Talk
“Yet Distant Stairs” from The Charm of Impossibilities by Chad McCullough
“Highland Road” by Chris Beyt
“On a Clear Day” by the Joy Yang Trio
“Mank” by Roberto Occhipinti
“No Volvi” by Okantomi
“The Girl from Ipanema” by the Oscar Peterson Trio
“Ghosts of Us” by Emily Kuhn
“Water Protectors” by Alex Massa
