Illinois Public Media

Feature Story

Spotlight on an influential Black composer

 There’s been a lot of buzz lately about eighteenth-century composer Joseph Bologne, aka Chevalier de Saint-Georges. And it’s no wonder. His music rivals, and even surpasses, that of his better-known contemporaries, and his biography is truly remarkable. So remarkable, in fact, that a feature film was recently made on his life. In light of Bologne’s recent entrance into the popular consciousness, the Clef Notes blog is revisiting Roger Cooper’s Classically Black episode, which recounts the fascinating life story of Joseph Bologne to the soundtrack of some of his works.
Illinois Newsroom
The 21st: A public radio talk show that brings you the news, culture, and stories that matter to Illinois. On the air Monday through Thursday at 11 a.m.
Atomic Age Cocktail Party
Atomic Age logo with an illustration of a man playing a grand piano. Text reads Episode 1066 Pleasurable Pianos.

Pleasurable Pianos (1066)
This time on The Atomic Age Cocktail Party, we’re tickling the ivories and enjoying some Pleasurable Pianos. A selection of some of the smoothest piano players of the…
Evening Concert
Adolphus Hailstork

Gateways Radio
Friday night June 2 at 6:00 on WILL-FM 90.9 it’s Gateways Radio. Garrett McQueen is your host. You’ll hear the Gateways Festival Orchestra led by Michael Morgan…
Classic Mornings
classic morning logo bird

While We Still Have The Chance
I blew it!
The 217 Today Podcast
The former Inn of Chicago hotel in Streeterville is currently being used as a shelter for migrant families.

217 Today: Migrants seek asylum in Chicago, causing debates over resources
In today's deep dive, we’ll learn more about the humanitarian crisis of migrants seeking asylum that’s currently escalating in Chicago.
The 21st Show

Best of: New IL national park honors first town founded by a formerly enslaved man
In late 2022, the first town in Illinois to be legally founded by a formerly enslaved person became a national park. The 21st was joined by a professor…
The 21st Show
Part of the 1910 iron fence stands in front of the Pullman Clock Tower and Administration building in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago. Supporters of the revitalization of Chicago's historic Pullman neighborhood say they have the money for more restoration work, five years after then-President Barack Obama designated part of the area as a national monument. A central part of the restoration is the Pullman Clock Tower and Administration building, which will convert into a visitors center.

Best of: The civil rights legacy behind one of Illinois’ new national parks
To talk about the area's history, connection to the civil rights movement and legacy, The 21st was joined by the assistant superintendent of the park and a…
Prairie Fire

Prairie Fire: Episode 1 - May 2023
Prairie Fire makes its return with stories about Paralympian Susannah Scaroni, restauranteur Mubanga Chanda and "American Idol" star Leah Marlene.
Mid-American Gardener

The Secrets of a Thriving Summer Garden
From cultivating asparagus and rhubarb to discovering perennial shade alternatives, addressing chlorosis in plants, and finding the best garden hose, we’ve got you…
State of Change

State of Change examines how Illinoisans manage carbon
Carbon is a key to life on Earth. Whether its air, animals, people, plants, or water, it would not be possible without carbon. Human use of carbon means Illinois and our…

What to Watch This Month

WILL Passport

With a gift of $5 or more per month, WILL Passport provides extended access to your favorite PBS and WILL-TV programs, on-demand, anytime, anywhere.

Woman and man sit at desk text says Miss Scarlet and The Duke WILL Passport

Miss Scarlet and The Duke

As a special exclusive member benefit, WILL Passport holders can binge Season 3 of Miss Scarlet and the Duke early, before it premieres on WILL-TV in January 2023.