During rehearsal/media night of Gamma Phi Circus, we chatted with executive director Marcus Alouan about the 2024 theme - The Magic of Musicals. The show opened with a song from 'Burlesque' with a live singer. The night will also include live musicians to accompany the performers. Marcus tells us the 'wheels are already turning' for next year's theme much like it was this time last year. The ISU students put in over a 100 hours in training and practice for this weekend's performance and it truly showed by what we saw (watch a preview here). Many of these students will go on after graduation to careers in performance. Past graduates currently hold roles with Cirque Du Soleil, Marvel stunt shows, and on Broadway. Here is our complete conversation Marcus about this weekend's performances. Get your tickets here.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year’s Slow Art Day on Route 66 is set for Saturday, April 13th from 10a to 2p. I sat down with Aianna Zachary and Santino Lamancusa to talk about the 2024 event that spans both Bloomington and Normal and features 20 locations. Hear how the art community came together to create the first city wide event of its kind for Slow Art Day, how the event continues to grow, and so much more about the art scene in our area.   Participating Locations (10am – 2pm): 410 Sculpture Park, 410 S. Madison St.Angel Ambrose Fine Art Studio, 101 W. Monroe St., Suite 201Art Vortex Studio & Gallery, 101 W. Monroe St., Suite 210Beluga Press Art Gallery, 313 N Main St. Side B.Children’s Discovery Museum, 101 E Beaufort St., NormalDave Fulghum Photographer, 415 N. Main St. Ste. 1Herb Eaton Studio and Gallery, 411 N. Center St.Illinois Art Station, 101 E. Vernon Ave., NormalInside Out: Accessible Art, 200 W. Monroe St.Joann Goetzinger Studio and Gallery, 313 N. Main St.Main Gallery 404, 404 N. Main St.Mandy Roeing Fine Art Studio & Gallery, 105-A W. Monroe St.McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St.McLean County Museum of History, 200 N. Main St.The Hangar Art Company, 105 W. Jefferson St.The House on Garling, 1905 Garling Dr.The Painted Wraith Curiosity Shoppe, 106 W Monroe St.Three Square Art Studio, 104 W. Monroe St.Threshold To Hope, 200 W. Monroe St.University Galleries of Illinois State University, 11 Uptown Circle #103, Normal There’ll also be a ‘Closing Reception,’ which all are welcome, happening at The Hangar Art Co. from 2p to 4p.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nickelback are no strangers to 'hate' when it comes to the internet. In fact, it's a center point of their documentary 'Hate to Love.' There's a lengthy section of the film dedicated to internet's hate of the band, how they each dealt with it personally and within the band itself. 'Hate to Love' also looks at the band's story from Hannah, Alberta to becoming one of the biggest selling artists in the world. I sat down with Ryan Peake, guitars, to talk about the documentary and how it started as an EPK (electronic press kid) for their Feed The Machine album in 2017: We saw a small clip from the EPK. They shot it really well. I had it in my head, we're talking about our biography why not make a full documentary on the band. As we kept filming somebody went should we talk about this? Ok. Should we talk about this? And go it kind of grew into this monster that it's kind of become without necessarily knowing we were doing this. When talking about the various things throughout the band's history, there's obviously some deep things that needed to be touched upon. I asked Ryan what that was like for him: You have to be honestly willing to it and as honest as you can. That's the hard thing because you can be all f****** happy and everything is great if you want you or kind of show people there's four human beings in this band and not just this behemoth Nickelback. There's people behind that. Out of the finished produced, Ryan says his proudest part was: It's the near the ending. It's kind of that we've been through been a bunch of stuff. But we still find a place to come together and still want to do this. I'm pretty proud we can get past any differences we have and still kind of stick together and want to do this. Hate to Love is in theaters this week for special screenings. Find out more at https://www.nickelbackfilm.com/.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From time to time, I'm going to rewind to some past interviews with folks who've either stopped by the studio or chatted with us on the phone/video/etc. For this Throwback we're going to 2019 and when Shallow Side swung by our old studios in Downtown Bloomington. Actually they were one of the final bands to make a stop there before the pandemic and our move. We talked about album Saints & Sinners (new at the time), almost signing with a major label, throwing hot dogs out to a crowd, a Facebook bellybutton challenge video, and played a couple of rounds of MIXTAPE Card Game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jake Segura, lead vocals, of Citizen Soldier joined me ahead of their performance at the Castle Theatre on October 12, 2023. The band is currently on an acoustic tour, which Jake says was simply due to them having some 'time off' from recording their next album in Nashville. The band's producer was unable to be in studio for a string of dates so the band decided to hit the road and play acoustic for their fans. Jake and I dive into stripping down their songs for acoustic performances, how & why they make the VIP fan experience extra special, the human connection of being at a concert, and much more. We also talk about their viral song 'Bottom of the Ocean,' which is an unfinished track for the band but they are performing during their VIP experience on this tour.  For more on Citizen Soldier, check out https://www.citizensoldierband.com/ Follow me on Instragram/TikTok/Facebook/X/Threads @WesStylesRadioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before their show on September 27, 2023 at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington, IL Wes Styles sat down with Megadeth's Dave Mustaine. Dave touched on what it takes to put the band's setlist together these days, the energy level in the band's performance, taping their shows for review purposes, starting fresh with a whole team behind the scenes for the band, and what their legacy will be. Follow Wes Styles on Instagram, X, and Threads @WesStylesRadio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 19 was a special night at The Castle Theatre. Not only was it a packed house for Atreyu, Memphis May Fire, and Catch Your Breath... but we also had an engagement in the crowd! I chatted with Sarah, who's boyfriend of three years proposed to her while Atreyu was on stage performing 'When Two Are One.' She explained that she felt a tap on her back and then saw Logan going down to one knee. I was thought I was gonna pass out. I was freaking out. No one else knew this was going to happen. According to Sarah They [our friends] only found out that night. The only person he told was my mom. Brandon Saller, Atreyu's singer, almost stopped performing once he realized what was happening. After the song, Atreyu brought further attention to the newly engaged couple by opening up the pit so the Sarah and Logan could slow dance to the next song, The Theft. I'm introvert so I was panicking. There was hundreds of people watching me... I was freaking out. I mean he's my best friend, so it was just us in that moment. Less than 24 hours later, has Sarah had time to process it all? I posted it on Facebook this morning and there's been a huge reaction... from everybody. I haven't really had a chance to decompress from everything. Is there a date set for a wedding yet? Our anniversary is September 27 and in 2 years that'll be a Saturday. So we were thinking of having a nice 2 year engagement and figuring out then. We wish the couple all the best and a huge congratulations on their engagement! What a special moment it was!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan Lancaster, who's better known as Mama, owns The Bistro in Downtown Bloomington. She's the creator of the annual Pridefest which hosts its fifth event on Saturday, July 29 (2023). This year will take place on the 300 block of North Main Street, right between Jefferson and Monroe, will be filled with vendors, artists, music, drag performances, food, and more! The stage will feature Shuga Deatz (4:00pm), Pride Idol (6:00pm), and the Outdoor Drag Show (7:00 to 10:00pm). Plus indoor, 21+ events after 11pm. We sat down with Mama to talk about the creation of Pridefest, history of The Bistro and looking back over the its 30 years, plus what it means to be called a true leader and advocate in the community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ready for a challenge? Get your stomach ready for a gladiator of a challenge thanks to the Barrel House in Bloomington! Ray Ceresa from the Barrel House caught up with Styles to talk about their challenge including how many of attempted it and how few how have fully completed it. For perspective, the 'Gladiator Burger' includes  3 black angus patties with cheese2 deep fried Nashville hot tendersCheese CurdsBaconOnion StringsFried JalapenosBBQ SaucePiled High on a Brioche BunTopped with a Deep Fried Jalapeno ...AND THAT'S JUST THE BURGER. Then you have two sides that are a ½ pound of Barrel Fries on the side and a ½ pound of sweet potato waffle fries on the side. The challenge is complete all of this in 30 minutes or less! Got what it takes? The meal is $49.99, but if you finish in the allotted time then it's free.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The VisitBN Gift Shop, located inside Grossinger Motors Arena, is celebrating it's first anniversary. A hidden gem in Downtown Bloomington, the store highlights and sells products from area vendors that you might not be able to get elsewhere. We chat with store manager DeAnne Ziemer about what the store brings to the community, how they are celebrating one year, and how you can find them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hector from Central Parked Bar & Grill, located inside the Parke Regency Hotel and Convention Center, talks with Wes Styles about what patrons can expect from the newest restaurant in town. With a newly renovated space and made from scratch menu, nothing is frozen, stop out for the 'friendly neighborhood' place where you can 'Sleep here, meet here, eat here!' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Miller Park Zoo curator Pearl Yusuf and director Jay Pratte talk about "Puddles” the Chilean pudu and “Chili” the giant anteater joining the zoo, how that came to be, adapting to their new homes, and how the staff is leaning the animals habits. The new South America habitats are now open for visitors to see thanks to a $1.1 million project by an Illinois Department of Natural Resources grant, the Miller Park Zoological Society, and the Ewing Zoo Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Miller Park Zoo curator Pearl Yusuf discusses what "Puddles” the Chilean pudu and “Chili” the giant anteater are. The new South America habitats are now open for visitors to see thanks to a $1.1 million project by an Illinois Department of Natural Resources grant, the Miller Park Zoological Society, and the Ewing Zoo Foundation.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cogs & Corsets: A Central Illinois Steampunk Happening is in its sixth year as the event takes place in Downtown Bloomington June 2 to 4, 2023. Amy O’Neal and Melanie Shellito are two of the organizers of the event. They sat down with Wes Styles to talk about the beginnings of Cogs & Corsets, it's growth into a premiere event for fans of the genre, and what spectators can expect this year. Plan your adventure for Cogs & Corsets at their website https://www.cogsandcorsetsil.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tracy Fulcher, Communications Manager for Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, talks about their 'Tell Us Your Story' giveaway. It's done in conjunction with National Travel and Tourism Week. Head over to the CVB's social media accounts to talk about a different area business each day for a chance to win the prize pack that includes 2 tickets to Tailgate N Tallboys, 2 $25 DESTHIL gift certificates and 2 hats, 4 passes to Radar Farms, quart of Funks Grove Pure Maple Syrup,  2 passes to Wild Harvest Glow Night, and more. National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) is an annual tradition to celebrate the U.S. travel community and travel’s essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, inspiring new businesses and elevating the quality of life for Americans every day. (Source: U.S. Travel Association) *Winner will be announced on Monday, May 15, 2023*See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Hawkins, President of Sports & Events with Bloomington-Normal Area CVB, talks about the 2023 Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor. This year is the first time Bloomington-Normal will be apart of the festival that celebrates the America's classic highway route.  The festival will features events throughout May 6 and 7 along the 100 miles stretch of Route 66 between Bloomington-Normal and Joliet. For Bloomington-Normal, our events will take place on May 6.  In Normal stop at Ryburn Place at Sprague’s Super Service, 305 Pine St., which is a 1930’s gas station, garage, and café. It is a restored Tudor- style building, with a photo op at the replica gas pumps. Vintage cars that will be showcased too. The shop will hold special hours are 9am-5pm Saturday and Sunday. For Bloomington, Downtown is where it's at from 4pm to 10pm with live music, food vendors, car show, and more!  CLICK HERE for full detailsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2023's Gamma Phi Circus theme is 'Dance On' with various dance styles across the entire show that spans over two hours. We were there for their dress rehearsal on April 19 and talked with Gamma Phi Circus director Marcus Alouan about this year's theme, the student performers, their summer camps, and more.  See the Gamma Phi Circus over three performances including Friday, April 21 at 7pmSaturday, April 22 at 1pm and 7p See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bloomington Gold's president Guy Larsen talks about the group's 50th anniversary and what it's meant to bring their premiere event to their birthplace. Bloomington-Normal played host last year for the first time in nearly three decades and welcomed the thousands of car enthusiasts to the town as they descended on the Illinois State University campus. The 2023 event will feature a gold collection in the Bone Student Center along with swap meet, indoor/outdoor vendors, special displays, seminars, and thousands of cars on display throughout the campus. There'll also be the 'Gold Tour' on Route 66 that will end with a Block Party in Uptown Normal on Saturday, June 3rd. For more about the 2023 event, visit BloomingtonGold.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taking Steps to End Child Abuse Color Run (5k and 1 Mile Walk) is Saturday, April 21 at Fairview Park in Normal. The walk benefits Children's Home & Aid's Family Visitation Center. It's the only one of its kind in the McLean County region. The center provides a safe, neutral, child-friendly environment for supervised visitation and exchanges for families. Laura Cordero, Senior Development Specialist at Children's Home & Aid, joined us to talk about the Color Run. She talks about what runners (and walkers) can expect on the course, how to register (aka HERE), and that the run is in memory of young Jack and Duncan Leichtenberg, victims of 2009 domestic violence. We hope to see you at Fairview Park on April 21.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Slow Art Day is an annual global event created to help more people discover the joy of looking at and loving art. Bloomington is the largest hosts of the event and makes international headlines for it. Everyone is invited to visit our local studios and galleries free of charge from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, April 15. There'll also be a special closing reception at The Hangar Art Co. from 2-4pm, featuring a cash bar and small bites courtesy of The Mystic Kitchen & Tasting Room, along with conversations with the artists. Wes Styles sat down Pam & Herb of Eaton Studio & Gallery, Janean of Art Vortex Studio & Gallery, Santino of The Hangar Art Co., and Micaela of McLean County Museum of History. Together the group discusses the importance of art, the growth of Bloomington-Normal’s art community, what Slow Art Day has meant to Downtown, and their plans to grow not only Slow Art Day, but additional art events for our area. Be sure to head Downtown and take in some art. Find out more about Slow Art Day HERE. Participating Locations (10am – 2pm) 410 Sculpture Park, 410 S. Madison St.Angel Ambrose Fine Art Studio, 101 W. Monroe St., Suite 201Art Vortex Studio & Gallery, 101 W. Monroe St., Suite 210Three Square Art Studio, 104 W. Monroe St.Mandy Roeing Fine Art, 105-A W. Monroe St.Inside Out: Accessible Art, 200 W. Monroe St.Eaton Studio Gallery, 411 N. Center St.Illinois Art Station, 101 E. Vernon Ave.The House on Garling, 1905 Garling Dr.Joann Goetzinger Studio Gallery, 313 N. Main St.Main Gallery 404, 404 N. Main St.McLean County Museum of History, 200 N. Main StMcLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St.BCAI Cultural Arts & Humanities, 107 E. Chestnut St., Suite 100The Hangar Art Company, 105 W. Jefferson St.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.