Regional Media Podcast Network

Etta LaFlora and Lovondi Jordan joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Juneteenth and the meaning of Juneteenth, the history, and the importance of the Juneteenth Holiday. Across the country, communities are gathering to honor Juneteenth, commemorating the liberation of the last enslaved Black Americans in Texas on June 19, 1865. Observances focus on both celebration and reflection, highlighting the date’s transformation from a Texas holiday in 1980 to national recognition in 2021. Events include parades, educational forums, and cultural performances, all centered on themes of freedom and equality.

Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when enslaved Black Americans in Texas were finally told they were free, nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The announcement came as Union soldiers, led by General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston with life-changing news and the promise of a new beginning. Today, Juneteenth stands as a celebration of Black resilience, freedom, and the ongoing pursuit of justice. Communities gather for music, food, and reflection, honoring the struggles and dreams of those who endured enslavement. Juneteenth reminds us all to reflect, remember, and keep working toward equality for everyone.

Todd DeDecker from the Bishop Hill Heritage Association joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the upcoming Midsommar Music Festival. Bishop Hill prepares to welcome visitors to its annual Midsommar Music Festival on June 21, 2025. This free event pays tribute to the town’s Swedish roots, featuring performances from groups like Black Hawk Pipes & Drums, Chloe Finch, Orion Community Band, and Norwegian Bachelor Farmers, all at the park gazebo beginning at 10 AM. Activities include Maypole decorating, a lively procession to the Colony School, and traditional Maypole dancing. Attendees can meet author Jannifer Stevens Powelson at Prairie Arts Center and enjoy refreshments, with the festivities concluding at The Colony Inn with live country music.

Music will fill the village park gazebo starting at 10 AM as the summer concert series kicks off, featuring performances from Black Hawk Pipes and Drums, Chloe Finch, the Orion Community Band, and the Norwegian Bachelor Farmers. After the music winds down at 4 PM, everyone is invited to join in decorating the Maypole and participating in a festive procession to the Colony School. There, guests can dance around the Maypole and enjoy refreshments from the Bishop Hill Vasa Lodge—no experience needed. Don’t miss the Midsummer Respite at the Vasa National Archives or a book signing by Jannifer Stevens Powelson at the Prairie Arts Center. The day wraps up with live country music by Ryan Bizarri at The Colony Inn from 7 to 11 PM. For directions or more information, visit www.visitbishophill.com or call 309-927-3899.

Kiran Ahluwalia (pronounced KIR-un all-oo-WAHL-iya) is making waves with her innovative sound, melding Indian vocal traditions with influences as varied as Malian blues, rock, and jazz. Kiran Ahluwalia joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about her music and upcoming performance at the Levitt Amp Galva Music Festival on June 22, 2025. Raised in Canada, Ahluwalia leads a dynamic six-piece band, consisting of electric guitar, accordion, organ, tabla, bass, and drum kit, that brings her artistic vision to life. Her latest album, titled "Comfort Food," doesn’t just explore musical boundaries—it dives into pressing social issues, earning widespread praise from critics. As a two-time Juno Award winner, Ahluwalia continues to expand her global reach, inviting listeners into a rich tapestry of sounds and stories rooted in her diverse musical journey. Ahluwalia and her band will take the stage at 7:15 PM.

Kiran Ahluwalia stands as an influential force in the world of contemporary global music. Drawing from Sufi, Qawalli, Ghazal, and Punjabi folk traditions, she crafts a vibrant and boundary-crossing sound, blending Indian classical roots with elements of blues, jazz, and R&B. Her 6-piece ensemble features electric guitar, accordion, tabla, and more, offering a rich, dynamic backdrop to reflective and socially conscious songs. Ahluwalia’s latest album, "Comfort Food," includes collaborations with international artists and challenges rising Hindu fundamentalism and nationalism. Her achievements include two Juno Awards and the recent Canadian Folk Music Award for ‘Pushing Boundaries.’

“When I was growing up in India, there were concerts that people from all over would crowd into. These concerts featured a repertoire, language and content that was both demanding and beyond the experience of a child. I was, however, entranced by the sound and feel of the music, even from an early age. My father would play tapes of Indian music for me and we would also listen to Bollywood on the radio,” Ahluwalia recalls. “So when a song came on that I wanted to learn, my mother would quickly write down the lyrics for me and I would sing along to learn the melody."

Katie Laleman joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about upcoming events for the Henry County Farm Bureau. Youngsters are gearing up for the Kids’ Pedal Tractor Pull at the fairgrounds this Friday, June 20th. Registration starts at 3 PM, with competition kicking off at 3:30. Kids can climb aboard miniature tractors and race each other for fun and friendly bragging rights. Entry is free, and families are encouraged to come out and cheer, creating an energetic atmosphere full of community spirit. Later this summer, families can also enjoy a free safety-focused event on July 9th at the Central Bank Pavilion in Geneseo, featuring demonstrations and giveaways. Both events promise fun, learning, and plenty of excitement for all ages. Agricultural producers have an upcoming opportunity to deepen their market knowledge. Chip Nellinger of Blue Reef Agri-Marketing will host a Market Outlook Seminar Series at Lavender Crest Winery in Colona, Illinois, scheduled for July 1st. Topics are expected to include commodity trends, risk management, and agri-marketing strategies. Registration for this educational event closes on June 24th. Save the date for the annual golf outing on August 8th at Baker Park in Kewanee. 

RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about what is coming up for the Henry County Health Department and First Choice Healthcare at the end of June. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments have announced temporary office and clinic closures on June 19th in honor of Juneteenth Freedom Day. Essential in-home services will still be available for those in need. Meanwhile, recent West Nile Virus detections in local mosquito populations have prompted health officials to urge residents to eliminate standing water, use insect repellent, and report stagnant sites. Free blood pressure checks and health information will be offered at the Henry County Fair on June 18th and 20th. Health insurance navigation and DOT physicals are also available at designated clinics. Details at henrystarkhealth.com.