Regional Media Podcast Network

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.

Russ Hughes and Jerry Salisbury joined Jennifer Russell in the Sav-A-Lot Studio for the June 13, 2025, edition of The Boiler Shop on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about baseball, softball, and track.

Dr. Jeffrey Johnson from the Kewanee Schools Foundation joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about 2025 scholarships, the Great Gatsby fundraiser in April, the outdoor fitness court, new band instruments, Wall of Honor updates, the alumni newsletter, and tennis courts. The Kewanee Schools Foundation recently awarded $155,000 in scholarships to 52 students from the 127 graduates of the Class of 2025, acknowledging nearly 4,000 collective service hours. Five new scholarships, including those honoring local families and first responders, were introduced. “An Evening with the Great Gatsby” fundraiser brought in $25,000 toward an outdoor fitness court, which, despite delays, remains slated for completion this year. 

Five new scholarships were awarded this year, including the John Headlund, John Spets Family Memorial, Kyle and May Kay DeJaeger, James Mock Memorial (Kewanee First Responders), and Margo Eastman Barry Memorial Scholarships. 

The Wall of Honor outside the Peterson Auditorium will have updated plaques soon. Over 7,000 newsletters will be mailed to registered alumni at the end of the month. The future tennis courts may include a Marjabelle Stewart Memorial Butterfly Garden in honor of Marjabelle Stewart and match the mural on the outdoor fitness court. If you would like to register for the newsletter or read back newsletters, visit the Kewanee Schools Foundation website. 

For more details or to contribute, visit their website or Facebook page, call the foundation at 309-856-8702, or their office at 1001 N. Main Street, Kewanee, IL 61443.