Dan Frachey and Rev. Michael Riggs discuss the special musical mass that is equally ecumenical as it is ecological. Missa Gaia kicks-off the 2024 Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield at First Christian Church May 4, 2 p.m. with a second performance at 7 p.m.

Alejandro Gómez Guillén is one of the candidates vying for the music director position at the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, and he is set to conduct the final performance of the season "Opposites Attract," which features Grammy-nominated pianist Joyce Yang. Guillén spoke to Community Voices about his interest in music and explained what audiences can expect to hear at the upcoming concert.The concerts take place at 7:30 p.m. on May 3 in Springfield and May 4 in Bloomington-Normal. Concert Comments are before the performances at 6:30 p.m. and there’s a play on after party following the performances. For more information and for tickets visit ilsymphony.org.

The Illinois Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Day at the Capitol is coming up April 30th - May 1st in Springfield. They will be partnering with the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated for a day of advocacy and education. Michael Gaines, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and Sherri Hale, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. spoke to Community Voices about the history and legacy of their organizations, the different items they'll be advocating for, and the schedule for the two days of events. They also talk about the history and work of Black Greek-lettered Organizations in our community.

Beth Allen is Manager of Community Development for the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois. She also is Rotary Youth Exchange Chair for the local District 6460. Beth spoke to Community Voices about upcoming Girl Scouts of Central Illinois events, her travel experiences, and Rotary Youth Exchange. She also discusses an organization called Together Women Rise.

The deadline for submissions is May 22.

The Joy of Movement is an organization that offers dance and exercise classes for those with Parkinson's disease. Founder and instructor Eve Fischberg and class participant Pat Graham spoke to Community Voices about the classes offered both in-person and online. Graham also shared how the classes have helped her as she contends with her disease and why she advocates for others to join. For more information visit: thejoyofmovement.org

Lance Tawzer is the Director of Exhibits and Shows at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. His love of music led to his start in Material Issue then The Lupins, to museums, and now to Petersburg and the ALPLM where he brought it all together for the highly attended State of Sound exhibit.

The Capital Area Concert band is an all-volunteer organization that provides opportunities for life-long band musicians to perform long after they've graduated from high school. The organization is celebrating 50 years and has several upcoming concerts. Band members Jan Zepp and Tom King spoke to Community Voices about the history of the organization, the music performed over the years and how others can participate in the band, too.With the exception of the April 27 concert, performances are free and open to the public. Upcoming concerts include:April 16 - 7 p.m. - concert, First United Methodist Church, SpringfieldApril 27 - 7 p.m. - UIS Concert Band concert, Sangamon Auditorium, UIS(UIS Concert band has invited CACB to be part of its concert. Tickets are available at https://uispac.com/uis-honor-band-festival-and-uis-band-concert/)April 30 - 7 p.m. - concert, Trutter Center, Lincoln Land Community CollegeJune 14 - 7 p.m., - concert, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum Theatre, Springfield

Rhys Lovell, the artistic director at the Heartland Theatre Company in Bloomington, Ill. spoke to Community Voices about his role as guest director for "John Proctor is the Villain," a performance put on by the UIS Theatre program. Lovell talked about the play which revisits "The Crucible" and explores how some protagonists can be viewed as flawed with modern-day lenses. The play runs April 12-14 and 18-20. For more information about tickets visit: https://uispac.com/john-proctor-is-the-villain-uis-theatre/

The concert is set for Aug. 16.