92.7 WQLZ Community Interviews

Mike Tanner of Life After Amputation called in this morning to discuss the support group he runs for people who have been through an amputation. Mike himself is a double amputee below the knee and started the group a little over a year ago just to help people dealing with amputation. Mike shared when and where the group meets, how it's grown and future plans.  If you are interested be sure to check out the interview. You can also contact Mike on his cell phone- 217-416-1053

A big thanks to Staff Sergeant Adam Huntoon for stopping by the WQLZ studio earlier today to talk about the U.S. Army's involvement at the Illinois State Fair this year. He discussed Army recruitment, his career, what the U.S. Army will have on site this year and much more.

Tara Nickerson, the Assistant Director for Region H of Special Olympics Illinois joined us this afternoon. They are looking for more volunteers to help serve beer for Shinedown at the Illinois State Fair on August 23rd. If you want to get to the show and haven't won tickets, this is a great way to get in and help out a great cause at the same time! If you'd like to volunteer, you can sign up, HERE.

A big thanks to Wyatt, Livy and Ryan who stopped in this morning to talk about the performances for "Frozen" coming to The Muni. All three shared what characters they are playing, upcoming performances they would like to be in and more.  Check out more and get your tickets in advance, HERE.

A big thanks to Bella Szabo, the Executive Director for the Springfield Area Arts Council for coming in this afternoon. We talked about tonight's Levitt Amp Music Series performance, setting records this year and much more.  Join us tonight at the Y Block at 6 for this free, family-friendly concert!

A big thanks to Tyler Gansky for coming into the WQLZ studio this morning to talk about the Gonzo's Legacy 3 vs. 3 hockey tournament. which takes place this Saturday at the Nelson Center. Tyler shared the inspiration behind the tournament, what it supports and much more.    if you'd like more info on the organization, check it out, HERE.

Sophia Roseberry called in this morning to talk about the Henson Robinson Zoo here in Springfield. Sophia is the Education Manager and discussed what the zoo has to offer, how many animals they have, some info on black bears and much more. Be sure to check out the entire convo! We also have your chance to win a family four-pack of tickets to the zoo. You can sign up through this Thursday (7/16) with winners being drawn today, tomorrow and Friday (7/17). Sign up, HERE. 

Sophia Roseberry called in this morning to talk about the Henson Robinson Zoo here in Springfield. Sophia is the Education Manager and discussed the zoo's role in conservation, some of her favorite animals to work with and much more. Be sure to check out the entire convo! We also have your chance to win a family four-pack of tickets to the zoo. You can sign up through this Thursday (6/25) with winners being drawn today, tomorrow and Friday (6/26). Sign up, HERE. 

Sherman Mayor Trevor Clatfelter stopped in this morning to talk about this week's Sherman Amphitheater Show (June 20th). This Saturday night features Resurrection which is a tribute to Journey. We talked about this week's show as well as their opening week and upcoming events.  Get more info, HERE.

Several members of the cast of All Shook Up stopped by this morning to talk about their upcoming performances at The Muni. A big thanks to John, Evelyn and Isaac for stopping by! Learn more about the upcoming performance below. Get tickets, HERE.

A big thanks to Sherman Mayor Trevor Clatfelter for chatting this morning about Sherman Amphitheater's upcoming concert series. Trevor talked about lowering ticket prices this year, the lineup, some history behind the series and more.  You can get your tickets, HERE. 

A big thanks to Bella Szabo and Jay Shanle of the Springfield Area Arts Council and Brian Ray, the Regional Banking President of PNC Bank for stopping in this morning to talk about the Levitt Amp Music Series. The Levitt Amp Music Series kicks off tonight!    More info, HERE and follow Levitt Amp Springfield on FACEBOOK. 

A big thanks to Jonathan and Coehn for stopping in this morning to talk about their roles in the upcoming musical, Mamma Mia! The guys talked about their characters, their experience in shows and more!   Get your tickets, HERE. 

Envoy Jeff Eddy of The Salvation Army Of Springfield stopped by the studio this morning to talk about what the organization is doing and in need of. He shared info for National Donut Day, their Warm Meal Wednesdays and other services the Salvation Army provides. 

A big thanks to Courtney Bouvet, Vice Chair of the Old Capitol Art Fair for chatting this morning. The fair is this weekend (May 16th and 17th) in downtown Springfield. Be sure to give Courtney a listen to hear everything they have set up for this weekend.   More info, HERE. 

A big thanks to Brandon Damm Of Rock For Mental Health for stopping in this afternoon to talk about their upcoming concert this Sunday at Boondocks featuring Dead Sugar, Park and Unchained. Brandon shared what it's like putting a concert lineup together, upcoming events and more! We hope to see you at Boondocks on Sunday to support three great bands and mental health! Doors are at 4, show at 5 PM.  You can buy tickets at the door, or purchase them, HERE.

A big thanks to Jodi and Joe from Hope for stopping in this morning to talk about their upcoming event, Hope’s Black Tie and Blackjack: An Evening of Hope. The event is this Saturday at the LRS Hanger. Jodi and Joe talked about the event, Hope's mission and much more. If you'd like to purchase a ticket for the event this Saturday, you can do so, HERE.

A big thanks to Lou Bart from the Springfield YMCA as well as Ethan, Ella and Natalie of the SHG Keys Club for stopping in the studio this morning. The two have teamed up to volunteer at Dubois Elementary School to spend time with unhoused kids. Be sure to check out more about the impact they are making in our community! For more info on SHG Keys, follow them on Instagram.

 Comedian Lynne Koplitz stopped in studio this morning to talk about her stand up shows for tonight and tomorrow with Donnie B's Comedy. Tonight's show is at 8 while tomorrow's will begin at 730 PM. If you want to get tickets for either show, your best bet is to do so at Donnie's website, HERE.

A big thanks to Lou Bart for joining me this morning on WQLZ. The YMCA is celebrating 60 years of Y soccer here in Springfield. They also have their next YMCA fun day coming up on February 16th. You can register for everything, HERE.

Rachel Bridges stopped in studio this morning to talk about The Muni's upcoming workshop for their five upcoming performances. Rachel also shard the entire lineup for 2026 as well as her involvement with the Muni.  

Ev and Polly From Active Creative Teen Theater joined the morning show today to talk about their upcoming performance of "The Outsiders." Ev is playing Ponyboy while Polly is playing Johnny. Be sure to check out the interview to learn more about their characters, show times and more. You can look into and purchase tickets, HERE.

Tara from Impact Life came in this morning to talk about the need for blood and donors to start the year. You can make your donation and help save lives, HERE.

Lou Bart from the YMCA of Springfield stopped in for his monthly chat this morning. The Y had a successful Giving Tuesday, they have their North Pole Party coming up and of course plenty of sports sign ups for the winter. You can always get more info at the Y's website.

A big thanks to Scott and Kayla of the Kiwanis Club of Springfield for coming in and talking about clothing for children in the Enos Park neighborhood.  You can check out the interview to learn more or donate to their GoFundMe, HERE. 

Susan Danenberger called in this morning to discuss our Second Annual Rock The Pink Concert at Danenberger Family Vineyards. The show is this Thursday, the 13th and will feature Dead Sugar, Velvet Chains and The Haunt. Susan is a breast cancer fighter so we talked about the show, her journey and more.  You can get all the show details, HERE.

Thank you to Envoy Jeff Eddy Of The Salvation Army Of Springfield for stopping in this morning as we discussed our upcoming Food Drive at Weebles Bar & Grill. Jeff shared with us the main items they are looking for, how the process works to pick up food and more.  You can see the entire list of items needed, HERE. Learn more about the Salvation Army Of Springfield, HERE.

Donnie B stopped in this morning to talk about this weekend's upcoming comedy show featuring Alex Ortiz. Alex has two shows at the Pole Barn Chic with the first one on Friday at 8 PM and Saturday at 7:30 PM.  Be sure to check out the entire convo to learn more about this weekend's show and upcoming events. For tickets and more information, check out Donnie B's website, HERE.

Lou Bart from the YMCA of Springfield was in this week to talk about their upcoming Gala which is this Friday night (November 7th). Be sure to check out the entire conversation and be in the know for everything the Y has to offer. Learn more, HERE.

Tom Hart, the owner of The Fountain On 66 stopped in this morning to talk about this new business that just opened up in July. Learn more about Springfield's newest retro diner by checking out the interview with Tom. Give them a follow on Facebook, HERE.

Josh Flanders, co-owner of Buzz Bomb Brewing Co. stopped in this morning to discuss their Dog Days Of Howl-O-Ween, Serial Killer Trivia and more events.  Be sure to check out the interview and you can also get more info at their website. 

Greg from MB Heating & Cooling and Travis from Two Men And A Truck stopped in yesterday to talk about their upcoming event, Campout 4 Homeless Veterans. All donations will benefit Fifth Street Renaissance's Spring Street Veterans Renaissance and help homeless veterans right here in our community.  Be sure to check out the interview. Get more info, HERE. 

Lou Bart stopped in for his monthly chat to talk about everything going on at the YMCA of Springfield. Sign up is going on right now for indoor soccer, basketball and football. Plus, they are getting into the Halloween Spirit!

Tara from Impact Life was in the WQLZ studios again this week to talk about our Roll Up Your Sleeves Blood Drive. Give the interview a listen and learn how you can help out this month!

A big thanks to Hall's Harley Davidson owner Diane Hughes for coming in this morning to talk about this Sunday's Ride To Remember in remembrance of September 11th.  There is no cost or registration for the event. Get more info, HERE.

Lou from the YMCA of Springfield stopped in this morning to talk about multiple signups including indoor soccer. Lou also talked about what is causing a decline in boy's participation in sports, Y basketball and more.

Tara from Impact Life was back in this morning to discuss the second week of our Roll Up Your Sleeves Blood Drive. We are looking for 92 donations to be made throughout the month of September. It's your chance to take advantage of the great donor rewards Impact Life has to offer as well as your chance to win a pair of Colonnades Club Seats to an Illinois home football game. Schedule your donation, HERE.

Tara from Impact Life stopped by this morning to talk about our opening week for our Roll Up Your Sleeves Blood Drive. We are looking to get 92 donations this month with Impact Life. Each person who donates will go into the running to win a pair of Colonnades Club Seats to a home Illinois Football game. Schedule your donation, HERE.

A big thanks to Brandon Damm, founder of Rock And Run For Mental Health for stopping in studio this week. Everything is taking place this Sunday at Rochester Community park with proceeds benefiting Heritage Behavioral Health. Be sure to check out the entire convo and you can get more info, HERE.

A big thanks to U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Huntoon for joining the morning show today. The U.S. Army will be set up out at the Illinois State Fair starting today. Be sure to check out the interview and find out what the Army has to offer!

Lou Bart from the YMCA stopped in this morning to talk about everything going on at the YMCA. While summer camps and a few other things are ramping down for the summer, soccer, STRIDE, basketball tournaments and more are right around the corner! Be sure to check out the interview and get more info, HERE.

A big thanks to Casey Claypool, the owner of Docs Just Off 66 for coming in and talking about Girard Festival Days which takes place this weekend! WQLZ will be there on Friday from 5-8 PM for a Cruise In Car Show at Docs which will help kick off Festival Days. There is plenty of music and activities throughout the weekend to enjoy!

Mike Pawlazak from Military Families Together stopped in studio yesterday to talk about their Dad Bod Carwash coming up this Saturday at Goodfellas Pub. The day will also include music, tequila tasting and more!

A big thanks to Christi Walden Coordinating Chair of the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series for stopping in this morning. She was joined by Victoria, who is the Vice President of Programs for the Levitt Foundation for joining as she has made a special stop in Springfield. The Levitt Amp Series has seen record numbers this summer so be sure to check out our convo from this morning. 

Lou Bart from the YMCA of Springfield stopped in this morning to talk about what is happening for the rest of the summer. Their first-ever soccer golf tournament is on July 12th, plus they have a lot more kids camp opportunities. Get all the info and signup, HERE.

Brandon Damm, the organizer and creator of Rock and Run for Mental Health stopped in this morning to talk about the upcoming event on September 7th at Rochester Community Park. Be sure to check out the conversation to hear how much this event has grown in just three short years. You can also register for the event, HERE.

Jim Jim & Tara From Impact Life stopped in this morning to talk about their blood driving going on at Knight's Action Park. The blood drive is at Knight's today only! Anyone who donates at Knight's or the blood donor center in Springfield will get a free day pass!

Marne Fauser, the President and CEO of United Way of Central Illinois stopped into the QLZ studio this week to talk about their first-ever United Way Motorcycle Ride on Saturday, June 21st. Get all the details from Marne and you can also sign up for the ride, HERE.

Lou Bart from the Springfield YMCA came in as he does each month to keep us up two date about what is going on at both YMCA's in Springfield. This Saturday is the return of Y Ninja! If you want to participate make sure you are signed up by this Friday at 5PM. You can register and get more info, HERE.

A big thanks to John and Vivian of Distress Bandanna stopped in this morning to discuss what the group is up to this month as well as some of their initiatives for the summer. Right now, the bike they won from Summer Thunder 2022 is on display at the Capitol Rotunda for the entire month of May. Be sure to check out the full interview to get more info on what they are up to this summer!