The Suggs Performance Studio

"When public radio is at its best, it provides an in-depth local viewpoint, and we believe this gift will allow for more local interaction and coverage on the arts and issues in our community, thus giving people more knowledge to make better decisions."
- Guerry & Michelle Suggs of Springfield, members since 1986 and donors of $35,000 toward the studio.

Michelle Suggs, NPR President Kevin Klose, and Guerry Suggs

Original conceptual illustation.

WUIS' planned Performing Arts Studio will opened in 2008, fully and solely funded by listener contributions. The 900-square-foot studio includes microphones for 12 voices or instruments and a professional quality recording booth.

We are so grateful to the people who donated to make this dream a reality. The studio has proven to be a wonderful resource allowing us to host musicians (Pat Dinizio, Black Magic Johnson, guitarist Russell Brazzel, harpest Rhett Barnwell, violinist Nicolas Kendall, guitarist Jason Vieaux & bandoneón performer Lidia Kaminska, Prairieland Voices and more. The Suggs has also hosted Thank You Fests, Chamber After Hours mixers, and many meetings.

Phase II
After a few years of use, some additions to the studio have been identified:

• The studio currently has plastic, stackable seating for 50. We would like to convert to pullout theatre style padded seats.
• We also need to secure a performance-quality piano.
• Theatre curtains and track.
• Digital flat screens for signage, visual arts, and meetings.
• Conference table(s).

If you have questions about the project, contact Randy Eccles at (217) 206-6403 or reccl2@uis.edu.

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