Chris Vallillo to perform Songs of the Illinois Freedom Road at John A Logan College
Date/Time
Date(s) - 10/10/2026
2:00 pm
Location
John A Logan College
Categories
Artspace Southern Illinois, Herrin City Library, and Carbondale Public Library present this free program as part of Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau
and the NEA Big Read
Carterville. IL – Saturday, October 10 at 2:00 pm: Songs of the Illinois Freedom Road is a powerful musical performance featuring the songs, stories, and struggles of the Illinois Underground Railroad. The show features rare first-person accounts of freedom seekers who passed through Illinois. Vallillo extensively researched the subject using primary source documents. He highlights stories such as John and Mary Little, who traveled on foot 140 miles to Chicago, and George Burroughs, a black Canadian who worked on the Illinois Central Railroad where he helped smuggle escapees to freedom. Vallillo combines these powerful stories with historic songs that were sung by the enslaved to inspire and share knowledge among themselves.
Chuck Benya, CEO & Executive Director of Artspace Southern Illinois, is delighted to host the event. “Chris is a master at combining music with significant, untold stories, delivering excellent entertainment along with important insights into our shared history.”
This event is part of Artspace Southern Illinois’ NEA Big Read programming, with five libraries featuring the book: Harriet Tubman – The Road to Freedom. Chris Vallillo is co-presented by the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau. Road Scholar speakers travel throughout Illinois sharing free, dynamic presentations about literature, philosophy, theater, local history, film, music, politics, and more, at no cost to host organizations. The program enables local nonprofit organizations to present free-admission cultural programs to their communities.
Songs of the Illinois Freedom Road will take place Saturday, October 10, 2:00 pm at John A Logan College O’Neil Auditorium, 700 Logan College Drive, Carterville. The event is free and open to all audiences. For more information, please visit artspacesouthernillinois.org
About Artspace Southern Illinois
Artspace Southern Illinois is dedicated to nurturing Southern Illinois’ vibrant cultural arts community through leadership development, funding opportunities, and regional economic initiatives.
To explore more about Artspace Southern Illinois’ programs and events, please visit artspacesouthernillinois.org. For media inquiries, please contact Carolyn Deane at 618-457-5100 or cdeane@artspacesouthernillinois.org.
About Illinois Humanities
Illinois Humanities is a statewide nonprofit organization that activates the humanities through free public programs, grants, and educational opportunities that spark conversation, foster reflection, build community, and strengthen civic engagement for everyone in Illinois. Founded in 1974, we are the state partner for the National Endowment for the Humanities and supported by state, federal, and private funds. Stay connected with Illinois Humanities on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn @ILHumanities.