The Bailey Buzz, April 23, 2026 | Arts & Entertainment

The Bailey Buzz this week has a country singer coming to the Fischer Theatre, an AMBUCS Amtryke delivery in Oakwood, a National Junior College Athletic Association award, a Danville Public School Foundation event, and a Children’s Dyslexia Center of East Central Illinois fundraiser.

Who is the country singer coming to the Fischer Theatre?

Officials with the Fischer Theatre have announced that country music star Deana Carter will be performing in Danville on May 29. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with the show starting at 7 p.m.

Carter’s debut album, “Did I Shave My Legs for This?” achieved five times multiplatinum status and sold more than five million copies in the U.S.

Known for her heartfelt songwriting and distinctive voice, Carter helped define the sound of 1990s country music with hits like “Strawberry Wine,” a song that remains a fan favorite and singalong staple. Concertgoers can expect an evening of timeless music, storytelling and an intimate live performance experience at the historic Fischer Theatre. Tickets for the event are on sale now. Early-bird pricing is available through April 30. Tickets can be purchased at purchase.fischertheatre.com/events.

Who are some of the newest recipients of an Amtryke from AMBUCS?

The Danville AMBUCS delivered two adaptive tricycles to children at Oakwood Grade School earlier this month. They were presented by chapter President Patrick Halloran and member Lori Lyons to Alaina and Bennet Welch, children of Jennifer and Shannon Welch. Family members, classmates and teachers cheered on the presentation. The family is thankful for the trykes.

The adaptive tricycles, called Amtrykes, for both children and adults can be configured with many accessories based on the special needs of the rider so that they can safely ride. In addition to being fun to ride, the trykes also can be of therapeutic value to the rider for many types of conditions. AMBUCS obtains, configures and donates the Amtrykes to children and adults who can use them, according to the group.

AMBUCS is a national organization with local volunteers whose mission is to inspire people to conquer challenges related to mobility and independence through a nationwide network of volunteer chapters, working in partnership with physical, occupational and speech therapists and by providing Amtryke adaptive tricycles, scholarships for therapists and many forms of community service.

What award did Danville Area Community College’s Tim Bunton receive?

Retiring Danville Area Community College (DACC) athletic director Tim Bunton has been named the 2026 Loyalty Award recipient by the National Junior College Athletic Association — one of the organization’s highest honors recognizing long-term leadership, integrity and commitment to student-athlete success.

The NJCAA Loyalty Award is presented annually to an athletic director who exemplifies excellence in competition and in the classroom while advancing the mission of two-year collegiate athletics. Bunton’s recognition reflects more than three decades of service to DACC, where his leadership has shaped a culture grounded in opportunity, accountability and student success, according to the college.

“Tim’s impact goes far beyond wins and championships,” said Brian Hensgen, assistant vice president of student services and director of the NJCAA Division II Men’s National Basketball Tournament at DACC. “For over 30 years, he has been a steady, trusted leader—someone who built programs the right way, with a clear focus on students first. His legacy is in the lives he’s influenced, the standards he’s set, and the respect he’s earned across the country.”

Bunton revived the Jaguar baseball program in 1995, leading it to 672 wins, a Region 24 championship and a sustained run of winning seasons. More importantly, 182 of his 210 sophomore student-athletes continued their education after DACC — an enduring measure of his commitment to academic achievement.

Since being named athletic director in 2006, Bunton has overseen multiple Jaguar teams advancing to national competition while strengthening facilities, expanding program resources, and cultivating partnerships that support scholarships and long-term growth. His leadership has consistently reinforced DACC’s student-first philosophy.

Bunton has played a key operational role in the NJCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Championship, hosted in Danville since 1994. Serving as assistant director of the tournament alongside Hensgen, he has helped elevate the event into one of the premier championships in two-year college athletics — enhancing the experience for student-athletes, fans and the community.

The award comes as Bunton and Hensgen will retire from DACC in May, closing chapters on careers that have helped define Jaguar athletics locally and nationally.

“Tim represents what this award stands for — loyalty, leadership and an unwavering commitment to students,” Hensgen added. “As he retires, the foundation he leaves behind will continue to benefit DACC and NJCAA programs for years to come.”

What Danville School District 118 projects were featured at this year’s 17th Annual 365 Club Breakfast that were funded by the Danville Public School Foundation?

On April 16, the foundation welcomed more than 150 guests, including donors, students and District 118 staff, to Turtle Run Banquet Center for a community impact celebration. Three of the 27 projects funded by the foundation during the past year were highlighted.

At Northeast Elementary, new microscopes for second-grade classrooms were introduced through a partnership with the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois. Principal Brent Lockhart, teacher Melissa Sergent and three students shared how the microscopes have transformed their learning experiences.

South View Elementary highlighted the addition of bowling to its physical-education curriculum. Principal Robin Fluno, along with PE teachers Kimberlyn Youhas and Aubrey Orr, brought eight students who demonstrated the program by setting up bowling lanes at the venue and inviting guests to participate.

Meade Park Elementary presented “Drumming Around the World,” a project featuring world drums that has expanded performance opportunities for students. Principal Tanner DeLaurier, music teacher Kahler Drews and eight students spoke about the program before closing the event with a fantastic live drumline performance.

Also at the program, Curt Ellis was recognized for his nine years of service as board president and serving as a DPSF board member since 2007. Bob Richard, who retired as executive director this fiscal year, was honored with a plaque and will be recognized on the donor wall at Danville High School.

Established in 1989, the foundation has awarded more than $1 million in support of its mission to enhance educational opportunities for the students of Danville public schools.

What is the upcoming fundraiser for the Children’s Dyslexia Center of East Central Illinois?

The center’s Chicken and Noodle Dinner will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday at the Masonic Center, 109 W. North St., Danville. Cost is $12 for adults and $5 for children (ages 2-6). Carry-outs are available and free delivery of five or more meals with advance orders. Contact Sean McBride for delivery options at 217-474-8689 or [email protected].

Tickets are available at the Masonic Center, 217-446-7620, or Dyslexia Center, 217-446-9377. Tickets also will be available at the door.

All proceeds help support the ongoing mission of the center.

If you or someone you know would like information on being a tutor, contact the center’s director, Julie Boersma, at 217-446-9377 or [email protected]. The paid positions are based on experience.

If you are aware of a child struggling with dyslexia, have their family reach out as well, [email protected]. Tutoring is provided at no cost for the child or their families.