Out and About

WCBU Peoria Public Radio
WCBU Peoria Public Radio
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Arts
  • Updated Weekly

A weekly spotlight on arts activities in Central Illinois. Every Friday, host Mae Gilliland Wright of Arts Partners of Central Illinois talks with area actors, musicians, artists and community leaders about an upcoming arts event. Out and About is supported, in part, by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

  1. 4d ago

    Gems of the Prairie Quilters present annual quilt show Aug. 22 and 23

    On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Joyce Blank, quilt show co-chair for Gems of the Prairie Quilters, about the group’s annual quilt show taking place Aug. 22 and 23 at the Life Together Center in Peoria. Featuring more than 300 quilts created by local quilters, the show highlights a wide range of styles, sizes, techniques and traditions. Visitors can also explore quilting demonstrations, shop from 15 vendors and experience a traditional “bed turning,” where quilts are layered on a bed and revealed one at a time as their stories are shared. Blank says the show offers an opportunity to appreciate the incredible talent found throughout Central Illinois. “It’s just quite an experience to see all of these beautiful quilts that the women and men of this area make,” she said. The guild’s work also extends well beyond the annual show. Members create quilts and other handmade items for organizations including the Children’s Hospital of Illinois and the Center for Prevention of Abuse. The show will also include Quilts of Valor presentations honoring veterans and service members with handmade quilts created as an expression of gratitude for their service. For those who have never quilted themselves, Blank says there is still plenty to appreciate. “Hopefully they will appreciate the time and the effort and the skill that went into making all of these quilts,” she said. “Plus, it’s just eye candy to look at.” The Gems of the Prairie Quilt Show takes place Aug. 22 and 23 at the Life Together Center in Peoria.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. Aug 6

    For What It’s Worth: A Tribute to Stephen Stills in Song & Story, coming Aug. 22

    On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Barry Cloyd, touring performer, songwriter, historian, and creator of Barry Cloyd Productions, about For What It’s Worth: A Tribute to Stephen Stills in Song & Story, coming Aug. 22 to the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria. The multimedia concert blends live performances with stories from Stephen Stills’ remarkable career, tracing his journey from his early years through Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and his solo work. Organized as a chronological journey, the evening combines history, personal anecdotes and some of Stills’ best-known songs. Cloyd says the project grew out of a lifelong admiration for Stills’ musicianship. “He’s the only guitarist I’ve ever copied,” he said. “I’ve always loved his writing… This is one of the musicians that I’ve always wanted to do a tribute piece to.” The performance also draws on Cloyd’s own experiences working alongside musicians connected to Stills throughout his career, adding firsthand stories to the music. Backed by his band Freedom Street, the show features performances by TJ Jones, Tom Abbot and Bruce Burton. For What It’s Worth: A Tribute to Stephen Stills in Song & Story takes place Friday, Aug. 22, at the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. Jul 30

    Annual Summer Festa Picnic coming to Hickory Grove Park

    On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Rhonda Ossola Parker of the Italian American Society about the annual Summer Festa Picnic returning Aug. 9 to Hickory Grove Park. Now in its 95th year, the Summer Festa celebrates Italian American heritage with authentic food, live music, artisan vendors, family activities, a bocce tournament and much more. Originally founded in 1929 as a mutual aid society for Italian immigrants, the Italian American Society continues to honor its roots while raising scholarship funds through this signature event. This year's Festa will also recognize the 100th anniversary of Agatucci's Restaurant with a special exhibit highlighting the family's history, trivia and community recognition. Guests can also enjoy traditional recipes prepared for the festival, Italian beer and wine spritzers, spaghetti-eating contests and live performances of classic Italian-American favorites. Parker says the event is about much more than heritage. “We're all the same. We're just proud of where we come from. We're proud of who we are. We're proud of our food. And we just love to be with family and friends.” The Italian American Society Summer Festa Picnic takes place Sunday, Aug. 9, at Hickory Grove Park in Dunlap. Admission is $3 for ages 13 and older, with children 12 and under admitted free. Cash and Venmo only.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. Jul 23

    Chillicothe Players Theatre presents The Great Gatsby

    On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Roseanne Urbanc, president of Chillicothe Players Theatre and director of The Great Gatsby, about bringing F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel to the stage. Running Aug. 6–9 at Shore Acres Clubhouse, the production transports audiences to the glamour of the Roaring Twenties while exploring timeless themes of ambition, love, friendship and illusion. Adapted by Gary Peterson, the play follows Jay Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of wealth and status in hopes of reclaiming a lost love, revealing the costs of chasing an idealized past. This production also offers a unique immersive theater experience, inviting audience members to become part of Gatsby’s lavish world. “The show will be all around you,” Urbanc said. “We're encouraging people to dress in their 1920s get-ups and come and drink our sparkling apple cider and actually be a part of the show with us.” Urbanc believes the story continues to resonate more than a century after its publication because its characters and struggles remain relatable. Whether audiences know the novel well or are experiencing it for the first time, she says they will find themes of friendship, hope and heartbreak that still ring true today. The Great Gatsby runs Aug. 6–9 at Shore Acres Clubhouse in Chillicothe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. Jul 16

    Gratus Choral Ensemble presents The Lost Birds

    On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Cory Boulton, Coordinator of Music Education and Director of Choral Activities at Bradley University, about The Lost Birds, an upcoming performance by the Gratus Choral Ensemble. Presented July 26 at First Federated Church, The Lost Birds is a 12-movement choral work by Grammy-nominated composer Christopher Tin that reflects on bird extinctions while exploring broader themes of loss, hope and humanity’s relationship with the natural world. Drawing from poetry by Emily Dickinson, Christina Rossetti, Sara Teasdale and Edna St. Vincent Millay, the piece traces an emotional journey from the abundance of the passenger pigeon to its extinction. Dr. Boulton says the work ultimately asks audiences to reflect on what is lost when nature disappears. “It’s really about the extinction of birds, but sort of a larger meditation on the extinction of nature and beauty and abundance... and all of the things that are most important to us that we don’t realize are until they’re gone,” he said. The concert also includes a pre-performance lecture featuring representatives from the Sierra Club and Audubon Society, followed by a post-concert reception where audience members can continue the conversation with performers and community organizations. The Lost Birds will be performed Sunday, July 26, at 4 p.m. at First Federated Church in Peoria. A pre-concert lecture begins at 3:30 p.m. Admission is free.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  6. Jul 9

    Heartland Latin Dancers present Latin Dance Night at Casa de Arte

    On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Salil Bavdekar, co-founder of Heartland Latin Dancers, about the group’s monthly Latin Dance Night at Casa de Arte in Peoria's Warehouse District. Held on the last Saturday of every month, the evening begins with a beginner-friendly dance lesson before transitioning into an outdoor social dance featuring salsa, bachata and other Latin styles. Founded earlier this year, Heartland Latin Dancers was created to build community through dance and provide a welcoming space for people of all experience levels. Bavdekar says the goal is to make the events approachable, especially for newcomers. “I had two left feet when I started,” he said. “Anyone can learn it as long as you want to just come out there and have fun.” Each event includes a rotating dance lesson, themed evenings, and opportunities to meet new people, with no partner required. Guests are encouraged to enjoy Casa de Arte’s food and drinks while mingling between dances. It is a relaxed social atmosphere as much as a dance event. Looking ahead, Bavdekar hopes to expand Heartland Latin Dancers beyond Peoria into Bloomington-Normal, creating a stronger Latin dance community across Central Illinois. Latin Dance Night takes place on the last Saturday of every month at Casa de Arte in Peoria’s Warehouse District.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  7. Jul 2

    River City Pride Festival adds Artist Row for July 18 event

    On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Jake Bowers, interim president of Peoria Proud, about the upcoming River City Pride Festival taking place July 18 at the Peoria RiverFront. The daylong festival brings together live entertainment, community organizations, food vendors, interactive art and educational programming in a celebration of LGBTQ+ pride and belonging. Bowers says the event has continued to grow because of the strong sense of community in Peoria, where people consistently show up to support one another. This year's festival places an increased emphasis on creativity through interactive experiences and expanded opportunities for local artists. A new Artist Row will offer affordable booth space for emerging artists, while returning features like the community art project and Hope Wall invite attendees to contribute messages of encouragement and create artwork that becomes part of the festival experience. “I want people to leave the festival feeling a sense of belonging that they've never felt before,” Bowers said. “I want them to talk about their pride in their community.” The entertainment lineup features a mix of local performers alongside nationally recognized guests, including Kennedy Davenport and Nini Coco, with performances and activities taking place throughout the day. The River City Pride Festival takes place Saturday, July 18, at the Peoria RiverFront. Admission to the event includes a $5 pre-sale online through 7/17, or $10 at the gate and online the day of.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  8. Jun 25

    Peoria Municipal Band celebrates 89th season of free summer concerts

    On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Dr. David Vroman, director of the Peoria Municipal Band, about the band’s 89th season of free summer concerts. Performing through August 9th at venues across Peoria, including Glen Oak Park and Water Street along the Illinois River, the band continues a tradition that has connected generations of residents through live music. Concert programs feature a wide range of styles, from marches and Broadway favorites to orchestral transcriptions, film music and performances by guest artists. Vroman credits the band's longevity to its commitment to accessibility and quality. “Because we're supported by the City of Peoria, making those concerts free to everybody, equal access for everybody, great parking, a variety of music — I think all those things keep people coming back,” he said. Concerts are built around a unique theme, with titles like Summer Road Trip, American Tapestry and Dance, Dance, Dance, helping shape programs that showcase the versatility of the ensemble. In addition to the music, audiences can enjoy guest emcees, food trucks at Glen Oak Park performances and giveaways from local restaurant partners.  The Peoria Municipal Band’s 89th season continues through August 9 with free performances at venues throughout Peoria.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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A weekly spotlight on arts activities in Central Illinois. Every Friday, host Mae Gilliland Wright of Arts Partners of Central Illinois talks with area actors, musicians, artists and community leaders about an upcoming arts event. Out and About is supported, in part, by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

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