Out and About

On this week's episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Amy McCoy, executive director of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, about the 2026 Pekin Marigold Festival, taking place Sept. 9 through the 13. The event began as an art show over half a century ago, and today Art in the Park continues that creative tradition with more than 230 vendors offering handmade and homemade work ranging from painting and writing to woodworking and other crafts.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Mengrong Taylor, chair of the Peoria Chinese Association, about the Peoria Dragon Boat Race on Sept. 13 at the Peoria Riverfront. The celebration offers visitors a chance to experience Chinese traditions while exploring the connections between art, culture, teamwork and community.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Jennifer Brady, co-founder of the Peoria Area Repair Café, about its next free event on Sept. 12 at River City Labs.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with David Commanday, artistic director and conductor of the Heartland Festival Orchestra, about the HFO’s upcoming season, opening Sept. 11 at Crossroads Global Methodist Church in Washington.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Joyce Blank of 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.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Barry Cloyd about For What It’s Worth: A Tribute to Stephen Stills in Song & Story, coming Aug. 22 to the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria. Blending live music with storytelling, the multimedia performance traces Stills’ career through Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and his solo work.

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 on Aug. 9 at Hickory Grove Park. Celebrating its 95th year, the family-friendly event features authentic Italian food, live music, artisan vendors, bocce, spaghetti-eating contests and a special tribute to the 100th anniversary of Agatucci's Restaurant.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Roseanne Urbanc of Chillicothe Players Theatre about their upcoming production of "The Great Gatsby."

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Cory Boulton of Bradley University about The Lost Birds, a powerful choral work presented by the Gratus Choral Ensemble on July 26 at First Federated Church at 4 p.m.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Salil Bavdekar of Heartland Latin Dancers about Latin Dance Night at Casa de Arte, located in Peoria's Warehouse District. Held on the last Saturday of every month, the evening features a beginner-friendly dance lesson followed by an outdoor social dance where no partner or experience is required.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Jake Bowers of Peoria Proud about this year’s River City Pride Festival on July 18 at the Peoria RiverFront. The free festival features live entertainment, community organizations, interactive art, food vendors, educational programming and a new Artist Row showcasing local creatives.

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.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Emily Huff about the new West Peoria Farmers Market, held every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Franciscan Recreation Complex.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Nikki Wheeler, special events assistant at Five Points Washington, about the upcoming Community Art Fair on June 20. This curated outdoor event brings together regional artists, live music and hands-on art activities for children in a welcoming, community-centered setting.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Chanel Hargrave-Murray of the Peoria Park District about Jubilee Day: A Juneteenth Celebration, taking place June 19 on the Peoria RiverFront. The free community event blends live entertainment, cultural experiences, family activities, food vendors, storytelling, an Ancestor Tree Activation Station and much more. The evening concludes with a special Juneteenth-themed drone show over the riverfront.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Marc Supreme of Strictly Hip Hop 90.7 FM about this year’s YANI Collective Juneteenth Fest taking place June 13 at the Peoria Riverfront.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Alissa Williams of the Morton Public Library about the return of the library’s popular Groove in the Garden Concert Series.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Diane Hahn, co-founder of Mackinaw Valley Vineyard, about the upcoming Mackinaw Music, International Wine, and Craft Beer Festival taking place Memorial Day weekend. The two-day event features live music, local food vendors, and the chance to sample wines and craft beers from around the world.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with social realist painter Robert Ketchens about his current exhibition at the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria. On view through June 20 in Gallery 3R, Ketchens’ work uses bold color and symbolism to explore the complexities of the African diaspora and themes of dignity, memory, and humanity. The exhibition will culminate in the CAC’s Juneteenth Celebration, where Ketchens will speak about his work, with a combined art reception on May 16.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Angela Bottrell, co-chair of the Peoria Heights Fine Art Fair, about the upcoming two-day event taking place May 9 and 10 in Tower Park. The juried fair features artists working across a wide range of mediums, from painting and photography to sculpture, jewelry, and fiber arts. Angela shares how the event supports working artists while creating a vibrant weekend for the community in the heart of Peoria Heights.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Diana Klein, executive director of the Wheels O’ Time Museum, about the museum’s 2026 season opening on May 1 and a full lineup of events celebrating transportation history through hands-on experiences.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Lidia Riley, Executive Director of the Central Illinois Youth Symphony, about the group’s upcoming 60th anniversary concerts on May 3 at Five Points Washington. This milestone event brings together current students and alumni for a homecoming-style performance celebrating generations of young musicians. Riley shares how the program reflects both the organization’s history and its future, with a mix of classic works, new compositions, and a grand finale featuring the 1812 Overture.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois is joined by Angela Weck, executive director of the Peoria Area World Affairs Council. They chat about an upcoming program exploring Indigenous rights, environmental justice, and global climate challenges.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Peoria native and singer-songwriter, director, and performer Liv Warfield about her upcoming April 17 concert with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra at the Prairie Home Alliance Theater.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Claire McQuerry, Associate Professor and Director of Creative Writing at Bradley University, about an upcoming poetry reading and Q&A with acclaimed poet Adrienne Su.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Catherine Lawless, Bradley University's Associate Director of Continuing Education, about the launch of the new Dallinger Series.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsParnters talks with Dan Dietrich, trombonist with the Prairie Wind Ensemble, about their upcoming concert on March 19 at Five Points Washington. Founded in 1977, the ensemble brings together professional and hobbyist musicians from across Central Illinois to perform everything from classic marches to modern medleys. Dan shares why you don’t want to miss this free concert full of energy!

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Chip Joyce, marketing and outreach coordinator for the Brimfield Public Library District, about the library’s Local Author Fair. It takes place Saturday, March 21.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with David Commanday, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Heartland Festival Orchestra, about their upcoming March 21 concert, French Impressions. The conversation previews Debussy, Ravel, and Bizet, highlights guest pianist Anila Aliu, and explores what audiences can expect from this immersive evening of color and sound. Looking ahead to May, Commanday also shares how the orchestra’s Legends of Country program shows that country music can be "dynamite!" when paired with symphonic sounds.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with David Commanday, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Heartland Festival Orchestra, about their upcoming March 21 concert, French Impressions. The conversation previews Debussy, Ravel, and Bizet, highlights guest pianist Anila Aliu, and explores what audiences can expect from this immersive evening of color and sound. Looking ahead to May, Commanday also shares how the orchestra’s Legends of Country program shows that country music can be "dynamite!" when paired with symphonic sounds.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Chetna Maini, founder of Spandan School of Kathak, about SANGAM, an evening of Indian classical music and dance happening March 8 at the ICC Performing Arts Center. The program brings together Kathak dance and live Tabla in a three-part presentation that traces the artistic journey from student to master.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae GIlliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Selena Pappas of Central Illinois Friends about their annual Mardi Gras fundraiser, happening February 20 at Four Points by Sheraton in downtown Peoria. From dueling painters to tarot readers and stilt walkers, this art-filled event supports CI Friends’ work providing inclusive, judgment-free care across Central Illinois.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Rose Farrell of Peoria Public Library about how the library is celebrating 100 years of Black History Month.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Crystal Potthoff, artist and facilitator of ‘Breaking Free’, a community art project centered on the meditative folk art of pysanky.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Steve Hausler, Director of "Young Frankenstein" at Peoria Players Theatre.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Alissa Williams, Director of Morton Public Library.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks to Sharon Samuels Reed, founder and artistic director of The Heritage Ensemble. Sharon reflects on founding the Ensemble and the mission that continues to guide its work.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with DJ and dance instructor Ed Caballero about New Year’s Eve Salsa at the Contemporary Art Center ofPeoria.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with musician Barry Cloyd about The Celtic Winter Solstice Celebration, now in its 25th year.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Ashley Fischer, narrator of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, opening December 5th at Eastlight Theatre in East Peoria.