Out and About

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. 

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. 

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. 

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Emily Huff, organizer of the new West Peoria Farmers Market, about bringing a long-awaited community gathering space to the city. Held every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Franciscan Recreation Complex, the market features local growers, artisans, cottage food producers, food trucks and community organizations. The idea grew out of resident feedback collected during West Peoria’s comprehensive planning process, where a farmers market consistently ranked among the community’s top priorities. Huff says the goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere where people can connect while supporting local businesses. “It’s just neighbors talking to each other that maybe they haven’t seen in a little while,” she said. “It’s relaxed... It’s friends greeting each other. And it’s a lot of fun.” Visitors can expect a rotating lineup of vendors offering everything from handmade art and jewelry to fresh produce, baked goods, honey, and specialty foods, along with food trucks serving cuisines ranging from smashburgers to Filipino fare. Set beneath the beautiful trees of the Franciscan grounds, the market also offers green space and a nearby playground, making it a fantastic destination for families. The West Peoria Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer months 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 inaugural Community Art Fair taking place June 20. Created to fill the void left by a former community art fair, the event brings together regional artists, live music, family activities and hands-on creative experiences for a day-long celebration of the arts. Wheeler says the fair is part of Five Points’ growing commitment to arts and culture, building on recent investments in gallery and performing arts spaces within the facility. The curated event will feature artists working in a wide range of artwork, including glass, jewelry, fiber arts, metal sculpture and woodworking. “We wanted a variety of mediums to be represented at this event and expose Washington to artistic mediums that they maybe hadn’t seen before,” Wheeler said. In addition to artist booths, visitors can enjoy performances by The Aristocrats and The Holi7tics, aerial arts demonstrations, children’s activities and Kona Ice. The fair will also coincide with the Washington Education Bridge Foundation’s annual Paint the Path fundraiser, creating what Wheeler describes as “one big, large celebration of the arts” for the community. The Community Art Fair takes place Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Five Points Washington and is free to attend. 

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Chanel Hargrave-Murray, Supervisor of Community Connections for the Peoria Park District, about the upcoming Jubilee Day taking place June 19 at the Peoria RiverFront. The free community celebration honors Juneteenth through a full day of live entertainment, cultural experiences, family activities, food vendors, community resources and a themed drone show over the riverfront. Hargrave-Murray explains that the name “Jubilee Day” reflects the historic celebrations held when news of emancipation finally reached enslaved people in Texas, marking a long-awaited moment of freedom and community. This year’s event places special emphasis on storytelling and remembrance through interactive “activation stations” designed to connect attendees with local history. One feature, Our Grandparents’ Porch, will invite longtime community members to share stories about Peoria’s past and their experiences during periods of social change. Another installation, Our Ancestry Tree, will allow participants to honor family members and ancestors by adding their names to a living tree that will later be planted in a Peoria Park District location. “We wanted to bring that back,” Hargrave-Murray said of the storytelling tradition. “We’re having a setup called Our Grandparents’ Porch, where we have community members that have been a part of the changes here in Peoria, and they’re going to sit and tell their stories about Peoria and the history.” The celebration also features performances, fashion showcases, youth activities, wellness resources, and a Juneteenth-themed drone show featuring special pyro drones designed to create firework-like effects in the night sky. Jubilee Day takes place Thursday, June 19, at the Peoria RiverFront and is free and open to the public.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Marc Supreme, General Manager of Strictly Hip Hop 90.7 FM and one of the organizers behind this year’s YANI Collective Juneteenth Fest.  Taking place June 13 at the Peoria RiverFront, the event brings together live music, dance, fashion, wellness resources, youth activities, food vendors and community programming for a full day centered around culture, history and unity. This year’s theme, “ICONIC: Celebrating All Things Culture,” draws inspiration from Black cultural history, fashion and the legacy of influential people and movements connected to Peoria. Supreme says the festival is designed to celebrate both local culture and the broader impact of Black creativity and community leadership. “Peoria is an iconic place, and it’s birthed some iconic folks that have gone on to do iconic things on a national level,” he said. “We just wanted to put all that in a bottle and provide that experience for Juneteenth this year.” This year also marks the festival’s move to the riverfront, opening up new possibilities for expanded programming and larger community gatherings. The celebration includes the Ernestine Jackson Freedom Day Parade alongside performances, wellness programming and activities designed to engage multiple generations throughout the day. The YANI Collective Juneteenth Fest takes place Saturday, 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, Director of the Morton Public Library, about the return of the library’s popular Groove in the Garden Concert Series.  Taking place June 5 through July 31 in Hannah’s Reading Garden, the free summer series combines live music, food trucks and community gathering space in an outdoor setting designed for all ages. What began as a small July concert series has steadily expanded over the past decade into a summer tradition drawing hundreds of attendees from across the region. Williams describes the atmosphere as welcoming and community-centered, with families picnicking, children playing and audience members of all abilities enjoying the music together. “It’s just a perfect blend of the community,” she said. “Everyone comes together to enjoy live music.” This year’s lineup features a variety of Central Illinois favorites and cover bands performing music from the 1960s through the 1980s, including Cousin Eddie, Next Thing Smokin’, Jane's Rumor and the returning group Now in Zen. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, enjoy food trucks beginning at 6 p.m. and settle in for performances running from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Groove in the Garden takes place Thursdays from June 5 through July 31 at Morton Public Library’s Hannah’s Reading Garden. 

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.  Held May 23 and 24, the festival features live music, international wines, craft beers, local food vendors and family-friendly activities spread across the vineyard’s scenic grounds. Hahn describes the atmosphere as “kind of a Norman Rockwell sort of painting,” with visitors gathering to sample wines and beers from around the world while enjoying music and the outdoors.  The weekend’s entertainment lineup includes everything from Irish music to acoustic sets, reflecting what Hahn says is the spirit of discovery at the heart of the festival. “Life needs variety,” she said. “This is a time for people to just get away and have some fun.”  Throughout the conversation, Hahn also highlights the vineyard’s unique landscape, noting the rolling valley views that surprise many first-time visitors to Central Illinois wine country. Families are encouraged to bring blankets, picnic, explore the grounds and enjoy a relaxed holiday weekend together.  The Mackinaw Music International Wine and Craft Beer Festival takes place May 23 and 24 at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard. 

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.  Originally from New Orleans and now based near St. Louis, Ketchens creates colorful paintings that explore the social complexities of the African diaspora through symbolism, history, and storytelling. His work focuses on overlooked narratives and individuals whose contributions are often absent from mainstream history.  “I like to find the untold heroes of history,” Ketchens said, pointing to figures like Reverend Owen Whitfield, whose activism in the 1930s helped draw national attention to the treatment of sharecroppers in Missouri.  Throughout the conversation, Ketchens reflects on how the culture and color of New Orleans shaped his artistic voice, as well as his hope that viewers leave his work with a deeper understanding of social issues and human experiences outside their own. “I hope that the people that look at them understand them and take away a better understanding about the subject that we’re talking about,” he said.  Ketchens’ exhibit is on view through June 20 at the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria, with a reception taking place 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 and board member of the Peoria Heights Arts Collaborative, about the upcoming 2026 Peoria Heights Fine Art Fair. Taking place May 9 and 10 at Tower Park, the juried fair brings together artists from across the region for a weekend of fine art, live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities in the heart of Peoria Heights. Bottrell says one of the best parts of the event is the opportunity to connect directly with artists and experience work across a wide range of mediums, from painting and photography to sculpture, jewelry, and textiles. “The artists are all very friendly and like to talk about their work,” she said. “There’s a lot of different types of work that you may never have even seen before.” This year’s fair will also feature performances throughout the weekend, including local musicians Kirk Wessler and James Herr, along with a Saturday afternoon set by the four-piece band Asbury Fox. Visitors can also enjoy food trucks and activities like Unique Twist Balloons for families. The Peoria Heights Fine Art Fair takes place Saturday, May 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Tower Park in 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 and a lineup of events celebrating transportation history and hands-on learning. The season kicks off May 1 with Opening Day, followed by a full weekend of programming, including a special appearance by Ray LaHood, former US Secretary of Transportation, on May 2. Visitors can expect antique car rides, food trucks, and opportunities to hear firsthand insights on the past and future of transportation. Klein, who recently stepped into the role of executive director, describes the museum as a place of constant discovery. “It’s surprising just how big the campus is and how eclectic the mix of exhibits are,” she said. “You just never know what’s going to come around the corner.” Throughout the season, the museum emphasizes interactive experiences, from blacksmithing and quilting demonstrations to train tours and storytelling during National Train Day on May 9. A major highlight this year is the announcement that all student field trips will be free, thanks to a generous donor, expanding access for schools across the region. The Wheels O’ Time Museum opens for the 2026 season on May 1, with events scheduled throughout the month. 

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Lydia Riley, Executive Director of the Central Illinois Youth Symphony, about the group’s upcoming 60th anniversary concerts celebrating generations of young musicians. Taking place May 3 at Five Points Washington, the concert brings together current students and alumni for special homecoming performances marking six decades of music-making in Central Illinois. Riley describes the milestone as both a celebration of the past and a look toward the future, with alumni returning to perform alongside today’s students. “We’re really looking forward to inviting everybody back and making it feel like a homecoming experience,” she said. “It’s going to be a really exciting concert.” The program reflects a full arc, featuring classic works alongside new compositions, including world premieres by student and faculty composers. Riley noted that the response from alumni has been especially encouraging, with dozens signing up to participate and many others reconnecting to share how their time in the youth symphony shaped their lives. She encourages alumni to reach out if they want to participate. The concert will culminate in a performance of the 1812 Overture, closing out a day that highlights the rich history of the organization. The Central Illinois Youth Symphony’s 60th anniversary concerts take place Sunday, May 3, at Five Points Washington. Visit www.YouthMusicIllinois.org for more information.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Angela Weck, Executive Director of the Peoria Area World Affairs Council, about an upcoming program exploring Indigenous rights, environmental justice, and global climate challenges. Taking place April 16 at Bradley University Westlake Hall, Defending Life and Land: Indigenous Rights, the Amazon, and Environmental Justice features speaker Carlos Salinas, who brings firsthand experience working alongside Indigenous communities in the Amazon. Weck emphasizes the importance of global education in a community like Peoria, noting that the Council’s programs are designed to provide context, ignite conversation, and help participants better understand how international issues connect to everyday life. “For Indigenous people, this is an issue that’s an everyday, all day,” she said, pointing to the immediate impacts climate change has on land, culture, and survival. The conversation also draws connections to the central Illinois region, particularly through agriculture, where environmental shifts, rising costs, and land use decisions directly affect local communities. The April 16 event includes a buffet dinner, followed by Salinas’s presentation and an opportunity for discussion. Defending Life and Land takes place at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, at Bradley University’s Westlake Hall.

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. Warfield, who has performed on stages around the world and toured with Prince as part of the New Power Generation, returns home for a collaboration she says has been more than a year in the making. She will be taking the stage at the Peoria Civic Center, a venue she grew up passing as a child. “I am still trying to wrap my head around it… I never would have thought in a million years that I would be performing there. But also with the Peoria Symphony," she said. "Something I’ve wished for a long time,” she said. The concert features songs from her albums Edge and The Unexpected, newly arranged for full orchestra. Warfield described the experience of hearing her music at that scale as “poetic and beautiful and powerful,” adding that she hopes to bring a sense of connection and shared energy to the audience. The performance will also include guest vocalists, members of her band, and a few surprises for the audience. Liv Warfield performs with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 PM Friday, April 17, at the Peoria Civic Center.

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. A Chinese American poet whose work explores food, memory, and the immigrant experience, an April 9 event offers the community a chance to hear Su read from her work and engage in conversation about poetry, culture, and storytelling. 

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. Created in memory of longtime Osher Lifelong Learning Institute's member Kathleen Dallinger, the series celebrates the joy of learning and women’s voices. The inaugural event, An Evening with Lorissa Rinehart, takes place March 24 and explores the life of Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to Congress. Rinehart will discuss her book Winning the Earthquake, followed by a book signing and opportunities for deeper exploration through an OLLI study group. 

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. Taking place Saturday, March 21, the event brings together two dozen Central Illinois writers representing genres from mystery and romance to nonfiction and children’s literature. Families can also enjoy the “Book Bonanza” story time and craft event while parents browse and meet local authors. The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Brimfield Public Library and is free to attend. 

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. From the “Take Pieces of the Past” historic giveaway event to Olympic-themed youth programming, and book challenges for every taste, the library is full of winter activities for all ages. Learn how to participate... whether you live in Morton or not!

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 of Peoria.

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.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Dr. Joshua Russell, the new Artistic Director of the Peoria Area Civic Chorale.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Jessie Williams, Artistic Director of Central Illinois Ballet, about their upcoming production of The Nutcracker.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with conductor Phil Witzig about the Morton Community Chorus and Orchestra’s upcoming performance of Handel’s Messiah.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Mary Ellen Ulrich, Director of "Annie," opening November 7 at Peoria Players Theatre.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois chats with Maestro George Stelluto of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra about their upcoming concert Handel at the Cathedral.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners speaks with director Al Oltmanns about "Into the Woods," Bradley University Theatre’s first full musical since 2017.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland talks with artist Barbie Perry about Terrain Biennial 2025. This global art festival brings art to front yards, porches, and rooftops in neighborhoods around the world — including central Illinois.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois speaks with artist Qingjun Huang, joined by translator Liu Yang, about the exhibition "In Her Silence, God" now on display at The Foster Gallery in Peoria. 

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois chats with Duncan Katlack about Fest in the Garden, a one-day music and arts festival taking place on Sunday, October 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Luthy Botanical Garden.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Jennifer Davis of Peoria Public Library. Davis discusses the library’s wide array of programming this autumn that will be a perfect fit for falling temperatures and cozying up with a book.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks to Cheryl Langley, General Manager of The Book Nook about the first-ever Readers and Writers Rendezvous event, taking place Saturday, September 27, 10AM-5PM at the Peoria Civic Center.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with David Commanday, conductor of the Heartland Festival Orchestra, about "Sitar and Symphony."

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsParnters of Central Illinois chats with Susanne Nestory, gallery consultant for Bradley University’s Department of Art and Design, about “MAKE | BELIEVE” — a dynamic group exhibition curated by Marcella Hackbardt.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois chats with April Hudson, cast member in Peoria Players Theatre’s production of ‘Memphis.’

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois chats with Tom McConnaughay, Entertainment Chair for Peoria Irish Fest.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois chats with Kristan McKinsey of the Fine Arts Society of Peoria about the upcoming lecture "How Graphic Novels Became an Art Form for Everyone (Really)."

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois chats with Indo-American Society of Peoria board member Krupal Sanghvi about the upcoming India Fest.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central talks with Friends of Rocky Glen board member Valerie Wolfe about the upcoming Kickapoo Creek Festival. This free three-day event takes place at Sommer Farm, August 8-10.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Jessica Bingham, co-founder of Project 1612, about Ripples: The 10th Anniversary Invitational. This milestone exhibition brings together seven past Project 1612 artists exploring powerful themes like identity, climate change, and history.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks to William Butler, Executive Director of the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria, about the return of Boogie Night — the CAC’s annual disco costume dance party.