Out and About

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.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois chats with Dr. David Vroman, conductor of the Peoria Municipal Band, about their exciting 2025 season.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Lynette Steger, First Vice President of the Peoria Women's Club, about the organization’s long-standing impact on Peoria’s civic and cultural landscape.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Terri Gambetti, President of Pekin Main Street, about Pekin First Fridays — a festive summer series that is a hub of creativity.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners catches up with artist Valencia Davis of V’s Visions as she marks the one-year anniversary of her studio on Sheridan in Peoria.

On this week’s Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois chats with local composer David Getz to discuss "Ruth: The Musical". His original theatrical production returns to Five Points Washington on July 12 and 13.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois chats with Ray Flacko, one of the founding members of Peoria's Juneteenth Fest, about the 2025 event taking place Saturday, June 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at John H. Gwynn Park.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois chats with Laura Warren-Roberts of Fondulac District Library about Music in the Park — a free, family-friendly summer concert series held in East Peoria’s Levee Park.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners chats with Kindall Reuschel, Founder and Director of Harmonize Peoria, about Garage Band Open Stage. This free music series is designed especially for artists under 21, offering young musicians the chance to gain stage experience, jam with different host bands each week, and perform using a collection of donated instruments — all in a welcoming, garage-style setting. Kindall also shares how her work with Peoria Music Live connects to the mission of Harmonize Peoria and the vision behind this creative community space.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois chats with Shannon Cox, Executive Director of the Peoria Art Guild, about "Art Without Boundaries." This bold new initiative provides free arts education to all youth under 18 across central Illinois, removing financial and transportation barriers.

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 the final concert of their 127th season, "Star Crossed Letters."

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Jeremie Draper, owner of J. Draper Glass, about a heartfelt way to celebrate the women in our lives.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Lidia Riley, Executive Director of Youth Music Illinois. YMI is preparing for an exciting concert with local band JC and the Redemption on April 28 at 7:30 PM at the Bertha Frank Performing Arts Center in Morton.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Elizabeth Klise, Executive Director of the Peoria Historical Society, about Place and Displacement — a powerful exhibition and event series that examines the impact of urban renewal on Peoria’s Southtown neighborhood. Klise shares the inspiration behind the project, what made Southtown a vibrant community, and how this effort to preserve its history invites all of us to reflect on memory, loss, and belonging.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with artist Lori Reed about the Harvard Avenue Artists Show, now on view through the end of April at Exhibit A Gallery in Peoria Heights. 

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois speaks with Scott Kanoff, Professor in the Theater Arts Department at Bradley University, about the upcoming production of “John Proctor is the Villain,” running April 9–13 at Bradley's Hartmann Center for the Performing Arts. 

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois sits down with Chanel Hargrave-Murray, co-founder and organizer of Peoria Fashion Week, which takes place April 3–5 at Four Points Sheraton in Downtown Peoria. 

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Jon Young, owner of Young Dance Inc., about his passion for making ballroom, Latin, and swing dance accessible across Central Illinois. 

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois is joined by Garrett Zimmerman, director of operations for TempleLive Entertainment and Events, to discuss the grand reopening of the historic Scottish Rite Theatre — now known as "TempleLive Peoria Scottish Rite".

On this week’s Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois is joined by Nikki Malley to discuss the upcoming Central Illinois Jazz Society concert featuring the Nikki Malley Quartet. Known for their innovative blend of traditional and contemporary jazz, the quartet explores everything from hard bop to unexpected genre influences, creating a fresh and dynamic sound.