Out and About

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 St...

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...

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 h...

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...

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 y...

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...