Out and About

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A weekly spotlight on arts activities in Central Illinois. Each week, host Jenn Gordon 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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    • May 27, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 7m AVG DURATION
    • 201 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Out and About

    Fondulac District Library serenades East Peoria with 'Music in the Park'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 4:30


    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.

    Under 21 and love music? Harmonize Peoria has a stage for you

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 4:30


    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.

    New initiative provides free arts education to central Illinois youth

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 4:30


    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.

    Peoria Symphony Orchestra presents 'Star Crossed Letters' as 127th season finale

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 4:30


    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."

    Peoria artist Jeremie Draper celebrates women by honoring love, memory, and creativity in her work

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 5:00


    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.

    Youth Music Illinois Executive Director Lidia Riley previews a concert with local, soulful, funky band JC and the Redemption

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 5:00


    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.

    'Place and Displacement' examines the impact of urban renewal on Peoria's Southtown neighborhood

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 5:00


    Elizabeth Klise of the Peoria Historical Society details a new exhibition that examines the impact of urban renewal on Peoria's Southtown neighborhood.

    Artist Lori Reed talks about the Harvard Avenue Artists Show in Peoria Heights

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 4:30


    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.

    Director Scott Kanoff previews 'John Proctor is the Villain' playing April 9-13 at Bradley University

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 4:30


    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.

    Chanel Hargrave-Murray talks about the upcoming Peoria Fashion Week

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 4:30


    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.

    Jon Young shares his passion for making dance accessible

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 4:30


    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.

    Scottish Rite reborn: Upcoming changes to one of Peoria's most historic venues

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 4:30


    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".

    The Nikki Malley Quartet explores unique genre influences with vibraphone center stage

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 4:30


    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.

    Atmospheric horror and local lore collide in 'Darkness Calls'

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2025 4:30


    On this episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois speaks with local author, human rights activist and educator Joe Chianakas about his upcoming horror novel Darkness Calls, set for release on March 4.

    ‘That's What She Said': A night of empowering women's stories in Greater Peoria

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 4:30


    On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois speaks with Nikki Romain, executive director of ART Inc., about the upcoming "That's What She Said" event, taking place March 1 at the Romain Arts & Culture Center.

    'Black Stories Matter': Proctor Recreation Center honors the power of Black cinema

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 4:30


    On this episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois speaks with Jonelle McCloud, manager of Peoria Park District's Proctor Recreation Center, about the upcoming event "Black Stories Matter: Celebrating Our Roots in Cinema," taking place Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. at no cost to the public.

    Swing into romance: Judy Page headlines Valentine's edition of CAC's 'Live at the Five Spot'

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2025 4:30


    On this week's Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois is joined by William Butler, executive director of the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria, who talks about the upcoming 'St. Valentine's Live at the Five Spot' featuring the legendary jazz vocalist Judy Page.

    Discover custom car culture in a new light at the Peoria Riverfront Museum's latest exhibition

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 4:30


    On this week's Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois is joined by Everley Davis, assistant curator and community engagement coordinator at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, to talk about the upcoming exhibition BUILT: American Custom Car Culture, opening Feb. 1.

    'The Demon Barber of Fleet Street' brings a sharp edge to Peoria Players Theatre

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2025 4:30


    On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois is joined by Chip Joyce, director of the upcoming production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at Peoria Players Theatre.

    Celebrating the Queen of Rock: Heartland Festival Orchestra's Tina Turner Tribute

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2025 4:30


    On this week's Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois is joined by David Commanday, conductor of the Heartland Festival Orchestra. They talk about the HFO's exciting upcoming 'A Tribute to Tina Turner' concert taking place Saturday, Jan. 25 in the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom.

    'His Light Still Shines' in Heritage Ensemble's 25th annual 'Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Choral Celebration'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2025 4:30


    On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois is joined by Sharon Samuels Reed, founder and artistic director of The Heritage Ensemble, to discuss their 25th annual "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Choral Celebration". This event will take place on Sunday, Jan. 19 at 3 p.m. at the Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center.

    In the coldest months, Peoria Riverfront Museum offers chance for introspection in 'Solitude'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2025 4:30


    This week on Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois chats with Bill Conger, curator of collections and exhibitions at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, about the exhibition Solitude: The Necessity of Art.

    Savor the acoustics with Peoria's first 'Tuba Christmas' concert

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2024 4:30


    On this week's Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois chats about Peoria's first "Tuba Christmas" concert with event organizer Dan Dietrich.

    Cherished melodies shine in 'An American Family Christmas'

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2024 4:30


    On this week's Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois speaks with Dr. Joseph Henry, artistic director and conductor of the Peoria Area Civic Chorale, about their beloved annual concert, An American Family Christmas, taking place Dec. 13-15 at Five Points Washington.

    Celebrate literary legend Jane Austen at the Peoria Public Library, plus other festivities

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2024 4:30


    On this week's Out and About, Jennifer Davis, manager of public relations at Peoria Public Library, joins Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois to discuss the upcoming "Jane Austen Birthday Celebration" on Dec. 14 at 2:30 p.m. at the McClure Branch.

    Find holiday joy within the arts at the Contemporary Art Center

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 4:30


    On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois speaks with William Butler, executive director of the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria, about their exciting lineup of holiday events and programs.

    'The Wizards of Winter' make a stop at Five Points Washington

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2024 4:30


    In this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois chats with Josh Schnetzler, theater manager at Five Points Washington, to get an inside look at The Wizards of Winter show coming on Dec. 5.

    Celebrating film and creativity in the River City

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2024 4:30


    In this episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois speaks with Doug Leunig, co-founder of Big Picture Peoria, about the upcoming Big Picture Peoria Film Festival happening Nov. 22-23.

    Mackinaw Valley Vineyard offers more to explore at their central location

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2024 4:30


    On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois chats with Diane Hahn, owner of Mackinaw Valley Vineyard.

    Exploring Peoria's past with the Historical Society

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2024 4:30


    On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois chats with Susie Papenhaus, president of the Peoria Historical Society board of directors, about the society's upcoming events.

    MUSE Morton offers creative space, Fourth Friday events

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2024 4:30


    On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois chats with Katie VandenBerg about MUSE Morton, a creative space fostering community growth in Central Illinois.

    'Magic Flute' opens the Peoria Symphony Orchestra's 127th season

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2024 4:30


    On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois chats with Maestro George Stelluto about the Peoria Symphony Orchestra's 127th season.

    Art and music fills the space at Luthy Botanical Garden

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2024 4:00


    On this episode of WCBU's Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois speaks with Duncan Katlack, organizer of the upcoming Art and Music in the Garden event.

    Curiosities shop in Germantown Hills hosts an art show...maybe

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2024 4:30


    On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gillliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois chats with Robin Albright, owner of the Zinger Zanger Shop of Curiosities and Contemplation in Germantown Hills. They discuss the upcoming event, Maybe An Art Show, taking place at her store location on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

    Immersive art experience travels to Five Points Washington

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2024 4:30


    On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners chats with Josh Schnetzler, theater manager at Five Points Washington.

    130 artists will take over the Riverfront at the Peoria Art Guild's Fine Art Fair

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2024 4:30


    On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois chats about the Peoria Art Guild's Fine Art Fair with executive director Shannon Cox.

    'Hope Chest': An installation celebrating women

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 4:30


    On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois chats with artist Barbie Perry about her art installation Hope Chest on display now through Oct. 18 at the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria.

    From Beethoven to Tina Turner: Heartland Festival Orchestra kicks off season 16

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2024 5:55


    On this week's episode of Out and About, WCBU's Jody Holtz talks with Heartland Festival Orchestra's artistic director David Commanday about their upcoming "sweet" 16 season.

    A focus on design: The artwork of Jae Chae

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2024 5:46


    On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Jae Chae, artist and assistant professor of graphic design at Bradley University.

    The Transformative Art of Trash

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2024 7:51


    On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with artist, environmentalist and community advocate Jessica Thomas McGhee about her upcoming exhibition, "An Unblighted Area." You can see it at Heartland Community College Aug. 15 through Oct. 11. They talk about McGhee's local mural work, her use of trash in artwork, as well as her advocacy work with unhoused people — and how it all ties together.

    Peoria Irish Fest takes over the Riverfront at the end of August

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2024 7:30


    On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks about Peoria Irish Fest with the festival's entertainment chair Tom McConnaughay.

    Women take center stage in Corn Stock Theatre's production of 'Nine'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2024


    On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks about Nine, the musical, with director Chip Joyce.

    'A Semblance of Reality': The art of Duffy Armstrong Farrell

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2024 14:18


    On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with artist Duffy Armstrong Farrell about her work over the years — including her latest exhibition, A Semblance of Reality, which is on display now through August 2 at Exhibit A Gallery in Peoria Heights.

    Film meets art in latest film series at the Peoria Riverfront Museum

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2024 12:48


    On this week's episode of Out and About, WCBU's Jody Holtz sits in for Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright to talk about Frame to Frame: Film Meets Art, the Peoria Riverfront Museum's first ever series that pairs film with art from PRM's exhibition FRESH: New Directions in Contemporary Art.

    frame contemporary art film series prm peoria riverfront museum wcbu
    Under the sea with the Community Children's Theatre

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2024 7:25


    On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with the Community Children's Theatre about their upcoming show, The Little Mermaid, with director Kayla Harvey.

    Summertime with the Peoria Municipal Band

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2024 8:41


    On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Dr. David Vroman, conductor of the Peoria Municipal Band, about their summer concert series.

    'Transformative Manifestations' to be unveiled at the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2024 7:48


    On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with professional artist and designer Heather Ford about her upcoming exhibition Transformative Manifestations, taking place July 5-August 16 at the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria.

    Peoria artist Valencia Davis opens V's Visions studio

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2024 8:55


    On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with local artist Valencia Davis about the opening of V's Visions, her new studio in Peoria.

    Local musician Barry Cloyd brings Celtic solstice celebrations to Peoria

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2024 4:40


    On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois chats with local musician Barry Cloyd about a series of must-see upcoming performances.

    Renowned artist Alfred Conteh unveils Peoria portrait

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2024 9:35


    On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with nationally renowned artist Alfred Conteh about the unveiling of his new painting The Unseen Majority.

    ICC professor Joe Chianakas unveils new novel 'Pride and Persistence'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2024 10:00


    On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with author Joe Chianakas about his new novel, Pride and Persistence.

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