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.

Rik Edgar is stepping down as general manager of the Peoria Civic Center to pursue another job opportunity, the entertainment venue’s management company announced Friday.

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.

For the first two decades Dan Conlin owned the Jukebox Comedy Club, the money from the previous week's shows paid for the next one. Shows, bills, another week, another show. Then came the pandemic.

There's a life-size dollhouse you can walk into. A row of vintage arcade cabinets, fully playable. LEGO bricks, Lincoln Logs and every generation of Mr. Potato Head are lined up side by side.

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.

Bradley University recently unveiled a large mural on Harper Hall near the campus entryway intersection, while ArtsPartners of Central Illinois has announced plans for another mural at the corner of Main and Sheridan Road.

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 ArtsParnters 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.