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Portraits 2023

Mae Gilliland Wright

Host

Mae Gilliland Wright is the host of WCBU's Out & About. She joined the station in this role in 2023.

  • The image features a photo of Angela Bottrell, co-chair of the Peoria Heights Fine Art Fair. The image has the quote “ART IN THE HEIGHTS”, with a graphic icon to promote the event that reads Peoria Heights Fine Art Fair. As always, the graphic artwork also features an icon of the podcast’s sponsor PNC Bank as well as various podcast platforms where the Out and About podcast can be heard.
    Peoria Heights holds annual Fine Art Fair
    Mae Gilliland Wright
    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.
  • The image features a photo of Diana Klein, Executive Director of the Wheels O’ Time Museum. The image has the quote “ALL ABOARD: OPENING DAY”, with a graphic icon to promote the event that reads Wheels O’ Time Museum. As always, the graphic artwork also features an icon of the podcast’s sponsor PNC Bank as well as various podcast platforms where the Out and About podcast can be heard.
    Wheels O’ Time Museum celebrates transportation history
    Mae Gilliland Wright
    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.
  • The image features a photo of the Executive Director of the Central Illinois Youth Symphony Lidia Riley. The image has the quote “A SYMPHONY HOMECOMING”. The image also features a graphic icon to promote the event that reads Central Illinois Youth Symphony, 60th Anniversary Concert, Alumni Welcome! As always, the graphic artwork also features icons of the podcast’s sponsor PNC Bank as well as various podcast platforms where Out and About can be heard.
    Central Illinois Youth Symphony celebrates 60 years
    Mae Gilliland Wright
    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.
  • The image features a photo of the Executive Director of the Peoria Area World Affairs Council Angela Weck. The image has the quote “GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES” in quotes. The image also features a graphic of Weck’s book “Defending Life and Land” as well as the icons of sponsor PNC Bank and various podcast platforms.
    Peoria World Affairs Council looks at climate change and Indigenous communities
    Mae Gilliland Wright
    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.
  • Liv Warfield performs with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra
    Mae Gilliland Wright
    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.
  • The image features a photo of Bradley University’s Dr. Claire McQuerry and poet Adrienne Su. The image also features the quote of “Poet Adrienne Su at Bradley” as well as icons for PNC Bank and various podcast platforms.
    Bradley University presents poetry reading and Q&A night with Adrienne Su
    Mae Gilliland Wright
    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.
  • The image features a photo of Bradley University's Associate Director of Continuing Education Catherine Lawless. The image also features the quote of “Honoring Women’s Voices” as well as icons for PNC Bank and various podcast platforms.
    New Dallinger series celebrates the joy of learning and women’s voices
    Mae Gilliland Wright
    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.
  • The image features a photo of trombonist Dan Dietrich of the Prairie Wind Ensemble with a quote of “Prairie Wind in concert” as well as icons for various podcast platforms.
    Prairie Wind Ensemble presents free concert on March 19 in Washington
    Mae Gilliland Wright
    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!
  • The image features a photo of Marketing and Outreach Coordinator Chip Joyce of the Brimfield Public Library District with a quote of “Celebrating Local Authors” as well as icons for various podcast platforms.
    Brimfield Public Library’s Local Author Fair
    Mae Gilliland Wright
    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.
  • The image features a photo of Artistic Director and Conductor David Commanday of the Heartland Festival Orchestra with a quote of “Salon To Stage” as well as icons for various podcast platforms.
    Local News
    The Heartland Festival Orchestra presents 'French Impressions'
    Mae Gilliland Wright
    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.