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Dr. Joshua Russell is the new Artistic Director of the Peoria Area Civic Chorale

A promotional graphic for WCBU’s “Out and About” program. The left side shows the show’s circular logo with the words “Out and About,” and a vertical red banner reading “Seasonal Song and Spirit.” Logos for NPR, WCBU, and PNC appear above and below. A small circular stained-glass-style illustration of Mary and baby Jesus is near the bottom. On the right side, a man in a tuxedo sits smiling with his hands folded; beneath him, a red box contains the printed text “featuring Dr. Joshua Russell.” At the bottom are icons indicating the program is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify, next to the words “Listen Here.”

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.

Russell reflects on stepping into this leadership role and leading one of the region’s most cherished traditions, "An American Family Christmas." He also discusses how his background as a pianist, educator, and music scholar shapes his approach to directing the chorale and what he hopes audiences take away from this season’s performances. Experience one of Greater Peoria’s most beloved holiday concerts for yourself!

Mae Gilliland Wright is the host of WCBU's Out & About.