Editor’s note: The information below is correct to the best of our knowledge, but it’s recommended that you call ahead to ensure accuracy.
applause
Central Illinois sculptor Bob Emser’s exhibit, “Shadow Drawings,” was exhibited March 14 to April 30 at Atrium Gallery in St. Louis. The exhibition of wall hung and suspended sculptures is the third leg of a year-long tour of Emser’s sculpture.
Opera Illinois’ Margaret and William Swain were named co-artistic directors by unanimous vote of the Opera Illinois Board of Directors. The two have served with the Peoria-based company since 2000; Margaret has served as executive director and William as general manager.
Sculptor Nita Sunderland was honored by the ywca peoria with the 2006 Legend Award March 1 at a reception at Mt. Hawley Country Club. The Legend Award recipient is chosen by her peers—previous ywca Leadership Award winners—for continued excellence in her accomplishments and service to the community.
dance
The TazWood Dance Company, in residence at Illinois Central College, presents its spring concert, “Those Dancing Feet,” at 7:30 p.m., May 5 and 6, and at 2:30 p.m., May 7, in ICC’s Performing Arts Center. The concert includes “Mother Goose Breaks Loose,” “Stirred by Emotion,” and a children’s section called “Pop Rock.” $5, $7. 694-5136, 367-9754.
Water Street Dance Company’s 3rd Annual Spring Dance Show takes place at 1 p.m., June 4, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in downtown Peoria. $10. 636-8872.
exhibits
The Peoria Art Guild hosts Nancy Brinker’s personal collection of paintings from May 5 to June 24. These paintings were acquired when she was ambassador to Hungary and only recently made available for public viewing. This show coincides with the 50-year anniversary of the Hungarian Uprising. Free for members, $2 for non-members. 637-2787.
The Contemporary Art Center hosts the artwork of David Griffin May 5 to June 23 in Gallery 3R. His silver, enamel, and wood tea services inspire the imagination. Found objects are seamlessly fused with fabricated parts to produce witty interpretations of teapots. 674-6822.
The Contemporary Art Center hosts Doug Grossman’s “Something About Smurfette” exhibit May 5 to June 30 in the Preston Jackson Gallery. The Pekin native’s paintings are inspired from Pop Art and images from popular culture and use bright colors with a dose of humor mixed in. 674-6822.
The Bradley University MFA and BFA Thesis Exhibition is on display through May 13 in Bradley’s Hartmann Center Art Gallery. 677-2989.
The McLean County Museum of History presents “The Block Documents: A Collection of Presidential Papers” through May 14. Lucille and Joseph L. Block collected this unique array of materials featuring notes, letters, photos, engravings, and cartoons from 13 of the 43 presidents. 827-0428.
The Illinois Art League Gallery in Peoria Heights hosts the “Members 7th Exhibit” through May 18. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Thursday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday.
Illinois Central College’s Annual Student Art Exhibition is on display through May 20 at ICC’s Performing Arts Center Gallery. 694-5342.
Illinois Central College’s Annual Faculty Art Exhibition is on display through May 20 in ICC’s Gallery 305A. 694-5342.
Knox College presents the Annual Al Young Art Show and Competition through May 21 in the Ford Center for the Fine Arts. The exhibition includes student works in painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and photography. Free. 341-7489.
The Country School Foundation hosts “The Art of Sharing and Caring: Celebrating Hammitt School Artists” through May 26 at The Freight House Gallery at the historic El Paso Depot. 657-8623.
Lakeview Museum presents “Tech City” through May 28. The interactive exhibits present real-world problems that can be solved through engineering. $3.50, $5. 686-3000.
Lakeview Museum hosts “Hatching the Past: Dinosaur Eggs, Nests and Young” June 10 to September 3. Recent discoveries of dinosaur eggs, nests, and even embryos are providing new evidence to unlock the mysteries of dinosaur behavior. What was life like for baby dinosaurs? Are dinosaurs alive today? These fascinating questions and answers are explored in an exhibition that’s a blend of art and science. $3.50, $5. 686-3000.
Exhibits of the National Ceramic Invitational will be displayed in Bradley University’s Heuser Art Center gallery through July 1. 677-2989.
festivals & fairs
The 6th Annual Heart of Illinois Senior Olympics Fine Arts Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., May 4, at the Peoria Public Library Auditorium. The exhibit includes visual and performing art, heritage, and literary creations by adults 50 and older. Free. 691-6999.
The Peoria Art Guild is partnering with Junction City Shopping Center to present the Junction City Art Fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 20, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 21. This juried fair showcases artists from central Illinois. For more information, call 637-2787.
The 2006 Arts in Education Spring Celebration, featuring more than 17,000 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, takes place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, through May 26, at Peoria County Courthouse Plaza in downtown Peoria. Free.
The Return To Pimiteoui Pow Wow takes place from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., June 10 and 11, at W. H. Sommer Park in Peoria. The event includes Native American singing, dancing, and craft demonstrators; a children’s hands-on discovery area; food; and craft vendors. 369-4052.
The Illinois Art League’s Eagle Landing Fine Art Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 10, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 11, at RiverFront Park in East Peoria. The art fair includes more than 80 vendors with fine arts and crafts, food, and music. Free. 699-3445.
The Peoria Park District’s Luthy Botanical Garden hosts the Rhapsody in Bloom Arts Festival, the Garden’s fourth annual celebration of art, music, food, and bloom June 24 and 25. The juried art sale takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 24, and from noon to 5 p.m., June 25, outdoors on the Luthy grounds. 686-3362.
films
The Peoria Film Group presents Stone Reader at 7 p.m., May 20, in the Caterpillar Global Communications Center at Bradley University. Stone Reader is a fascinating documentary about a filmmaker who rereads a cult novel of his youth and then embarks on a quest to find the book’s reclusive author. $4, $5. 339-3001.
for children
The Peoria Park District’s Community Children’s Theatre presents its annual drama festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 6, at the Corn Stock Tent. This annual festival features award-winning Theatre Education For Children school plays performed by Peoria students. The winners of the One-Act Play competition also will be announced. Free. 681-2841.
The Reading Radar Home School Book Club discusses Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary at 3 p.m., May 8, at the Peoria Public Library’s Lakeview branch. Free. 497-2200.
The Bonding With Books Mother Daughter Book Club discusses Bucking the Sarge by Christopher Paul Curtis at 6 p.m., May 17, at the Lincoln branch. For ages 10 to 14. Free. 497-2600.
The Talk About Good! Middle School Book Club discusses Honus and Me by Dan Gutman at 4 p.m., May 31, at the Lakeview branch. Free. 497-2200.
Children’s Discovery Museum in Normal hosts Camp Invention June 5 to 9. The nationally acclaimed program is filled with activities that foster creativity, teamwork, and inventive thinking skills for children entering grades one through six. $25. 433-3448.
The Peoria Public Library hosts an Elementary Space Explorers program for kids in grades one to three at 3 p.m., June 6, 13, 20, 27, at the downtown library. Who wants to be an astronaut? Come learn about the sun, moon, stars, and planets. Free. 497-2142.
The Peoria Public Library continues its long-time tradition of holding a summer reading program this year with its 60th anniversary Summer Reading Program, “Summer Read-In,” for all ages from June 12 to July 29 at all library locations. The seven-week program culminates with a final celebration party at the Peoria Zoo at Glen Oak Park August 1. 497-2141.
The South Side branch of the Peoria Public Library hosts “Where the Wild Things Are” at 2:30 p.m., June 30. Participants will read Where the Wild Things Are to tie in with a visit from Deb Moreland and her furry friends and also make a “wild things” craft. Free. 497-2300.
lectures
ICC’s Travels Through Literature Series presents “School’s Out Forever” at 7 p.m., May 2, at ICC North. As the summer approaches, publishers issue and re-issue old and new books designed for the back porch, the plane, and the beach. Join a group of ICC faculty, moderated by Bob Moulton, as they share their best choices for a summer’s worth of enjoyable reading.
Terri Clemens presents “Kluxing in Korn Kountry” at 7 p.m., May 9, at the McLean County Museum of History. Taken from her award-winning Master’s Thesis at ISU, she tells the unusual stories of the Ku Klux Klan in 1920s McLean County, such as using all Ks in a business name to advertise Klan presence in a community. 827-0428.
literature
A discussion on “Love to Read!” takes place at 1:30 p.m., May 4, or at 6:30 p.m., May 17, at ICC North. If you love to read but haven’t found a place where you can share your ideas, thoughts, and questions with others about your latest books, join either of these sessions to explore and organize a reading circle and discussion group. Free. 690-6863.
The Lakeview branch of the Peoria Public Library hosts the Rock Island Trail Storytelling Festival at 1 p.m., May 6. Patti Erwin tells stories for the whole family. Free. 497-2200.
A Little Romance Book Club meets at 2 p.m., May 7, at the Lakeview branch. Free. 497-2200.
The Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club discusses The Descent of Anasi by Larry Niven and Stephen Barnes at 7 p.m., May 8, at the downtown library. Free. 497-2160.
A discussion on “The Z Was Zapped and Other Literary Gems” takes place at 1:30 p.m., May 10, at ICC North. Want to help your grandchildren enjoy good books? Need some advice about titles for children ages nine through 12? Jan Deissler shares her ideas about reading for grandparents and their pre-teen grandchildren. Free. 690-6863.
The Pekin Public Library’s book group discusses The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier from 2 to 3 p.m. and from 7 to 8 p.m., May 10. 347-7111, ext. 2.
The Junior League of Peoria Book Club meets at 7 p.m., May 17, at Jill’s on Galena to discuss A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell. Members only.
The Book ‘Em Mystery Book Club discusses The Ghosts of Glevum by Rosemary Rowe at 2 p.m., May 21, at the Lakeview branch. Free. 497-2141.
The Read On Book Club discusses Never Kiss and Tell by Tracie Howard at 5:30 p.m., May 23, at the Lincoln branch. Free. 497-2600.
Club Read Book Club discusses As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner at 6:30 p.m., May 24, at the Lakeview branch. Free. 497-2200.
Lakeview’s Leaky Cauldron Book Club discusses chapters 27 and 28 of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire at 7 p.m., May 31. Free. 497-2200.
The Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club discusses She and It by Marge Piercy at 7 p.m., June 12, at the downtown library. Free. 497-2160.
The Pekin Public Library’s book group discusses I Was Amelia Earhart by Jane Mendelsohn from 2 to 3 p.m. and from 7 to 8 p.m., June 14. 347-7111, ext. 2.
The Junior League of Peoria Book Club meets at 7 p.m., June 21, at Barnes & Noble to discuss Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer and to select books. Members only.
Lakeview Museum’s summer Book Sale takes place from 5 to 8 p.m., June 23, 24, and 25. Museum members get a 10 percent discount and 20 percent off purchases of $100 or more. 686-7000.
The Book’ Em Mystery Book Club discusses Bleedout by Joan Brady at 2 p.m., June 25, at the Bradley University library.
Club Read Book Group discusses Caucasia by Danzy Senna at 6:30 p.m., June 28, at the Lakeview branch.
music
Sangamon Auditorium hosts The Kingston Trio at 8 p.m., May 5. In 1957, The Kingston Trio emerged from San Francisco’s North Beach club scene to take the country by storm, bringing the rich tradition of American folk music into the mainstream for the first time. During the late 1950s & early 1960s, the Trio enjoyed unprecedented record sales and worldwide fame, while influencing the musical tastes of a generation. $25 to $29. (800) 207-6960.
The Contemporary Art Center hosts Live at the Five Spot: Robin Crowe Band (blues) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., May 5. $3, $5, $8. 674-6822.
The Peoria Area Civic Chorale presents its spring concert, “Opera Meets Broadway,” at 7:30 p.m., May 5 and 6, and at 2:30 p.m., May 7, at the Peoria Civic Center. The Chorale’s 24th season closes with a flourish, as audience members enjoy some of the greatest tunes from Broadway’s Tin Pan Ally such as “Button Up your Overcoat” and familiar songs from some of the greatest Broadway musicals ever staged. Also included in the performance are tunes from operas such as William Tell and The Barber of Seville. $12 to $25. 693-6725.
As part of its World Artist Series, the Peoria Symphony Orchestra hosts Emanuel Ax at 8 p.m., May 9, at the Peoria Civic Center. The series, which features artists at the pinnacle of achievement and fame, this year highlights one of America’s finest musicians and pre-eminent pianists. Brahm’s magnificent and epic Piano “Concert No. 1 in D Minor” is the work at hand. The evening also includes another Brahms masterpiece, the “Third Symphony,” and Johann Strauss Jr.’s effervescent “Fledermaus Overture.” 671-1096.
A Music Student Recital takes place at 7:30 p.m., May 9, at ICC’s Lecture/Recital Hall. Free.
The ICC Concert Band performs at 7:30 p.m., May 10, in the Performing Arts Center. Free.
The Contemporary Art Center hosts Live at the Five Spot: Rob Williams & the Soggy Bottom Blues Band (blues) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., May 12. $3, $5, $8. 674-6822.
The ICC Concert Choirs perform at 7:30 p.m., May 12, in the Performing Arts Center. Free.
Forest Park Nature Center hosts The Cantrells in Concert at 7 p.m., May 13. Al and Emily Cantrell offer airy, joyful acoustic songs. The Cantrells have been featured on nationally-syndicated radio programs, and Robert Redford hand-picked them to play old-time music on-screen in his hit movie, A River Runs Through It. $5, $6. 686-3360.
The Knox-Galesburg Symphony presents “Celebrate Mom at the Pops” at 7:30 p.m., May 13, at the Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg. The concert features Grammy-nominated vocalist Maureen Christine presenting “Blue Skies and Broadway II.” $8, $12, $15, $18. 342-2299.
The Prairie Wind Ensemble performs at 2:30 p.m., May 14, in ICC’s Performing Arts Center. $5, $7.
Old Time Folk & Country Jams take place from 3:30 to 5 p.m., May 14 and 28, at Forest Park Nature Center. Free. 686-3360.
Suzuki School’s Spring Formal Concert takes place at 6:30 p.m., May 16, at Woodland Baptist Church in Peoria. 246-8403.
The Contemporary Art Center hosts Live at the Five Spot: Doran & the Soul Mystics (soul, R&B, pop) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., May 19. $3, $5, $8. 674-6822.
Illinois Central College hosts Dave Bennett’s Tribute to Benny Goodman at 7:30 p.m., May 19, in the ICC Performing Arts Center. The performance is the final show of the 2005-2006 ICC Subscription Series. $14, $16. 694-5136.
The Central Illinois Jazz Society House Band and Central Illinois Jazz Orchestra perform from 6 to 9:30 p.m., May 21, at the Radisson Hotel. $5, $7. 692-5330.
The Luthy Botanical Garden Gigs in the Garden Concert Series kicks off at 5 p.m., May 21. A family-friendly concert takes place the second Sunday of the month through September. $5. 681-2838.
Josh Russell performs an organ recital at 3:30 p.m., May 21, at First Baptist Church in Peoria. $10. 243-1967.
The Philharmonic Chorale, in residence at Illinois Central College, performs “For We Wish You Music” at 3 p.m., May 21, in the Performing Arts Center. $5, $7.
The Heart of Illinois Chorus performs at 7:30 p.m., May 23, in ICC’s Performing Arts Center. Free. 694-5136.
The Morton Civic Chorus presents Encore 2006 at 8 p.m., May 23 to 27, and at 2 p.m., May 28, at Bradley’s Hartmann Center. The Morton Civic Chorus has raised funds for the Central Illinois Memorial Kidney Fund for the last 35 years; all concert proceeds go to dialysis patients. $7, $10, $12. 677-4966.
Lakeview Museum hosts a Senior Morning With The Hicks-Homes Band at 10:15 a.m., May 24. The Hicks-Holmes Blue Grass Band puts on a finger-snapping, toe-tapping sing-a-long with the animals and Marge Bjorklund, licensed wildlife rehabilitator and educator. Free. 686-7000.
The Contemporary Art Center hosts Live at the Five Spot: Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project (instrumental Latin jazz) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., May 26. $3, $5, $8. 674-6822.
The 32nd Old-Time Piano Playing Contest takes place May 26 to 28 at the Hotel Pere Marquette. The event includes world-class piano playing, sing-a-longs, and more. (217) 428-2403.
The Peoria Municipal Band performs at the following locations:
• 10:30 a.m., May 29, on the Peoria riverfront.
• 7:30 p.m., June 11, at the Glen Oak Park Amphitheater.
• 7:30 p.m., June 14, at the Glen Oak Park Amphitheater.
• 7:30 p.m., June 18, at the Glen Oak Park Amphitheater.
• 7:30 p.m., June 21, at the Glen Oak Park Amphitheater.
• 7:30 p.m., June 25, at the Glen Oak Park Amphitheater. 691-3318, 677-2605.
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Peoria hosts a Bach Festival May 31 to June 4.
• “Bach at Noon” recital, 12:05 p.m., May 31. Free.
• “Hey Kids, Meet Mrs. Bach,” 4 p.m., May 31. $2. Reservations required.
• Chamber Concert, 5 p.m., June 1. Free.
• “Bach at Noon” recital, 12:05 p.m., June 2. Free.
• “Coffee With Bach” concert, 7:30 p.m., June 2. $8, $10.
• Festival concert with choir and orchestra, 7:30 p.m., June 3. $8, $10.
• Bach Festival services including Cantata 34 “O Ewiges Geuer,” 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., June 4. 676-4609.
Knox-Galesburg Symphony presents the 21st Annual Concert on the Lawn at 5:30 p.m., June 3, on the South Lawn of Old Main at Knox College. Free. 342-2299.
Illinois Wesleyan University presents “I Love A Piano” at 7:30 p.m., June 16, 17, 23, and 24, and at 3 p.m., June 18 and 25, at the Student Memorial Center. This cabaret-style musical production by Ray Roderick features 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s music by Berlin.
The Heritage Ensemble performs at 7:30 p.m., June 17, at Illinois Central College’s Performing Arts Center.
opportunities
The Peoria Park District hosts auditions for Park Players at 6 p.m., May 4, and at 2 p.m., May 7, in Owens Center Room B. Park Players take imagintive children’s theatre to the parks and playgrounds of the city. Interested high schoolers should wear comfortable clothing for movement and improvisation exercises and prepare a one-minute monologue. Actors are paid for performances. 681-2841.
The Peoria Art Guild is taking applications for The Mentor Apprentice Program, a pre-professional program that places area high school students with professional artists in a fun and intensive eight-week summer experience. The outreach opportunity gives apprentice artists hands-on studio and gallery experience and helps build their portfolio for college admissions. Deadline for applications is May 8. 637-2787.
The Peoria Park District hosts auditions for the Community Children’s Theatre musical Pocahontas for ages eight to 18 at 6 p.m., May 12 and 13, at St. Thomas School’s new gym. Those interested in auditioning should prepare a song and bring their own sheet music. Wear comfortable clothing for movement. 681-2841.
social events
Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois hosts its Second Annual Goodwill Gala May 5 at the Peoria Civic Center. The elegant evening includes dinner, dancing, and a grand prize raffle of $15,000. Proceeds benefit Goodwill’s Home for the Veterans. $100. 682-1113.
Opera Illinois hosts The Opera Ball June 3 at the Country Club of Peoria. Dinner and dancing are some of the highlights of the evening. $100. 673-0925.
The American Diabetes Association hosts the Third Annual Kiss-A-Pig Gala at 6 p.m., June 16, at the Hotel Pere Marquette. The evening includes a cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner, and live auction. It concludes with the kissing of the pig by the winning candidate. $50. (888) 342-2383, ext. 6546.
Wines and Polo on the Prairie takes place at 6 p.m., June 24, at Weaver Angus Farm. The annual event, which benefits Easter Seals, includes tasting more than 100 different wines from all over the world. $75. 686-7755, ext. 2320.
theatre
Heartland Theatre Company presents The Speed of Darkness April 20, 21, 22, 28, 29, 30, and May 4, 5, and 6. A drama about the past, the play centers on a Vietnam vet named Joe and his family and what happens when one of Joe’s old war pals shows up. $12, $10, $6. 452-8709.
Knox College Theatre presents The Stryker at 7:30 p.m., May 4 through 7, in Harbach Theatre on the Knox College campus in Galesburg. The play is intended for mature audiences. $5, $8. Tickets are available at the door.
El Paso’s Cardboard Players Theatre presents For Whom The Seagulls Fly at 7 p.m., May 5 and 6, and at 3 p.m., May 7, at The Freight House Exchange at the El Paso Depot. This original play is a feminist fairy tale about devotion, desertion, and desolation set during the Victorian era in Britain.
Peoria Players Theatre presents Cats at 7:30 p.m., May 5, 6, 11 to 13, 15 to 20, and at 2:30 p.m., May 7 and 14. Cats, based on the book by T.S. Elliott with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, follows the exploits of a variety of feline friends who are gathering for the Jellicle Ball. $15, $10. 688-4473.
Prairie Folklore Theatre is partnering with Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe for its premiere Summer Season. “Riverboat Tales Tall and True!” takes place at 7 p.m., May 12 and 13. The evening recreates a showboat coming to town and includes a mix of storytelling and sing-a-longs. $5, $10. 689-8000.
Conklin’s Barn II Dinner Theatre presents Everybody Loves Opal, starring Mike Dentino, through June 1. The play is a warm-hearted comedy with a cast of crazy characters. Full buffet performances take place Thursday through Saturday evenings, and brunch productions take place Sundays. $27.50, $29.50, $31.50. 965-2545.
Conklin’s Barn II Dinner Theatre presents Who’s Under Where? June 1 through July 23. Full buffet performances take place Thursday through Saturday evenings, and brunch productions take place Sundays. $27.50, $29.50, $31.50. 965-2545.
Corn Stock Theatre presents the musical Chicago at 7 p.m., June 2 to 10. Set in razzle-dazzle, roaring 1920s Chicago, this sharp-edged musical of murder, exploitation, and treachery features a dazzling score and immortal Fosse choreography. $17. 676-2196.
Sangamon Auditorium hosts Riverdance at 7:30 p.m., June 13. Riverdance, the internationally acclaimed celebration of Irish music, song, and dance, returns to Sangamon in its 10th year. (800) 207-6960.
Eastlight Theatre presents Miss Saigon at 7:30 p.m., June 16, 17, 21 to 24, and at 2 p.m., June 18. A classic love story set in the turmoil of the Vietnam War, an American soldier and a Vietnamese girl fall in love, only to be separated during the fall of Saigon. 694-0138.
Corn Stock Theatre presents Brighton Beach Memoirs, a comedy/drama, at 7:30 p.m., June 23 to July 1. The first part of Neil Simon’s autobiographical trilogy, it’s a portrait of the writer as a Brooklyn teenager in 1937 living with his family in crowded, lower-middle-class circumstances. Brighton Beach is a deeply appealing play that deftly mixes drama with comedy. $11. 676-2196.
Prairie Folklore Theatre presents “An Encounter with the Green Man” June 24 and 25 at Three Sisters Park. The event is a Celtic summer solstice celebration featuring Irish ballads, plant lore, poetry, myths, and herbal wisdom. $5, $10. 689-8000.
The Illinois Shakespeare Festival returns to Ewing Manor beginning June 30. The Mediterranean is the central theme for the productions this year, which include The Comedy of Errors, Julius Caesar, and Pericles. The Comedy of Errors is a story about two sets of twin brothers separated during a shipwreck and their adventures discovering each other’s existence. Pericles, Prince of Tyre is an ancient account of the Prince of Tyre’s search for love, his loss, and his eventual salvation. Julius Caesar follows the rise and fall of Rome’s first dictator and tells a story of betrayal, politics, and moral penalty. 438-8974.
tours
Peoria Symphony Guild hosts its “Mansion In May” at the home of Jim & Sherry Seckler at 924 NE Glen Oak in Peoria May 6 to 14. The house, built circa 1880, will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Thursdays and Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays, and from noon to 5 p.m., Sundays. $12 in advance; $15 at the door. 243-8117.
The McLean County Museum of History presents a Historic Tour of Bloomington-Normal from 10 a.m. to noon, May 6 to June 8. Step-on guide Carol Fox shares intriguing details of the history of the Twin Cities in a two-hour bus tour, conducted in an air-conditioned limousine. 827-0428.
Luthy Botanical Garden presents its annual Orchid Show from noon to 5 p.m., May 14—Mother’s Day. Beautiful specimens will be on display in the Conservatory, as well as information on their care. 686-3362.
The 5th Annual Secret Gardens of Utica Garden Walk takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 10, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 11. The Walk includes 20 gardens in Utica and the surrounding area, a plant sale, craft vendors, wheelbarrow decorating contest, and painting demonstrations in gardens. The Walk also includes a wine tasting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 10. $5. (800) 868-7625, ext. 386.
