APPLAUSE
The Community Players Theatre in Bloomington inducted three new members to its Board of Governors: Jean Lieder, secretary; and Sally Parry, head of play reading committee. Deb Smith was elected as the new president of the Board of Governors for the next two years.
The Children’s Discovery Museum in Normal was awarded a Museums for America grant in the amount of $130,055. This grant will fund development of programming and curriculum components for the Museum’s 2,200-square-foot agriculture exhibit, AgMazing. The exhibit’s installation is scheduled for fall 2006.
EXHIBITS
The Peoria Art Guild hosts Illinois River Stories August 18 to September 23. Professional photographers collaborate to illustrate the many ways in which the Illinois River affects our quality of life. This is a community-based show with an educational program for schools. Free for members, $2 for non-members. 637-2787.
The Contemporary Art Center will feature the relief prints of Cathie Crawford from August 25 to October 20 in Gallery 3R.
To kick off the Fine Art Fair, the Art Guild will host a Preview Party from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. September 29. The wine and hors d’oeuvres event showcases an exhibit of premiere works from many of the Fine Art Fair artists. Selected works of art will be available for purchase during the event. Three of featured poster artist Fong Choo’s award-winning teapots will be auctioned, as well as art from the Guild’s Mentor Apprenticeship Program (MAP) students. Proceeds from the auction and Preview Party will benefit MAP. Tickets $75. 637-2787.
The Peoria Art Guild hosts the 44th Annual Fine Art Fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., September 30 to October 1, on the Peoria riverfront. Ranked as one of the top art fairs in the country, the Fine Art Fair is the largest family and cultural event on the riverfront. More than 40,000 people are expected to attend this year to view and buy from the 150 featured artists. The event also includes a Kids’ Art Fair and jazz and gospel music. Admission is $5; children 16 and under are free.
The Peoria Art Guild’s Local Color Series will feature Carmen Sanchez-Lorente through September, followed by Jim Jenkins from October through November. The works are featured in the Fleming Conference Room of the Foster Art Center.
The Contemporary Art Center presents the works of Indira Freitas Johnson from September 1 to October 27 in the Preston Jackson Gallery. Johnson is the founder and executive director of Shanti Foundation, a Chicago-based organization whose mission is to promote nonviolence through the arts.
FESTIVALS
A Gathering of Veterans Friendship Pow Wow takes place September 15 to 17 at Seven Circles Heritage Center in Edwards. The nonpolitical pow wow will honor veterans and their families. Thomas Begay, one of four surviving Navajo Code Talkers, will be the honored speaker. Admission: $4 adult/$7 per car; seniors are half price; veterans and children under 12 are free.
Oktoberfest is September 22 to 24 on the Peoria riverfront. The German American Central Society and Peoria Park District will host a weekend of German cuisine, music, dancing, beverages, and culture with plenty of “oompah.” Individual prices and family packages are available. Advance tickets may be purchased at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office or by calling Ticketmaster at 676-8700. Advance prices include a single day pass for $5 or a weekend pass for $10. Tickets also on sale atLindenhof Hall on Friday evenings.
The Heart of Illinois Trade Fair takes place from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. October 3, and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. October 4 at the Peoria Civic Center. Call (608) 241-5858 for information.
The 6th Annual Parc Art Festival takes place on October 12 in the banquet room of Parc’s 1913 W. Townline Rd. facility. Individuals with developmental disabilities will have the opportunity to participate in several art creativity centers, open 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Parc’s creative movement class, taught by the Peoria Ballet, will perform at 12:15 p.m., followed by a performance by dancers of the Peoria Ballet. The community is welcome to participate. 689-3674.
FOR CHILDREN
The Lakeview Branch of the Peoria Public Library hosts the 56th Anniversary Celebration of Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang from September 11 to September 30. If you look like a member of the Peanuts gang (Snoopy & Woodstock included), enter the look-a-like contest by dropping off your photo at the library between September 11 and 30 to see if the judges agree. Three prizes awarded. Adults, kids, and dogs are eligible to enter. Drawing to be held October 2. Free. 497-2200.
The Lakeview Branch of Peoria Public Library hosts Sweetest Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. September 21, where visitors may receive a “kiss” and register for a “sweet” door prize. Free. 497-2200.
The Peoria Public Library will hold a Karaoke & Game Night from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. October 19 in the Peoria Public Library Auditorium.
The Peoria Public Library hosts a Dance Dance Revolution Tournament from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. October 21 in the Peoria Public Library Auditorium.
Lakeview’s Leaky Cauldron will meet at 7 p.m. October 25 for a Halloween party. 497-2200.
The Lincoln Branch of the Peoria Public Library hosts a Halloween party at 4:30 p.m. October 31. Activities include costume contests, face painting, games, and other fun holiday surprises. Treats and candy will be given away. All ages are welcome. Free. 497-2600.
LITERATURE
A Little Romance Book Club meets to discuss My Wicked Highlander: Book One by Jen Holling at 2 p.m. September 10.
Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club meets at 7 p.m. September 11 at Peoria Public Library downtown to discuss Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde.
The Book ’Em Mystery Book Club meets at 2 p.m. September 17 at Lakeview Branch of Peoria Public Library to discuss Mission Road by Rick Riordan.
The Read On Book Club will hold Pajama Night Read September 23 at Hotel Père Marquette with authors Beverly Jenkins, Rochelle Alers, Janaya Black, and Evelyn Palfrey. 497-2601.
Club Read meets at 6:30 p.m. September 27 at Lakeview Branch of Peoria Public Library to discuss Grant and Twain: The Story of an American Friendship by Mark Perry.
Lakeview’s Leaky Cauldron will meet at 7 p.m. September 27 to discuss chapters 35 and 36 of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling. 497-2200.
A Little Romance meets at 2 p.m. October 1 at Lakeview Branch of Peoria Public Library to vote on selections for 2007.
I Know You Like a Book is holding a book signing event with author Mitch Albom to benefit Family House from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. October 12 at the Radisson Hotel Peoria. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door; price includes breakfast, hardback book For One More Day, brief comments and book signing by Albom, author of international bestseller, Tuesdays With Morrie. Limit 3 books for signing per ticket holder; previous Albom releases welcome. Tickets may be purchased with a credit card by calling 685-5300, or with check or cash at I Know You Like a Book in Peoria Heights, 685-2665.
The Book ’Em Mystery Book Club meets at 2 p.m. October 15 at Lakeview Branch of the Peoria Public Library to discuss The Historian by Elizabeth Kostava and voting for 2007 reading selections.
Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club meets at 7 p.m. October 16 at Peoria Public Library downtown to discuss Islands in the Sea of Time by S.M. Sterling.
Club Read meets at 6:30 p.m. October 25 at Lakeview Branch of the Peoria Public Library to discuss The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton.
MUSIC
Bradley University’s Chicago a capella vocal en-semble presents “Baroque to Beatles” at 7:30 p.m. September 9 at Dingeldine Music Center. 677-2650.
The Peoria Symphony Orchestra presents Musical Jewels with piano soloist Orion Weiss at 8 p.m. September 16. Admission $33 to $67. 671-1096.
The Central Illinois Jazz Society and the Illinois Central Jazz Train perform from 6 to 9:30 p.m. September 17 at the Radisson Hotel. $5 for members, $7 for nonmembers, children 14 and under free with an adult. 692-5330 or 691-3259.
A Bradley Gospel Choir concert occurs at 7 p.m. September 22 and 23 at Dingeldine Music Center. Free. 677-2650.
The Grammy Award-winning Christian rock band Third Day will perform on September 28 at the Peoria Civic Center Arena on their “Wherever You Are Tour” with special guest the David Crowder Band. Tickets $28, $33. 676-8700.
A Bradley Symphony Orchestra concert occurs at 7:30 p.m. October 14 at Dingeldine Music Center. $5, students free. 677-2650.
Bradley University presents an Afternoon of Jazz at 3 p.m. October 15 at Dingeldine Music Center. $5, students free. 677-2650.
The Central Illinois Jazz Society and the Central Illinois Jazz Orchestra perform from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. October 15 at the Radisson Hotel. $5 for members, $7 for nonmembers, children 14 and under free with an adult. 692-5330 or 691-3259.
The Nova Singers choral ensemble will perform at 3 p.m October 22 at the Universalist Unitarian Church. The group has performed at state, regional, and national conventions of the American Choral Directors Association and throughout the Midwest. The Universalist Unitarian Church is located at 3000 W. Richwoods Blvd. in Peoria.
The Peoria Symphony Orchestra presents Evelyn!, featuring percussion soloist Evelyn Glennie, at 8 p.m. on October 28. Admission $33 to $67. 671-1076.
OPPORTUNITIES
The Can Do 4:13 Scholarship Fund hosts the 4th Annual Can Do Walk and 5K Run at 8:15 a.m. September 16 at Tower Park, on the corner of Prospect and Grandview Drive in Peoria Heights. The fund offers $1,000 scholarships to local 4th graders upon enrolling in a secondary education out of high school. All proceeds to toward the scholarship fund. Entry donation $25, $50. 678-9607.
The Salvation Army’s annual Dress-a-Doll program now has dolls and teddy bears available to be dressed. Each year The Salvation Army purchases 500 dolls and bears that volunteers can dress, then return by November 17. The dolls and bears will be judged December 6, and sold at a silent auction with proceeds going to The Salvation Army. Dolls and bears can be picked up at 401 NE Adams weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 655-7220.
SOCIAL EVENTS
ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, Inc. will host an “Arts Party” from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. September 7 in the Corn Stock Theatre tent. It will be an evening of food, spirits, and live entertainment under the oaks of the Corn Stock Theatre’s patio and tent as ArtsPartners recognizes the Peoria City Council and Civic Center Authority members, features ArtsPartners’ Treasure Chests “Jewels” and honors the 2006 ArtsPartner of the Year. Admission $10. www.artspartners.net.
The Greater Peoria Family YMCA is hosting the Corporate Cup Golf Challenge on September 11 at the Country Club of Peoria. The winning team will take home the traveling Corporate Cup. Proceeds from the outing will benefit the Greater Peoria Family YMCA youth programs. Sponsorship is $300/player. 692-7631, ext. 204.
The 2nd Annual Parc ‘N’ Play Super Cruise-In will be from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. September 16 at the Super Wal-Mart on Allen Rd. There will be food and entertainment for all ages with D.J. Entertainment, Blues Brothers, bake sale, door prizes, a 50/50 drawing, raffles, and more. 689-3708.
Miller Park Zoo’s Gala will take place September 16 at the Bloomington Country Club. The evening includes encounters with zoo animals, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, dinner, and dancing. Proceeds will go toward the renovation of the 1914 Katthoefer Animal Building. Miller Park Zoo is located at 1020 S. Morris Ave. in Bloomington. 662-5014.
The Oncology Hematology Associates of Central Illinois will host a Fine Arts Silent Auction, “Art on the Prairie,” from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. September 22 in their facility at 8940 Wood Sage Rd. in Peoria. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Cancer Center for Healthy Living. 693-8139 or 243-3502.
The Joy Luck Club, a not-for-profit women’s organization, in cooperation with the Peoria Civic Center presents “An Evening With Anna Chennault” at 5 p.m. October 7 at the Civic Center. From the early 1960s to the present, Chennault has been an important advisor to U.S. Presidents seeking an understanding of and access to China, and her life is said to symbolize the relationship between China and the United States. The event will include a film about the Flying Tigers (which her husband Gen. Claire Chennault founded), a social period, dinner, speech, and a Q&A session. 637-8888.
The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary presents the 54th annual Fall Fashion Show “Doing the Most Good” on October 10 at the Holiday Inn City Center, 500 Hamilton Blvd. There will be a luncheon show at 11:30 a.m. and a dessert show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $25, $15. 691-2823 or 691-2427.
Parc, The Peoria Ballet, and The Contemporary Art Center will host the 2006 Arts in the Parc event from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on October 18 at the Par-A-Dice Hotel ballroom. The benefit will include a live and silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, martinis and wine, dessert, and live music. Auction items include works by area artists, Parc participants, and merchandise and service packages from area merchants. Admission $30. 691-3800.
Central Illinois Business Publishers, Inc. will host its annual 40 Leaders Under Forty reception on November 1 at the Hotel Père Marquette. This reception honors 40 young leaders who contribute to the success of both their companies and their community. This year’s presenter is Ray LaHood. The elegant evening includes a cocktail reception featuring an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and jazz music. Following the ceremony will be coffee and a desert buffet. Tickets are $40. 683-3060 or www.peoriamagazines.com.
Children’s Home is celebrating its 140th Birthday Party at the 10th Annual Autumn Gala on November 18 at the Country Club of Peoria. Invitations will be sent in October.
THEATRE
The Community Players Theatre announced its 2006–07 season lineup which includes the following productions: Over the River and Through the Woods, Some Like It Hot, and musicals Sugar, Noises Off, Inherit the Wind, and Big River. Tickets can be purchased individually or $60 for the season. 663-2121, www.communityplayers.org.
Eureka College presents Neil Simon’s Rumors September 7 to September 9. Rumors is a comedy in which a group of friends gather to celebrate their hosts’ 10th anniversary. Both hosts end up missing, and cover-ups get sticky as more guests arrive and miscommunications abound. 467-6363.
The Peoria Players Theatre presents Thoroughly Modern Millie directed by Andrew Morgan on September 8 through 10 and September 14 through 17. 688-4473.
The Prairie Folklore Theatre presents Mussel Man: A Story of Pearl Fever on September 17 through September 19 at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe. This original bluegrass musical will immerse the audience in a day on the river harvesting mussels, a button factory where the farm girls work 12-hour days for piece work, a barn dance at the old grange hall, and a union meeting where the boss debates with workers in a rollicking blues dialogue. Admission $5, $10, $25. 689-8000.
Bradley University Theatre presents Company September 21 through October 1 at the Hartmann Center for the Performing Arts. Company is the portrayal of five married couples, as seen through the point of view of their bachelor friend Robert. Individual or season tickets can be purchased at the Hartmann Center box office. 677-2650.
The Peoria Civic Center presents comedian Brian Regan at 7:30 p.m. September 24. Tickets $36.50. 676-8700.
The Peoria Civic Center YouTheater Series presents The True Story of Pocahontas at 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. on September 28. This musical follows Pocahontas from the age of 12, who saves Captain John Smith and then travels across the Atlantic to spread her message of peace. Admission $5. 680-3551.
The Peoria Players Theatre presents Wait Until Dark directed by Howard Gorman on October 6 through 8 and October 12 through 14. 688-4473.
The Prairie Folklore Theatre presents River Ghosts: Haunting Songs and Stories October 6 through October 28 at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe. This original musical production is based on “true” ghost stories of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. Admission $5, $10, $25. 689-8000.
The Peoria Civic Center Broadway Theater Series presents Aida at 7:30 p.m. October 11 and 12. This musical drama is based on Giuseppe Verdi’s Italian-language opera, with music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice. 673-3200.
The Prairie Fire Theatre presents Remembering Mario Lonza performed by Thomas Booth at 7:30 on October 20 and 3 p.m. on October 22. Tickets $10, $15, $18. 824-3047.
Eureka College presents The Taming of the Shrew on October 26 through 29 and November 1 through 4. The Taming of the Shrew is one of Shakespeare’s classics in which the smooth-talking Petruchio tries to woo the feisty Katherine. 467-6363.
The Peoria Civic Center Broadway Theater Series presents Rent at 7:30 p.m. on October 31 and November 1. Rent is the winner of the Tony Award for “Best Musical,” as well as a Pulitzer Prize. It’s the story of being young, falling in love, finding your voice, living for today, and learning to survive in New York City. 673-3200.
TOURS
The Peoria Medical Society Alliance will host “Cook’s Tour of Peoria” from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sept. 14. Those attending will have the opportunity to tour five unique kitchens in the Peoria area which have been decorated with table settings, flower arrangements, and embellishments by Peoria merchants and florists. Tickets can be purchased at the following businesses: anecdotes,
The Bronze Frog, Carol’s Flower Shop, Fired Up,The Hyacinth, Michele’s, Monier’s Flowers and Gifts, and Sterling Flower Shoppe. $15 in advance; $20 at the door.
The Peoria Historical Society offers the following tours the month of September through October 28:
• Grandview Drive and Springdale Cemetery Tour: Saturdays at 1 p.m. at Harp and Thistle.
• All American City Tour: Fridays at 10:30 a.m. at Kelleher’s.
• River City Tour: Thursday and Saturday at 10:30 at Harp and Thistle.
• River City Tour: Wednesdays at 1 p.m. at Kelleher’s.
A certified guide from the Peoria Historical Society narrates each tour, which lasts approximately two hours. Tickets $8. 674-1291.
WORKSHOPS
The Sun Foundation is offering the following workshops for the fall:
• September 9 & 10 – Beginning Blacksmithing
• September 16 & 17 – Basic Knife Forging
• September 23 & 24 – Introduction to Sheet Metalwork
• September 30 & October 1 – Advanced Sheet Metal: Copper Vessel
• September 30 & October 1 – Tong Forging
Workshops run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participants must be 18 years or older, or 16- to 17-year-olds with a registered parent or guardian. All instructors are members of the Illinois Valley Blacksmith Association. Registration and refund deadline is two weeks prior to workshop starting date. 637-6276. a&s
