06/03/2026
Peoria has a rich art history and prior to the pandemic, First Fridays were bustling. Local businesses, galleries, and other venues would open their doors inviting the public in to immerse themselves in the local art scene.
You could walk through painters' and sculptors' exhibits. You could speak with the artists directly about their work. You could listen to live music from more local talent.
In 2020, like many gatherings, things shifted. So earlier this year, we began discussing what it would take to revive First Fridays. How do we draw a crowd and get artists the audience they deserve?
The answer was live music. Now, with funding from multiple grants, we are happy to present First Fridays Amplified, an initiative that allows us to pay local musicians to perform throughout the Greater Peoria area in participating First Friday venues.
ArtsPartners of Central Illinois Executive Director Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright and Harmonize Peoria's Kindall Reuschel joined Tim Shelley on the Peoria County Government Distilled podcast to discuss the initiative.
🎧 Take a listen: spreaker.com/episode/first-fridays-amplified-kicks-off-at-the-peoria-county-courthouse--72279234
P.S. We're kicking things off at 11 a.m. this Friday, June 5th at the Peoria County Courthouse Plaza. Live music, food trucks, local artist pop ups, and more. We hope to see you there!
