Our local nurses have challenged our local fire fighters, police officers and EMT's to a friendly fundraising event! Each team will rally their community to raise money in support of Peoria's Real Steel Youths for Genetic Testing and Youth Health Programs that empower kids through strength and science. The team that raises the mose money wins bragging rights and the battle of the heroes champion title!

For more details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1197450225577347/?post_id=1198368742152162&acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A%5B%7B%22surface%22%3A%22search%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment_media%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D%5D%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry
Thursday, January 15, 2026 ~ 8:00 - 10:00 pm

When checking in at the door, be prepared to share your table and seat number.

Tickets in Advance Online: $5-members, $8-nonmembers, 
$3-poets + fees (till 6pm day of event)
If an event is not sold out, tickets will also be sold at the door.
Tickets at the door*: $9-members, $12-nonmembers, $5-poets
(*No money will be taken at the door unless we don’t reach our max capacity)
*Please Note that purchasing a Poet Ticket is a commitment to share your poetry on stage.
If you don't plan to read, then don't purchase a poet level ticket.

Water and Pop for $1.00 is offered at the bar.
Attendees may bring their own food and drink or bring in food and drink from the Rhythm Kitchen.

Experience a diverse open mic with artists from all backgrounds in a positive and inspiring atmosphere.
Peoria’s Open Mic for Poetry is held on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month.
Hosts: Ryan Lowry and Whitney Jensen with DJ YV

Featured Poet: Louis Conphliction
Louis Conphliction promotes self-love and self-awareness centered movement, utilizing mentorship, eclectic beats and empowering words. He is the host of Pagedale's annual Red Ribbon Drug Prevention Program. He also teaches workshops and is a mentor for several organizations, including Poetry for Personal Power, Provident Counseling and The St. Louis Juvenile Detention Center. When he's not creating change, he's touring/performing throughout the nation and participating in and winning poetry competitions. He performed at the 2015 Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles. Louis was named Poet of the Year, by St. Louis Star Awards in 2016. Check out Louis’ video - Louis ConPhliction - Get Away

For tickets: https://309tix.com/events/whisper-shout-open-mic-for-poetry-1-15-2026?brid=ENDTkoklZRViLbLICjyV5Q

Salsa At CAC
Friday, January 16th, 2026

ADMISSION
$8.00 nonmembers
$5.00 CAC Members

Introductory Dance Lesson - 8:30-9:30 pm
Learn the basics of several Latin Dances by Guest Instructors.

Open dancing - 9:30-midnight

Enjoy Latin Dancing August 15th and every third Friday at Contemporary Art Center’s Salsa at CAC, A Latin Dance Event 8:30 pm-Midnight. If you have never danced before, no problem because we will teach you how in a complimentary Beginners Dance Lesson at 8:30 with Eduardo and Beverly Caballero. No partner is required. 

Stay for the dance that begins at 9:30 and ends at midnight. DJ Eduardo Caballero spins mostly Salsa music but also Cha Cha, Bachata, Merengue, Tango, Reggaeton, R&B, Cumbia and Latin style pop hits. $8.00 admission at the door only. 

Bring your own food and drink or order take out from the Rhythm Kitchen. Pop, water and ice for sale on the floor for $1.00

Questions:
William Butler 
CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER
305 SW Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602 • 309-674-6822 • cac@peoriacac.org • www.peoriacac.org

Enjoy a tour of our beautifully restored historic space at 1000 SW Adams St. in downtown Peoria’s historic Warehouse District. 

As you explore the distilling process from grain to glass, you will learn about grain fermentation, still technology, barrel aging and the distilling history of Peoria, Illinois. 

The tour concludes with a selected sampling of our most popular, award-winning spirits. Please bring your photo ID and plan to arrive 10 minutes before your tour begins.

Tours start at 12:30 and 2:30 every Saturday until April 4, 2026.

To schedule your tour: https://www.exploretock.com/blackbanddistillery/event/568702?date=2025-11-15&size=1&time=20%3A00