JAM - Jazz Appreciation Month Celebration Kick-Off 
Junior High School Jazz Bands will perform inside the Peoria Riverfront Museum

Because we will be at the Peoria Riverfront Museum and Caterpillar Visitor's Center for 2025, the GMB Spring Celebration will be held each day, rain or shine!   

Performances - When the weather is good, performances will be held outside in the Sun Plaza of the Peoria Riverfront Museum and in the Rear Plaza outside the Caterpillar Visitor's Center.  When the weather is bad, performances will be moved inside the Peoria Riverfront Museum and the Caterpillar's Visitor Center. 

Visual Art Gallery - All student Visual Art work will be displayed inside the main lobby of the Peoria Riverfront Museum, which is accessible from the Sun Plaza. Even if your school is not performing, we'd like to showcase your student's art!  Learn more in our letter inviting teachers and students to participate!

Restrooms are available inside both the museum and visitor's center.

For more information and a complete schedule, visit: https://springcelebration.org/

Caterpillar Visitor's Center Rear Plaza Performances
(Formally the Circle/Fountain Stage)

Tuesday, April 15-CAT 100th Anniversary
11am-1pm - Bryan Blanks and Friends (Pleasant Valley)
11am-12pm - HB Dawson Middle School
12pm-1pm - St. Philomena

 

Because we will be at the Peoria Riverfront Museum and Caterpillar Visitor's Center for 2025, the GMB Spring Celebration will be held each day, rain or shine!   

Performances - When the weather is good, performances will be held outside in the Sun Plaza of the Peoria Riverfront Museum and in the Rear Plaza outside the Caterpillar Visitor's Center.  When the weather is bad, performances will be moved inside the Peoria Riverfront Museum and the Caterpillar's Visitor Center. 

Visual Art Gallery - All student Visual Art work will be displayed inside the main lobby of the Peoria Riverfront Museum, which is accessible from the Sun Plaza. Even if your school is not performing, we'd like to showcase your student's art!  Learn more in our letter inviting teachers and students to participate!

Restrooms are available inside both the museum and visitor's center.

For more information and a complete schedule, visit: https://springcelebration.org/

 

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Beginners Bachata Dance Class
Tuesdays, March 25-April 22, 6:30-7:30
Instructor: Spanky Fernando
Non-Member: $45, CAC Member: $40 
(price is per person for 5 lessons)
Registration deadline: March 18

Students may register for the class at https://peoriacac.org/events/beginners-bachata-dance/

For more information about each class, call 309-674-6822, email to cac@peoriacac.org

Since Bachata is a partner dance, registering with a partner is strongly suggested. This is an introduction to Bachata dancing for complete beginners. No prior dance experience is expected or required. The classes are held on the 2nd floor of the facility in the Preston Jackson Gallery. Press 2R in the elevator upon arrival.

We recommend wearing clothing that is light and cool. Since you will be spinning, wear something tighter fitting, especially around the torso and waist area. Wear simple flat shoes with smooth bottoms. Plan to practice at 'Salsa at CAC' every third Friday of the month.

About Bachata: 
The Contemporary Art Center (CAC) offers a partner dance class in Bachata, a dance style that originated in Dominican Republic. It is danced around the world as well as at Contemporary Art Center’s monthly dance, Salsa at CAC. The basic 8-count dance sequence is performed within a square format, consisting of three steps and then a tap or various forms of step syncopations. Danced to specific Bachata music, it features side stepping accompanied by an exaggerated "pop” of the hips. The form continues to evolve, influenced by various Latin and ballroom dance moves. After the lesson, students are invited to remain to practice what they learned in class. Bachata is a featured dance form at Salsa at CAC, Contemporary Art Center’s monthly dance, and another opportunity to improve your Bachata skills.

About Spanky Fernando: 
Spanky Fernando is a Peoria native and chief curator of Whiskey City Entertainment. He learned to dance salsa, bachata, and Chicago Steppin’ in Nashville and hosted Blackchata Thursdays. He won the Music City Top Performers and performed at the Rumba Room in Memphis. Since returning to Peoria, Senior Fernando has taught bachata at the following Peoria locations: Contemporary Art Center’s Salsa at CAC, the Mackinaw Valley Winery, Carver Community Center and Cafe Rosa Santa Rosa.

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/9483814638327889/9483814658327887?event_time_id=9483814658327887

Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry
Thursday, April 17, 2025 ~ 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

For tickets: Tickets309tix.com/events/whisper-shout-open-mic-for-poetry-190541

Salsa At CAC
Friday, April 18, 2025

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

No partner is required. Mostly Salsa music is played but also Cha Cha, Bachata, Merengue, Tango, Reggaeton, R&B, Cumbia and Latin styled pop and R&B also. 

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

Join us for a special Saturday Fun Run with HOKA! Try out the latest Clifton during your run, then stick around for pastries and mimosas with the RC community. Whether you're logging miles or just here for the vibes, it’s the perfect way to kick off your weekend!

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/2332879870416382

Live music every Saturday night! Check out our website to see who is playing! Bring your friends and come unwind on the weekend. Martini specials all week!

 

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