Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry
Thursday, May 21, 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: Shy the Poet
Shakeita (Shy the poet) Anderson, from St. Louis, Missouri, is a spoken word artist and event curator, who has hosted “Who-is” open mics, Pen Up or Shut Up poetry battles and Poetic Painting open mics. She is a published author of “Releasing My Hurt” (2019), “Just When I Thought The lady Who Seduced Me”, a book of erotic poetry (2025), and also has 2 poems published in “Roots, Rainbows & Truth: The North County Anthology” (2022). In 2024, she won the “Ollie Hoodraised Award” at the 3rd Annual Survivor’s Ball in Ohio. Currently, she serves as the slam master of Hustle City’s poetry slam team, currently ranked in the nation’s top 10. Learn more

Live at the Five Spot: Robin Crowe
Friday, May 22nd, 2026 ~ 6:30-8:30pm

Tickets in Advance Online at 309tix.com: $8-members, $12-nonmembers + fees (until 5pm day of event).
Tickets at the door*: $12-Members, $16-nonmembers
Tickets at door are sold only if max. capacity is not reached.
When checking in at the door, be prepared to share your table and seat number.

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.

About the band:
With her heartfelt expression of the human condition, Robin Crowe shares roots-infused elements of blues, rock, folk and country. Paired with her husband and co-writer Tony Crowe on bass guitar, complimented by guitarist Dave Chastain and Jimmy Willis on drums, together they create a masterful command of melody and rhythm as they perform hits and originals. Fans of Bonnie Raitt and Sheryl Crowe will love Robin Crowe.

William Butler, Executive Director
Contemporary Art Center of Peoria, 
305 SW Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602
309-674-6822, cac@peoriacac.org, www.peoriacac.org

Learn more

Bright and early every Saturday morning all summer long, downtown Peoria comes alive at the Peoria RiverFront Market! Stroll along Peoria’s beautiful Riverfront and discover fresh, locally grown produce, mouth‑watering foods, beautiful handcrafted art, and whimsical creations you won’t find anywhere else. Lively music, friendly faces, and unique entertainment make the market a favorite place to gather with friends and family.

Open every Saturday from May 23 through September 26, the market takes over the 200 block of Water Street from 8:00 a.m. to noon, welcoming more than 100 vendors each week. As a producer‑only market, everything you see is grown, made, or created by the vendors themselves—so you know you’re truly supporting local. Nonprofit organizations and generous sponsors add even more variety and community spirit to the experience.

No two weeks are the same.  Early in the season, you’ll find strawberries, asparagus, lettuce, onions and plant starts.  As summer unfolds, the selection grows to include tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, cucumbers, peaches, melons, sweetcorn and much, much more.  Rain or shine, the Peoria RiverFront Market is open each week (only severe weather can stop us), so make it a summer tradition.  Stop by often and see what’s fresh – you never know what delicious surprises await!  For the lastest updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram