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On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Diana Klein, Executive Director of the Wheels O’ Time Museum, about the museum’s 2026 season opening and a lineup of events celebrating transportation history and hands-on learning. The season kicks off May 1 with Opening Day, followed by a full weekend of programming, including a special appearance by Ray LaHood, former US Secretary of Transportation, on May 2. Visitors can expect antique car rides, food trucks, and opportunities to hear firsthand insights on the past and future of transportation. Klein, who recently stepped into the role of executive director, describes the museum as a place of constant discovery. “It’s surprising just how big the campus is and how eclectic the mix of exhibits are,” she said. “You just never know what’s going to come around the corner.” Throughout the season, the museum emphasizes interactive experiences, from blacksmithing and quilting demonstrations to train tours and storytelling during National Train Day on May 9. A major highlight this year is the announcement that all student field trips will be free, thanks to a generous donor, expanding access for schools across the region. The Wheels O’ Time Museum opens for the 2026 season on May 1, with events scheduled throughout the month.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Lydia Riley, Executive Director of the Central Illinois Youth Symphony, about the group’s upcoming 60th anniversary concerts celebrating generations of young musicians. Taking place May 3 at Five Points Washington, the concert brings together current students and alumni for special homecoming performances marking six decades of music-making in Central Illinois. Riley describes the milestone as both a celebration of the past and a look toward the future, with alumni returning to perform alongside today’s students. “We’re really looking forward to inviting everybody back and making it feel like a homecoming experience,” she said. “It’s going to be a really exciting concert.” The program reflects a full arc, featuring classic works alongside new compositions, including world premieres by student and faculty composers. Riley noted that the response from alumni has been especially encouraging, with dozens signing up to participate and many others reconnecting to share how their time in the youth symphony shaped their lives. She encourages alumni to reach out if they want to participate. The concert will culminate in a performance of the 1812 Overture, closing out a day that highlights the rich history of the organization. The Central Illinois Youth Symphony’s 60th anniversary concerts take place Sunday, May 3, at Five Points Washington. Visit www.YouthMusicIllinois.org for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Angela Weck, Executive Director of the Peoria Area World Affairs Council, about an upcoming program exploring Indigenous rights, environmental justice, and global climate challenges. Taking place April 16 at Bradley University Westlake Hall, Defending Life and Land: Indigenous Rights, the Amazon, and Environmental Justice features speaker Carlos Salinas, who brings firsthand experience working alongside Indigenous communities in the Amazon. Weck emphasizes the importance of global education in a community like Peoria, noting that the Council’s programs are designed to provide context, ignite conversation, and help participants better understand how international issues connect to everyday life. “For Indigenous people, this is an issue that’s an everyday, all day,” she said, pointing to the immediate impacts climate change has on land, culture, and survival. The conversation also draws connections to the central Illinois region, particularly through agriculture, where environmental shifts, rising costs, and land use decisions directly affect local communities. The April 16 event includes a buffet dinner, followed by Salinas’s presentation and an opportunity for discussion. Defending Life and Land takes place at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, at Bradley University’s Westlake Hall. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Peoria native and singer-songwriter, director, and performer Liv Warfield about her upcoming April 17 concert with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra at the Prairie Home Alliance Theater. Warfield, who has performed on stages around the world and toured with Prince as part of the New Power Generation, returns home for a collaboration she says has been more than a year in the making. She will be taking the stage at the Peoria Civic Center, a venue she grew up passing as a child. “I am still trying to wrap my head around it… I never would have thought in a million years that I would be performing there. But also with the Peoria Symphony," she said. "Something I’ve wished for a long time,” she said. The concert features songs from her albums Edge and The Unexpected, newly arranged for full orchestra. Warfield described the experience of hearing her music at that scale as “poetic and beautiful and powerful,” adding that she hopes to bring a sense of connection and shared energy to the audience. The performance will also include guest vocalists, members of her band, and a few surprises for the audience. Liv Warfield performs with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 PM Friday, April 17, at the Peoria Civic Center. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Claire McQuerry, Associate Professor and Director of Creative Writing at Bradley University, about an upcoming poetry reading and Q&A with acclaimed poet Adrienne Su. A Chinese American poet whose work explores food, memory, and the immigrant experience, an April 9 event offers the community a chance to hear Su read from her work and engage in conversation about poetry, culture, and storytelling.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Catherine Lawless, Bradley University's Associate Director of Continuing Education, about the launch of the new Dallinger Series. Created in memory of longtime Osher Lifelong Learning Institute's member Kathleen Dallinger, the series celebrates the joy of learning and women’s voices. The inaugural event, An Evening with Lorissa Rinehart, takes place March 24 and explores the life of Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to Congress. Rinehart will discuss her book Winning the Earthquake, followed by a book signing and opportunities for deeper exploration through an OLLI study group.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsParnters talks with Dan Dietrich, trombonist with the Prairie Wind Ensemble, about their upcoming concert on March 19 at Five Points Washington. Founded in 1977, the ensemble brings together professional and hobbyist musicians from across Central Illinois to perform everything from classic marches to modern medleys. Dan shares why you don’t want to miss this free concert full of energy!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Chip Joyce, Marketing and Outreach Coordinator for the Brimfield Public Library District, about the library’s Local Author Fair. Taking place Saturday, March 21, the event brings together two dozen Central Illinois writers representing genres from mystery and romance to nonfiction and children’s literature. Families can also enjoy the “Book Bonanza” story time and craft event while parents browse and meet local authors. The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Brimfield Public Library and is free to attend.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with David Commanday, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Heartland Festival Orchestra, about their upcoming March 21 concert, French Impressions. The conversation previews Debussy, Ravel, and Bizet, highlights guest pianist Anila Aliu, and explores what audiences can expect from this immersive evening of color and sound. Looking ahead to May, Commanday also shares how the orchestra’s Legends of Country program shows that country music can be "dynamite!" when paired with symphonic sounds.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Chetna Maini, founder of Spandan School of Kathak, about SANGAM, an evening of Indian classical music and dance happening March 8 at the ICC Performing Arts Center. The program brings together Kathak dance and live Tabla in a three-part presentation that traces the artistic journey from student to master.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae GIlliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Selena Pappas of Central Illinois Friends about their annual Mardi Gras fundraiser, happening February 20 at Four Points by Sheraton in downtown Peoria. From dueling painters to tarot readers and stilt walkers, this art-filled event supports CI Friends’ work providing inclusive, judgment-free care across Central Illinois.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Rose Farrell of Peoria Public Library about how the library is celebrating 100 years of Black History Month.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Crystal Potthoff, artist and facilitator of Breaking Free, a community art project centered on the meditative folk art of pysanky. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Steve Hausler, Director of "Young Frankenstein" at Peoria Players Theatre.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Alissa Williams, Director of Morton Public Library. From the “Take Pieces of the Past” historic giveaway event to Olympic-themed youth programming, and book challenges for every taste, the library is full of winter activities for all ages. Learn how to participate... whether you live in Morton or not! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.