Jan/Feb Events Preview
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Greater Peoria’s nonprofit community is an extraordinary force for advancing the common good and making our region a better place to live, work and play. These special organizations also organize fantastic special events… with unique entertainment and fun for the whole family! Peoria Magazines is proud to spread the word about major community events and fundraisers through our online Community Impact Calendar.
January 12 A Choral Celebration
The Heritage Ensemble | ICC Performing Arts Center
Under the direction of founder/artistic director Sharon Samuels Reed, the Heritage Ensemble is celebrating 20 years as a choral ensemble. Its mission—to celebrate African-American history and culture while tearing down walls and building bridges between all people—remains at the core of all activities. The Ensemble strives to “edutain” its audiences through a diverse literature of music born out of the African-American experience, including the Negro spiritual, gospel, blues, hollers and jazz. This year’s celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will include an historical reflection of the vision and development of the Ensemble in 1999, highlighting the years of community collaboration that led to its development. The concert begins at 7:30pm. Visit artsaticc.com for tickets and heritageensemble.com for more information.
January 12 Inaugural Afternoon of Art
ART Inc. | Gateway Building
ART Inc. announces its first-ever fundraising event, inviting the public to support its vision to transform the former Greeley School into a community arts center. Interactive booths will feature educational programs currently underway in Peoria Public Schools, as well as programs that will be offered when the arts center opens—including STEAM projects from ISU's Center for Mathematics, Science and Technology, music in partnership with Youth Music Illinois, and much more. In addition to showcasing the work of renowned artist Jonathon Romain, a silent auction will feature items from local businesses, organizations and community members. Greg Batton of 1470 WMBD will emcee the event, and DJ juanGoblin will spin vinyl records. Food and a cash bar will be available. RSVP to rsvp1@artincpeoria.org and learn more about ART Inc. at artincpeoria.org.
January 24 HopScotch
Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum
Adults, it's your turn to play! HopScotch is the Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum’s annual adults-only event, helping to kick off a fantastic new year. Leave the children at home and enjoy whiskey-based cocktails and local brews from eight local restaurants and breweries. The event also features food from Two25, games and a silent auction. Tickets include all drinks and food; VIP tickets also include a whiskey tasting with Hugh Higgins from Hearth and access to a special VIP lounge. Proceeds benefit the Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum, including its Maker Space and monthly Maker workshops, which foster innovation and problem-solving skills in children ages three and up. Tickets can be purchased at peoriaplayhouse.org/hopscotch. a&s
Event information is correct to the best of our knowledge, but is subject to change. For our complete calendar of nonprofit fundraisers and major community events, visit peoriamagazines.com/calendar.
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