COMEDY
Thru 12/31. The Jukebox Comedy Club features local, regional and nationally known comedians, open Wednesdays through Saturdays.

11/5. Frank Caliendo brings his high-energy act to the Peoria Civic Center Theater at 8pm. 

11/28. The Second City brings its Holidazed and Confused Revue to the ICC Performing Arts Center at 7:30pm. 

DANCE
11/6. The L.A. dance company Shaping Sound will perform at the Peoria Civic Center at 8pm. 

11/6, 11/20, 12/4, 12/18. The Contemporary Art Center hosts Salsa at the CAC on the first and third Fridays of the month from 8:30pm to 12:30am. 

|12/5. Central Illinois Ballet presents The Nutcracker in the ICC Performing Arts Center at 2pm and 7pm.

12/12 – 12/13. The Peoria Ballet presents The Nutcracker 2015, featuring the Heartland Festival Orchestra, in the Peoria Civic Center Theater. 

EXHIBITS
Ongoing. A rotating exhibit of Illinois Art League members’ work is on display at the Peoria Heights Public Library. 

Ongoing. Sculpture Walk Peoria features 15 large-scale sculptures along Washington Street in Peoria. 

Thru 11/4. In Good Company: Recent Work by Peoria Women Artists and Portrait of a Mother by Joy Christiansen Erb will be on display at the Peoria Art Guild. 

Thru 11/6. Envisioned Worlds, featuring lithographs from the Hokes medical archives, will be on display in the Heuser Art Center at Bradley University. 

Thru 11/6. Marginalized by Gerda Meyer Bernstein is on display in the Hartmann Center Gallery at Bradley University. 

Thru 11/6. Postcards for Barbara, a tribute to Chicago artist Barbara Aubin, is on display at the Prairie Center of the Arts, with a closing reception on 11/6 at 5pm.

Thru 11/15. “Awkward Family Photos,” a traveling exhibition, is on display at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

Thru 11/15. Woven in the Spirit, featuring the work of Sharon Somers, is on display at the Foster Gallery for Christianity and Fine Arts.

Thru 12/31. The Diocesan Museum in the Spalding Pastoral Center features The Rectory exhibit during regular hours. The adjacent Fulton J. Sheen Museum offers a permanent exhibit on the life of the famous archbishop. 

Thru 1/17/2016. Making Their Mark: Illinois Women Artists, 1940-1960 and Gypsy Coeds Ride the Silver Streak will be on display at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. “Art on the Rocks,” a ‘60s-themed cocktail party to celebrate Illinois Women Artists, takes place on 11/7. Gypsy Coeds gallery walks take place on 11/1 and 11/29 at 2 and 3:30pm.

11/6, 12/4. Numerous art galleries and artist studios open their doors from 5 to 9pm for First Fridays. 

11/6 – 12/18. A Small Wonder Gift Shop will feature small work from local artists for sale at the Contemporary Art Center, with a reception on 11/8 featuring music from Preston Jackson.

11/11–12/4. The ICC Art Program presents an exhibit of the works of Martin Nyarko.

11/11 – 1/15/2016. The ICC Art Program presents an exhibit of the works of Stella Zee.

11/13 – 12/11. Paintings and sculpture by ISz will be on display at the Contemporary Art Center, with an opening reception at 6:30pm on 11/14 with music by Barry Cloyd. 

11/14 – 12/16. The works of Chrissy LaMaster and Alexander Keyes will be on display at the Peoria Art Guild. 

11/19 – 12/10. Gendered Perspectives: An Investigation of Modern Identities will be on display in Bradley University’s Hartmann Center Gallery, with an opening reception at 6pm on 11/19. 

11/22 – 12/27. The Creche Exhibit will be on display at the Foster Gallery for Christianity and Fine Arts. 

11/23 – 12/11. MA Exhibition will be on display in Bradley’s Heuser Art Center, with a reception on 12/11 at 5pm. 

11/23 – 12/11. MFA Exhibition featuring Joseph Richey will be on display at the Prairie Center of the Arts, with a studio reception at 6pm on 12/4. 

11/25 – 3/30/2016. Stitched for Pleasure and Purpose, featuring quilts made by Midwestern women in the 19th and 20th centuries, is on display at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. 

12/3 – 1/28/2016. The Illinois Art League will exhibit Anything but Ordinary at the Time Gallery in East Peoria, with an opening reception at 4pm on 12/3. 

12/26 – 12/31. Luthy Botanical Garden’s Kwanzaa Display is open from 10am to 5pm. 

LECTURES & PRESENTATIONS
11/5. Matt Dunlap and Valerie Hebda present the Visual Voices Lecture Series at 5pm in the Caterpillar Global Communications Center at Bradley University. 

11/8. Darlene’s Silver Streak & The Bradford Model T Girls will be presented by John Butte at 1pm at the Peoria Women’s Club. 

11/10. Members of the East Peoria Historical Society present World War I: The Home Front in East Peoria at Fondulac District Library at 2pm.

11/12. The Fine Arts Society of Peoria presents Mystery Meets Muslin: Regency Gothic Dress in Art, Fashion and the Theater by Jeffrey Nigro of the Art Institute of Chicago at 10am at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. 

11/15. Stories of Extraordinary Women in Peoria’s Medical Community, presented by Dr. Victoria Loberg, will take place at the Peoria Women’s Club at 1pm. 

12/9. Heidi and Ieda  Herman present Land of Fire & Ice, Legacy of Legends, a journey through Iceland, at 7pm at the Fondulac District Library.

12/10. The Fine Arts Society of Peoria will host Channy Lyons for a presentation on Making their Mark: Illinois Women Artists, 1940-1960 at the Peoria Riverfront Museum at 10am. 

MUSIC
Thru 12/31. Live at the Five Spot takes place on Fridays at the Contemporary Art Center from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Upcoming shows include: John Miller & the Romaniacs (gypsy jazz, 11/6), Robin Crowe Band (country/blues, 11/13), Dexter O’Neal & Funk Yard (R&B, funk, 11/20), Lizzie Neal Band (blues, 11/27), Rooster Alley (blues, 12/4), Spring Creek Station (country/pop/holiday, 12/11) and Judy Page & Speak Easy (R&B/holiday, 12/18). 

Thru 12/31. Rhythm Kitchen Music Cafe features live music on Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30 to 11:30pm.

11/3. The Bradley Percussion Ensemble performs at 7:30pm in the Dingeldine Music Center at Bradley University. 

11/3. The Hard Bop Jazz Band will perform at 7:30pm in the ICC Lecture/Recital Hall 127F on the East Peoria campus. 

11/3. Heavy metal superstars Judas Priest perform with Mastodon in the Peoria Civic Center Arena at 7:30pm. 

11/5. The ICC Vocal Jazz Band will perform at 7:30pm in the ICC Lecture/Recital Hall 127F on the East Peoria campus. 

11/5. JJ Grey & Mofro will perform at the Limelight Eventplex with honeyhoney at 7pm. 

11/6. The Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus and Central Illinois Youth Symphony joint concert takes place at 7pm at the First United Methodist Church Worship Center. 

11/6. Shinedown, Breaking Benjamin and Sevendust perform in the Peoria Civic Center Arena at 7pm. 

11/7. A concert featuring saxophonist Eugene Rousseau takes place in the Dingledine Music Center at Bradley University at 7:30pm.

11/7. Newsboys play the Peoria Civic Center Arena with Hawk Nelson and Ryan Stevenson at 6pm. 

11/8. The Central Illinois Youth Symphony will hold a small ensemble and chamber concert at 2pm at the Life Together Center. 

11/8. Singer/songwriter Cheryl Rodey performs at 2pm at the Peoria Public Library North Branch. 

11/10. Theory of a Deadman, Pop Evil and Aranda perform at the Limelight Eventplex at 8pm. 

11/13. Diplomatic Relations presents Lark's Tongue, Earth Witch and Kowabunga! Kid at Peoria Pizza Works.

11/13. Country stars Easton Corbin and Craig Campbell perform in the Peoria Civic Center Theater at 8pm. 

11/13. Cowboy Mouth will perform at the Limelight Eventplex at 8pm. 

11/13. Celebrate the Seasons—A Celestial Harp Concert featuring harpist Ann McLaughlin will be held at 7:30pm in the Dome Planetarium at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. 

11/14. The Speakeasy Art Center will host an intimate evening of music, stories and life with Yvonne Greer, featuring special guest Greg Batton, at 7:30pm.

11/14. Andy Hatfield will perform at Forest Park Nature Center at 7pm as part of the Songs from the Woods concert series.

11/14. Uncle Kracker and The Lacs perform at the Limelight Eventplex at 8pm. 

11/14. The Heritage Ensemble presents An Evening of Jazz at 7pm at the Life Together Center. 

11/14. Diplomatic Relations presents The Fantastic Plastics, Tina Sparkle, Terribly Happy and Thetah at Rail II.

11/15. The Bradley Symphonic Winds and Band perform at 3pm in the Dingeldine Music Center at Bradley University.

11/15. The Eureka College Chorale and Chamber Singers perform their fall concert at 4pm in the Cerf Center at Eureka College. 

11/15. The Central Illinois Jazz Society presents Illinois Central Jazz Train at 6 and 7:15pm at Landmark Recreation Center. 

11/16. The Peoria Symphony Guild presents Cello Suite with Charles and Robert Spurgeon at 9:30am at the First Federated Church of Peoria.

11/19. Alvin and the Chipmunks: Live on Stage! comes to the Peoria Civic Center Theater at 7pm. 

11/19. Diplomatic Relations presents the Bare Bones Songwriter Series with Marsha Satterfield, Lauren Fitzanko and Chris Mackey at Midnight Espresso.

11/19. The Bradley Saxophone Quartet performs at 7:30pm in the Dingeldine Music Center at Bradley University. 

11/20. Trippin Billies will perform at the Limelight Eventplex at 8pm. 

11/20 – 11/21. The Bradley Jazz Ensemble presents Come Fly with Me, a tribute to Frank Sinatra, at 7:30pm both nights and 3:30pm on 11/21.

11/20. The ICC Chamber Singers and ICC Concert Choir perform at 7:30pm in the ICC Performing Arts Center. 

11/21. The Peoria Symphony Orchestra presents Bravura! at 8pm in the Peoria Civic Center Theater. 

11/22. The Morton Community Chorus will perform portions of Handel’s Messiah at 3pm at Grace Church in Morton. 

11/22. The Bradley Symphony Orchestra and Community Chorus performs at 3pm in the Dingeldine Music Center at Bradley University. 

11/22. The Central Illinois Youth Symphony performs its fall orchestral concerts featuring the Prep Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble and Youth Symphony at Metamora High School. 

11/23. The Morton Fine Arts Association presents the gospel harmonies of Ball Brothers at 7pm in the Bertha Frank Performing Arts Center at Morton High School.

12/2. The Bradley Guitar Ensemble performs at 7:30pm in the Dingeldine Music Center at Bradley University. 

12/3. The Central Illinois Youth Symphony’s Senior Concerto Competition & Recital takes place in the Life Together Center at 6:30pm. 

12/4. The Bradley Women’s Choir will perform at 7:30pm in the Dingeldine Music Center at Bradley University.

12/4 – 12/19, Fridays & Saturdays. The Howlin’ on Water dueling piano show performs at 8pm at the Waterhouse, with pre-show dinner buffets at 6:30pm. 

12/5. Traveler’s Dream will perform at Forest Park Nature Center at 7pm as part of the Songs from the Woods concert series.

12/5. The Bradley Groove Project & Hilltop Combo performs in the Dingeldine Music Center at Bradley University at 7:30pm. 

12/5. The Peoria Pops Orchestra presents Winter Wonderland at 7pm at Five Points Washington. 

12/5. Bradley String Chamber Music performs at 3pm in the Dingeldine Music Center at Bradley University. 

12/6. The Bradley Chorale & Chamber Singers perform at 3pm in the Dingeldine Music Center at Bradley University.

12/6. The Philharmonic Chorale performs their 2015 Christmas Concert in the ICC Performing Arts Center at 2:30pm. 

12/6. The Bradley Collegium Musicum performs at 7:30pm in the Dingeldine Music Center at Bradley University.

12/7. Peoria Lunaire will perform at 7:30pm in the Dingeldine Music Center at Bradley University. 

12/10. Lee Greenwood brings his Christmas-themed tour to the Peoria Civic Center Arena at 7:30pm. 

12/12. The Original Skazz Band presents a Christmas jazz performance at the Speakeasy Art Center in Pekin at 4pm. 

12/13. Barry Cloyd and TJ Jones will perform at the Peoria Public Library North Branch at 2pm. 

12/17. Diplomatic Relations presents the Bare Bones Songwriter Series with Seth Wagers, Kyle Smith and Janelle Taylor at Midnight Espresso.

12/18. Tribute artist Carla DelVillaggio presents Simply Streisand: Holiday Memories in the ICC Performing Arts Center at 7:30pm. 

12/18 – 12/20. The Peoria Area Civic Chorale presents An American Family Christmas at Five Points Washington at 7:30pm, with a 3pm matinee on 12/20. 

12/21. The Morton Fine Arts Association presents Swinging with the Rat Pack at 7pm in the Bertha Frank Performing Arts Center at Morton High School. 

12/23. Diplomatic Relations presents Kill-o-watts Kristmess with The Amazing Kill-o-watts, Super 88 and Werepire Day at Peoria Pizza Works.

12/31. Howlin’ on Water presents a special New Year’s Eve dueling piano show at the Waterhouse. 

POETRY & OPEN MICS
11/5, 12/3. Whisper & Shout, an open mic for poetry, takes place at the Contemporary Art Center at 8pm. 

11/26, 12/24.  The Speakeasy Art Center hosts the Speakeasy Poetry OpenMic at 7:30pm. 

SPECIAL EVENTS & TOURS
Thru 11/8. “Hogwart’s Garden of Botanical Wonders,” a chrysanthemum show, takes place at Luthy Botanical Garden.

11/7. Fondulac District Library will host storytelling and music at the American Indian Heritage Month Celebration from 2 to 4pm.

11/20 – 12/31. Luthy Botanical Garden’s Holiday Poinsettia Show is open during garden hours, while Candlelight Walks take place from 6 to 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays through 12/19. 

11/21. Experience Eats & Drinks of the World, a benefit for the Red Cross, at 6pm at Five Points Washington. 

11/26 – 12/31. The 31st annual East Peoria Festival of Lights drive-through light show takes place in East Peoria, with the Parade of Lights on 11/21 at 5:45pm.

11/27. The Yule Like Peoria Holiday Walk-A-Bout takes place from 6:30 to 9pm in downtown Peoria. 

12/4 – 12/18, Fridays. The Holiday Shop and Stroll takes place at Forest Park Nature Center from 6 to 8:30pm. 

12/5. The Peoria Historical Society’s historic home tour takes place from 5 to 9pm on 12/5 and 1 to 5pm on 12/6. 

THEATER
10/22 – 10/25, 10/29 – 11/1. Bradley University Theatre presents High Fidelity, The Musical at 8pm, with 2:30pm matinees on Sundays. 

11/6 – 11/7, 11/12 – 11/15. Corn Stock Theatre’s Winter Playhouse presents Heathers at 7:30pm, with a 2:30pm matinee on 11/15. 

11/7 – 11/8. Many Lights Theatre presents The Glass Menagerie at 7pm on 11/7 and 2pm on 11/8.

11/13 – 11/15,  11/17 – 11/22. The ICC Theatre program presents The Drunken City at 7:30pm with Sunday matinees at 2pm in the ICC Performing Arts Center. 

11/13 – 11/15, 11/18 – 11/22. Peoria Players Theatre presents Cinderella, Enchanted Edition at 7:30pm, with 2pm matinees on 11/15 and 11/22.  

11/20 – 11/21. The Illinois High School 10-Minute Play Festival takes place at 7:30pm in the Pritchard Theatre at Eureka College. 

12/4. An Irish Christmas comes to the Peoria Civic Center Theater at 8pm.

12/4 – 12/6. Bradley University Theatre presents Fall Forward, a festival of student-directed plays, with shows at 8pm and 2:30pm on 12/6. 

12/4 – 12/5, 12/10 – 12/13. Corn Stock Theatre’s Winter Playhouse presents And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little at 7:30pm, with a 2:30pm matinee on 11/15.  

12/10–12/13. Community Children’s Theatre presents Annie, Jr. at the Peoria Players Theatre at 7pm, with 1:30pm matinees on 12/12 and 12/13.

12/19. Peoria Players Theatre presents Home for the Holidays at 7:30pm. 

12/19 – 12/20. Arc Light Productions presents Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh-Der: A Medieval Mystery at Coyote Creek Golf Club. a&s