The Young Professionals of Greater Peoria (YPGP) April Social will take place at Dewberry Architects (located at 401 S.W. Water Street, Suite 701 in downtown Peoria) tonight (Thursday) from 5 – 7 pm. The event is free for YPGP members or $5 for non-members. Registration for membership is available at www.ypogp.org/dues

The Metro Peoria Committee will present “City and County Collaboration,” a free public workshop to explain current collaborative efforts between the City of Peoria and Peoria County tonight (Thursday) from 6 – 7 pm at the ICC North Campus in Peoria. Representatives from the County Board and City Council will discuss current initiatives and opportunities. For more information, call 309-690-6900 or register online at www.icc.edu/acp

The Peoria Chiefs Season Opener will take place tonight (Thursday) against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers beginning at 6:30 pm at Peoria Chiefs Stadium.  They play again at home on Friday at 6:30 pm, on Saturday at 1 pm and on Sunday at 2 pm. Individual tickets are $10 for club box seating ($11 on Fireworks nights) and $7 for lawn seats and are available at the Peoria Chiefs Box Office, by calling 309-680-4008 or online at www.PeoriaChiefs.com  Season tickets and other packages are also available.

Unnecessary Farce continues tonight (Thursday) at the Barn 2 Dinner Theatre in Goodfield and runs through April 14. On Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, doors open at 6 pm, buffet is at 6:30 pm, and the show is at 8 pm. On Sundays, doors & the buffet open at noon, and the show is at 1:30 pm. Prices are $33 for Thursdays, $35 for Fridays and Sunday brunch and $37 for Saturdays. For more information, call 309-965-2545 or go to www.barn2.com 
Find a Coupon for $5 Off Per Couple on Peoria-Deals.com!

The Central Illinois Herpetological Society will meet tonight (Thursday) at Forest Park Nature Center beginning at 7 pm featuring a speaker, raffles, announcements of trips and exhibits and opportunities for hobbyists to interact with one another. Admission is free.

Whisper & Shout will take place tonight (Thursday) at the Contemporary Art Center is an open mic for sharing and inspiring poetry. Doors open at 7:30 pm and show begins at 8 pm. Admission is $4 for members or $7 for non-members. For more information, call 309-674-6822.

Dan St. Germain will perform at the Jukebox Comedy Club tonight (Thursday) at 8 pm and on Friday & Saturday at 8 pm & 10:30 pm. Tickets are $12 for the Thursday and Friday & Saturday 10:30 pm performances and $15 for the other performances. For more information and to reserve seats, call 309-673-5853 or visit www.jukeboxcomedy.com

The Peoria Metro New Car Dealers Association’s 2013 Central Illinois Auto Show will feature its 34 dealers displaying over 300 vehicles from 30 different manufacturers at the Peoria Civic Center from Noon – 8 pm on Friday, 11 am – 8 pm on Saturday ad from 11 am – 5 pm on Sunday. Admission is $5 for ages 16 & older and free for ages 15 & under with a paid adult. Friday is Senior Day with ages 60+ admitted at ½ price ($2.50) and Sunday is Family Day where two adults and children age 15 & under are admitted for $8. For more information, visit http://www.peoriaautoshow.com

Sample beer & wine samples from local distributors and wineries at the 3rd annual Beer & Wine Tasting on Friday from 4:30 – 8:30 pm at Barrack’s Cater Inn (located at 1224 W. Pioneer Pkwy. in Peoria). Admission is $25 in advance or $30 at the door and includes a souvenir glass, beverage samples, appetizers and a silent auction. SAMS Rescue is a nonprofit animal welfare organization that provides no-cost spay/neuter service and are raising money for a no-kill animal shelter in the Elmwood/Brimfield area.

The CIAO First Fridays Artists’ Tour will take place on Friday from 5 – 9 pm at 10 different locations in downtown Peoria including The Mill, Murray Center for the Arts, the Contemporary Art Center, and the Peoria Art Guild where visitors can view artist demonstrations as well as purchase pieces. For a complete map of the locations, visit http://ciaopeoria.com

The Contemporary Art Center will feature Dexter O’Neal and Funk Yard on Friday beginning at 5:30 pm. Admission is $7 for members, $10 for non-members, $6 for student & senior members and $9 for student & senior non-members.
Salsa at the Contemporary Art Centerwill feature a dance lesson also on Friday from 8:30 – 9:30 pm and open dancing to DJ Matt Vasquez from 9:30 pm – 12:30 am. A cash bar will be available. Admission is $3 for members or $6 for non-members. For more information, call 309-674-6877.

The Peoria World Affairs Council presents “Is the Arab Spring Turning to Winter?: Democracy Movements, Islamist Movements, and an Uncertain Future,” featuring sessions and addresses by area professors and national dignitaries. The conference runs from 5 – 9 pm on Friday and from 8 am – 2:30 pm on Saturday at the Par-A-Dice Hotel. Cost is $125 for the general public and $100 for PAWAC members and students. For more information, call 309-677-2454 or visit www.artstix.artspartners.net

The West MacQueen Street Band will perform at Coyote Creek Golf Club (located at 8201 W. Lancaster Rd. in Bartonville) with doors opening at 6:30 pm. Admission is $5. A cash bar and hors d ‘oeuvres menu will be available. For more information or to reserve a table, call 309-633-0911 x11 or visit www.cateringpeoriainc.com

David Alwan, owner of Echo Valley Meats in Bartonville, will be featured on the ABC Television Network’s Shark Tank! show beginning at 8 pm. Catch a sneak peek now at www.abc.com/shows/shark-tank/video

A Princess and Pirate Event will take place at the Peoria Zoo on Saturday from 11 am – 2 pm where kids are encouraged to come dressed in their “royal” outfit or their buccaneer best as they explore the world of princesses and pirates. Kids will meet parrots and “dragons” up close, do a themed scavenger hunt throughout the Zoo for fun prizes, play games where kids might have to “walk the plank” and more. Regular admission applies: $9 for adult (aged 13 and over), $5.25 for children (aged 3-12), $8 for senior citizens (aged 65 & over) or free for kids aged 2 & under. For more information, visit http://www.peoriazoo.org

Take a tour of the St Jude Dream Home (located at 3011 W. Wessex Dr. in Peoria) from 9 am – 5 pm on Saturday and from Noon – 5 pm on Sunday. Admission is free. Estimated value of the home is $335,000 and it features four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, is approximately 2,400 square feet with an upstairs laundry room and open floor plan with a great room with a fireplace. The Dream Home is a fundraiser for the local St. Jude affiliate. Tickets for the raffle are $100 each and are available by calling 800-390-3196 or in person at Kroger locations in Peoria and Tazewell County. The winner will be drawn on Sunday, April 14. For more information, visit https://www.stjude.org/dhpeoria

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce will host its Family and Business Showcase at the Avanti’s Dome in Pekin on Saturday from 9 am – 2 pm. Network with Chamber members, discover local products and services, and enjoy door prizes and more entertainment. Parking and admission are free. For more information, call 309-346-2106 or visit www.pekinchamber.com

Let your pooch hunt for a tasty treat at the sixth annual Pet Pantry Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs at the Oakwood Dog Park in Morton on Saturday. The public hunt runs 1 – 3 pm or dog owners can reserve a time between 10 am and 1 pm at www.thepetpantry-peoria.com/egghunt  Cost is $6 per dog, with proceeds benefiting Foster Pet Outreach. For more information, call 300-383-4145.

Welcome spring with an Old-Fashioned Barn Dance at the Washington Middle School (located at 1100 N. Main Street in Washington) on Saturday beginning at 7 pm with an introduction to barn dance basics beginning at 6:45 pm. Admission is $5 with a $20 maximum for families. You are invited to bring a snack to share. For more information and directions, call 309-274-5358 or 309-274-2228.

The Peoria Rivermen will take on the Rockford IceHogs on Saturday at the Peoria Civic Center Arena beginning at 7 pm. Individual game tickets range in price from $13 – $28 and are available at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, by calling 309-676-1040 or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/806659

Heartland Festival Orchestra will host a special concert featuring Doc Severinsen and the Stiletto Brass at Five Points Performing Arts Center (located at 360 N Wilmor Road in Washington) on Saturday beginning at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $40 for adults and $20 students and are available at Kidder Music (located at 7728 N. Crestline Drive in Peoria) or online at http://fivepointswashington.org  For more information, visit http://www.heartlandfestivalorchestra.org

Noche De Fiesta Cinco will take place on Saturday featuring live music by Chicago band Impacto Boricua playing from 8 – 11 pm in the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom. The event will also include prizes, dance lessons and music by DJ CABALLERO from 7 – 8 pm and performances by Salsa Touch and Peoria Latin Vibe. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 day of the event and $10 for students.

The Luthy Botanical Annual Lily Show continues through Easter Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm on Tuesdays through Saturdays and from 12 – 5 pm on Sundays. Admission is $2.50 for ages 13 and up and children 12 and under and Garden members are free.

A Velocity Spring Break Glow Party will take place tonight (Thursday) in the Peoria Civic Center Exhibit Hall with doors opening at 7 pm and the party running from 8 – 11:30 pm. Admission is $15 with an event acceptance (click on “Going”) at https://www.facebook.com/events/511813695525609 or $20 admission at door. Ages 14 to 19.

Unnecessary Farce continues tonight (Thursday) at the Barn 2 Dinner Theatre in Goodfield and runs through April 14. On Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, doors open at 6 pm, buffet is at 6:30 pm, and the show is at 8 pm. On Sundays, doors & the buffet open at noon, and the show is at 1:30 pm. Prices are $33 for Thursdays, $35 for Fridays and Sunday brunch and $37 for Saturdays. For more information, call 309-965-2545 or go to www.barn2.com  There is NO show on Easter Sunday.  Find a Coupon for $5 Off Per Couple on Peoria-Deals.com!

Kid Rock will perform tonight (Thursday) at US Cellular Coliseum beginning at 7:30 pm. Tickets range in price between $49.50 and $85 and are available at the US Cellular Box Office, at all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 800-745-3000 and online at www.Ticketmaster.com

Jeff Caldwell will perform at the Jukebox Comedy Club tonight (Thursday) at 8 pm and on Friday & Saturday at 8 pm & 10:30 pm. Tickets are $12 for the Thursday 8 pm and Friday & Saturday 10:30 pm performances and $15 for the other performances. For more information and to reserve seats, call 309-673-5853 or visit www.jukeboxcomedy.com

The Contemporary Art Center will feature Cousin Eddie on Friday beginning at 5:30 pm. Admission is $7 for members, $10 for non-members, $6 for student & senior members and $9 for student & senior non-members.

The Land Connection is bringing a one-act play on the future of farming and farmland, “What Will Be Your Legacy?” to Corn Stock Theatre’s Theatre Center beginning at 6:30 pm on Friday & Saturday. Performances are free to attend and will feature local food. RSVP to attend by visiting http://www.thelandconnection.org/play

The Peoria Rivermen will take on the Oklahoma City Barons on Friday at the Peoria Civic Center Arena beginning at 7 pm and the Lake Erie Monsters on Saturday beginning at 7 pm. Individual game tickets range in price from $13 – $28 and are available at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, by calling 309-676-1040 or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/806659

The River City Blues Society will present live blues with JP Soars & The Red Hots from Florida at Goodfellas (located at 1414 N. 8th St. in Pekin) from 7:30 – 11 pm. Admission is $6 for the general public and $4 for RCBS members. For more information, visit http://www.rivercityblues.com

Wildlife Prairie Park will host two Giant Easter Egg Hunts and a Bunny Breakfast on Saturday. The Bunny Breakfast runs from 8 – 11 am with a kid-friendly buffet. Cost for the Breakfast is $9.95 for teens and adults, $6.95 for children age 12 and under and does NOT include admission to the park – see admission costs listed below. Reservations are highly recommended & space is limited – call 309-676-0998 to make reservations.
The Giant Easter Egg Hunts will be held at 11 am & 1:30 pm and each will divided up into three age groups: 0-2, 3-6 and 7-12 and will be held outdoors rain or shine at the Pioneer Area and festivities. Join the Easter Bunny, and Bill the Bear for entertainment and music as they help announce the countdown to collecting eggs. Make sure to arrive at least a half hour prior to the hunt as they normally take only about one minute to complete. Admission to the Park is $8 for ages 13 & Up, $6 for ages 2 – 12 and ages 1 and under are free. Admission for members 2 & up is $4. For more information, visit http://www.wildlifeprairiestatepark.org

The Peoria RiverPlex will host an Underwater Egg Hunt on Saturday from 9 – 9:45 am and a second session from 10 – 10:45 am. The event is for ages 3 – 8 and a parent or guardian must accompany children under five years of age into the pool. Admission is $5 for members and $7 for non-members. Participants must pre-register at the RiverPlex or Glen Oak Pavillion: registrations will not be accepted at the day of the event. Why hunt for eggs on the lawn when you can hunt for them underwater? Kids will find eggs filled with money and receive a bag with candy.

Take a tour of the St Jude Dream Home (located at 3011 W. Wessex Dr. in Peoria) from 9 am – 5 pm on Saturdays and from Noon – 5 pm on Sundays through April 7. Admission is free. Estimated value of the home is $335,000 and it features four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, is approximately 2,400 square feet with an upstairs laundry room and open floor plan with a great room with a fireplace. The Dream Home is a fundraiser for the local St. Jude affiliate. Tickets for the raffle are $100 each and are available by calling 800-390-3196 or in person at Kroger locations in Peoria and Tazewell County. The winner will be drawn on Sunday, April 14. No tours will be held on Easter Sunday (March 31st). For more information, visit https://www.stjude.org/dhpeoria

Storm Chasers creator, Sean Casey, will have his tornado intercept vehicle on display on the Peoria Riverfront Museum’s Sun Plaza (facing Water Street) and also will participate in a question and answer session on Saturday from 10 – 11 am in the giant screen theater auditorium followed by an 11 am screening of his film “Tornado Alley“. Tickets for the film are $10 for adults, $9 for senior citizens and $8 for youth ages 3 – 17. For more information, call 309-686-7000 or visit www.PeoriaRiverfrontMuseum.org

A Heartland Sound: Staged Fundraiser will take place on Saturday at Expo Gardens (located at 1601 W. Northmoor Rd. in Peoria) beginning at Noon and running through the evening. Seven local bands including Kingpin, Boomstick, Sofa Shark, Bill Porter, Dave Chastain’s DC3, Robin & Tony Crowe, Megasonics and Brainchild will perform. A silent auction will also take place toward raising money to benefit the TV show, Heartland Sound: Staged which features mid-western bands performing in unusual places. Admission is $10 and tickets are available in advance at Flores Music in Peoria & Pekin. For more information, visit www.HeartlandSoundStaged.org

Peoria Push Roller Derby will host a bout in the Peoria Civic Center Exhibit Hall on Saturday with doors opening at 4 pm and the first bout beginning at 5 pm. Tickets are $10 in advance and $13 at the door and kids 6 and under are free. To buy tickets online and for more information, visit http://peoriarollerderby.org

Direct from their phenomenally successful Broadway engagement, the internationally-acclaimed Beatles concert, Experience the Beatles with Rain, returns to the Peoria Civic Center Theater on Saturday beginning at 8 pm. Tickets are $33, $45 and $57 and are available at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, by calling 800-745-3000, at all Ticketmaster outlets or at www.Ticketmaster.com

East Meets (Mid)West will take place on Saturday at The Waterhouse beginning at 8 pm. East Peoria native Drew Overcash returns from NYC is joined a few other central Illinois natives who have moved to the big apple (as well as a few who still live in the Peoria area) including Stephanie Bartman, Kelsey Burd, Rebekah Dentino, Jarod Hazzard, Anthony Hendricks, Carmen McCarthy, Adam Sitton, Kates Sitton, Rachael Waldon, Marlon Washington and Lana Warner. Tickets are $40 and the show includes a full dinner. Doors open at 6 pm, dinner begins at 6:30 pm and the concert begins at 8 pm. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/523486497682815

Draft Culture, the female fronted, 80s & 90s, rock cover band will perform at Go-T’s (located at 3201 NE Adams St in Peoria) beginning at 9 pm. There is no cover charge, however you must be 21 or older to attend. For more information call 309-682-4687.

The Wildlife Prairie Park Easter Brunch runs on Sunday from 10 -2 pm in the Prairie Hall. Cost is $19.95 for adults, $8.95 for ages 3-12 and children 2 & under eat free. Park members receive a 10% discount. Reservations are required – call 309-676-0998. For more information, visit www.wildlifeprairiestatepark.org

The Luthy Botanical Annual Lily Show continues through March 31st from 10 am – 5 pm on Tuesdays through Saturdays and from 12 – 5 pm on Sundays. Admission is $2.50 for ages 13 and up and children 12 and under and Garden members are free. The Garden is closed on Mondays.

Enjoy a Girls Night Out tonight (Thursday) from 5 – 7 pm at Wines ‘N More (located at 151 South Main Street in Morton) featuring a free wine tasting. Local vendors will be displaying their unique merchandise and there will also be free massages, facials, a wellness coach and wine tasting. Admission is free. For more information, call 309-291-0899.   Extended hours and special discounts will be offered by Eli’s Coffee, LuLu’s, Pumpkin Patch and Leaves N Beans also located in downtown Morton.

Unnecessary Farce continues tonight (Thursday) at the Barn 2 Dinner Theatre in Goodfield and runs through April 14. On Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, doors open at 6 pm, buffet is at 6:30 pm, and the show is at 8 pm. On Sundays, doors & the buffet open at noon, and the show is at 1:30 pm. Prices are $33 for Thursdays, $35 for Fridays and Sunday brunch and $37 for Saturdays. For more information, call 309-965-2545 or go to www.barn2.com 
Find a Coupon for $5 Off Per Couple on Peoria-Deals.com!

Godspell continues at Peoria Players Theatre at 7:30 pm tonight (Thursday) through Saturday and at 2 pm on Sunday. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for patrons 18 and under and are available at the Peoria Players Box Office, by calling 309-688-4473 or online at www.PeoriaPlayers.org

The Contemporary Art Center will feature Change Up on Friday beginning at 5:30 pm. Admission is $7 for members, $10 for non-members, $6 for student & senior members and $9 for student & senior non-members.
Enjoy Swing Dance at the Contemporary Arts Center also on Friday from 8:30 – 9:30 pm for the dance lesson and 9:30 pm – 12:30 am for open dancing to DJ Matt Vasquez. Admission is $3 for CAC Members and $6 for non-members.  For more information on either event, call 309-674-6877 or visit http://www.peoriacac.org

Carnivale 2013 to benefit central Illinois Multiple Sclerosis Center patients will take place on Friday at the Par-A-Dice Hotel from 6 pm – Midnight where you can enjoy the flair of a Brazilian-style Carnivale celebration featuring traditional fare, live-auction, silent auction, and local band, JammSammich. The Brazilionaires, local Latin music band featuring Dr. Benoit will kick-off the evening beginning at 6 pm. Cost is $100 per person. To reserve your space, call 309-566-5670. Attire is business/cocktail.

Gospelfest Ministries will present Saviour at Five Points Performing Arts Center (located at 360 N. Wilmor in Washington) on Friday beginning at 7 pm. Special guests include Gaither Vocal Band tenor Wes Hampton, Homecoming artists Reggie & Ladye Love Smith, central Illinois favorite Jairo Arvizu, and ISU voice faculty member John Koch. They will be joined by a 70-voice choir and 35-piece orchestra. Tickets are $20 in advance or $23 at the door, and students ages high school and under are $10 and are available at Five Points Washington, Hoerr’s Berean Bookstores in central Illinois, Grace Church in Morton and online at www.gospelfestradio.com

Etta May will perform at the Jukebox Comedy Club on Friday & Saturday at 8 pm & 10:30 pm. Tickets are $16 or $15 with cash payment except for the Friday 10:30 pm performance, which is $13 or $12 with cash payment. For more information and to reserve seats, call 309-673-5853 or visit www.jukeboxcomedy.com

Wildlife Prairie Park will host “The Spring Wake-Up: Butterflies, Birds, and Bears! Oh, My!” on Saturday from 9 am – 4:30 pm with free admission to see what’s new at the park for 2013. There will be special activities surrounding the Park’ s new butterfly habitat and aviary, an introduction to Molly, the Park’s newest black bear plus a guided hike of the upcoming facilities for 2013, crafts for the kids, raptors on display, educational booths, and a variety of programs throughout the day. For more information, call 309-676-0998 or visit www.wildlifeprairiestatepark.org

Take a tour of the St Jude Dream Home (located at 3011 W. Wessex Dr. in Peoria) from 9 am – 5 pm on Saturdays and from Noon – 5 pm on Sundays through April 7. Admission is free. Estimated value of the home is $335,000 and it features four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, is approximately 2,400 square feet with an upstairs laundry room and open floor plan with a great room with a fireplace. The Dream Home is a fundraiser for the local St. Jude affiliate. Tickets for the raffle are $100 each and are available by calling 800-390-3196 or in person at Kroger locations in Peoria and Tazewell County. The winner will be drawn on Sunday, April 14. No tours will be held on Easter Sunday (March 31st). For more information, visit https://www.stjude.org/dhpeoria

The Easter Bunny will be at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie (located at 5201 W. War Memorial Dr. in Peoria) on Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm to welcome spring with a celebration hosted by Bethany Baptist Church and The Shoppes. Admission is free. Festivities include live music, children’s games and activities, bouncy houses, Easter eggs, balloon animals, prizes from participating stores and photos with the Easter Bunny. Activities will be available rain or shine in Suite 320, located near Center Court. For more information, call 309-692-3672.

The Peoria Zoo (located at 2218 North Prospect Road, inside Glen Oak Park in Peoria) will host its Annual Easter Egg Celebration featuring an Easter Egg Hunt for children through 9 years old on Saturday beginning at 10:30 am for ages through 3 years, at 10:50 am for ages 4-6 years and at 11:10 am for ages 7-9 years. Cost is $6.50 for non-member children, $3.50 for member children and $8.50 for non-member adults. For more information, call 309-686-3365.

Kids Rock will be hosted by the Peoria Public Library North Branch (located at 3001 W. Grand Parkway in Peoria) with Pint Sized Polkas on Saturday from 1 – 2 pm .  Singer/Songwriter Cliff Eberhardt will perform at the PPD North Branch on Sunday from 2 – 4 pm. Admission is free for both events:  for more information on either, call 309-497-2120.

The Snow White Event will take place on Saturday  beginning at 6 pm at WeaverRidge Golf Club (located at 5100 WeaverRidge Boulevard in Peoria). Tickets are $75 each and all proceeds benefit the Peoria Ballet. The event includes a cocktail hour, plated dinner, preview performance of the Snow White Ballet, dance and live music provided by the West MacQueen Street Band and more. Donations are accepted in lieu of attendance. To purchase tickets, call 309-690-7990 or visit http://PeoriaBallet.com

Join the Peoria Zoo and Peoria Zoologocial Society for a night of fun and hockey at the Peoria Rivermen this Saturday beginning at 7 pm at the Peoria Civic Center. Special give-aways and Peoria Zoo coupons will be part of the fun.  A portion of the profits from your ticket will benefit The Power of Play Campaign. Tickets are a discounted $15 per person and are available by calling 309-681-3500. All tickets purchased through the Civic Center Box Office will not be discounted and will not benefit The Power of Play.

The Peoria Rivermen will take on the Chicago Wolves at the Peoria Civic Center Arena on Saturday beginning at 7 pm and the Toronto Marlies on Sunday beginning at 5 pm. Individual game tickets range in price from $13 – $28 and are available at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, by calling 309-676-1040 or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/806659

Sunday Brunch at Wildlife Prairie State Park will be available this Sunday from 10 am – 2 pm. The cost is $19.95 for adults, $8.95 for children ages 3 to 12 and free for children ages 2 and under and includes admission to the park. Members of the park get a 10% discount. Call 309-676-0998 to make reservations.

Central Illinois Jazz Society will perform on Sunday at Landmark Recreation Center (located at 3225 N. Dries Lane in Peoria) beginning at 6 pm with the Central Ill. Jazz Train, ICC’s Big Band led by Larry Harms. David Hoffman and Friends following at 7:15 pm. David spent 13 years working and playing trumpet with Ray Charles. Members are $5, non-members are $7and students are free. For more information call 309-692-5330 or visit www.peoriajazz.com

Damon Williams will perform at the Jukebox Comedy Club for one performance only on Sunday beginning at 8 pm. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 the day of the show. For more information and to reserve seats, call 309-673-5853 or visit www.jukeboxcomedy.com

The Luthy Botanical Annual Lily Show continues through March 31st from 10 am – 5 pm on Tuesdays through Saturdays and from 12 – 5 pm on Sundays. Admission is $2.50 for ages 13 and up and children 12 and under and Garden members are free. The Garden is closed on Mondays.

Unnecessary Farce continues tonight (Thursday) at the Barn 2 Dinner Theatre in Goodfield and runs through April 14. On Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, doors open at 6 pm, buffet is at 6:30 pm, and the show is at 8 pm. On Sundays, doors & the buffet open at noon, and the show is at 1:30 pm. Prices are $33 for Thursdays, $35 for Fridays and Sunday brunch and $37 for Saturdays. For more information, call 309-965-2545 or go to www.barn2.com 
Find a Coupon for $5 Off Per Couple on Peoria-Deals.com!

The March Madness Experience will be held in the Peoria Civic Center Exhibit Hall tonight (Thursday) through Saturday from 6 pm – 9 pm on Thursday, 10 am – 9 pm on Friday and 10 am – 6:30 pm on Saturday. Tickets are $2 at the door or get free admission with an IHSA game ticket stub.

Billy Elliot, winner of ten 2009 Tony Awards, ends its run at the Peoria Civic Center Theater tonight (Thursday) beginning at 7:30 pm. The musical is set in a small English town following Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising talent for dance that changes his life forever. Tickets are $37, $54 and $67 and are available at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, by calling 800-745-3000, at all Ticketmaster outlets or at www.Ticketmaster.com

Dean Edwards will perform at the Jukebox Comedy Club tonight (Thursday) at 8 pm and on Friday & Saturday at 8 pm & 10:30 pm. Tickets are $13 or $12 with cash payment for the Thursday and Friday 10:30 pm performances and $16 or $15 with cash payment for the other performances. For more information and to reserve seats, call 309-673-5853 or visit www.jukeboxcomedy.com

The IHSA Class 3A Semifinal Session will be held in the Peoria Civic Center Arena  on Friday with Game 1 at 12 pm and Game 2 at 2 pm. The IHSA Class 4A Semifinal Session will be held in the Peoria Civic Center Arena with Game 1 also on Friday beginning at 6:30 pm and Game 2 at 8:15 pm. The IHSA Class 3A Final Session will be held on Saturday in the Peoria Civic Center Arena with Game 1 beginning at 12 pm and Game 2 at 2 pm. The IHSA Class 4A Final Session will also be held on Saturday in the Peoria Civic Center Arena with Game 1 beginning at 6:30 pm and Game 2 at 8:15 pm.  Tickets for each game are $10.50, $8.50, $6.50 and $4 and are available at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 and online at Ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit http://www.ihsa.org

The Contemporary Art Center will feature Motown Junkies on Friday beginning at 5:30 pm. Admission is $7 for members, $10 for non-members, $6 for student & senior members and $9 for student & senior non-members.
Salsa at the Contemporary Art Center will feature a dance lesson also on Friday from 8:30 – 9:30 pm and open dancing to DJ Matt Vasquez from 9:30 pm – 12:30 am. A cash bar will be available. Admission is $3 for members or $6 for non-members. For more information on either event, call 309-674-6877 or visit http://www.peoriacac.org

A Wine Education Class on “Where It All Began: French Wines” will be offered at Wines ‘N More (located at 151 S. Main St. in downtown Morton) on Friday from 6 – 8:30 pm. Admission is $20 per person and reservations are required as space is limited. Call 309-291-0899 for more information and to reserve your spot.

The Corn Stock Winter Playhouse continues its production of Frost/Nixon on Friday and Saturday beginning at 7:30 pm at the Corn Stock Theatre Center (located in upper Bradley Park)  Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and are available at the Corn Stock Theatre Box Office, by calling 309-676-2196 or online at www.CornStockTheatre.com

Peoria Players Theatre will present Godspell at 7:30 pm on Friday & Saturday and at 2 pm on Sunday. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for patrons 18 and under and are available at the Peoria Players Box Office, by calling 309-688-4473 or online at www.PeoriaPlayers.org

Community Workshop and Training Center will host its annual CWTC Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser on Saturday from 9 am – Noon at Landmark Recreation Center. Individuals and groups are welcome to play. Cost is $20 and includes three games and shoe rental. Proceeds benefit the programs and direct services for CWTC consumers. Call 309-686-3300 or download a registration form at www.cwtc.org

Take a tour of the St Jude Dream Home (located at 3011 W. Wessex Dr. in Peoria) from 9 am – 5 pm on Saturdays and from Noon – 5 pm on Sundays through April 7. Admission is free. Estimated value of the home is $335,000 and it features four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, is approximately 2,400 square feet with an upstairs laundry room and open floor plan plus a great room with a fireplace. The Dream Home is a fundraiser for the local St. Jude affiliate. Tickets for the raffle are $100 each and are available by calling 800-390-3196 or in person at Kroger locations in Peoria and Tazewell County. The winner will be drawn on Sunday, April 14. No tours will be held on Easter Sunday (March 31st). For more information, visit https://www.stjude.org/dhpeoria

The Peoria Camera Club will host its 37th Annual Photography Seminar “Nature Photography Field Techniques in the Digital Age” on Saturday from 9 am – 4 pm at the Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center in East Peoria. Admission is $85 or $35 for students with ID and includes lunch and refreshments. For more information, call 309-692-1552 or visit www.PeoriaCameraClub.com

The Levee District Grand Opening Celebration will be held in downtown East Peoria along the pedestrian promenade in the The Levee District parking lot (located at 400 W. Washington Street in East Peoria) on Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm featuring the Unique Twist, Fun on the Run, The Zoo Lady, Wildlife Prairie Park, local artists plus food vendors. The Ark and T.A.P.S. will also be on site offering animal adoptions. The $500 Shopping Spree drawing will be held at noon: enter for a chance to win at www.EastPeoriaEnterToWin.com through Friday, March 15.

Heartland Festival Orchestra will present Virtuoso Fiddlin’ at Five Points Performing Arts Center (located at 360 N. Wilmor Road in Washington) on Saturday beginning at 7 pm. Tickets are $30 for adults and $8 for students with an ID and are available online at https://www.ticketturtle.com/index.php?show=26413  For more information, visit www.heartlandfestivalorchestra.org

St.  Sharbel Church will host its Lebanese Food Festival on Sunday from 11 am – 7 pm at the Church Hall (located at 2914 W Scenic Dr in Peoria). Admission is $9 for adults and $6 for children 12 & under and includes a complete Lebanese meal. Other activities that will be featured are dancing, a raffle and a bakery booth with Lebanese pastries. For more information, call 309-688-5555.

The 33rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, sponsored by the St. Patrick Society of Peoria, will take over downtown Peoria on Sunday beginning at 2 pm stepping off from the corner of Monroe Street and Hancock Street. Following the parade, a St. Patrick’s Day Family Party will be held at the Four Points Sheraton (located at the corners of Hamilton & Madison in downtown Peoria). Admission for the party is $5 for adults, $3 for adult members of the St. Patrick’s Society and youth aged 12 – 18 and free for ages under 12. Food & drinks will be available for purchase and live entertainment will be provided by Bogside Zukes and Flynn’s Irish Dancers. For more information, call 309-363-4804.

The Prairie Wind Ensemble will perform at the ICC Performing Arts Center on Sunday beginning at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students & senior citizens and are available at the ICC Box Office or by calling 309-694-5136. For more information, visit www.ArtsatICC.com

The Peoria Rivermen will take on the Grand Rapids Griffins at the Peoria Civic Center Arena on Sunday beginning at 3 pm. Individual game tickets range in price from $13 – $28 and are available at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, by calling 309-676-1040 or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/806659

The Peoria Area Anti-Hunger Coalition’s Foodshare Can-a-thon runs through the 22 with volunteers will be going go door to door on Sunday, March 10 from 1 – 4 pm to collect canned and non-perishable goods for area food pantries. Drop boxes are available before the drive at area Kroger stores, Curves and Subway restaurants and Peoria fire stations through March 22. For more information, call 309-696-0223.

Unnecessary Farce continues tonight (Thursday) at the Barn 2 Dinner Theatre in Goodfield and runs through April 14. On Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, doors open at 6 pm, buffet is at 6:30 pm, and the show is at 8 pm. On Sundays, doors & the buffet open at noon, and the show is at 1:30 pm. Prices are $33 for Thursdays, $35 for Fridays and Sunday brunch and $37 for Saturdays. For more information, call 309-965-2545 or go to www.barn2.com 
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The March Madness Experience will be held in the Peoria Civic Center Exhibit Hall tonight (Thursday) through Saturday and next Thursday through Saturday from 6 pm – 9 pm on Thursdays, 10 am – 9 pm on Fridays and 10 am – 6:30 pm on Saturdays. Tickets are $2 at the door or get free admission with an IHSA game ticket stub.

The Central Illinois Herpetological Society will meet at Forest Park Nature Center tonight (Thursday) at 7 pm featuring a speaker, raffles, announcements of trips and exhibits and opportunities for hobbyists to interact with one another. Admission is free. Membership to the CIHS is $20 per year which includes the quarterly newsletter, Herp Alert.

Country music artists Little Big Town are coming the Peoria Civic Center Theater tonight (Thursday) beginning at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $25, $35, and $45 and are available at The Peoria Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 800-745-3000 or online at www.Ticketmaster.com

Whisper & Shout will take place at the Contemporary Art Center tonight (Thursday) – it’s an open mic for sharing and inspiring poetry. Doors open at 7:30 pm and the show begins at 8 pm. Admission is $4 for members or $7 for non-members. For more information, call 309-674-6822.

A Raisin in the Sun continues tonight (Thursday) through Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 2:30 pm presented by the Bradley University Theatre Department at the Hartmann Center for the Performing Arts on the Bradley campus.  Directed by guest artist, Bradley alumnus, local theatre artist and television personality Garry Moore, tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for Bradley faculty, staff and senior citizens and $7 for students and are available at the Bradley box office, by calling 309-677-2650 or online at http://slane.bradley.edu/theatre-arts/single-performance-reservation

Sean Patton will perform at the Jukebox Comedy Club on tonight (Thursday) at 8 pm and on Friday & Saturday at 8 pm & 10:30 pm. Tickets are $13 or $12 with cash payment for the Thursday and Friday & Saturday 10:30 pm performances and $16 or $15 with cash payment for the other performances. For more information and to reserve seats, call 309-673-5853 or visit www.jukeboxcomedy.com

Central Illinois Girls Scouts will be taking the Girl Scout Cookie Sale to local retail outlets this weekend including the Peoria & Canton Hy-Vee stores, Peoria area Kroger stores, the Allen Road in Peoria, East Peoria and Canton Wal-Mart stores, Save-a-Lot on Prospect in Peoria Heights, the Eureka IGA, Haddad’s in West Peoria and the Bass Pro Shop in East Peoria. For a full list of times, dates & locations to find Girl Scout cookies, call 309-688-8671 or visit http://www2.abcsmartcookies.com/boothlocator.asp?cid=571

The Luthy Botanical Annual Lily Show begins Friday and runs through March 31st. Admission is $2.50 for ages 13 and up and children 12 and under and Garden members are free. Hours are from 10 am – 5 pm ib Tuesdays through Saturdays and from 12 – 5 pm on Sundays. The Garden is closed on Mondays.

The IHSA Class 1A Semifinal Session will be held in the Peoria Civic Center Arena  on Friday with Game 1 at 12 pm and Game 2 at 2 pm. The IHSA Class 2A Semifinal Session will be held in the Peoria Civic Center Arena with Game 1 also on Friday beginning at 6:30 pm and Game 2 at 8:15 pm. The IHSA Class 1A Final Session will be held on Saturday in the Peoria Civic Center Arena with Game 1 beginning at 12 pm and Game 2 at 2 pm. The IHSA Class 2A Final Session will also be held on Saturday in the Peoria Civic Center Arena with Game 1 beginning at 6:30 pm and Game 2 at 8:15 pm.  Tickets for each game are $10.50, $8.50, $6.50 and $4.00 and on sale now at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 and online at Ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit http://www.ihsa.org

The Contemporary Art Center will feature Matthew Curry & the Fury on Friday beginning at 5:30 pm. Admission is $7 for members, $10 for non-members, $6 for student & senior members and $9 for student & senior non-members.  For more information, call 309-674-6877 or visit http://www.peoriacac.org

A Ladies Mad Hatter Tea will be held on Friday from 6 – 10 pm at the Par-A-Dice Hotel/Casino where you can enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, a signature drink, a Mad Hatter Hat Contest plus a specialized shopping experience. Tickets are $25 and advanced reservations are required. Proceeds support Junior League of Peoria and its mission to build a better community. To reserve your seat, call 309-685-9312. For more information, visit www.frolicwiththefairies.com

The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!) will be performed at the Prairie Cabaret Theatre (located within the Waterhouse, located at 619 SW Water Street, Suite B in downtown Peoria) on Friday & Saturday with doors opening at 6 pm, dinner buffet beginning at 6:30 pm and the show beginning at 8 pm. Tickets are $37 per person and are available by calling 309-494-9100 or online at http://artstix.artspartners.net/default.asp  For more information, visit http://www.peoriacabarettheatre.com

The Corn Stock Winter Playhouse will present Frost/Nixon beginning on Friday at 7:30 pm and continuing on Saturday at 7:30 pm and at 2:30 pm on Sunday at the Corn Stock Theatre Center (located in upper Bradley Park)  Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and are available at the Corn Stock Theatre Box Office, by calling 309-676-2196 or online at www.CornStockTheatre.com
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The ICC Guest Artists Series will present Route 66, the female a cappella quartet, at the ICC Performing Arts Center on the East Peoria campus on Friday beginning at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students and are available at the ICC box office, by calling 309-694-5136 or online at http://www.artsaticc.com/tickets

Buddy Guy and Jonny Lang will perform in the Peoria Civic Center Theater on Friday beginning at 8 pm. Tickets are $39, $49 and $59 and are  available at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, by calling 800-745-3000, at all Ticketmaster outlets and online at www.Ticketmaster.com

The 13th Annual Farmers Share of the Food Dollar Breakfast sponsored by the Peoria County Farm Bureau will be held on Saturday from 7 – 11 am in the Youth Building at Exposition Gardens in Peoria. The breakfast helps to educate the public on the safe and affordable crops that American farmers produce. The price of this year’s breakfast is 85 cents and includes two pancakes, two whole hog sausage patties, two scrambled eggs, an 8-ounce glass of Prairie Farms milk and an 8-ounce glass of orange juice. For more information, visit http://peoriacountyfarmbureau.org

The Junior League of Peoria will host its fifth annual Frolic with the Fairies Mother Daughter Tea and Style Show on Saturday at the Par-A-Dice Hotel Ballroom with tea times at 9 am, 12:30 pm and 4 pm. Tickets are $30 each or Tables of ten may be reserved for $275.  For more information, visit http://www.frolicwiththefairies.com

The Peoria Jaycees Lawn Mower Clinic will take place on Saturday from 8 am – 4 pm at Exposition Gardens’ Textile Building (located at 1601 W. Northmoor Road in Peoria near Richwoods High School). The service fee for the lawn mower tune ups is $40. The following services are provided: clean mower deck, clean and or replace air filter, change the oil, replace the spark plug and sharpen the blade. Please drop mowers off by 10 am and mowers may be picked-up starting at 4 pm. No riding lawnmower please. This year’s proceeds to benefit PARC, Dress For Success Peoria and the Peoria Jaycees. For more information and to register, visit http://www.peoriajaycees.org/lawn-mower-clinic

The show “Dinner Plans” will take place at the Miller Center (located at 551 South 14th St. in Pekin) on Saturday beginning at 5:30 pm. Admission is $12 per person and includes a spaghetti dinner, dessert and drink. To reserve your spot, call 309-346-5210.

Brian “Fox” Ellis and Turas present An Irish Immigrant’s Tale, a celebration of Irish history through story and song, at the Fox Pub and Cafe on Sunday beginning at 6 pm. Admission is $10. To rsvp, call 309-689-8000. For more information, visit http://turasband.com/shows

Gabriel Iglesias will perform at the Peoria Civic Center Theater on Sunday beginning at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $39 and are available at the Peoria Civic Center, all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.Ticketmaster.com

Luthy Botanical Garden continues its “Garish…but Green” Garden Show  through Sunday during regular conservatory hours, which are 10 am – 5 pm Tuesdays – Saturdays and 12 – 5 pm on Sundays. Admission is $2.50 for adults and children 12 and under are free. Enjoy the best and worst of landscaping faux pas – from gnomes to flocks of flamingos – and learn about sustainable practices for your home and garden. For more information, call 309-681-3506.

Unnecessary Farce opens tonight (Thursday) the Barn 2 Dinner Theatre in Goodfield and runs through April 14. On Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, doors open at 6 pm, buffet is at 6:30 pm, and the show is at 8 pm. On Sundays, doors & the buffet open at noon, and the show is at 1:30 pm. Prices are $33 for Thursdays, $35 for Fridays and Sunday brunch and $37 for Saturdays. For more information, call 309-965-2545 or go to www.barn2.com 
Find a Coupon for $5 Off Per Couple on Peoria-Deals.com!

A Raisin in the Sun will be presented by the Bradley University Theatre Department beginning at 8 pm tonight (Thursday) through Saturday and at 2:30 pm on Sunday. Directed by guest artist, Bradley alumnus, local theatre artist and television personality Garry Moore, tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for Bradley faculty, staff and senior citizens and $7 for students and are available at the Bradley box office, by calling 309-677-2650 or online at http://slane.bradley.edu/theatre-arts/single-performance-reservation

Kevin Williams will perform at the Jukebox Comedy Club tonight (Thursday) at 8 pm and on Friday & Saturday at 8 pm & 10:30 pm. Tickets are $13 or $12 with cash payment for the Thursday and Friday 10:30 pm performances and $15 or $14 with cash payment for the other shows. For more information and to reserve seats, call 309-673-5853 or visit www.jukeboxcomedy.com

The CIAO First Fridays Artists’ Tour will take place on Friday from 5 – 9 pm at 10 different locations in downtown Peoria including The Mill, Murray Center for the Arts, the Contemporary Art Center, and the Peoria Art Guild where visitors can view artist demonstrations as well as purchase pieces. For a complete map of the locations, visit http://ciaopeoria.com

The Central Illinois Recreational Vehicle Show will be held at the Peoria Civic Center from 1 – 7 pm on Friday from 10 am – 7 pm on Saturday and from 11 am – 4 pm on Sunday. Admission is paid at the door and is $8 for adults and $3 for kids ages 6-12, kids 5 and under are free. Seniors ages 65 and older are $5 on Friday only. For more information, visit http://www.eventsltd.org/page3.htm

The Contemporary Art Center will feature Preston Jackson & Friends on Friday beginning at 5:30 pm. Admission is $7 for members, $10 for non-members, $6 for student & senior members and $9 for student & senior non-members.
Salsa at the Contemporary Art Center, also on Friday, will feature a dance lesson from 8:30 – 9:30 pm and open dancing to DJ Matt Vasquez from 9:30 pm – 12:30 am. A cash bar will be available. Admission is $3 for members or $6 for non-members.  For more information on either event, call 309-674-6877 or visit http://www.peoriacac.org

Eureka College will host its 2nd Annual Literary Festival on Friday & Saturday featuring authors John McNally, Jesse Graves and Olivia Chadha. Graves and Chadha will hold readings and book signings at 7:30 pm on Friday, and McNally and Graves will hold signings on Saturday. Also, a variety of workshops will be held throughout the day on Saturday. All events are free and will be held in the Cerf Center. For a complete schedule, click HERE  For more information, call 309-467-6332.

The ICC Theatre Program will present Rashomon on Friday & Saturday beginning at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2:30 pm at the ICC Performing Arts Center in East Peoria. The show is rated PG-13 for mature themes. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens and are available at the ICC box office, by calling 309-694-5136 or online at http://www.artsaticc.com/tickets

Lewis Black‘s 2013 standup tour, “The Rant Is Due” will take the Peoria Civic Center Theater stage on Friday beginning at 8 pm. Tickets are $59.50, $45 and $35 and are available at the Peoria Civic Center box office, Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 800-745-3000 or online at www.TicketMaster.com

The Peoria Art Guild (located at 203 Harrison St. in Peoria) will exhibit “Nude Attitude” on Friday from 9 pm to midnight featuring an array of visual arts including interactive elements, a collaboration with the Peoria Ballet Cabaret and live model art education. Hors d’oeuvres and libations will be provided. Advance tickets are $20 for members, $30 for non-members and $40 at the door. Tickets are available online at www.peoriaartguild.org/!/Nude-Attitude  Proceeds will go toward a variety of educational exhibitions, events and classes.

Forest Park Nature Center and the Peoria Audubon Society will host a “Birding Tour of the Illinois River” on Saturday from 7 am – 4 pm. The tour will meet at Forest Park and visit bird migration hotspots along the Illinois River including Spring Lake, Chautauqua, Emiquon Preserve, Rice Lake and Banner Marsh. The tour is open to ages 14 and older. Cost is $35, and includes lunch and transportation. C.O.R.E. and Peoria Audubon members receive a $5 discount. To register, call 309-686-3360 or visit www.peoriaparks.org

The Mental Health America of Illinois Valley will hold the 2013 Mental Health Forum on Saturday from 8 am – 4:15 pm in Room 116 of Westlake Hall on the Bradley University campus. Director of Multi-County Narcotics Enforcement Group, Rene Sandoval, will deliver the keynote address and local health professionals will lead breakout sessions throughout the day covering topics such as bullying, suicide, addiction, stress, discrimination and more. The registration fee is $125 which includes the keynote speech, break-out sessions, lunch & awards or $25 for only lunch and the awards. For a complete schedule, visit www.mhaiv.org  For more information, call 309-677-3179.

The Sun Foundation will host Building the Soil: Bio Humic Organic Method Farm Workshop featuring Gary McDonald on Saturday from 9 – 11 am at the Sun Foundation (located at 1276 Sun Rd. in Washburn). McDonald will cover the basics of organic farming, from tillage practices and weed control to practical applications and marketing. Cost is $10 at the door. For more information, call 309-246-8403.

The Elmwood All Outdoors Show will take place at the Elmwood High School (located at 301 W Butternut St. in Elmwood) from 9 am – 5 pm on Saturday & Sunday. Featuring vendors, a youth archery range, wild game cooking seminars, dog training seminars & demonstrations, wild animals and birds from Wildlife Prairie Park plus the chance to get your big buck measured, admission is $5 for adults and kids 13 & under are free. For more information, call 309-231-6040 or visit http://elmwoodalloutdoors.com

Peoria Area Toastmasters will present the film “Speak” in the auditorium at the downtown branch of the Peoria Public Library (located at 107 NE Monroe in downtown Peoria) on Saturday with doors opening at 9:30 am and the screening beginning at 10 am and again at 2 pm. Admission is free and reservations are requested, but not required and may be made by calling 309-359-8753 online at http://speakpeo.eventbrite.com

Central Illinois Girls Scouts will be taking the Girl Scout Cookie Sale to local retail outlets this weekend including the Peoria & Canton Hy-Vee stores, Peoria area Kroger stores, the  Wal-Mart  on Allen Road in Peoria, the East Peoria and Canton Wal-Mart stores, Save-a-Lot on Prospect in Peoria Heights, the Eureka IGA, Haddad’s in West Peoria and the Bass Pro Shop in East Peoria. For a full list of times, dates & locations for Girl Scout cookie sales, call 309-688-8671 or visit http://www2.abcsmartcookies.com/boothlocator.asp?cid=571

Peoria Area Community Events will host their Cajun Festival on Saturday from 3 pm – midnight at Exposition Gardens (located at 1601 W Northmoor Road in Peoria). The event will feature Cajun-style dishes and live entertainment from the Bradley Jazz Band, Todd Kelly Jazz Quartet and Zydeco Crawdaddys. Admission is $5. For more information, visit www.peoriaevents.com

The Peoria Rivermen will take on the Grand Rapids Griffins at the Peoria Civic Center Arena on Saturday beginning at 7 pm. Individual game tickets range in price from $13 – $28 and are available at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, by calling 309-676-1040 or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/806659

A Drunken Zombie Deadly Double Feature, Dracula Fest, will take place on Saturday at Landmark Cinemas featuring “The Terror of Dracula” and “The Satanic Rites of Dracula” starring Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. Tickets are $7 and the movies begin at 8 pm.

Peoria Symphony will present Kaleidoscope beginning at 8 pm on Saturday at the Peoria Civic Center Theater featuring Kyle Dzapo on flute. Tickets range from $26 – $66 and students tickets are $11. To order tickets and for more information call 309-671-1096 or visit www.peoriasymphony.org

Devon Allman (son of Gregg Allman) with opening act Brian Dennison will perform on Saturday at Goodfellas (located at 1414 N 8th St. in Pekin) beginning at 9 pm. Admission is $10 at the door. For more information, call 309-478-1090 or visit www.facebook.com/goodfellaspubandpizza

The TEAM Dance Illinois State Championship, the season’s culminating event that highlights Illinois’ best varsity dance, drill, pom, guard and club teams in elite competition, will take place on Sunday in the Peoria Civic Center Arena beginning at 7:30 am and runs throughout the day. Admission is $10 for ages 6-12 and $14 for ages 13 and older.

Luthy Botanical Garden continues its “Garish…but Green” Garden Show, which runs through March 3rd during regular conservatory hours, which are 10 am – 5 pm Tuesdays – Saturdays, 12 – 5 pm on Sundays (closed on Mondays.) Admission is $2.50 for adults and children 12 and under are free. Enjoy the best and worst of landscaping faux pas – from gnomes to flocks of flamingos – and learn about sustainable practices for your home and garden. For more information, call 309-681-3506.

Enjoy a Girls Night Out tonight (Thursday) from 5 – 7 pm at Wines ‘N More (located at 151 South Main Street in Morton) featuring a free wine tasting. Local vendors will display their unique merchandise plus there will be free massages, facials, a wellness coach and wine tasting. Admission is free. For more information, call 309-291-0899.

Beer for Breakfast continues at the Barn 2 Dinner Theatre in Goodfield tonight (Thursday) and runs through February 24. On Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, doors open at 6 pm, buffet is at 6:30 pm, and the show is at 8 pm. On Sundays, doors & the buffet open at noon, and the show is at 1:30 pm. Prices are $33 for Thursdays, $35 for Fridays and Sunday brunch and $37 for Saturdays. For more information, call 309-965-2545 or go to www.barn2.com

The 2006 Tony Award®-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi, Jersey Boys, continues at the Peoria Civic Center Theater tonight (Thursday) at 7:30 pm, at 8 pm on Friday and at 2 pm & 8 pm on Saturday. Tickets start at $47 and are available at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, www.Ticketmaster.com or charge at 1-800-745-3000.

Ben Bailey will perform at the Jukebox Comedy Club tonight (Thursday) at 8 pm and on Friday & Saturday at 8 pm & 10:30 pm. Tickets are $21 or $20 with cash payment except for tonight’s (Thursday’s) performance which is $16 or $15 with cash payment. This show is rated R. For more information and to reserve seats, call 309-673-5853 or visit www.jukeboxcomedy.com

The Home Builders Association of Greater Peoria will host its Official Spring Home Show at the Peoria Civic Center from 4 – 9 pm on Friday, from 10 am – 8 pm on Saturday and from 11 am – 4 pm on Sunday. Admission is $7 for adults (age 18+), $3.50 for senior citizens (ages 60+) and kids under 18 are free. After Feb. 18, visit any area CEFCU member center for a buy one, get one free discount coupon on the adult admission and the whole family can get in for $7. For more information, visit http://www.peoriahomeshow.com

The Creve Coeur Club of Peoria will host the 115th annual George Washington Banquet in the Par-A-Dice Hotel Ballroom beginning at 6 pm. Karl Rove, political strategist and former senior advisor to President George W. Bush, will deliver the keynote address. For tickets or more information, call 309-672-2267 or visit http://crevecoeurclub.com

The Contemporary Art Center will feature Marbin on Friday beginning at 5:30 pm. Admission is $7 for members, $10 for non-members, $6 for student & senior members and $9 for student & senior non-members.
Enjoy Swing Dance at the Contemporary Arts Center also on Friday from 8:30 – 9:30 pm for the dance lesson and 9:30 pm – 12:30 am for open dancing to DJ Matt Vasquez. Admission is $3 for CAC Members and $6 for non-members. For more information on either event, call 309-674-6877 or visit http://www.peoriacac.org

The Peoria Rivermen will take on the San Antonio Rampage at the Peoria Civic Center Arena on Friday beginning at 7 pm and the Chicago Wolves on Saturday beginning at 7 pm. Tickets range in price from $13 – $28 and are available at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, by calling 309-676-1040 or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/806659

The ICC Theatre Program will present Rashomon on Friday & Saturday beginning at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2:30 pm at the ICC Performing Arts Center in East Peoria. The show is rated PG-13 for mature themes. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens and are available at the ICC box office, by calling 309-694-5136 or online at http://www.artsaticc.com/tickets

The Heart of Illinois Beekeepers Association will host a Beginning Beekeepers Seminar at Forest Park Nature Center (located at 5809 Forest Park Drive in Peoria) on Saturday from 1 – 4 pm. Admission is free. In one afternoon you will learn the basics you need to get started with beekeeping from experienced beekeepers through videos, written material, and hands-on demonstrations. For more information, visit http://hoibees.org

The 2013 Annual Greater Peoria Area Ducks Unlimited Banquet will be held on Saturday at the Peoria Civic Center with doors opening at 5 pm and dinner at 6 pm. Tickets are $50 per person and include parking, dinner, membership and a raffle ticket for door prizes or $25 for a spouse or child (including dinner). There will be a social hour, dinner, raffles plus a silent and live auction. For reservations, call 309-472-6781 or 309-645-5819 or visit https://www.facebook.com/GreaterPeoriaAreaDucksUnlimited

The 2013 African American Hall of Fame Museum honorees will be inducted at the Peoria Riverfront Museum on Saturday with a cocktail hour beginning at 5:45 pm and formal program and dinner at 7 pm. Richard Mark, chairman, president and CEO of Ameren Illinois, will be the featured speaker. For more information, call 309-360-0990.

The Prairie Storytellers Guild will present their 1930s Border Radio Show featuring a guest appearance by local historian and author Norm Kelly at 7 pm in the former Great Central Insurance Building (located at 3625 N Sheridan Road in Peoria). Be part of the “studio audience” as actors recreate Dr. Brinkley’s Border Radio including miracle cures, unheard-of products and live music. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Call 309-682-2915 to make your reservation or visit www.prairietellers.us

The Contemporary Art Center of Peoria will host its 9th Annual Fine Art Live & Silent Auction on Saturday beginning at 7 pm. Enjoy music, food and a cash bar while bidding on work by Preston Jackson and other area artists. Admission is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. For more information, call 309-674-6822 or preview the art online at www.peoriacac.org

A Valentine’s Day Dinner Event will take place tonight (Thursday) at the Cornerstone Building (located at in downtown Peoria from 5 – 10 pm. The evening includes a four-course dinner, a champagne toast, professional ballet and opera performances plus dancing. Ballet dancers who will perform include Rebekah von Rathonyi and Joshua Gullett. Opera vocalists will be Saundra DeAthos and Harold Meers. The event is a fundraiser to support the Cornerstone Academy for Performing Arts. Tickets are $65 for a single or $120 for a couple or a table of 8 people $440 and are available by calling 309-620-3164.

Beer for Breakfast continues at the Barn 2 Dinner Theatre in Goodfield tonight (Thursday) and runs through February 24. On Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, doors open at 6 pm, buffet is at 6:30 pm, and the show is at 8 pm. On Sundays, doors & the buffet open at noon, and the show is at 1:30 pm. Prices are $33 for Thursdays, $35 for Fridays and Sunday brunch and $37 for Saturdays. For more information, call 309-965-2545 or go to www.barn2.com

Comedian Rodney Carrington will perform at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington tonight (Thursday) beginning at 7:30 pm. Ticket are $50, $45 and $25 and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including the U.S. Cellular Coliseum Box Office, www.ticketmaster.com, select Walmart locations, or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. For more information, visit http://www.uscellularcoliseum.com

The 2006 Tony Award®-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi, Jersey Boys, will be presented at the Peoria Civic Center Theater tonight (Thursday) at 7:30 pm, at 8 pm on Friday, at 2 pm & 8 pm on Saturday, and at 1:30 pm and 7 pm on Sunday.  The show runs through Saturday, February 23. Tickets start at $47 and are available at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, www.Ticketmaster.com or charge at 1-800-745-3000.

Bradley University’s Theatre Department will present Eurydice in the Blythe O’Sullivan Studio Theatre in the Hartmann Center on the Bradley campus beginning at 8 pm tonight (Thursday) through Saturday and at 2:30 pm on Sunday. Tickets are $12 adults and $10 faculty and seniors, $9 students and are available at the box office or by calling 309-677-2650. For more information, visit http://slane.bradley.edu/theatre-arts

Chris Porter will perform at the Jukebox Comedy Club tonight (Thursday) at 8 pm and on Friday & Saturday at 8 pm & 10:30 pm. Tickets are $13 or $12 with cash payment for the Thursday and Friday 10:30 pm performances and $16 or $15 with cash payment for the other performances. This show is rated R. For more information and to reserve seats, call 309-673-5853 or visit www.jukeboxcomedy.com

IHSA State Individuals Events Speech Finals will be held at the Peoria Civic Center beginning at Noon on Friday and all day Saturday featuring the best high school performers and speakers from throughout the state of Illinois. The events that individuals can participate in include: dramatic duet acting, humorous interpretation, dramatic interpretation, oratorical declamation and special occasion speaking among other categories. For more information, visit http://www.ihsa.org

The Contemporary Art Center will feature Doran and the Soul Mystics on Friday beginning at 5:30 pm. Admission is $7 for members, $10 for non-members, $6 for student & senior members and $9 for student & senior non-members.
Salsa at the Contemporary Art Center will feature a dance lesson from 8:30 – 9:30 pm and open dancing to DJ Matt Vasquez from 9:30 pm – 12:30 am also on Friday. A cash bar will be available. Admission is $3 for members or $6 for non-members. For more information on either event, call 309-674-6877 or visit http://www.peoriacac.org

Cabin Fever Camp In 2013 will take place at the East Peoria Event Center (located at 4200 E Washington Street in East Peoria) Friday – Sunday with doors opening at 3 pm and music beginning at 5 pm on Friday. With two stages featuring over 34 hours total of music, attendees can also sleep in the separate camping area. Tickets are $65 for a 3 day pass with children 10 and under admitted free with a paid adult and are available at Autumn Bloom Hydroponics in Pekin, Feeling Groovy in Peoria, Co-op Records in Peoria & East Peoria. For more information, visit http://www.cabinfevercampout.com

Arc Light Productions will present Songs for a New World on Friday and Saturday at the Waterhouse (located at 619 SW Water Street in Downtown Peoria) with a buffet dinner beginning at 6:30 pm and the show following at 8 pm. Tickets are $35 per person and may be reserved by calling 309-455-4095: seating is very limited. The show is a fundraiser to benefit the Arc Light Productions Building Fund.

The movie Marriage Retreat will be screened on Friday beginning at 7 pm at the Peoria First Church of the Nazarene (located at 5504 N. University St. in Peoria) Admission is free. For more information, visit www.pureflix.com

The Peoria Rivermen will take on the Abbotsford Heat at the Peoria Civic Center Arena on Friday beginning at 7 pm and the San Antonio Rampage on Saturday beginning at 7 pm.  Tickets range in price from $13 – $28 and are available at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, by calling 309-676-1040 or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/806659

Hedwig and the Angry Inch continues at the Corn Stock Theatre Winter Playhouse on Friday & Saturday at 7:30 pm at the Corn Stock Theatre Center (located in upper Bradley Park). Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students through college with ID and are available at the Corn Stock Theatre Box Office, by calling 309-676-2196 or online at www.CornStockTheatre.com

Rock Your Babe will be held at the Gateway Building (located in downtown Peoria on the Riverfront) featuring a night of Blues featuring The Kilborn Alley Blues band on Friday from 8 pm – Midnight.  A cash bar will be available. Tickets are $10 per person and may be reserved by calling 309-689-3019 or 309-494-6713.

Bethany Baptist Church will host a free Marriage Enrichment Seminar open to all couples in the community on Saturday from 8:30 – 11:30 am at the Church (located at 7422 N. Heinz Lane in Edwards). Dr. Ritch Boerckel, Senior Pastor at Bethany Baptist Church, will discuss the issue of “Strengthening Your Marriage Friendship” and Pastor Art Georges, Senior Pastor of Living Hope Community Church in Bartonville will examine “Intimacy with God as the Foundation for Intimacy in Marriage”.  Admission is free & childcare is provided with advance registration. To register, call 309-692-1755 or visit http://www.bethanycentral.org

The Children’s Hospital of Illinois will host “A Sunny Day” Jamboree with Julie K beginning at 11 am on Saturday at the Embassy Suites Hotel Ballroom in East Peoria. Enjoy a festive lunch, children’s fashion show and a concert by award winning singer-songwriter Julie K. Reserved seating is $35 for adults and $15 for children. Tables of 10 can be reserved for $350. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 309-566-5666. All proceeds of this event benefit the Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Bradley Men’s Basketball will take on Indiana State at the Peoria Civic Center Arena on Saturday beginning at 1 pm. Tickets are $8, $15 and $22 for the general public, $4, $7.50 and $11 for Bradley faculty & staff and $1 for Bradley students and are available at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000.

Juggler Steve Russell will perform at the at the Peoria Public Library North Branch (located at 3001 W. Grand Pkwy. in Peoria) on Saturday from 1 – 2 pm. Admission is free. For more information, call 309-497-2120.
Music in the McKenzie will present The Waymores, also at the Peoria Public Library North Branch (located at 3001 W. Grand Pkwy. in Peoria) on Sunday from 2 – 4 pm. Admission is free. For more information, call 309-497-2120 or visit www.waymores.net

Romance at the Peoria Zoo will take place on Saturday from 2 – 4 pm where the staff will take a closer look at romance in the animal kingdom from courtship to everything that comes after. Light refreshments will be served. Admission is $15 per person or $25 per couple. Registration is required and may be made by calling 309-686-3513.

The Central Illinois Jazz Society (CIJS) House band will perform beginning at 6 pm with the Peoria AllStars taking the stage on Sunday at 7:15 pm at Landmark Recreational Center (located at 3225 N. Dries Lane in Peoria). The Peoria Jazz AllStars is an all-city “big band” comprised of dedicated students from Manual, Peoria High and Richwoods, and ranks among the top 40 in the entire US. Admission is $5 for members, $7 for guests and students are free.  Food and beverages are available for purchase.  For more information, call 309-692-5330 or visit www.peoriajazz.com

Luke Bryan with special guests Thompson Square & Florida Georgia Line will perform at the US Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington on Sunday beginning at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $53 and $28.25 and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, the U.S. Cellular Coliseum Box Office, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling at 1-800-745-3000. For more information, visit http://www.uscellularcoliseum.com

Beer for Breakfast continues at the Barn 2 Dinner Theatre in Goodfield tonight (Thursday) and runs through February 24. On Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, doors open at 6 pm, buffet is at 6:30 pm, and the show is at 8 pm. On Sundays, doors & the buffet open at noon, and the show is at 1:30 pm. Prices are $33 for Thursdays, $35 for Fridays and Sunday brunch and $37 for Saturdays. For more information, call 309-965-2545 or go to www.barn2.com

The Girl Scouts of Central Illinois is hosting Desserts First from 6 – 9 pm tonight (Thursday) at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria. Featuring chefs from eight Peoria area restaurants who will create a dessert out of a Girl Scout cookie, Desserts First will also feature dinner stations, a silent auction and live entertainment. Tickets are $40 per person.  For more information about the event, visit www.getyourgirlpower.org

The Central Illinois Herpetological Society will meet at Forest Park Nature Center (located at 5809 Forest Park Ave. in Peoria Heights) tonight (Thursday) beginning at 7 pm featuring a speaker, raffles, announcements of trips and exhibits and opportunities for hobbyists to interact with one another. Admission is free. Membership to the CIHS is $20 per year which includes the quarterly newsletter, Herp Alert.

Mame continues at Peoria Players Theatre beginning at 7:30 pm tonight (Thursday), Friday & Saturday and at 2 pm on Sunday. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for patrons 18 and under and are available at the Peoria Players Box Office, by calling 309-688-4473 or online at www.peoriaplayers.org

Whisper & Shout at the Contemporary Art Center takes place tonight (Thursday) which is an open mic for sharing and inspiring poetry. Doors open at 7:30 pm, show begins at 8 pm. Admission is $4 for members or $7 for non-members.
The Contemporary Art Center will feature The Harp Blues Band on Friday beginning at 5:30 pm. Admission is $7 for members, $10 for non-members, $6 for student & senior members and $9 for student & senior non-members. For more information on either event, call 309-674-6877 or visit http://www.peoriacac.org

Kevin Heffernan and Steve Lemme of “Super Troopers” and “Beerfest” fame will perform at the Jukebox Comedy Club on Thursday at 8 pm and on Friday & Saturday at 8 pm & 10:30 pm. Tickets are $16 or $15 with cash payment for the Thursday performance and $21 or $20 with cash payment for the other performances. For more information and to reserve seats, call 309-673-5853 or visit www.jukeboxcomedy.com

Peoria Heights Police Benevolent Unit #76 will host their Annual “All You Can Eat” Chili Supper and Kids Fun Nightfrom 5 – 8 pm on Friday at the Peoria Heights Grade School (located at 500 E. Glen in Peoria Heights). Chili will be provided by TnT’s Sports Bar and Grill of Peoria Heights, there will be raffles and a silent auction and inflatables for kids. Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Entry into the Kids Fun Zone will be free with meal ticket purchase or $2 without meal ticket purchase. For more information, call 309- 688-3461.

The IHSA State Chess Finals will be held at the Peoria Civic Center all day on Friday & Saturday featuring the best high school chess teams from throughout the state of Illinois. There is expected to be over 150 teams registered to compete in 2013′s state finals. For more information, visit http://www.ihsa.org/SportsActivities/Chess.aspx

The Peoria Rivermen will take on the Rockford Ice Dogs at the Peoria Civic Center Arena on Friday beginning at 7 pm. Individual game tickets range in price from $13 – $28 and are available at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, by calling 309-676-1040 or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/806659

Hedwig and the Angry Inch will be presented by the Corn Stock Theatre Winter Playhouse on Friday & Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2:30 pm at the Corn Stock Theatre Center (located in upper Bradley Park). Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and are available at the Corn Stock Theatre Box Office, by calling 309-676-2196 or online at www.CornStockTheatre.com  Visit http://peoria-deals.com/prepaidoffers/locations/peoria-area for a Buy One, Get One Free Peoria-Deals.com Pre-Paid Offer

Art, Wine and Roses will take place at Luthy Botanical Garden (located at 2520 N. Prospect at the corners of Prospect & Gift in Peoria) on Saturday from 10 am – 9 pm. Activities include an Art Auction in the greenhouse filled with art in a variety of media. Then from 5:30 – 6:30 pm, a reception for the main event which runs from 6:30 – 9 pm where you can celebrate Valentine’s Day with music by the Joe Metzka Trio, appetizers, a candy buffet plus a cash bar. The evening event is by reservation only and limited to 80 people with a $10 per person or $15 per couple admission fee. Ages 21 and over are able to attend. Call 309-681-3506 for reservations or more information.

The Progressive Business Group will host its 11th Annual Valentine’s Ball at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria on Saturday to benefit The Center for Prevention of Abuse beginning at 5:30 pm. The black-tie optional affair will feature a champagne reception, four-course meal, open bar, silent auction and raffle, and live music by JammSammich. Tickets are $150 per person. To make reservations, call 309-303-7831 or visit www.progressivebusinessgroup.org

The Peoria German American Society will host its 10th Annual Fasching Ball (Traditional German Costume Ball) at the Lindenhof (located at 7601 N. Harker Drive in Peoria) on Saturday from 6 pm – Midnight. Admission is $8 per person and attendees are encouraged to bring an appetizer to share. There will be a costume contest with prizes, a cash bar and live entertainment provided by the West MacQueen Street Band from 7 – 11 pm. For more Information, call 309-697-4195 visit www.peoriagermans.net

Peoria Cabaret Theatre (located at 619 SW Water Street, 2nd Floor, in downtown Peoria) will present Love Letters featuring Greg Batton and Yvonne Greer with dinner beginning at 6:30 pm and show at 8 pm. Tickets are $37 per person and include a buffet dinner & the show and are available by calling 309-494-9100 or visiting www.PeoriaCabaretTheatre.com

The Songs from the Woods Series at Forest Park Nature Center (located at 5809 Forest Park Ave. in Peoria Heights) will present Barry Cloyd’s Celetricity on Saturday beginning at 7 pm. Admission is $7 for adults and $6 for ages 12 & under. For more information, call 309-686-3360.

Jeff Dunham brings his “Disorderly Conduct” Worldwide Tour to the Peoria Civic Center on Saturday beginning at 8 pm. Tickets are $44.50 and are available at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, by calling 800-745-3000, all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.Ticketmaster.com

The Peoria Symphony will present “Romance” on Saturday  beginning at 8 pm at the Peoria Civic Center Theater featuring Jade Simmons on piano. Tickets range from $26 – $51 and are available by calling 309- 671-1096 or online at www.peoriasymphony.org

The Chris Fields Memorial Concert will take place in the Peoria Civic Center Exhibit Hall on Sunday featuring two stages with live music, food, a silent auction, beer and other activities from Noon – 10 pm. Admission is free, however a donation of $10 for adults and $5 for kids is suggested. Memorials may be donated to a trust fund for Chris’ son, Hunter Fields at any CEFCU location. For more information or to donated online, visit http://www.chrisfieldsmemorial.com

Bradley Men’s Basketball will take on UNI on Sunday at the Peoria Civic Center Arena at 2 pm. Tickets are $8, $15 and $22 for the general public, $4, $7.50 and $11 for Bradley faculty & staff and $1 for Bradley students and are available at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000.

Join Jim Richerson, President and CEO, for a Guided Tour of the Peoria Riverfront Museum highlighting the museum’s green features on Sunday beginning at 2 pm. The tour is free with regular admission, which is $11 for adults, $10 for senior citizens aged 60+ and $9 for ages 3-17. Peoria county residents receive a 15% discount off of admission price. For more information, call 309-863-3030 or visit http://www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org

Beer for Breakfast continues at the Barn 2 Dinner Theatre in Goodfield tonight (Thursday) and runs through February 24. On Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, doors open at 6 pm, buffet is at 6:30 pm, and the show is at 8 pm. On Sundays, doors & the buffet open at noon, and the show is at 1:30 pm. Prices are $33 for Thursdays, $35 for Fridays and Sunday brunch and $37 for Saturdays. For more information, call 309-965-2545 or go to www.barn2.com

Brett Erickson will perform at the Jukebox Comedy Club Tonight (Thursday) at 8 pm and Friday & Saturday at 8 pm & 10:30 pm. Tickets are $13 or $12 with cash payment. For more information and to reserve seats, call 309-673-5853 or visit www.jukeboxcomedy.com

The Bradley Women’s Basketball team will take on Evansville at the Renaissance Coliseum Tonight (Thursday) beginning at 6 pm. Tickets are $8, $4 for children (K-12) and Bradley University faculty and staff, free for Bradley Students with a valid ID and are available at the Bradley Athletics Ticket Office or by calling 309-677-2625. For more information, visit http://www.bradleybraves.com

The Mid-West Truck & Trailer Show will take place in the Peoria Civic Center Exhibit Hall from 10 am – 6 pm on Friday and from 9 am – 4 pm on Saturday. Admission is free with promotional tickets available from most Midwest industry suppliers or online at http://www.MidwestTruckShow.com

The CIAO First Fridays Artists’ Tour will take place on Friday from 5 – 9 pm at 10 different locations in downtown Peoria including The Mill, Murray Center for the Arts, the Contemporary Art Center, and the Peoria Art Guild where visitors can view artist demonstrations as well as purchase pieces. For a complete map of the locations, visit http://ciaopeoria.com

The Contemporary Art Center will feature Johnny Quest on Friday beginning at 5:30 pm. Admission is $7 for members, $10 for non-members, $6 for student & senior members and $9 for student & senior non-members.  
Salsa at the Contemporary Art Center will also take place on Friday featuring a dance lesson from 8:30 – 9:30 pm and open dancing to DJ Matt Vasquez from 9:30 pm – 12:30 am. A cash bar will be available. Admission is $3 for members or $6 for non-members. For more information on either event, call 309-674-6877 or visit http://www.peoriacac.org

Cabin Fever 2013 will take place at the Par-A-Dice Hotel Ballroom on Friday featuring the music of The Boat Drunks with doors opening at 6:30 pm & the show starting at 8 pm. Enjoy a cheeseburger at the Par-a-Dice as well as other refreshments too. Tickets are $12 and are on sale now at the Burger Barge (located at 1401 N Main St. in East Peoria). For more information, visit http://www.933thedrive.com/Cabin-Fever-2013/12330932

An Insane Night of Comedy will be presented at Coyote Creek Golf Club (located 4 miles west of the Bartonville State Hospital) featuring Jeff Blanchard, Rodney Hood & Derek Bennett with 2 performances each on Friday & Saturday: one at 8 pm & one at 10:30 pm. A breakfast themed dinner will be served at 6:30 pm and can be added to your ticket price for an additional $15. Show only is $10 and tickets are available by calling 309-633-0911 x11. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/InsaneNightofComedy

Monster Jam 2013 is rolling into the Peoria Civic Center at 7 pm on Friday and at 2 pm & 7 pm on Saturday. Tickets are $10.50, $17, $22, $32 and $47 and are available at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 and online at www.Ticketmaster.com

Mame will be presented by Peoria Players Theatre beginning at 7:30 pm on Friday & Saturday and at 2 pm on Sunday. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for patrons 18 and under and are available at the Peoria Players Box Office, by calling 309-688-4473 or online at www.peoriaplayers.org

Gerite’s Groundhog Day Outing will take place at Wildlife Prairie Park beginning at 6 am on Saturday with her prediction for the end of winter taking place on the Bricks near the Visitors’ Center at sunrise, which is scheduled for 7:07 am. Admission is free for this event. Plus, the first 500 people in the gates at Gertie’s Groundhog Day Outing will receive a coupon from McDonald’s for a free large sandwich.  Also available will be all you can eat pancakes at the Wildside Grill $4 for kids $5 for adults. For more information, call 309-676-0998 or visit http://www.wildlifeprairiestatepark.org

A Winter Wonder Walk will take place at Forest Park Nature Center (located at 5809 Forest Park Drive in Peoria Heights) on Saturday from 9:30 – 10:30 am. Watch the wonderful world of winter unfold on naturalist-guided tours. Explore animal tracks in the snow and what characteristics animals have to cope with the season. Admission is free – please dress warmly. For more information, call 309-686-3360.

Kids Rock will take place at the Peoria Public Library North Branch (located at 3001 W Grand Pkwy. in Peoria) on Saturday from 1 – 2 pm featuring Mr. Singer & the Sharp Cookies. Admission is free. For more information, call 309-497-2120.

Monty Python’s Spamalot returns to the Peoria Civic Center on Saturday at 3 pm and 8 pm. Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, Monty Python’s Spamalot is the new musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic “Monty Python and The Holy Grail.” Flying cows, killer rabbits, and taunting Frenchmen are just a few of the reasons audiences everywhere love Spamalot. Tickets are $39, $49 and $59 and are on sale now at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, www.Ticketmaster.com or charge at 1-800-745-3000.

Enjoy a free Wine Tasting and live music with “3 1/2 Men” featuring Paul Weddle on Saturday from 5 – 8 pm at Wines ‘N More (located at 151 S. Main St. in Morton). For more information, call 309-291-0899.

JazzFest 2013 will take place at Metamora High School on Saturday beginning at 7 pm. The Germantown Hills Middle School jazz band and the Metamora Township High School jazz ensemble will open for the Northern University Jazz Ensemble featuring Lew Tabackin, a world renowned tenor saxophonist and jazz flautist.  Tickets are available at Metamora Township High School for $10 or can be purchased for $15 at the door the night of the concert.

Enjoy Howlin’ on Water Dueling Pianos including dinner and the show at the Waterhouse (located at 619 Water Street, Suite B in downtown Peoria) on Saturday with doors opening at 7 pm, dinner/dessert at 7:30 pm and the show starting at 9 pm. Cost is $37 per person. To book seats, call 309-494-9100. For more information, visit http://www.howlinonwater.com

The Peoria Historical Society will present Vintage Valentines at the Sunday Open House at Flanagan House Museum (located at 942 NE Glen Oak in Peoria) on Sunday from 1 – 4 pm. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children. Tour the Historic John C. Flanagan House Museum and view hundreds of vintage valentine greetings, the Society’s collection of red and pink vintage dresses, and other memorabilia while enjoying a tea party with chocolate treats.  For more information, visit www.peoriahistoricalsociety.org