Knight: Time for HOI Fair to plan a better Grandstand lineup

Next summer's 65th annual Heart of Illinois Fair is scheduled for July 11-19, so now is the time that good planners should be hard at work booking talent so the fair's declining attendance doesn't result in a shutdown.

Besides amusements such as Woody's Menagerie's barnyard races and the Rainbo Cloggers, this year's performers included Matt Barber, Blackjack Billy, Dopestylez, Ariel Eilts, Chris Krause, Otherwise, Cathy Reynolds, Sevendust...

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From the trenches: Wedding photography can be fun – and frustrating

Weddings are about gowns and flowers, rings and receptions, honeymoons and memories, and helping make the memories last is the job of wedding photographers.

It’s a fun and frustrating, tense and tender task, according to two Peoria-area photographers, one a 45-year-old now out of the business and the other a 29-year-old still busy with brides, portraits and more.

Often, the most memorable moments are unplanned, says Christopher...

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Seinfeld schedules Peoria appearance

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld will make his third stop in Peoria in five years when he appears at the Peoria Civic Center on Sept. 20, the Civic Center announced on Friday.

Seinfeld, who rose to fame as a stand-up comedian joking about the little things in life that affect everyone, became even better known because of his smash hit television show called "Seinfeld." He appeared in Peoria for two shows each in 2010 and 2008. Those shows played...

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Artist in Residence: Marcia Henry Liebenow

For Marcia Henry Liebenow the violin is just nature

If there is one thing Marcia Henry Liebenow has learned in the 40-plus year she has played the violin, it's that you can't fight nature.

For her, it started when she was growing up in Mansfield, Ohio, a town of about 55,000 in central Ohio. The middle of five children, her father, Percy Hall, taught music and orchestra in the schools there. Her mother was...

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Towery on Fiction: Is that a spaceship in your garage?

Authors note: This is one of an occasional series of articles on fiction writing by Peorian Terry Towery, a budding novelist and veteran of more writing conferences and seminars than anyone should ever have to attend. Towery's debut novel, the psychological thriller "The Final Victim" is currently being shopped to literary agents in New York City. Two are actually reading it right now. Wish him luck. He's going to need it.

Let...

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We have a winner for the Alice Cooper tickets

Move over, Steven Tyler. I'm ready to join you on stage.

Hey, I'm just trying to help a friend fulfill his dream.

OK, I'm joking. About getting on stage to sing some blues rock with one of my favorite front men and bands, Aerosmith. But man, given the chance ...

Let me explain. You may recall we at The Peorian had a contest whereby we will give two free tickets to the upcoming Alice Cooper concert at the Peoria Civic Center...

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Bob Dylan to play Chiefs Stadium in July

The legendary Bob Dylan and his band will appear in concert July 11 at Peoria Chiefs Stadium.

Wilco, My Morning Jacket and The Richard Thompson Electric Trio also will perform.

Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment and Jam Productions announced Monday that the show, called Americanarama Festival of Music, will begin at 5:30...

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The Spinners to headline Soul Fest

The Spinners will headline the 2012 River City Soul Fest set for Aug. 17 and 18 at Festival Park on Peoria's riverfront.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame quintet of R&B artists will perform Saturday, Aug. 18 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.etix.com, at all area Co-Op Record stores and at the RiverFront Visitors Center.

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Priceless Prine brings storytelling genius to Peoria

One of the best singer-songwriters is the best because of his talent at storytelling: John Prine.

For decades, the one-time Chicago letter carrier has effectively blended observational genius of the past and present with a distinctive internal peace, if not a separate peace.

Prine, 66, who’s scheduled to appear at...

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The Who in Peoria

This week, Kevin talks about Pete Townshend's upcoming biography, "Who I Am", which will be published this fall. And believe it or not there's a connection between The Who and Peoria. The World's Loudest Band played at the Opera House at Expo Gardens in '68. Here's a video clip:

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Ansel Adams exhibit slated for Peoria Riverfront Museum

A unique collection of photos and other artwork by Ansel Adams will be exhibited at the Peoria Riverfront Museum for six months, beginning April 13, the library announced on Friday.

Ansel Adams: Western Exposure will include more than 140 photos by Adams, considered one of the most renowned photographers of the 20th century. Many...

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Want to see Alice Cooper? Tell us about your dream concert and win tickets

When word came out Monday that Alice Cooper was going to play the Civic Center in July, it sparked some interesting conversation among some of us at The Peorian office.

Of those in the discussion I am the oldest and probably most familiar with Alice Cooper yet I wasn't the only one who "oohed" when I read the email from the Civic Center. It got us to talking about people or groups we've seen in concert through the years and who we wish...

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