6/15 This Weekend’s Guide to Exploring Downtown Peoria

Make a night out of our events and explore what Downtown Peoria has to offer!

Downtown Peoria has many eclectic options to set your sights to before (or after) Peoria Civic Center’s many exciting upcoming events! There are many old favorites along with many, many new favorites we highly suggest you make your way to.

This weekend, we are starting our night with Tannins & Hops and then heading to Thyme Kitchen + Craft Beer.. & Obviously, finishing our night at the Peoria Civic Center for the MAIN EVENT! Haven’t been? Check out what we think!

• Tannins & Hops:
  •  This modern day speakeasy will have you feeling just like Mr. Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan! Enjoy flights of wine and beer, along with your classic gatsby-esque cocktails served by costumed waitress’ and bartenders’. To make it even more delightful.. build your own charcuterie board.. How fun!?
  • Take a look at their interesting story, from Tannons and Hop themselves..”The building we are located in used to smuggle in whiskey between 1926 and 1932, when they were busted by the prohibition agency of the federal government. The whiskey they brought in came from New Jersey on the train tracks just outside the warehouse. The O’neill brothers would then store the barrels inside and wait for the call from Capone. They would then load up their delivery trucks, drive to Joliet where they would meet one of Capone’s guys, along with a police officer. They would deliver the “product” to Capone, get paid, and repeat the process over and over. The brothers did this for over six years before they got caught.”
  • Like a vast amount of our Warehouse District in Downtown Peoria, these warehouses have been renovated into what they are today. They “constructed this place with several principles in mind. First, support local. 90-95% of everything used in building this establishment was reclaimed from around the Peoria area. From the Hiram Walker wood used for the bar top, to the bowling alley lanes used as communal tables, to the Jumer’s Lounge chairs from Western Ave, the metal roofing on our walls from a barn in Chilicothe, etc…”
  • Before you go, you should know: Just like any speakeasy has, Tannin & Hops has one too.. a secret password to get in. If you know Peoria, like we do, we bet you can fill in the blank..  “If it plays in _______..” …Give their door a good knock first!
  • Open from 3PM t0 12AM
  • Located @ 619 A SW Water St.. .62 miles from the Peoria Civic Center
  • Call for questions at (309)-966-2165

Less than a block away we are heading to Thyme Kitchen + Craft Beer..

• Thyme Kitchen + Craft Beer:
  • This gastro-pub offers a variety of unique food items and an extensive bar menu. You may be awe-struck the first time you see the “library” of 100+ Bourbons and 40 taps of beer! To go with your drink of choice you HAVE to try at least one (if not all of their amazing starters). A couple of our favorites.. Fried Brussels Sprouts with a Sherry Vinaigrette, the Burnt Ends Poutine, and Fried Deviled Eggs.. YUM. For a main course, there is no wrong choice. Though all have beautiful presentation and heavenly taste, we suggest the chicken alfredo (also available without chicken for non-meat eaters). We’ll leave the presentation for you to see in person.. you’re going to love it.
  • A little background about Thyme.. “Thyme Kitchen + Craft Beer is the result of a two year project from the mind of Travis Mohlenbrink. His goal was to bring something new to the area, while providing guests with a unique experience from the moment they walk in the door. Mohlenbrink drew on experiences from his other successful restaurant ventures (such as Cracked Pepper, Cayenne, and Sugar Wood Fired Bistro) while crafting the menu and designing the interior. Thyme provides signature items, traditional offerings and exotic samplings, as well as vegetarian options. In addition to its quality food selection, Thyme boasts a selection of 40 craft beers, over 200 bourbons, hand crafted cocktails and an extensive wine list. Our distinctive decor and knowledgeable staff aim to give the central Illinois area a high quality, one of a kind culinary experience.”
  • Open from 11AM-12AM (Opens at 10AM on weekends for brunch menu)
  • LOCATED @ 736 SW Adams.. .6 miles from the Peoria Civic Center
  • Call ahead… (309)-713-2619

 

 

FINALLY.. We are finishing up this already awesome night at the Peoria Civic Center, of course! Tonight, WWE Live will be in the arena starting at 7:30PM. Tickets start at only $15! Join us in the excitement!

 

 

 

Menopause the Musical Visits the PCC

Menopause the Musical’s “Mother Earth,” played by Megan Cavanagh, tells us why women AND men are in love with this show.

Menopause the Musical hits the Peoria Civic Center Theater’s stage at 7:30 pm this Thursday, February 15^th. For 16 years, this story has made women (and men!) cry from laughter as four women bond over memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more! The parody musical has familiar songs from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s that complement the oh-so-relatable moments these four characters share.

The four characters that appear in the show- Soap Star, Professional Woman, Iowa Housewife, and Earth Mother- cross paths at a lingerie store where they share their tales of the aforementioned blooper moments. Megan Cavanagh, the current “Earth Mother” gave us an insight on what it’s like to tour with such a rambunctious story.

“I very much am my character- maybe it’s because I’ve been singing and dancing it for 14 years,” Cavanagh said.  Just like her character, she is a playful and happy person. With a considerably smaller cast than most Broadway shows, Cavanagh said it is very fun traveling on tour with the foursome.

“We like to try and get a little bit of the local flavor wherever we are. We play cards, relax. It’s like being on a women’s retreat.”

Cavanagh has had the opportunity to travel far and wide with the show, including Singapore and Malaysia during the 2009 tour. As a Chicago suburb native, she enjoys coming back home often to visit her parents.

With the parody atmosphere and the hilarious topics of discussion that take place during the show, Cavanagh said it is show that includes lots of audience participation.

“It’s like the audience is our fifth friend,” she said. Cavanagh included that the show offers a “sisterhood” atmosphere for all women who are going through “the change” and allows women (and men!) of all ages to be understand and make light of something that so many women go through in silence.

Tickets are still available- visit the Toyota Box Office at the Peoria Civic Center or Ticketmaster.com to get yours today!

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PNC Winterfest and the New Year’s Eve Countdown

         Live music, skating, fireworks, and a ball drop: your ultimate destination for the New Year’s Eve Countdown.

In a town like Peoria, we often look to the cities of Chicago, New York City, and Los Angeles to get our “big city” fix of holiday traditions, atmospheres, and events. People gravitate towards celebration- the Times Square Ball Drop, the Marina Del Rey Boat Parade, or the Chicago Bean with a light dusting of snow. PNC Winterfest has returned for the third year, bringing an outdoor ice-skating rink to the heart of downtown Peoria for patrons to skate under the stars on, with an ice slide, special events, and more. This year, the “more” description has been stuffed like a holiday stocking that we couldn’t be more excited for the city of Peoria to open.

            PNC Winterfest will be hosting the very first outdoor New Year’s Eve celebration. On December 31^st, the rink will be open to the public for skating at noon to kick off our New Years Eve celebrations. Our skate shack will expand into the Coke Lobby at 6pm with access to all of our delicious SAVOR…Peoria food and a full bar.

Families with young children can enjoy an exciting new addition to our schedule- Abbey Cook of Communication Junction will be in the warming tent for a 30 minute interactive Sign and Sing story time designed to engage your children and encourage their love of books. This story time is perfect for children ages 0-5. Communication Junction will be in the warming tent from 6:15- 6:45 pm. The first ball drop of the evening will take place at 7pm, allowing the early birds the chance to celebrate and take photos with our locally constructed New Year’s Eve ball.

Skating will be open to the public until 9pm when the rink will transform into an area for our generous sponsors. At midnight, you have the chance to experience the official New Year’s Eve ball drop in Peoria, complete with a countdown, fireworks, and live music from Dexter O’Neal and the Funk Yard.

The idea to host a New Year’s Eve event, complete with a ball drop, did not happen without a lot of idea sharing and a lot of networking. Beau Sutherland, Business Development Manager at the Peoria Civic Center, began brainstorming on how to create the actual ball itself.

            “First up, where do you find a giant lighted ball? That’s where the Union Construction Network comes in. Without their partnership, the ball literally doesn’t get off the ground,” Sutherland said.

PNC Winterfest worked closely with local unions, Sheet Metal Workers Local 1 and the IBEW Local 34 to create the ball that will be hung from a crane above the rink. The sheet metal apprentices cut and shaped the pieces to create the classic ball shape, and the electricians at the IBEW connected over 200 LED lights to the ball.

“The Electrical Apprentices, with the support of their Journeyman instructors, have had complete control in designing, engineering and building the fixture.  Everything from to how to provide the power to the ball, how much power will be required, how many circuits will be necessary, contingency plans if the lights have to be replaced in the future,” said IBEW Local 34 Business Manager Paul Flynn.

“Everything has been thought out and then the apprentices have implemented the plan to bring it all together by December 31.  It’s pretty amazing. I couldn’t be happier with the end product and I believe it shows the training and skills the apprentices learn when they go through the IBEW training program is the best in the industry,” Flynn added.

Being a very unique project and event for Peoria, a considerable amount of planning took place with the city of Peoria, each union, and many Peoria Civic Center workers in order to make sure the event will run smoothly.

“Six months of planning, tremendous effort by our PCC staff, sponsor support from the Union Construction Network / Illinois American Water, collaboration with the City of Peoria, Peoria Police Department, Peoria Fire Department and Public Works, and we’re ready to host Peoria’s 1^st NYE Countdown,” Sutherland continued.

PNC Winterfest is dedicated to being a place where the people of Peoria can make holiday memories for years to come. The New Year’s Eve ball drop is the first of many future additions to make this event one to remember. Join us on the ice on December 31^st, and for the rest of the PNC Winterfest season- through January 14^th– for your own big city holiday experience in the heart of downtown Peoria.

For more information, visit www.PNCWinterfest.com.

 

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Motown the Musical with Kenneth Mosley

Motown the Musical hits the Peoria Civic Center stage October 17^th, 18^th and 19^th for a one-of-a-kind music celebration of Motown Records and hits that topped the charts worldwide. Kenneth Mosley, playing Berry Gordy, spoke with us about life on the road and the experience of performing these classic songs night after night.

Being on tour brings a sense to discipline to the cast. Life on the road isn’t an easy one, but Mosley spoke to the great difference that having a routine can make. Between sleeping, eating, and exercising regularly, the cast sometimes has to juggle press runs and extra outings that make it harder to keep their routine. Of course, taking care of themselves both physically and mentally is important while on tour in order to keep them healthy and show-ready every night.

Apart from their lives off-stage, Mosely told us just how fun it is to be ON stage eight times a week.

“If you love the show, you get to do it over and over and over,”  he said. “Every audience is different…you get to experience the local flavor and the flair of the people there.” Motown is a show that has so many classic hits that are happy and upbeat, which makes it easy for the cast to be able to genuinely be engaged each time they perform them.

Not only does this show have great music, but it tells an important backstory as well. Mosley talked about how wonderful it is that the show really opens up the eyes of the audience to explain the driving force behind all of the artists people do know about- Dianna Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5- the story of Motown and how all of these artists came to be represented is a brilliant story.

Motown is also an extremely relevant show that can continuously bring a positive message to audiences across the country.

“In a time where there is so much division and so much going on in our world, it’s great to be able to have something that unifies us together with a message of love and fun with music,” Mosley said.

With quite a few Broadway shows under his belt, Mosley loves this role of Berry Gordy for a few reasons, including the fact that it is a way to enlighten audiences with history and a very encouraging message to those pursuing theater or the arts as their career.

“Getting experience is just as valuable. Having the on-the-job experience in this industry is paramount to that,” Mosley said. He continued to say that any experience is a great stepping stone along the way to a “big break” or a dream role.

“I really don’t feel like there are any small parts because every part helps tell the story. We get to do this. This is something you choose to do.”

Don’t miss this amazing show that kicks off the 2017-2018 Ameren Illinois Broadway Series with a serious bang. Tickets are still available at the Toyota Box Office at the Peoria Civic Center. Call or stop by and get yours today!

 

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10 Questions with Josh Wright

Adding Josh Wright to our Sales team at the PCC has not only brought a great attitude to our third floor group, but a great background of experience and ideas for the future of the building. Josh is a quiet but determined worker who we are lucky to have!

What does a typical work day look like for you as a Sales Manager at the PCC?

A typical day consists of learning, networking, prospecting, and working with clients on their events.  However, with all the stuff that goes on in the PCC, some days you get to be involved in something unique or unexpected which is a job perk.

How did your previous experiences and/or education prepare you for your current role at the PCC?

I majored in marketing, and have sold various products and services over my career.  Backing those skills with being organized and having a desire to help people has led me to success that I plan to continue.

If you had the chance to bring your favorite band/show to the PCC, who would it be?

An acoustic show with Eddie Vedder in the theater would be amazing.

What is the most important achievement you hope to accomplish at the PCC?

I hope to do my part to further promote the PCC as the best location in the Peoria area to host corporate events.

Do you have a daily routine that helps you have a successful and productive day?

My daily routine is that before I leave the house I make sure I do everything I can to set my wife and kids up to have a great day.  If I want to have a productive day in my career, I have to make sure I’m a productive person at home where it starts.

What is the best piece of career advice someone has given you?

My dad always told me to do what you are good at and what makes you happy.  He came from humble beginnings, worked hard and sacrificed so I would have more opportunities in life than he did.  I’m very grateful for that influence.

 

If you could play one character in any movie or TV show, what character would it be?

I wanted to be Indiana Jones when I was a kid, and I still think he’s an interesting character.

What is the most surprising aspect of working at a venue like the PCC?

I knew the PCC was big, but there is so much more space behind the scenes that you don’t see as a visitor.  Walking around the facility can be an adventure.

What do you do for fun when not at work?

Playing with my two boys takes up most of my free time. Things that I find fun and relaxing are fishing, hiking, and running.

What would be your dream job if you could do anything in the world?

I would write novels.  I’d move around the country to find interesting places and people that inspire me and then craft stories based on my experiences.

 

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PCC Brides: Where Are They Now?

The Peoria Civic Center has hosted many brides to be over the years. It is always a joy to keep in touch with many brides and their life beyond their special day at the PCC. We are even luckier when they transform from brides to partners!

 

Meet Shay Obery. You may know her as a 3^rd grade teacher in Chillicothe, or you may know her as the owner of the ever-popular Runaway Rack. We know her as a 2011 PCC bride who has returned years later as a partner of ours for events that are just as fun as she is.

The Runaway Rack was part of a fun pre-party on the patio before IMomSoHard, where patrons could sip and shop before the show. The Runaway Rack was full of style right inside her mobile shop where customers could browse and try on the many options of outfits present, from tops to jeans to dresses for any and all occasions.

When Shay decided to take the plunge and put the Runaway Rack right in line with other trending mobile businesses earlier this year, her connections throughout Peoria gave her many places to park and create a consistent presence for her long-time fans and new friends looking to expand their fashion and their closets.  You can find her all over Peoria with her timeless stripes and flowers on wheels.

Shay chose the Peoria Civic Center for her wedding venue in 2011 because it had plenty of space to host an amazing 15-piece band from St. Louis that she fell in love with at her sister’s wedding the year before. Since the ballroom is easily transformable to any shape and size, the PCC was the clear choice for this bride who wanted enough room for the band and the people dancing to them!

Coming up on six years later, Shay and her husband Brian are living in Metamora and expecting their first baby girl in just nine weeks! With a huge life change right around the corner, Shay’s hard work has put her in such a great place with the Runaway Rack that she will be able to take a step back from teaching and be at home with their new baby, all while still running the successful mobile shop from home.

For more information about weddings at the Peoria Civic Center, click here or call us at 309-680-3800 for a personal tour of the unique spaces that the PCC has to offer! Find out more about Shay and The Runaway Rack  here and check back often to see when she will be at the Peoria Civic Center next!

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*Photos from the wedding were taken by Jaclyn Simpson.

St. Jude Telethon Plays in Peoria

The 40^th annual St. Jude Telethon will be at the Peoria Civic Center on August 5, 2017 running from 6:00 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. The St. Jude telethon gives the community a way to fight against childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The Telethon will help to raise money to ensure that families at St. Jude will never receive a bill. St. Jude believes that while families are staying there, they should be focused on helping their child and not worried about the expenses.

The Telethon will be broadcast live on Week-TV News Channel 25 and will take place while runners from all over finish their marathons at the Peoria Civic Center.  This year there will be around 2,200 runners, and 200 of them will be participating in the Memphis to Peoria run. The total event is expecting to host between 7,500 – 8,000 people.

In order to help donate, tune into the Telethon on WEEK-TV News Channel on Saturday, August 5^th and call into the VIPs working!

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10 Questions with Megan Pedigo

Meet Megan Pedigo, a very dedicated and hard working employee of the PCC. Megan worked as the Event Manger for 2 years before becoming the Senior Marketing Manager.

1. How many years have you worked for the Peoria Civic Center?

7 years

2. What is a typical day at work like for you?

I focus mainly on marketing all the ticketed events at the PCC. Each day is different depending on what events are going on at the time. I work mostly on media buying for each show, which involves lots of communication. I also take control of the social media sites and focus on engaging the fans while promoting the upcoming events and researching new ways to stay engaged on social media. I also work on customer service and public relations work.

3. What your favorite part of your job?

Getting to see all of the work we put into a show come together. I love being able to work on show day and getting to see families make new memories while attending the show.

4. What is one of your greatest accomplishments so far while working at PCC?

PNC Winterfest and the Broadway Series. This will be our 3^rd year for Winterfest and being able to be involved with Winterfest from start to finish is awesome! The marketing team does a lot with the Broadway Series and I enjoy being able to promote and put it all together in order to keep our season ticket holders.

5. What is one of your most important goals that you would like to achieve while working at the PCC?

To be able to provide entertainment year round and to keep bring people downtown Peoria in order to continue to grow and develop the area.

6. If you could have any other job what would it be?

Be an event manager again because I got to work with so many great people and it was a lot of fun.

7. How did you get to where you are now and where do you hope to be in

the future?

I started out as a director of a nonprofit then moved to Peoria and became the Event Manager at the PCC and got the opportunity to understand the industry after that I became the marketing manager. I am glad that I got the opportunity to understand and know the organization from top to bottom before becoming the Marketing Manager

8. If you could get your favorite band or Broadway show to come to the PCC who would it be?

Beyoncé!

9. What is one piece of advice that you would have given your younger self?

Don’t be afraid to ask Questions! Most of the mistakes that people make are from the questions that they did not ask. There is always more that you can learn.

10. What is the most important thing you have learned so far while working at PCC?

Treat others the way that you want to be treated; this includes everyone that you work with and the customers. Everyone plays an important role in making an event a success.

Great Rivers Annual Conference Returns to Peoria

The Great Rivers Annual Conference will be taking place again at the Peoria Civic Center on June 8-10. The operations crew at the Peoria Civic Center has been working hard all week to prepare for this big event, which will host around 2,000 people throughout the weekend. Lets take a look inside how the Civic Center has been preparing for Great Rivers.

 

Preparing for an event this size takes lots of time and help. Unlike other events at the PCC, this event has more of a classroom set up, including chairs and tables to seat 2,000 people. The stage was the first place to start with preparing to set up.  Then adding in the tables in front of the stage.

The set up takes about 3-4 days total with around 60 people helping. One of the hardest things for the event manager is all the little questions that come as they near the end of the set up and trying to keep everything straight.

Preparing for an event of this size is not always easy but it is rewarding in the end to see that great outcome that it produces.

For more information on the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, click here.

 

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Former PCC Interns: Where Are They Now?

The Peoria Civic Center has seen thousands of events, conferences, and shows since opening in 1982. It has also seen a few dozen interns and over the years, many whom have gone on to do great and mighty things. We are happy to stay in touch with those that have spent countless hours in our building before stepping out into the real world. Three of our own have kept us in the loop on their professional journey-  Kate (Carroll) Cundiff, Rose Gray and Jenna Muhs. Here they are today.

Kate (Carroll) Cundiff

Kate was a part of the PCC team in 2014 in the Marketing Department. She now is a hop, skip and a jump away at the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council! Kate works as the Director of Workforce Solutions.

“I had no idea what I would pursue post-graduation. I knew I wanted to work in a place that would allow me to use my communication skills to make a difference in the community. Interning at the Peoria Civic Center definitely helped me achieve that goal!”

How the PCC prepared Kate: I learned a lot about social media and website development at the PCC. In fact, I helped develop and write content for the new PCC website! Since starting my position at the Greater Peoria EDC, I have worked with web developers to build sites for our 3 regional workforce programs.

“I learned about event planning! Even though I was interning for marketing / social media, the PCC still let me shadow Amy, the Event Manager, around for a few different events. I learned all the ins and outs of planning events at the PCC. In fact, I’m hosting our biggest event for thousands of 8^th graders there this fall, so I get to continue working with Amy on that project!”

Kate’s advice: Explore different careers! Meet new people. Don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort zone and explore a field you may have never thought of pursuing. Get the experience while building your professional network. You never know where it might lead you.

 

Rose Gray

Rose spent her summer at the PCC in 2014 as marketing and events intern. Now she shines as the Event Manager for 23 City Blocks Catering  in St. Louis. She is preparing to transition to the Account Coordinator in the Travel Opps Program at Fusion Marketing.

“The Peoria Civic Center helped prepare me for the position I’m in right now with setting an example for what the cultural standard is in the event industry. ”

Rose’s favorite PCC memory: Christmas in July and people running around the office in the Santa Suit!  

“This type of career is something I’ve always wanted to do! The Civic Center helped me advance in my career most definitely!”

 

Jenna Muhs

Jenna interned for the PCC in 2014 and 2015 as a graphic designer. She now is in St. Louis working as a graphic designer for Monsanto Company.

“I never really pictured myself working for an agriculture company, but my current position has served as a great stepping stone in my career path. My experience as a graphics intern with Peoria Civic Center added some valuable art pieces to my design portfolio– helping me get the job!”

Jenna’s advice: Connect with your peers! Peoria Civic Center’s staff are so friendly and approachable that it creates an easy environment for networking and learning about their experiences.

“I am still surprised by how many projects I worked on during my internship have helped me in a professional setting. Peoria Civic Center gave me the opportunity to work on both print and digital design pieces, I was able to work with major show art like “The Book Of Mormon” and “Beauty and the Beast”, and I learned about production processes that will stay with me for a lifetime!”

For those thinking of interning here: You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain. When I applied for the internship, I was worried about making the leap, but I soon found out that there is no reason to worry! PCC was such a great opportunity!

Internships in Event Management, Graphic Design, Public Relations, Marketing and Social Media are available year-round. For more information about an internship in Graphic Design, Marketing, Public Relations, or Social Media, contact Clare Zell. For more information about an internship in Event Management, contact Dan Evans.

 

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