Harmonize Peoria is three weeks into our 10 week Garage Band Open Stage series — and it’s already been incredible.
As someone without much musical talent myself, I’ve been blown away more than once. Each week, our open stage hosts (so far: Chasing Rachel, Kayla Brooke & the Willow Strings, and ZA Funk) have met every performer—young or old, beginner or seasoned—exactly where they are, and created something magical.
During week two, I teared up when one of our drum lesson students got on stage for the very first time and loved it. So much, in fact, that when he went up a second time, his little sister joined him. This week, I teared up again as a young girl sang Edelweiss with such emotion, I didn’t even realize she was singing in French until halfway through.
When you’re out enjoying live music this weekend, take a moment to look at the stage and imagine if no one had ever handed a guitar, drumsticks, or a mic to the person performing. Everyone starts somewhere - and for many future musicians in Peoria, we hope that start is with Harmonize Peoria.
Special thanks again to KZ102.3 for choosing Harmonize Peoria as their local nonprofit of the month!
One of the best things about what we do: we don’t care how “naturally talented” someone is. Music is for every soul. So if you know anyone under 21 who could use a little more music in their life, reach out to Harmonize Peoria.
And finally - it’s worth noting that in addition to serving youth, we’re proud to support local musicians by paying our instructors and performers. Their time and talent are essential to creating meaningful, high-quality experiences, and we honor that with real compensation - not just applause.
While you make your live music to-do list for this weekend, check out the photos and videos below of Painting Miss November and Potantia, who both performed at The Hole Shot last weekend, as well as PTCHWRK who came to the Peoria Music Live studio for What’s Up Peoria!
THEN GRAB A FRIEND AND GO SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC!
As you read through your options, making your decisions, remember:
You can download a video, but you can’t download a live music experience
appreciate what we do?
VISIT our SUPPORT page to see how YOU can help the work continue!
FRIDAY 6/20
Shawn Smitty Smith at East Peoria Farmer's Market 4-7pm
Jam Sessions at Thunder Valley Day 2 5:45pm (lineup in flyer below)
Will Spicher at Michael's Italian Feast (Germantown Hills) 6-8pm
James Herr, Danny Sutter, and Dennis Dillard at Tre Rojas Winery 6-8:30pm
River Valley Big Band at Tower Park 6:30-8pm
Brian Carroll Trio at Jim Dandy's 7-10pm
The Holdouts at Crusens War Memorial 7-10pm
Taylor Bruninga & the Bandits at Martini's on Water 7:30pm
The Killer Riffs at Kellehers 7:30pm
Brent Lidwell at Hanna City Tap 8pm
John Wahl at Tavern on Prospect 8-10pm
Kyle Yap at Office on Main 8-11pm
Band of Horses at CEFCU Center Stage 8pm
Deuces Wild at Silver Dollar 8-11pm
Dexter O’Neal & Funkyard at Brasky's 8pm
Josh Holland Acoustic at Tin Lizard 8-11pm
Backseat Radio at Industry Brewing 8pm
Kickapoo Junction at High Voltage Taphouse (Princeville) 8:30-11:30pm
Mr. Please & Formerly The Fox at Kenny's Westside 9pm
Don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel! (We have more being added there all the time, so be sure and subscribe.)
SATURDAY 6/21
Matt Eckberg at Eureka Market 10am-2pm
Jam Sessions at Thunder Valley Day 3 11am (lineup in flyer above)
3 Mile High at Psycho Silo Saloon 6-10pm
Deuces Wild at Alpha Park 6-8pm
AJ Schmall & the Funny Business at Kickapoo Creek Saloon 7-10pm
AKA at Hanna City Sportsman's Club 7-10:30pm
Revel in Red wsg Mental Riot at Mackinaw Valley Winery 7-11pm
Stone Cold Cowboys at Big Catz BBQ 7-11pm
Emily How, Grey Slush, & Lys Allen at 3300 Event Center 7pm
Taylor Bruninga & the Bandits at Peoria Sportsman's Club 7:30pm
Raynah & the Holis7ics at Kellehers on Water 7:30-10:30pm
Windows Down at Pour Bros Courtyard Concert Series 8-11pm
Shawn "Smitty" Smith at Office on Main 8-11pm
Ryan Massey at Country Saloon 8-11pm
Kickapoo Junction at The Putt Club (East Peoria) 8-11pm
Mixtape Mayhem at Chillicothe Days 8pm
Kernel Corn and The Hazy Brews at Opie’s 116 8-11pm
Off the Record at Stag Tap 8-11pm
Heads in Motion at Friendly Valley Tavern 8pm
The Breakfast Club at Tin Lizard 9pm-12am
Marquise Hendo wsg Bloodline at The Neon Bison 9pm-12am
Austyn Weston Band at Crusens War Memorial 9pm
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The band photos below are all mixed together, so be sure to see them all!
SUNDAY 6/21
Wes Duffy Trio at Pour Bros 12-3pm
Goodnight Gracie at Tre Rojas Winery 1-4pm
Deuces Wild at Sheets Creek Saloon 2-5pm
Rage for the Cure at Friendly Valley Tavern 2pm
Formerly the Fox
Newhouse
Colt Ball and the Get Down
Windows Down
Levitt AMP Galva Music Series at Wiley Park 6pm
Amanda Fish 6pm
Kiran Ahluwalia 7:15pm
The Disco Biscuits at CEFCU Center Stage 7:30pm
SUNDAY OPEN STAGES THIS WEEK
Spontaneous Musical Combustion at Country Saloon 4pm
Roy Ponce hosting at Tartan Inn 7pm-12am
This week’s post contains contributions from:
Kindall Reuschel, Bennett Rose, & Raymond Watson III
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