This week, I’m in Philadelphia, PA at the Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability Conference learning about all the ways we can make the arts more accessible to people of all ages and abilities in the Peoria area.
It’s great timing considering Harmonize Peoria’s summer program, Garage Band Open Stage just wrapped up.
So while you are making your live music to-do list for this weekend, check out the videos and photos from the 2026 Harmonize Peoria Garage Band Open Stage.
It was our 5th year … and easily our best so far. From the video where our 15 year old singer-songwriter says, “I just finished writing that one this morning.” to the videos of our drum students playing at their recital, which took place during the final open stage on August 4th… so many kids and adults joined us to perform.
It was a fantastic summer full of experienced musicians, first timers, and everyone in between… and we’re already looking forward to next year!
make sure you aren’t missing out on the info you want to see…
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FRIDAY 8/14
Bill Bronsted String Band w/ River Valley Rangers at Midwest Skies Music Series (Metamora) 4pm
James & Sarah Duo at Rosie's Wine Bar (Peoria Heights) 6-8pm
Ken Hahn & Co. at Michael's Italian Feast (Germantown Hills) 6-9pm
Galactic Cowboy Orchestra at Contemporary Art Center of Peoria (Five Spot) 6:30-8:30pm
Za Funk at Kellehers Street Party 7-10pm
Ryan Bizarri at Reserve Artistan Ales (Galesburg) 7-9pm
Do you have this piece of Peoria music history yet? Now is the time!
Currently available for pickup at:
Riverfront Museum
Younger Than Yesterday
Harmonize Peoria
Currently available for mail order at:
Younger Than Yesterday
Harmonize Peoria
Shawn "Smitty" Smith at Crusens War Memorial 7-10pm
Kev & Mal at Whitey's 29 (Creve Coeur) 7pm
Braden Pridemore at Brienzo's Pizza + Bar (Orange Prairie Rd) 7pm
The Living Daylights at Martini's on Water Street 8pm
Trippin' Knives at Office on Main 8-11pm
Sly Dog Acoustics at The Neon Bison 8-11pm
Dexter O' Neal & The Funkyard at the Tin Lizard 8-11pm
The Road Less Traveled at Brasky's Bar & Grill 8pm
Lacy's Ditch at Oliver's in the Heights 8pm
Big Shrimp 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 8/15
Shawn "Smitty" Smith at Peoria Riverfront Market 8am-12pm
Adara Rae at Pimetoui Trail (Peoria Heights) 11am-2pm
Cousin Eddie at Washington Park 3-6pm
Ruben Benefit at Frozen Spoon 4-9pm
James Herr Acoustic
Raynah
Ken Hahn & Co.
Will Spicher
Kathy Kilster
Kickapoo Junction at Rotary Park (Pekin) 5-8:30pm
Sly Dog Acoustics at Alpha Park (Bartonville) 6-8pm
Shipwreck Kelly at Oz'z Bar & Grill 7-11pm
Damned Torpedoes at Mackinaw Valley Winery 7-11pm
Austyn Weston Band at Hanna City Sportsman's Club 7-10:30pm
Brainchild Trio at Office on Main (Morton) 7-10pm
Russel & Brett Experience at the Twisted Spoke Saloon (Pekin) 7-11pm
3 Mile High Band at Psycho Silo Saloon (Langley) 7-11pm
Plastic Green Armymen at The Rock Tap (Lewistown) 7-11pm
Henhouse Prowlers at Friendly Valley Tavern 8pm
Backstabbin Betty at Cactus Country (Galesburg) 8-11pm
Outland at Pour Bros. Craft Taproom 8pm-11pm
New Age Noise at Whitey's On 29 (Creve Coeur) 8-11pm
Ryan Massey at Hammer's Bar & Restaurant (Bartonville) 8pm
The Riker Maneuver at Opie's (Roanoke) 8-11pm
Stone Cold Cowboys at Oliver's in the Heights 8-11pm
Rezzin8 at Tin Lizard 9pm-12am
The Mico Wave Band at The Neon Bison 9pm
As usual, the photos from the bands are all mixed together, so make sure you scroll all the way through them!
SUNDAY 8/16
Josie & Cancer Don't Stand a Chance for St. Jude 12pm
Roy Fifer
Danny Reinmann
The Michael Lane Band
Songwriters in the Round 1-4pm
James Herr Acoustic
Jake Zuercher
Nick Lee
Moss Vandal
Ava Easter
Nick Sizemore & Chad Hunziker Acoustic Duo at Veterans Pub & Pizza 3-6pm
Bluegrass Jam Afterparty at Pour Bros. Craft Taproom 4-7pm
Pippi and Daniel at Trailside Event Center 6-8:30pm
SUNDAY OPEN STAGES THIS WEEK
Peoria Rhythm Kings at Countyline Tap 2-5pm
Spontaneous Musical Combustion at Country Saloon 4pm
Roy Ponce hosting at Tartan Inn 7-11pm
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This week’s post contains contributions from:
Kindall Reuschel, Bennett Rose, & Vesper Goldman
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