I first met Brady Varwig when we discussed the production for PML’s upcoming Takeover. As we wrapped up introductions, he shared that he had recently quit his day job to focus on Varwig Studios full-time. Since I had just made a similar decision for Peoria Music Live, I could relate completely and was excited to work with him.
The Varwig Studios team in the 3300 Event Center Sound Booth
Although I had attended shows at the 3300 Event Center that he produced, I hadn’t paid much attention to the lights and sound — which is often the case. People rarely notice the production unless there's something to critique. So, I was eager to see the first full-scale concert he produced on his own last Friday.
His show with Raynah & the Band, AJ Schmall & the Funny Business, and First Date Kiss was fantastic. I was blown away by the flawless execution. The sound was crystal clear, and the lighting and effects created an immersive experience that elevated the entire performance. Brady’s meticulous attention to detail and passion for his work were evident in every detail. It was clear from the way the lighting highlighted solos and emphasized dramatic moments that Brady and his team take their work seriously.
"I just love the art behind sound and lighting," Brady said when I asked him what he loves about running Varwig Studios. He also spoke about the connections he's made in the industry and how rewarding it is to share his passion for music and production with others. "I love that I get to do what I love, surrounded by an awesome team of my closest friends — and, of course, my lovely wife," he added.
Brady notes that people often underestimate the amount of work involved in producing a show, from daily administrative tasks to the physical labor of setup and teardown. Despite the hard work, he remains committed to delivering memorable, high-quality productions. "Seeing everything come together so successfully at a show and watching both the musicians and the audience have a great time is really rewarding," he says.
While you may not always notice the work that goes into a great show, when Brady Varwig and Varwig Studios are behind it, the results speak for themselves.
In addition to being the resident production company at the 3300 Event Center, Varwig Studios serves a variety of venues and events across the region. "Varwig Studios can handle practically anything AV-related! We do weddings, concerts, school dances, musicals, plays, corporate events, and more. We also offer rentals — speakers, microphones, lights, TVs, projectors, and even our 360-degree photo booth. If your event needs sound, lighting, or video, we’ve got you covered!"
You can catch Varwig Studios in action around town, but your next best chance to experience a full-scale production will be on the ballroom stage at the First Annual Peoria Music Live Takeover on October 20th at the 3300 Event Center. (Click here to get your discounted tickets now!)
As always, there are a ton of great things happening around the area this weekend. We’ve got all the ones we know about listed below as well as pics and video from Brady’s show at the 3300 Event Center!
While you’re using this list to help decide where you want to go this weekend, check out the photos and videos from last weekend we have here and on our
YouTube channel! (We have more being added there all the time, so be sure and subscribe.)
Here’s your musical to-do list for this weekend!
FRIDAY 9/27
The M-75’s at 4 Corners Smokehouse 5-7pm
Deuces Wild at Wildlife Prairie Park 6-9pm
Shipwreck Kelly at Oz'z Bar & Grill 7-11pm
Joshua Allan and Nicole Montgomery at Obed & Isaac's 7-9pm
Raynah at Office on Main 8-11pm
ZA Funk at The Twelve Bar 8-11pm
The Killer Riffs at The Rusty Rail 8pm
Kash'd Out w/ Dale and the Zdubs at Kenny's Westside 8pm
The Road Less Traveled at Brasky's Bar & Grill 8pm
Spanky Entertainment Dueling Pianos at Oliver's in The Heights 8-11pm
Fro & Burr at The Neon Bison 9pm
SATURDAY 9/28
James Herr at Peoria Riverfront Market 8am
Brent Lidwell at Black Band Distillery 1-3pm
Pekin Downtown Concert Series 4-10pm
Mixtape Mayhem 4pm
Stone Cold Cowboys 7-10pm
TyJon Charlie at The Owls Nest 4pm
Courtyard Concert Series at Pour Bros. Craft Taproom 4-11pm
Union Avenue 4-6pm
Brainchild 6:30-8:15 pm
Highway J 9-11pm
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3 Mile High at Deer Creek Fall Festival 6-9pm
Spoony & The Bootleggers at The Bowling Alley in Eureka 6-9pm
Jera & The Absoluts at Big Catz BBQ 7-11pm
Biscuits & Gravy Band at Mackinaw Valley Winery 7-11pm
Vinyl Tap at Spring Bay American Legion 7-11pm
Lonesome Jones at Gilmore's Sports Bar 7-10pm
Brent Lidwell at Kickapoo Creek Saloon 7:30pm
Heartland Festival Orchestra at Five Points Washington 7:30-9:30pm
Dexter O'Neal & The Funk Yard at Industry Brewing 8-11pm
Plastic Green Armymen at Stag Tap 8-11pm
Trailer Parke at Martinis 8pm
Isaac Durst Band at Crusens Farmington 8pm
Blue Stew at Cindy's Corner Pub 8-11pm
The Killer Riffs at Sunset Lanes 8pm
Ryan Massey at Katie's Corner Tap 8pm
Sista and the Misters at Silver Dollar 8pm
The Clout at Office on Main 8-11pm
Capt. Quirk at Crusens War Memorial 8:30pm
Baysik at Kenny's Westside 8:30pm
Galactic Empress at High Voltage Taphouse 9pm
Stereo Typical at Tin Lizard 9pm-12am
SUNDAY 9/29
1st Annual MusicSavesLives Benefit at OZ'Z Bar & Grill 11am-8pm
Deuces Wild at Tres Rojas Winery 1-4pm
Sista and the Misters at Psycho Silo Saloon 1pm
Mama Said String Band wsg Emily the Band at Blue Ridge Community Farm 2-5pm
Djemba Class with Bolokada Conde at Peoria Public Library North Branch 2-3:15pm
Matt Eckberg Band at Peoria Zoo 5pm
SUNDAY OPEN STAGES:
Spontaneous Musical Combustion open mic at Country Saloon 2-8pm
Roy Ponce hosting at Tartan Inn 7pm-12am
This week’s post contains contributions from:
Kindall Reuschel, Mike Reuschel, and Ben Wiese
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