On Sunday, September 7th from 11am-4pm, local singer-songwriters will take the stage at 123 SW Water St, Peoria (The Simantel Building) for the Big Picture Peoria Acoustic Originals Showdown. This exciting event is part of the Big Picture Street Festival and promises a full day of music, talent, and community spirit.

Thanks to the generous support of Jerry Kolb (Stage Sponsor), Simantel (for hosting the stage), and Our House Entertainment (for sound and production), this showcase is set to be one of the highlights of the festival.

Roxy Baker and Kindall Reuschel at a recent Peoria music festival!

Adding even more excitement to the day, the competition will be emceed by Roxy Baker from 105.7 The X. Roxy is known for her big personality and ability to engage a crowd, and she’ll bring extra energy and fun to the stage throughout the showdown.

With three categories, Adult, Youth, and Child, musicians will compete for cash prizes awarded to the top three in each group. Performances will be livestreamed on the Peoria Music Live Facebook Page, so you can watch from anywhere.

Audience members will also get to play a big role: 1 ticket = 1 vote! Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5 (cash or Venmo accepted), and you’ll be able to buy them both in person and online.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Big Picture Peoria and Peoria Music Live, helping to continue their mission of building and celebrating local art and music.

Here’s your chance to meet the contestants who will bring their stories and sounds to the stage:

Adult Category

Dan Simoncini
Dan Simoncini was born and raised in Peoria, where he started playing in bands and writing songs as a teenager. His current focus is creating songs that capture the spirit of the Peoria area—often with a humorous twist.

Landon Durst
Born in Peoria, Landon began writing songs in his early teens after being inspired by artists like Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, and Gordon Lightfoot. By his mid-teens, he had taught himself guitar and started crafting his own music. With three albums’ worth of songs written and recorded, Landon continues to perform both his originals and covers.

Kathy Folkulele
Kathy is an alternative folk singer-songwriter and ukulele enthusiast whose lyrically rich songs weave together magic and mystery. She also founded The Ukulele Fun Strum of Peoria, a weekly gathering for ukulele players of all levels. You can explore more of her work at Kathy’s Linktree.

Mike Herr
Mike Herr has been playing guitar for years, but only recently began performing as part of the duo Lila and the Dad. His original songs tackle meaningful themes and aim to make audiences think and feel, much like the folk singers of past generations who used music as a tool for change.

Claire
Claire grew up in Minnesota and moved to the Peoria area in 2021. They began writing songs and playing guitar in early 2024 and has quickly become part of the supportive local music scene. When they are not writing or performing, Claire cares for their six pet parakeets.

Sonny Garcia
Also known as The One Man Revolution, Sonny Garcia is a singer-songwriter and frontman of the Bloomington-based punk band Dirty Mop Water. With his band preparing to release their debut EP later this year, Sonny brings energy and grit to his solo performances.

Brett Haley Jr.
A Peoria native who has lived all over, Brett Haley Jr. is a multi-instrumentalist with a knack for blending genres into a folky style. While well-known for his unique cover renditions, Brett will be showcasing only his original work for this competition and he promises the audience is in for a special treat.

Youth Category

Connor Eldridge
Connor is a student at Richwoods High School with a passion for both trombone and guitar. With a special love for jazz, he is always seeking new ways to grow as a musician, whether on stage or practicing at home.

Annabelle (Anna) Crall
Anna Crall, 18, is from Peoria and attends Illini Bluffs in Glasford. Born into a musical family, she has immersed herself in Choir, Band, Jazz Band, Dance, and Theater. Her favorite genres are Soul and Blues, which inspire both her listening and her performance style.

Christian Swearengen
Christian is a freshman at Washington Community High School and the bass player for the band PTCHWRK. While still early in his musical journey, his dedication and talent are already shining through in both band and solo work.

Child Category

Lila Herr
At just 12 years old, Lila Herr has already been writing songs for four years. As one half of Lila and the Dad, she combines her youthful creativity with a passion for music. She loves singing, songwriting, and spending time with her family and friends.

Special Performances

After the competition wraps up, the music keeps going with performances by Hollow Down and Andy Martinez. They are the perfect way to round out a day of live music and community celebration.

Be Part of the Show!

Whether you join us in person at the Simantel Building or watch online, you’ll be helping to support local music, encourage young talent, and celebrate the Peoria arts community. Don’t miss this chance to discover your new favorite songwriter right here at the Big Picture Peoria Acoustic Originals Showdown!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION!