Yoga Under the Stars | Next Session on September 25 at 5:45 PM
Celebrate the Autumnal Equinox
Enjoy a gentle yoga practice under the stars. This program will start with a star talk, explaining the autumnal equinox and finding the fall constellations. Rachel Shepherd will then guide a gentle yoga flow practice under our star filled sky. Enjoy the healing benefits of a slower, more restorative paced yoga. Great for beginners, or those who prefer a meditative practice. Participants are asked to bring their own mats, and wear a mask until they are at their station. This event will be limited to 15 participants to ensure 6 feet between guests. Each session will be an hour and 15 minutes long.
September 25
Doors open at 5:30, Event starts at 5:45
$20 Members | $27 Public
All sessions are an hour and 15 minutes in length.
Limited mats are available, please bring a mat and a light blanket. Doors open at 5:30 pm. All supplies provided for programs unless otherwise noted. All paid programs require a minimum number of participants to run or will be cancelled two business days prior to the start date. Pre-registration required.
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone at 309.686.7000.
ILLINOIS DEBUT!
GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked The World
September 26 through January 10
FEATURING THE WORLD'S LARGEST PLAYABLE GUITAR!
"GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked The World" takes visitors of all ages on a fascinating and engaging exploration of the art, science, sound, history and pop culture behind the world's most popular instrument! Featuring a unique collection of more than 70 instruments - ranging from the rare and antique to the wildly popular and innovative - along with performance video, models and more,"GUITAR" gives you a chance to enjoy the instrument not only from the perspective of its history, evolution, and design, but through the music it has created and the technology that continues to enhance it.
The guitar is one of the most enduring icons of the past 200 years, evolving from European and Asian instruments during the Middle Ages (oud, sitar, and lute). In "GUITAR," these instruments are displayed side by side next to the guitar as we know it today, with its signature hourglass shape. Packed with STEAM-based elements, GUITAR introduces visitors to concepts including electromagnetism, sound waves, frequency, decibel levels, mathematical scales, engineering design, and materials—along with amplification, memory skills, and performance."GUITAR" explores all facets of the guitar's history as an instrument of popular culture over four centuries to the science of creating sound with wood and steel.
The museum gratefully acknowledges our exhibition presenting sponsors, Illinois Mutual, PNC, Ruby K. Worner Charitable Trust and OSF HealthCare, with additional sponsorship by the Corporate Visionary Society Council and Illinois Arts Council.
"GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked The World" is produced by The National GUITAR Museum. The NGM was founded to promote and preserve the legacy of the guitar, and is the world's first museum dedicated to the history, science, evolution, and cultural impact of the guitar.
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BIG ASTRONOMY | Opens Sat, Sep 26, 1 PM
Planetarium Show Highlights People, Places, and Science of Astronomy
Winner “Best Astronomy Education” Award, Dome Under Fulldome Film Festival
Co-produced by Renae Kerrigan, Planetarium Director, Peoria Riverfront Museum
It’s exciting to work with a great team of professionals to develop a suite of educational products that will be used by the planetarium community and schools around the world. - Renae Kerrigan, Leadership Team, Big Astronomy
It takes many people with diverse backgrounds, talents, and skills to run a world-class observatory. Meet a few of these people as they share the wonder of the sky—and the excitement of discovery. Explore the world-class observatories nestled in northern Chile’s mountains and learn why Chile, with its beautiful mountain ranges and clear, cloudless skies create an ideal environment for studying the cosmos. Continue discovering! Participate in live conversations with observatory staff, explore exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, educational activities, and ongoing science experiments all at bigastronomy.org
BEHIND BIG ASTRONOMY
Big Astronomy is set in Chile where the dry, dark, sky, and remoteness creates an ideal site to observe the universe. By the year 2022 it is expected that nearly 70% of the world’s ground-based observing infrastructure will be located there, and the US and other countries are investing billions of dollars in astronomy in Chile. Big Astronomy introduces audiences to the wide variety of personnel involved in advancing astronomical discovery.
With support from NSF-Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) program, Associated Universities Inc. (AUI) partnered with Michigan State University, the California Academy of Sciences, Astronomical Society of the Pacific, Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, NSF’s National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory including Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory and Gemini Observatory, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array to complete the $2 million project.
The Big Astronomy Leadership Team includes Ryan Wyatt and Molly Michelson at California Academy of Sciences, Dr. Shannon Schmoll, Dr. Katie Hinko and Dr. Jesica Trucks at Abrams Planetarium-Michigan State University, Vivian White at Astronomical Society of the Pacific, Renae Kerrigan at Peoria Riverfront Museum, Tiffany Stone Wolbrecht at Ward Beecher Planetarium-Youngstown State University, Shari Lifson at Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, and Yasmin Catricheo and Tim Spuck at Associated Universities Inc.
Sponsored by Visionary Society
Laser Light Night: 80's, Journey, and Floyd.
Sit back, relax, look up and rock out! Listen to your favorite music - That 80's Laser Show, Laser Journey, and Laser Floyd: The Wall - while being dazzled by the multicolored laser light show on the Dome. Enhance your experience - pick up spectrum glasses and refreshments from our concession stand and enjoy the show! 35-50 min.
Saturday, September 26:
6 pm | That 80's Laser Show
7:15 pm | Laser Journey
8:30 pm | Laser Floyd: The Wall
$5 Members | $8 Public
*Multi-show discount available: $2 off for 2 shows & $3 off for three shows per patron.
(For combo price tickets call 309.686.7000 or visit the ticket desk in person)
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone at 309.686.7000.
Self-Playing Guitar by Michael Kuzma
Sat, Sep 26 | Noon-2 pm
Grand Lobby
Join us on the opening day of "GUITAR: The Instrument that Rocked the World" for a musical treat. Michael Kuzma's Self-Playing guitar will be in the Museum Lobby performing music with the chance to talk to the inventor himself about his creation!
Michael Kuzma
With a passion for playing the guitar and a desire to learn electrical engineering, Michael set forth on a mission to build a Self-Playing Guitar as a Freshman year Bradley University student. With no engineering or coding knowledge before this project, Michael built a 1 string device that played the worst version of Smoke on the Water you've ever heard. With this one string device, Michael won the top prize at Bradley University's Big Idea Competition which provided funding to build the first full prototype. After many failures, a few explosions, and many sleepless nights, Michael overhauled the device to play any song with ease. Although still a work in progress, the Self-Playing Guitar has already wowed audiences at weddings, corporate events, restaurants, and audiences greater than 800 people. Right now the Self-Playing Guitar is being moved into its third iteration so it can be rolled room to room in retirement homes, play in that boring time when bands are on break, and give that arthritis suffering guitar player the chance to play guitar again. In addition to working on Self-Playing Guitars, Michael's day job is creating self-driving cars at AutonomouStuff in Morton, IL.
Interested in learning more about Kuzma Self-Playing Guitar? Visit selfplayingguitars.com for more info.
LIVE at the Museum | Roy Ponce
Sat, Sep 26 | 2-3 pm
International Features Gallery
Join local musicians in the "GUITAR" exhibition for live music every Saturday.
Peoria-based guitarist Roy Ponce, 37, has been playing guitar for 23 years. He's self-taught, starting at age 13 by listening to songs on the radio. By 17, he played the Peoria Blues Festival. In 2003 he started the band Brainchild with fellow guitarist Jake Schultz. They have played The Summer Camp Music Festival for 15 years, plus many others around the U.S. They have two albums, One Word and Cosmic Celebration. While touring, he's sat in with Victor Wooten, Umphrey's Mcgee and many others. While growing up his mom was the secretary of the Peoria Blues Society and in high school he played in a band his Uncle Roy sang in. He's been teaching guitar and bass for over 10 years at Flores Music and in 2010 got a sponsorship with Marshwood Guitars in Golden, Colorado which included a custom-made guitar. Over the years he's accumulated ten guitars and loves to play blues, funk, and jazz. Some of his favorite guitarists include George Benson and Jimi Hendrix. Other instruments he likes to play are bass, drums, and keyboards.
Ghost Busters
Thu, Oct 1 | 8:00 PM
After the members of a team of scientists (Harold Ramis, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray) lose their cushy positions at a university in New York City, they decide to become "ghostbusters" to wage a high-tech battle with the supernatural for money. They stumble upon a gateway to another dimension, a doorway that will release evil upon the city. The Ghostbusters must now save New York from complete destruction. 1h 47m. PG.
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Sponsored by IAS Technology and MCP Incorporated
Pub Night Under the Stars: Exploring Mars
Fri, Oct 2 | 7 PM
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Beer, delicious food, and space, what more could you want? Learn what’s up in the night sky and hear the latest news from the cosmos as we tour the Universe using our real-time Uniview software. A stellar Dome Planetarium operator will be your guide through this out of this world experience.Beer, delicious food, and space, what more could you want? Learn what’s up in the night sky and hear the latest news from the missions exploring the Red Planet. We’ll celebrate the 15th anniversary of one of the most advanced imagers in orbit, and learn about the latest mission to head to Mars, Perseverance! Planetarium Director Renae Kerrigan will fly you through the solar system and beyond.
These evenings are held in two parts. A star talk using our highly realistic Zeiss ZKP4 star projectors, time to socialize and enjoy the beer and refreshments, than a tour of the universe using our immersive real time software.
Guests will receive 3 tokens, redeemable for up to 3 craft beers or soda, and food included in ticket price. Guests will receive 3 tokens, redeemable for up to 3 craft beers or soda, and a boxed meal of a pulled pork sandwich, veggies with Ranch Dip, chips, and a brownie, in keeping with State of Illinois COVID guidelines, included in ticket price. Doors open at 6:50 PM
Guests are asked to wear masks when not seated. Seating is limited to ensure 6 foot spacing between groups.
$30 members | $36 public
Ages 21+
Tickets your tickets today - click here. Tickets can also be purchased by phone: 309.686.7000.
Additional questions? Contact Renae Kerrigan at rkerrigan@peoriariverfrontmuseum.org or 309.863.3030.
All supplies provided for programs unless otherwise noted. All paid programs require a minimum number of participants to run or will be canceled two business days prior to the start date. Pre-registration required.
Sit back, relax, look up and rock out! Get your scare on and listen to our special Laser Fright show while being dazzled by the multicolored laser light show on the Dome. Enhance your experience - pick up spectrum glasses and refreshments from our concession stand and enjoy the show! 35-50 min.
Purchase tickets - click here.
LIVE at the Museum | Cami Proctor
Sat, Oct 3 | 2-3 pm
International Features Gallery
Join local musicians in the "GUITAR" exhibition for live music every Saturday.
I'm Cami.
I like to make songs.
I enjoy writing my own songs, making arrangements for other people's songs, and creating songs and other sounds to accompany visual projects.
I play guitar and sometimes bass with The Blank Stairs.
Sit back, relax, look up and rock out! Get your scare on and listen to our special Laser Fright show while being dazzled by the multicolored laser light show on the Dome. Enhance your experience - pick up spectrum glasses and refreshments from our concession stand and enjoy the show! 35-50 min.
Purchase tickets - click here.
Laser Light Night: Journey, 80's, Floyd
Dome Planetarium
Sat, October 10th
6 pm | Laser Bowie
7:15 pm | That 80's Laser Show
8:30 pm | Laser Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon
NEW SHOWS! Sit back, relax, look up and rock out! Listen to some of your favorite music from David Bowie, Daft Punk, and Led Zeppelin - while being dazzled with the multicolored laser light show on the Dome. Enhance your experience - pick up spectrum glasses and refreshments from our concession stand and enjoy the show! 35-50 min. (Note: These shows contain lyrics to popular songs and some may not be suitable for all ages.)
$5 Members | $8 Public
*Multi-show discount available: $2 off for 2 shows & $3 off for three shows per patron.
(For combo price tickets call 309.686.7000 or visit the ticket desk in person)
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Virtual Art Club via Zoom
Featuring artist, Bob Doucette
Tue, Oct 13 | 1 pm
Join us for virtual Art Club! Art Club is a monthly meeting of people who love art. Each month we hear about a different artist or topic. We encourage artists to come talk about their own work, a style they love, or another artist they admire. Enjoy a casual discussion with PowerPoint slides. Participants are encouraged, though not required, to ask questions and discuss pieces of art presented.
This month, artist Bob Doucette will be presenting their own work while you enjoy coffee and treats at your home.
Click the link below to Join the Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83977241357?pwd=UHd5dlZaUEdUV0xVTmVnUEtXVXpxQT09
Meeting ID: 839 7724 1357
Passcode: 609503
Bob Doucette’s whimsical and highly saturated paintings come from the world of dreams. Sometimes bordering on surreal, his imagery is a product of a decade of theater work, puppetry and twenty-five years in the world of animation. As an animation director he was responsible for many well known animated children’s programs for PBS including, Chloe’s Closet, Dive Olly Dive and Clifford’s Puppy Days. He started in animation at Warner Bros. and was involved with many classics like Tiny Toon Adventures and Animaniacs. His independently animated films won him many prestigious awards and honors and his MFA thesis film Pink Triangle, the first animated film to depict the persecution of homosexuals by the Nazis, is in the permanent collection at the New York Public Library.
As a doll maker Bob has been in galleries since the early 90s. His Ben Franklin doll, created for the White House Christmas tree in 1999, is in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian. Many of his dolls are in the private collection of Demi Moore and have been featured in books, magazines articles and TV programs.
Bob earned a BFA at Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA at CalARTS and studied both illustration and animation. He was born in Waterville Maine and at present lives in Peoria with his husband Tom and his two cats Ginger and BooBoo.
If you would like to present at Art Club on your own work, discuss an artist, a style, or an art movement, please email: hplacko@peoriariverfrontmuseum.org
For more info or upcoming dates - click here.
Sit back, relax, look up and rock out! Get your scare on and listen to our special Laser Fright show while being dazzled by the multicolored laser light show on the Dome. Enhance your experience - pick up spectrum glasses and refreshments from our concession stand and enjoy the show! 35-50 min.
Purchase tickets - click here.
LIVE at the Museum | Raynah Unes-Reid
Sat, Oct 17 | 2-3 pm
International Features Gallery
Join local musicians in the "GUITAR" exhibition for live music every Saturday.
Raynah Unes-Reid began her relationship with the arts at the age of four when she started her dance training. She studied ballet, tap, modern, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and musical theater dance. She began teaching tap, ballet, and jazz when she was 15 years old. Her first introduction to film was in Jr. High when she attended the “Girls Make Movies” film camp hosted by the Southern Illinois University Carbondale media program for three summers in a row. Over the years, she has performed in multiple musical, ballets, and films, serving as dancer, actor, choreographer, director, and filmmaker. During her time at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, she choreographed the Urbana Park District’s Summer productions of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and “Suessical”, she was a judge for the Feminist Film Festival, won “Best Non-Narrative Film” in the Golden Corn Film Festival, and won the Research Oral Presentation for the College of Media Research Symposium for her paper titled, “The Ambiguous, The Invisible and The Erotic: Discovering Sexuality in Buffy the Vampire Slayer”. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2019 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Cinema Studies on the Dean’s List, as a James Scholar, and with Honors; and completed a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. After graduation, she solo travelled to Italy to teach English for three months, and then travelled to Morocco and Argentina for three weeks each. Raynah owned her first guitar in seventh grade, but began avidly playing about two years ago. Her primary reason for investing in guitar was so she could be her own accompaniment; granting herself the independence and capability to venture down different avenues with her songs, and eventually write her own. Raynah is now the series director, staff writer, guest writer, actress for the role of, ‘Cassie’, in the new independent television show, “Peoria”. She is excited to show the world all of the incredible art that comes from the Midwest.
Sit back, relax, look up and rock out! Get your scare on and listen to our special Laser Fright show while being dazzled by the multicolored laser light show on the Dome. Enhance your experience - pick up spectrum glasses and refreshments from our concession stand and enjoy the show! 35-50 min.
Purchase tickets - click here.
Laser Light Night: Journey, 80's, Floyd
Dome Planetarium
Sat, October 30
6 pm | Laser Fright Light
7:15 pm | Laser Bowie
8:30 pm | Laser Daft Punk
NEW SHOWS! Sit back, relax, look up and rock out! Get your scare on with Fright Light and listen to some David Bowie and Daft Punk while being dazzled with the multicolored laser light show on the Dome. Enhance your experience - pick up spectrum glasses and refreshments from our concession stand and enjoy the show! 35-50 min. (Note: These shows contain lyrics to popular songs and some may not be suitable for all ages.)
$5 Members | $8 Public
*Multi-show discount available: $2 off for 2 shows & $3 off for three shows per patron.
(For combo price tickets call 309.686.7000 or visit the ticket desk in person)
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Sit back, relax, look up and rock out! Get your scare on and listen to our special Laser Fright show while being dazzled by the multicolored laser light show on the Dome. Enhance your experience - pick up spectrum glasses and refreshments from our concession stand and enjoy the show! 35-50 min.
Purchase tickets - click here.
Virtual Art Club via Zoom
Featuring artist, Natalia Villanueva Linares
Tue, Nov 10 | 1 pm
Join us for virtual Art Club! Art Club is a monthly meeting of people who love art. Each month we hear about a different artist or topic. We encourage artists to come talk about their own work, a style they love, or another artist they admire. Enjoy a casual discussion with PowerPoint slides. Participants are encouraged, though not required, to ask questions and discuss pieces of art presented.
This month, artist Natalia Villanueva Linares will be presenting their own work while you enjoy coffee and treats at your home.
Join Zoom Meeting | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87228233701?pwd=RXk4YW1jQldjY3JDQjF2UVIxN0Zzdz09
Meeting ID: 872 2823 3701
Passcode: 904875
Find Natalia's work on instagram @nati.work and a Facebook Natalia Villanueva Linares. Natalia is also the Director of the art non-profit Yaku Peoria and the Founder of Ukayzine.
If you would like to present at Art Club on your own work, discuss an artist, a style, or an art movement, please email: hplacko@peoriariverfrontmuseum.org
For more info or upcoming dates - click here.
