“Will it play in Peoria?” The question that has been around since the 1800’s and has evolved over the years. “If it plays in Peoria, it will play anywhere.” This is regarding products, people, events, music, and more given ideas to appeal to the mainstream United States audiences or a range of demographics. The Peoria music scene is alive and thriving, with more than 50+ venues and stages for live theatrical performances, concerts, and festivals. On October 20th, 2024, Peoria Music Live hosted their first ever music festival at the iconic Revival Music Hall in the 3300 Event Center. For decades they have hosted bands such as Van Halen, Cheap Trick, and Chubby Checker. Peoria Music Live owner Kindall Reuschel scheduled 24 bands to perform at the two stages in the Event Center; The Ballroom Stage and Third Chance Acoustic Stage. The festival ran from 11am to 10pm.

I had the honor of attending and performing at this event on the Acoustic Stage from 11:00-11:30. I performed covers of some of my favorite songs and an original song of mine called “After the Rain”. It was great exposure and a way for me to listen to other musicians in the Peoria area. Upon entry into the building, there were raffle baskets, drawings, face-paintings, drum circles, and a musical petting zoo. Admission to the festival for the public was $5 before 4pm and free to children under 12 years old. Admission after 4pm was $20 all ages and wristbands could be purchased online before the event for $15. 10 percent of all proceeds from the event were donated to a local organization called Harmonize Peoria that works to make music more accessible to children and teenagers in the area. After performing, I heard a big band performing in the Ballroom Stage and heard folk music, country, rock, and wide varieties of musical genres. The lineup for the first ever Peoria Music Live is below.

BALLROOM STAGE-

11:15 am- River Valley Big Band

12:15 pm- Grey Slush

1:15 pm- Kuh Nives

2:15 pm- Easy Riders

3:15 pm- Jake Rebman

4:15 pm- Cole Hollow

5:15 pm- ZA Funk

6:15 pm-Tambora

7:15 pm- 3 Mile High

8:30 pm- Way Down Wanderers

ACOUSTIC STAGE-

11 am- Tyler Weaver

11:30 am- Ava Easter

12 pm- James Herr

12:30 pm- Marquise Hendo

1 pm- Shawn Smith

1:30 pm- Kirk Wessler

2 pm- Hailee Richmond

2:30 pm- Lonesome Jones

3 pm- Sydney Meuth

3:30 pm- Now and Zen

4:15 pm- Jim Ransone and M-75’s

5 pm- Tucked in T’s

5:45 pm- Hollow Down

Being a part of the first ever Peoria Music Live Festival is something that I won’t forget. It was an incredible way to meet different bands and hear them work their craft for a great cause. Live music plays an important role in Peoria and surrounding areas. We are lucky to have so many opportunities to perform in and/or watch live musical events. Audiences had a great time and are looking forward to the future in hopes of this festival becoming a yearly Peoria tradition.