Stage highlights for the next few weeks:
MUSIC
Sept. 4-5: Budweiser Illinois Blues Festival featuring Jonny Lang, Taj Mahal, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Victor Wooten and the Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band and more. Gates open at 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday. Peoria Riverfront Festival Park. (217) 278-7400.
Sept. 4: The Brazilionaires (samba, pop), “Live at the Five Spot.” Contemporary Art Center. 674-6822.
Sept. 5: Brahms Double Concerto from Heartland Festival Orchestra, featuring Elena Urioste, Nick Cannelakis, violin and cello soloists. 7:30 p.m. Five Points Washington. 339-3943
Sept. 6: “Symphony Sunday” from the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, with soprano Marisa Buchheit. 6 p.m. Peoria Riverfront Festival Park. 671-1096
Sept. 11: Turas (Irish folk), “Live at the Five Spot.” Contemporary Art Center. 674-6822.
Sept. 18: Motown Junkies (R&B, soul), “Live at the Five Spot.” Contemporary Art Center. 674-6822.
Sept. 19: “Carnival!” from the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, with guest violinist Charles Yang. 8 p.m. Civic Center Theater. 671-1096.
Sept. 25-26: Heart of Illinois BBQ & Bluegrass Festival with the Larry Keel Experience, Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, Comatose Catfish, Still Shine, Eric Lambert and Friends, Woodland Remedy, Brainbrothers, Pete Jive, Kaleo, Creek Road Rambles, P Town Bluegrass Allstars, and New Cats on the Block Gates. Noon each day. Expo Gardens. (217) 278-7400.
Sept. 25: Soft Spoken (R&B, jazz), “Live at the Five Spot.” Contemporary Art Center. 674-6822.
THEATER
Sept. 11-13 & 17-20: “Sister Act” 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat. and 2 p.m. Sun. Peoria Players Theatre. 688-4473
Sept. 11 & 12: “Mary Todd Lincoln: The Springfield Experiment,” 7:30 p.m., Inspired Arts Academy, Morton. 224-8805
Sept. 16-20 & Sept. 23-27: “A Twist of Lemmon,” starring Chris Lemmon. 7:30 p.m. Apollo Theater. (217) 278-7400.
Sept. 24: Comic Ralphie May. 8 p.m. Limelight Eventplex. 693-1234.
Sept. 25-27: “The Odd Couple” from the ICC Theatre Program. 7:30 p.m. Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center. 694-5136.
OTHER EVENTS
Sept.18-20: Oktoberfest. Open at 5 p.m. Sept. 18, 11 a.m. Sept. 19 and 10:30 a.m. Sept. 20. Gateway Building on the Riverfront. 691-7484
Sept. 19: Mystery program fundraiser for Friends of the Library. 2 – 3 p.m., Main Library, 107 NE Monroe.
Sept. 26-27: 53rd Annual Fine Art Fair. 10 a.m. Peoria Riverfront Gateway Building. Peoria Art Guild. 637-2787.