On January 14th, The Scottish Rite Theatre Hosts Hearts of Gold – The Ray Fauber Story Film Premiere and Fundraiser Benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

When philanthropist and entrepreneur Kim Blickenstaff met Ray Fauber in 2019, they immediately bonded over their passion for antique cars. What began as a documentary film featuring Ray's car collection quickly evolved to focus on the man himself – his passion for the land, his family, and his community.

Ray grew up on the Fauber Homestead located in Spring Bay. He met the love of his life, Eleanor and in 1972, they began a close association and partnership with St. Jude. Over the years, their dedication to St. Jude has grown into a lifelong partnership. Hearts of Gold tells the story of a local hero whose life has impacted so many. All proceeds benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

January 14, 2023

Doors: 5:30 PM, Start: 7:00 PM

Tickets: $20 Advance, $25 Day of Event

For tickets and other details, visit www.thebettyjayne.com.

Join us at the Betty Jayne for a special winter series featuring Central Illinois Jazz Orchestra!

The Betty Jayne Brimmer Center for the Performing Arts is hosting the Central Illinois Jazz Orchestra Winter Series! The series will consist of three shows: January 4th, February 1st, and March 1st. CIJO is a seventeen-piece band whose goal is to keep the big jazz sound alive! The band formed over 20 years ago and is comprised of professional and semi-professional musicians from the heart of Illinois. They play classic jazz charts from Count Basie to Stan Kenton and Duke Ellington to Maynard Ferguson.

Don’t miss your chance to experience some big band jazz at the Betty Jayne with the Central Illinois Jazz Orchestra!

Doors: 6:30 PM, Start: 7:00 PM

Tickets: $5 Advance, $8 Day of Show

For tickets and other details, visit www.thebettyjayne.com.

The Betty Jayne Announces Gypsy Jazz, a Special Valentine’s Celebration!

On February 11th, 2023, the Romaniacs host a night of jovial, romantic music at the Betty Jayne Brimmer Center for the Performing Arts in Peoria Heights! Enjoy dinner with your loved ones while the band plays an energetic fusion of French musettes, classic Django tunes, and modern Gypsy Jazz.

A buffet-style dinner will be catered by Sankoty Lakes’ Woolly Bugger and features your choice of glazed baked salmon with a bearnaise sauce or smoked brisket. Dinner also includes roasted red potatoes, a seasonal vegetable in a white wine butter sauce, and to top it all off, a cream puff for dessert.

Couples or singles are welcome to enjoy! Don’t miss this special evening of music, food, and fun! Celebrate your Valentine at the Betty Jayne!

Doors: 6:00 PM
Start: 7:00 PM

For tickets and other details, visit www.thebettyjayne.com.

Chase away the winter blues with Dancing In The Heights!

The Betty Jayne Brimmer Center for the Performing Arts introduces a new dance series, Dancing In The Heights! The series offers one lesson a month, and each month features a different style of dance including swing, disco, salsa and line dancing. Buy each class individually or purchase a package to save! Each night will begin with a one-hour dance lesson. The instructor will lead the class through basic dance steps. After the lesson, show off what you’ve learned at the two-hour dance social! Come with a dance partner or on your own - all are welcome! Space is limited, so reserve your spot now!

Lesson Schedule: January 27, 2023 - Swing Dancing, February 24, 2023 - Line Dancing, March 24, 2023 - Disco Dancing, April 28, 2023 - Salsa Dancing

Doors: 6:30 PM, Lesson: 7:00 PM, Dance Social: 8:00 PM-10:00 PM

Tickets: $12 Advance, $18 Day of Event, Package: $40

For Tickets and other details, visit www.thebettyjayne.com.

The Sounds of Broadway Are Coming To The Heights!

On January 14th the Sounds of Broadway are Coming to the Heights!

The Betty Jayne Brimmer Center for the Performing Arts is featuring a one-of-a-kind Broadway Cabaret! The stars of the show, Ayana Thompson and Via Vicary, will bring you songs from your favorite Broadway musicals old and new! The pair will perform classic numbers from Les Mis, Jesus Christ Superstar and Wicked, as well as contemporary favorites from Rent, The Color Purple, Mean Girls and more.

Ayana and Via’s powerhouse voices wowed audiences last summer when they appeared as the famous mother/daughter duo in a local production of Freaky Friday. Don’t miss your chance to see Ayana and Via’s Broadway Cabaret live at the Betty Jayne on January 14th!

Doors: 6:00 PM
Show: 7:00 PM

For Tickets and other details, visit www.thebettyjayne.com.

The Scottish Rite Theatre and 99.9 WWCT Team Up to Put on Two Winter Concerts!

CT Snowball 2022: On December 3rd celebrate the annual WWCT holiday tradition, CT Snowball, at the Scottish Rite Theatre in downtown Peoria! This year’s event features headliner Matt Maeson. Hailed by American Songwriter for “(creating) a sound unlike much else out there,” Maeson is one of his generation’s most fearless singer/songwriters. The smash success of his unforgettable Platinum singles “Hallucinogenics” and “Cringe” gave Maeson the title of first male solo artist to earn two #1 Alternative Radio hits from a debut album.

Matt Maeson will be joined by special guests, RIPE and Joe P. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket sold to CT Snowball 2022 will be donated to Peoria Area Food Bank. Tickets are on sale NOW!

Wandering Home for the Holidays: On December 17th, the Way Down Wanderers return to the Scotty for another epic performance, this year with special guest Chicago Farmer. The Way Down Wanderers seamlessly weave together high-energy percussion, mandolin, guitar, bass, banjo, and fiddle to create a one-of-a-kind experience that has sold out shows across the UK and the United States. With a jam-packed schedule, the five-piece Illinois-based act takes the stage every night with youthful exuberance and a lively stage show as reliable as it is infectious.

"Somewhere on the spectrum between Old Crow Medicine Show and Mumford and Sons lies the spirited bluegrass-based artistry of The Way Down Wanderers. It is joyful, daring and occasionally sublime,” writes the Associated Press.

Last year’s show sold out, so get your tickets ASAP! Tickets go on sale Friday, October 17th at 9:00 AM.

The Scottish Rite Theatre is located at 400 Northeast Perry Avenue, Peoria, IL 61603. For tickets and other information, visit www.scottishritepeoria.com.

Join us at the Betty Jayne for some holiday fun!

Holly Jolly Jazzy Christmas: December 9th
On December 9th, come to the Betty Jayne and get jazzy with the Kevin Hart Trio! The trio will be playing a fantastic mix of your favorite holiday jazz standards as well as selections from Vince Guaraldi's dazzling score from the 1965 holiday television classic A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Doors: 6:00 PM, Start: 7:00 PM

Jingle All The Way Cabaret: December 10th
On December 10th, take a night off from the stress of the holidays, and join us for an evening of holiday music, pop standards, and musical theatre songs! The show will be led by your favorite local performers, Bryan Blanks and Dedra Kaiser! This festive cabaret will feature traditional holiday songs such as White Christmas as well as pop songs from Billy Joel, Carol King, Michael Bublé, and more.

Doors: 6:00 PM, Start: 7:00 PM

For Tickets and other details, visit www.thebettyjayne.com.

The Scottish Rite Theatre and 99.9 WWCT Team Up to Put on Two Winter Concerts!

CT Snowball 2022: On December 3rd celebrate the annual WWCT holiday tradition, CT Snowball, at the Scottish Rite Theatre in downtown Peoria! This year’s event features headliner Matt Maeson. Hailed by American Songwriter for “(creating) a sound unlike much else out there,” Maeson is one of his generation’s most fearless singer/songwriters. The smash success of his unforgettable Platinum singles “Hallucinogenics” and “Cringe” gave Maeson the title of first male solo artist to earn two #1 Alternative Radio hits from a debut album.

Matt Maeson will be joined by special guests, RIPE and Joe P. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket sold to CT Snowball 2022 will be donated to Peoria Area Food Bank. Tickets are on sale NOW!

Wandering Home for the Holidays: On December 17th, the Way Down Wanderers return to the Scotty for another epic performance, this year with special guest Chicago Farmer. The Way Down Wanderers seamlessly weave together high-energy percussion, mandolin, guitar, bass, banjo, and fiddle to create a one-of-a-kind experience that has sold out shows across the UK and the United States. With a jam-packed schedule, the five-piece Illinois-based act takes the stage every night with youthful exuberance and a lively stage show as reliable as it is infectious.

"Somewhere on the spectrum between Old Crow Medicine Show and Mumford and Sons lies the spirited bluegrass-based artistry of The Way Down Wanderers. It is joyful, daring and occasionally sublime,” writes the Associated Press.

Last year’s show sold out, so get your tickets ASAP! Tickets go on sale Friday, October 17th at 9:00 AM.

The Scottish Rite Theatre is located at 400 Northeast Perry Avenue, Peoria, IL 61603. For tickets and other information, visit www.scottishritepeoria.com.

The Historic Scottish Rite Theatre in Downtown Peoria is Celebrating its One Year Anniversary!

On November 5th, the community is invited to the Scotty’s One Year Anniversary. November marks a year that the newly renovated theatre has been open, and it’s time to celebrate! The festivities will begin at 2:00 PM with a small reception, ribbon cutting, and tours followed by live music by band name.

Tour the mysterious hallways of the legendary Peoria landmark. Take in the exquisite architecture. Experience the remarkable blend of state-of-the-art equipment and unmatched acoustics. The venue has so much to offer. Are you ready to experience the Scotty?

The Betty Janye has so much to offer this fall! Check out the events below!

The Lynn Grissett Quartet: October 17th: Liv Warfield's LenaBlu Foundation presents the Lynn Grissett Quartet! The quartet has been playing local and statewide jazz venues since the band formed in 2007. Grissett’s soulful horn can be heard alongside Prince, Judith Hill, and other notable artists! Don’t miss him live at the Betty Jayne on October 17th!

Roots Fall Fest: October 22nd: The Roots Fall Fest is a celebration of American roots music. The festival will bring together local, regional, and state-wide bands as they celebrate their remarkable talents and their musical journeys! This 1-day event features 5 acts including Chicago-based bluegrass group Fox Crossing Stringband! Fox Crossing is known for their beautiful harmonies, original songwriting, and entertaining stage presence!

emily the band: October 28th: emily the band is a three-piece indie group from Peoria. The young trio features guitar, ukulele, drums, and vocals. They play original music as well as covers. The girls’ unique style gives a fresh new sound to songs by Olivia Rodrigo, beabadoobee, and more!

The Governors’ Masked Ball: October 29th: Put on your best Halloween get-up and get down to the Betty Jayne for the Governors’ Masked Ball! Don’t miss the Halloween party of the season hosted by the Grey Governors with special guests The Common Shamans! Get your tickets now for the Halloween party of the season, The Governors’ Masked Ball!

Musica che Amiamo: November 5th: Join the Opera Illinois League in celebrating the “music that we love” at their annual Musica che Amiamo event. This will be an evening of soaring arias, delectable hors d’oeuvres, and exquisite drinks. They are welcoming top vocalists from near and far to bring beautiful music highlighting the joy of life in opera.

The Listening Room: November 15th: “The Listening Room” Mobile Open Mic returns to the Betty Jayne! The Betty is the perfect venue to welcome local talent for vocals, music, comedy and the spoken word! Sarah Marie Dillard is your host and will guide you through the sign-up process and introduce you. Bring your instrument, your voice, your talent! Mics and sound system provided!

Holiday Trivia Night: November 19th: Head to the Betty Jayne November 19th for a night of Holiday Trivia with Joel Shoemaker. Joel will lead the group through 4 rounds of holiday themed trivia. First, second, and third place teams will take prizes home. Do you have what it takes? Grab some friends and come test your wits at the Betty Jayne’s Holiday Trivia Night!

For Tickets and other details, visit www.thebettyjayne.com.

Craig Byrd initiates a collaboration with the Scottish Rite Theatre as well as other local organizations to create a community-based music program.

Craig Byrd has been a music lover all his life, and now he wants to spread that love. Craig grew up in Pekin, IL, and from a young age, music was something that soothed his soul and brought healing and joy to his life. He longed to learn to play, but instruments and other resources were not available to him. He quenched his appetite for music by following bands and dreaming of his future as a musician.

As Craig got older, musical instruments became more accessible to him. He began playing more and more. Through hard times in his life, music often acted as a form of therapy, offering a creative release in times of trouble. Over the years, Craig collected instruments and other equipment in hopes that someday he would be able to share them with people that otherwise would not have access to them, and he did! While living in Florida, Craig shared instruments with local families. His generosity helped provided a creative outlet for many people.

Today Craig’s vision for helping the community lives on. With the help of the Scottish Rite Theatre and other area organizations, Craig hopes to build a program that gives area musicians of all ages the opportunity to nurture their own passion for music and hone skills that will add value, joy, and healing to their lives. His vision is to offer instruments, classes, writing workshops, and studio time to local musicians, but Craig’s goal is much bigger. His goal is to create a safe space with opportunities for therapy that can lead to breakthrough in the lives of participants.

We are so thankful that the Scottish Rite Theatre can be a part of Craig’s vision and journey. Thank you, Craig, for your generosity and continued support of the performing arts!

A time capsule found in the cornerstone of the Hale Memorial Church will be unveiled at the Scottish Rite Theatre on September 20th. In 2021, Kim Blickenstaff’s KDB Group acquired the Hale Memorial Church on the corner of Main and High streets in Peoria, IL. Blickenstaff and the KDB Group had hopes of restoring the structure to its original glory and repurposing the building into a performing arts venue. After restoration efforts began, the church was found to be beyond repair. The structure had endured fire damage as well as years of water damage.

In June 2022 after careful deliberations and many heartfelt discussions, the Peoria Historical Preservation Commission ruled in agreement with the KDB group; the Hale Memorial Church would be torn down due to the building’s state of disrepair. This decision was difficult and weighed heavy on the hearts of all involved. It was painful to say goodbye to the beautiful structure that had become a trademark of Peoria’s West Bluff neighborhood for over 100 years.

In August 2022, careful demolition of the church began. The KDB Group worked to salvage architectural components of the building in hopes that some of the original glory of the structure could live on through new construction projects. During the demolition of the property, a time capsule was found in the cornerstone of the church. Records show the cornerstone was laid by Bishop Ninde as well as other dignitaries on September 20th, 1900. The capsule is believed to hold a Holy Bible as well as other documents that date back 150 years to the original Hale Chapel that stood on the property in 1868. In order to accommodate a growing population, the original Hale Chapel was torn down and replaced with the celebrated Hale Memorial Church that became an architectural landmark of Peoria. The discovery of the time capsule adds yet another layer to the historical legacy of the Hale Memorial Church and its gifts to the community.

The KDB Group is thrilled to share the time capsule and its contents with the public on September 20th, 2022, the 122nd anniversary of the Hale Memorial Church cornerstone placement. CEO, Greg Birkland, stated, “With expertise guidance from the Chris Farris, Reference Assistance, Peoria Public Library as well as archaeologists, Dr. Greg Wilson, University of California, Santa Barbara and Dr. Dana Bardolph, Northern Illinois University, we are excited to methodically open this time capsule and reveal yet more historical value of the Hale Memorial Church.”

Join the KDB Group as they host an unveiling of the time capsule at the Scottish Rite Theatre in downtown Peoria on Tuesday, September 20th at 1:00 PM.

By Faith Tittle

The Peoria Pops Orchestra brings The Magic of Halloween to the Scottish Rite Theatre! Kick off the Halloween season right with The Magic of Halloween at the Scotty in downtown Peoria! Join the Peoria Pops Orchestra on October 7th for this special family friendly event. Feel the excitement and wonder of the season as you hear your Disney favorites brought to life! The orchestra will play music from the Avengers, Star Wars, Little Mermaid, Lion King, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Frozen and more!

The Peoria Pops Orchestra is a local symphony orchestra that works in partnership with the Peoria Park District. They consider themselves the “orchestra of the people,” and they are just that. This group of community volunteers is known for making music fun and accessible for Central Illinois. Come dressed in your favorite costume and celebrate the spookiest holiday of the year with the Peoria Pops Orchestra at the Scotty!

Tickets: $15
Seniors and Students: $12 w/ Valid ID
Kids 10 & Under: FREE if They Wear a Costume
Doors: 5:30 PM
Show: 6:30 PM

For Tickets and other details, visit www.scottishritepeoria.com.

Immerse yourself in Rejuvenation, Pampering, Shopping, and More at the Betty Jayne on September 25th! The Sunday Salutations Retreat is a 1-day yoga retreat at the Betty Jayne Brimmer Center for the Performing Arts in Peoria Heights. The event will feature several different classes including yoga and Tai Chi. Yogis will have the opportunity to take classes on the tranquil front lawn or inside the beautiful Betty Jayne. Not only will there be classes, but there will also be a variety of activities to help expand your mind, body, and soul. Events include 2 live bands, a drum circle, gong meditation and so much more! The Betty Jayne will also be hosting a variety of handpicked vendors!

You can purchase a full-day or half-day retreat ticket with the full-day ticket including a catered lunch from Radish Kitchen! Gather with local Yogis on September 25th at the Betty Jayne and embark on a wellness journey like no other!

For Tickets and other details, visit www.thebettyjayne.com.

See The Manhattan Transfer and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra live at the Scottish Rite Theatre on October 16th! The Manhattan Transfer started their journey over 50 years ago in New York City, and this year they embark on their final tour as a band. They will be accompanied by the 15-piece DIVA Jazz Orchestra and will be playing a blend of songs by the quartet as well as songs backed by the orchestra! The pristine acoustics of the impeccable Scottish Rite Theatre are the perfect place to experience the amazing harmonies of the The Manhattan Transfer and the powerful big band sound of DIVA!

The Manhattan Transfer’s carefully crafted sound seamlessly incorporates pop, jazz, R&B, rock and roll, swing, symphonic, and a cappella music. The band is known as the cornerstone of contemporary music and was originally launched by Tim Hauser in 1969. By 1972, the group included Hauser, Alan Paul, Janis Siegel and Laurel Masse. They made their recording debut with their self-titled album in 1975, and the rest is history. With worldwide sales in the millions, Grammy Awards by the dozen, and sold-out world tours, The Manhattan Transfer is a legendary band you don’t want to miss. Get your tickets now and see them live at the Scottish Rite Theatre in downtown Peoria!

Doors: 5:30 PM, Show: 7:30 PM

For Tickets and other details, visit www.scottishritepeoria.com.

Prolific blues musician, Walter Trout, comes to Peoria! Blues master Walter Trout is coming to the Scottish Rite Theatre in downtown Peoria on September 24th! Trout has been curating his unique brand of blues for the last seven decades and has created a trademark sound that is equal parts thriller, romance, and suspense! Local indie jam band, The Smokers Blues Band, will start the evening at 6:00 PM, and Trout will take the stage at 7:30 PM.

Trout’s career has spanned the globe and has gained him notoriety as one of the great purveyors of blues and blues rock. “To say that a man with a career like Walter Trout’s has never sounded better is quite a statement…but Walter Trout, you have never sounded better,” says PowerPlay. The hauntingly beautiful and acoustically pristine Scottish Rite Theatre is the perfect place to experience his unique brand of blues! Don’t miss your chance to see Walter Trout live at the Scotty on September 24th!

Doors: 5:30 PM, The Smokers Blues Band: 6:00 PM, Walter Trout: 7:30 PM

For Tickets and other details, visit www.scottishritepeoria.com.

Carmen, the most popular opera of all time, will be at the Scottish Rite Theatre August 6th. This love story of a mesmerizing, sensual gypsy has been captivating audiences for years, and now it’s coming to Peoria! The opera will be performed by central Illinois opera company, MIOpera.

MIOpera started in 2011 as a program for young artists. The company worked to bridge the gap between operatic training and professional level performances. As time went by, the vision for MIOpera grew. Today, MIOpera creates a wide range of programming for the community including opera, operetta, classical musical theatre, and other concerts!

Don’t miss your chance to see Carmen’s love story play out on the stage at the majestic Scottish Rite Theatre in downtown Peoria!

Doors: 6:00 PM
Show: 7:00 PM

For Tickets and other details, visit www.scottishritepeoria.com.

The Accidentals and Kaboom Collective celebrate the release of their album, Reimagined, at the Scottish Rite Theatre August 4, 2022! The Accidentals, a 3-piece indie band, are said to be "among the most emotionally compelling songwriters of our time,” according to NPR. They have multiple major and indie label deals and have played over 5000 live shows and festivals! The band leads workshops across the country hoping to inspire other young musicians, and now they’ve teamed up with Kaboom Collective!

Kaboom Collective, a 40-member studio orchestra comprised of professionals and students, reinvented a repertoire of the Accidentals’ cinematic music. The full orchestra put a fresh, robust sound to the basic tracks provided by the Accidentals. The Reimagined album is what they are celebrating August 4th at the Scottish Rite Theatre in downtown Peoria! Don’t miss your chance to see this one-of-a-kind show featuring the renowned Accidentals and Kaboom Collective!

Doors: 6:00 PM
Show: 7:00 PM

For Tickets and other details, visit www.scottishritepeoria.com.s and 80s including Piano Man, Vienna, Big Shot, Just the Way You Are, Root Beer Rag, Only The Good Die Young and more!

This special event brings a mix of fifteen talented musicians and vocalists from both the Chicago area and Peoria. The band is packed with powerhouse performers, from local talent like Rudy Higgins on vibes to Robin Akins on electric bass. Featured Chicago musicians include Rusty Hall who is known for his work with Chicago’s The Dave Chastain Band and Chicago’s Alligator Records. Don’t miss your chance to experience The Best of Billy with Johnny Burnett and Friends at the Betty Janye!

Doors: 6:00 PM
Show: 7:00 PM
Tickets: $12 Advance, $15 Day of Event

For Tickets and other details, visit www.thebettyjayne.com.

The Best of Billy: The Music of Billy Joel at the Betty Jayne August 6th! Johnny Burnett & Friends are bringing the music of the legendary Billy Joel to the Betty Jayne Brimmer Center for the Performing Arts in Peoria Heights! Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Billy Joel, was nominated for 23 Grammy and won 5 Awards including Album of the Year for 52nd Street. The Best of Billy features Joel’s hottest hits from the 70s and 80s including Piano Man, Vienna, Big Shot, Just the Way You Are, Root Beer Rag, Only The Good Die Young and more!

This special event brings a mix of fifteen talented musicians and vocalists from both the Chicago area and Peoria. The band is packed with powerhouse performers, from local talent like Rudy Higgins on vibes to Robin Akins on electric bass. Featured Chicago musicians include Rusty Hall who is known for his work with Chicago’s The Dave Chastain Band and Chicago’s Alligator Records. Don’t miss your chance to experience The Best of Billy with Johnny Burnett and Friends at the Betty Janye!

Doors: 6:00 PM
Show: 7:00 PM
Tickets: $12 Advance, $15 Day of Event

For Tickets and other details, visit www.thebettyjayne.com.

The Betty Jayne Announces Blues and BBQ featuring The Smokers Blues Band! Enjoy some great music and delicious food at Blues and BBQ Saturday, July 16th at the Betty Jayne Brimmer Center for the Performing Arts in Peoria Heights! The evening will be led by local indie jam band, The Smokers Blues Band, known for their carefully crafted fusion of traditional and modern music. Their unique blues sound has landed them gigs with some of the greats, from Buddy Guy to the Black Crowes. While enjoying the music, grab some food from Que 4 You. They will be selling their barbeque hot off the smoker!

Doors: 6:00 PM
Show: 7:00 PM
Tickets: $12 Advance, $15 Day of Event

For Tickets and other details, visit www.thebettyjayne.com.