Art Exhibition, Poetry, Live Music, Salsa Dance and More!

Live at the Five Spot: John Miller & the Romaniacs (Gypsy Jazz)

Friday, June 27, 2025, 6:30-8:30pm

Every 2nd & 4th Fridays

BUY TICKETS in Advance Online at 309tix: $8-members, $12-nonmembers + fees (until 5:00pm the day of event) Tickets at the door*: $12-Members, $16-nonmembers. 

The Romaniacs’ repertoire includes classic Django tunes, modern Gypsy jazz and romantic French musettes. The fare includes some light humorous vocals, a la Freddie Taylor. The band swings hard and creates lots of fun for the listeners as well as the performers. Gypsy Jazz is happy romantic music with universal appeal. The Romaniacs’ performance guarantees good times and good feelings. The Romaniacs are John Miller on guitar, Joe Parks on guitar, Andy Crawford on bass guitar and Larry harms on clarinet.

Upcoming Exhibits

Contemporary Still Life

June 27-August 15, 2025 ~ Preston Jackson Gallery, 2nd Floor

Artists continue the tradition of still life. Tyler Hennings depicts common objects in a way that elevates their status to a grander scale. Cathy Engberg focuses on toys that reflect pop culture. Jeff Bess, influenced by surrealism, combines objects that are not typically paired. Marya Veeck acknowledges the autobiographical significance of a grouping of her accumulated belongings.

Combined Art Reception - Saturday, July 19, 2025, 6:30- 8:30 pm - Music by Roy Ponce

Installation by Sparker

July 11-August, 2025 ~ Gallery 3R, 3rd Floor

Gallery 3R is transformed by Chicago-based artist Sparker (Sam Parker). See examples at sparkerstud.io.

Past installations were created at Art Lit Lab, Madison, Wisconsin, Salisbury University, Maryland and The Welcome Project, Cincinnati, Ohio. Sparker earned her MFA from The University of Texas at Austin in 2014 and her BFA from Bradley University in 2011.

Combined Art Reception - Saturday, July 19, 2025, 6:30- 8:30 pm - Music by Roy Ponce

Education

Tango Practica Peoria – Sunday, 7:00-9:00pm - weekly tango practice and lesson

A weekly tango practica is offered every Sunday, at Contemporary Art Center of Peoria in the 2nd floor art gallery. Traditionally, a Tango Practica is offered for dancers of all levels who have received instruction and have desire to practice.

Admission is $5.00 per person. Please bring cash and exact change. Leaders and teachers volunteer their time. Money collected is a donation to Contemporary Art Center.

The Hustle For Couples Dance Class - Wednesdays, July 9 - 23, 7:00-8:00 pm

(three 1 hour sessions)

$35 members, $45 nonmembers, (Fees listed per person)

Ages: 18 & up, Minimum students 6, Max. 28, No partner required

Registration deadline: July 2 by midnight

Figure Drawing / Open Studio – Tuesday Afternoons, July 22 - September 9

2:00-4:00pm (eight 2-hour sessions)

Ages: 18 & up, Minimum Students: 4, Maximum: 12

drop-in for $15.00 fee per class

Registration deadline: July 15 by midnight

Figure Drawing / Open Studio – Tuesday Evenings, July 22 - September 9

6:30-8:30pm (eight 2-hour sessions)

Ages: 18 & up, Minimum Students: 4, Maximum: 12

drop-in for $15.00 fee per class

Registration deadline: July 15 by midnight

Beginners Salsa (level 1) – Tuesdays, July 29 - August 26, 6:30-7:25 pm

(five 55-minute sessions)

Instructors: Ed & Beverly Caballero, CAC Member: $40, Non-Member: $45

Registration deadline: July 22 by midnight

Beginners Salsa (level 2) – Tuesdays, July 29 - August 26, 7:30-8:25 pm

(five 55-minute sessions)

Instructors: Ed & Beverly Caballero, CAC Member: $40, Non-Member: $45

Registration deadline: July 22 by midnight

Upcoming Events

Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry

Thursday, July 3, 2025, 8:00-10:00pm

Every 1st & 3rd Thursday

BUY TICKETS in Advance Online at 309tix: $8-nonmembers, $5-members, $3-poets + fees (until 6pm day of event). Tickets at the door: $12-nonmembers, $9-members, $5-poets. Tickets at door are sold only if max capacity is not reached. Featured Poet: KMoney the Poet

CANCELED

1st Friday Studio Tour

Friday, July 4, 2025, 5:00-9:00pm

Since 4th of July falls on the 1st Friday of July, Contemporary Art Center (CAC) will not participate in 1st Friday in July nor reschedule the event to another Friday.

CAC will be closed July 4 and 5 for the holiday. We will focus our efforts promoting the resident artists and the art exhibits at the combined reception on Saturday, July 19 and 1st Friday on August 1st.

Live at the Five Spot: Pippi & Daniel (Soul/Pop)

Friday, July 11, 2025, 6:30-8:30pm

Every 2nd & 4th Fridays

BUY TICKETS in Advance Online at 309tix: $8-members, $12-nonmembers + fees

(until 5:00pm the day of event) Tickets at the door*: $12-Members, $16-nonmembers. 

Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry

Thursday, July 17, 2025, 8:00-10:00pm

Every 1st & 3rd Thursday

BUY TICKETS in Advance Online at 309tix: $8-nonmembers, $5-members, $3-poets + fees (until 6pm day of event). Tickets at the door: $12-nonmembers, $9-members, $5-poets. Tickets at door are sold only if max capacity is not reached. Featured Poet: Arrie Lane

Salsa at CAC

Friday, July 18, 2025

Every 3rd Friday

Introductory Dance Lesson: 8:30-9:30 pm

Learn the basics of several Latin Dances by Eduardo & Beverly Caballero

Open Dancing: 9:30-midnight to the music of DJ Eduardo Caballero

ADMISSION AT THE DOOR ONLY: $8.00 nonmembers, $5.00 CAC members

Combined Art Reception

Saturday, July 19, 2025, 6:30- 8:30 pm

Music by Roy Ponce

Free admission, donation requested, complimentary snacks & drinks.

Meet the exhibiting artists & view their artwork in three galleries & the 3rd floor classroom.

Contemporary Still Life, Preston Jackson Gallery, 2nd Floor

Installation by Sparker, Gallery 3R, 3rd Floor

Live at the Five Spot: Irish Celebration (Irish, Folk)

featuring Irish Folk band Turas & Flynn School of Irish Dance

Friday, July 25, 2025, 6:30-8:30pm

Every 2nd & 4th Fridays

Thank you sponsors: Norm & Louise Hodge, Peoria Irish Fest, AmEIREcan Irish Gift Shop and St. Patrick's Society of Peoria

BUY TICKETS in Advance Online at 309tix: $8-members, $12-nonmembers + fees

(until 5:00pm the day of event) Tickets at the door*: $12-Members, $16-nonmembers.

1st Friday Studio Tour and Gallery Talks

Friday, August 1, 2025 ~ 5:00-9:00pm ~ free event

The public is invited to visit the Contemporary Art Center Resident Artist Studios where artists create, display and sell their work. Enjoy the unique and creative talents of local artists. While here, enjoy art exhibited in three galleries and the 3rd floor classroom. Concert by Sam Falls, 8:00-9:00pm

Boogie Night Disco Costume Party

Saturday, August 2, 7:00-11:00pm

ADMISSION AT THE DOOR ONLY: $10.00 CAC members, $14.00 non-members

Return to the days when disco music topped the charts, The Hustle was all the rage and it was ok to catch Boogie Fever!

Come dressed in a disco costume for a chance to win a grand prize. 

Live at the Five Spot: The Sweet Nothings (Jazz Standards)

Friday, August 8, 2025, 6:30-8:30pm

Every 2nd & 4th Fridays

BUY TICKETS in Advance Online at 309tix: $8-members, $12-nonmembers + fees

(until 5:00pm the day of event) Tickets at the door*: $12-Members, $16-nonmembers. 

Live at the Five Spot: Raynah & the Holis7tics (Rock, Funk, Soul)

Friday, August 22 2025, 6:30-8:30pm

Every 2nd & 4th Fridays

BUY TICKETS in Advance Online at 309tix: $8-members, $12-nonmembers + fees

(until 5:00pm the day of event) Tickets at the door*: $12-Members, $16-nonmembers

September 5 Spots: Concerts

Live at the Five Spot: Cousin Eddie, Friday, September 12, 2025, 6:30-8:30pm

BUY TICKETS in Advance Online at 309tix

Live at the Five Spot: Dexter O'Neal & the Funk Yard, Friday, September 26, 2025, 6:30-8:30pm

BUY TICKETS in Advance Online at 309tix