PEORIA, Ill. – The Peoria Riverfront Museum is launching its inaugural Peoria Plays America series as part of its recognition of America 250. The series celebrates local figures from Peoria who have made a national impact.
The kick-off features the opening of two new exhibitions spotlighting internationally renowned Peoria-born icons:
- RICHRATH (February 28 – April 5): An exhibition honoring legendary REO Speedwagon lead guitarist and songwriter, Gary Richrath (1949-2015). It covers his musically formative years and features an intimate selection of his guitars.
- ATHLETES (February 21 – April 12): The first in a series, this exhibition spotlights Peorian natives Curley “Boo” Johnson, a former Harlem Globetrotter, and champion and Olympic figure skater Matt Savoie.
“Our Peoria Plays America series of 10 exhibitions celebrates local people who made a national impact during the museum’s recognition of America 250 this year, and will continue as a regular feature,” says John Morris, President and CEO of the Peoria Riverfront Museum. “We are proud to officially open our first two exhibitions with legendary Peoria-born sports and performance icons.”
Future Peoria Plays America performance exhibitions at the Peoria Riverfront Museum are slated to feature Peoria-born icons Dan Fogelberg and Richard Pryor. Upcoming features in the ATHLETES series will highlight Shaun Livingston, Tim Broe, Lorene Ramsey, and Hersey Hawkins.
The Peoria Plays America series is part of the museum’s broader America 250 celebration, which includes the guest-curated exhibit, The Promise of Liberty.
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