Cooper Coker

The Peoria Riverfront Museum, in partnership with Shot in the Dark Productions, presents I Hear America Singing as part of America 250. This inaugural performance, inspired by Walt Whitman’s poem, celebrates 250 years since the Declaration of Independence through song, featuring voices from diverse backgrounds. It accompanies The Promise of Liberty, curated by Ken Burns, and a landmark exhibition of American historical documents, including a 1776 Declaration of Independence and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. The performance includes music by Paul Simon, Charles Ives, Jason Robert Brown, and Stephen Schwartz, reflecting America’s journey toward freedom. It is supported by Linda Beth and Ed Sutkowski through the MUSEUM+ initiative, along with America 250 donors, Visionary Society, and Friends of Performance. Join us for two unforgettable performances where history, music, and hope converge.

March 27 - 28th @ 7:00PM - Peoria Riverfront Museum

Make Me a Song: The Music of William Finnis an intimate musical revue celebrating the work of Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist William Finn (Falsettos,The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee). Conceived by Rob Ruggiero, the show weaves together over 20 songs from Finn's career, including hits, obscure tunes, and unpublished material, to create a portrait of his songwriting style.

April 14th @ 7:00 PM - Rose Bowl Tavern (Urbana, IL)

April 19th @ 3:00 PM - Hoogland Center for the Arts (Springfield, IL)

April 30th @ 5:00 PM - Stage 5, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (Urbana, IL)

May 4th @ 7:00 PM - Lincoln Way East High School (Frankfurt, IL)