Peoria

We were in Peoria for less then 48 hours. We did three shows then we drove away to Grand Rapids. Our hotel wasn't fantastic, however there wasn't really a whole lot to choose from. We preformed at the Civic Center that was right across the street from our hotel. Most people didn't like Peoria, and it wasn't had to know why, because on the surface it was a boring town. However, I did my research and found a few fun historical sites and other things to see. The people in Peoria was truly the best part of being there. They loved us! At lunch my friends and I got a free plate of chocolate chip cookies because they were so happy to have us in town. Many times we got stopped on the street and people raved about the show and how wonderful it was. We also got a total standing ovation for all 3 shows!! One city has yet to beat Peoria's record!

A couple fun facts about Peoria...

1. Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Peoria speech a few blocks from the hotel. His 3 hour speech was the first major address on slavery, setting in motion his run for Presidency.

2. Peoria was huge in the Vaudeville circuit, they even had a phrase "Will it play in Peoria?" coined in the 1920's because how well shows did in the city. Peoria people must still love show business because they LOVED our show!

3. The current site of the Peoria Civic Center (where we preformed) was once a prominent stop on the Underground Railroad.

Here are some fun pics of my adventures in Peoria.....Here I am in front of the Civic Center in Peoria.

We walked down to the river front, this is the Illinois River with the Spirit of Peoria riverboat....the river boat is very similar to the one that I just was on in Cincinnati for Thanksgiving.

Abe Lincoln statue....it's kinda funny because this is just right outside of a bank, a big historical thing is just hanging on a street corner outside a bank!

Apparently they named a restaurant and lounge after ME!!! haha! This was right across the street from the arena.