Greg & Dan Show Interviews

Greg and Dan talk with Jodi Brown from the KB Strong Foundation about the 7th Annual Brown Fest fundraiser, happening Saturday, September 6th, at Countryside Banquet and Catering in Washington, IL. Doors open at 4 PM!

Brown Fest honors the legacy of Coach Brown, who passed away in 2019 from glioblastoma, and helps raise funds to support research and the fight against this devastating disease. The evening will feature live performances from two bands, a silent auction, and more. All proceeds directly support glioblastoma research. Tickets are $30 at the door.

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Greg and Dan talk with Allison Keiser from Choose Greater Peoria, Laura Cullinan from the Peoria Riverfront Museum, and Doug Luenig from Big Picture to talk about the upcoming GO DAY festival—happening Sunday, September 7th, from 11 AM to 4 PM behind the Peoria Riverfront Museum!

This FREE, all-ages event is perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking to connect with the Peoria community. The festival celebrates creativity, community, and family fun.

There will be live stage performances, arts, culture, sports zone, food, treats, and beverages! Most importantly, it will be a community celebration with the mission to showcase the best of Peoria, encouraging connection, creativity, and community pride.

Whether you’re an art lover, a sports fan, or just looking for a fun day out, GO DAY has something for everyone!

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Greg and Dan talk with Jill Addy Wright, Vice President, and Merrisa Kenny, Principal Officer, of the Will Kenny Foundation. Merrisa is also the mother of Will Kenny, who tragically passed away in 2024. His legacy continues to inspire the Peoria community through the Foundation’s mission.

They share how the Foundation was created to honor Will’s passion for science and technology, his favorite areas of study and creativity. Through scholarships, the Foundation supports students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and related fields. Jill and Merrisa also paint a heartfelt picture of who Will was: a curious builder, a hands-on learner, and a young man with endless enthusiasm for creating. Their work ensures that his passion lives on and inspires others, which is why they speak so openly and proudly about his story.

The Foundation is hosting a special fundraiser in Will’s honor: “Whiskey and Robots” on Thursday, September 4th, from 5–9 PM at Black Band Distillery in Peoria. Guests can enjoy live music, raffles, a dinner buffet, and the exclusive launch of “The Bear”, a brand-new bourbon whiskey created as a tribute to Will. Only 160 bottles will be available at this one-night-only event!

Learn more and get tickets at: facebook.com/williamkennyfoundation

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Greg and Dan sit down with Marisa Pfoff, Director of Talent, and Jake Ellington, Foundation Committee Member and Field Superintendent at the River City Construction Foundation, to talk about their upcoming 2nd Annual Bags Tournament happening on Friday, September 26th!

For over 40 years, River City Construction has been a proud part of the Peoria community, and through this event, they’re continuing their mission to give back and inspire.

The tournament isn’t just about friendly competition, it’s about empowering the future of construction. Building on the huge success of last year’s inaugural event, the Foundation is working to reignite excitement in the community by showcasing the value of skilled trades. Their goal is to highlight how developing practical skills can open doors to new opportunities, foster personal growth, and celebrate the next generation of the workforce.

By bringing people together, River City Construction hopes the community will not only enjoy a day of fun but also see the possibilities within the construction industry, an industry full of creativity, achievement, and lasting impact.

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Greg and Dan talk with Jack “Maddog” Manis from the Peoria Blues & Heritage Festival, happening this weekend, Friday, August 29th & Saturday, August 30th, along the Peoria Riverfront at 200 NE Water Street.

Now celebrating 35 years of blues in Peoria, this iconic festival continues to bring the community together with two unforgettable days of music, culture, and energy. Jack says the lineup is packed with artists who truly have the “it factor.” Doors open at 5 PM on Friday and 12 PM on Saturday, with live performances, food, and fun stretching late into the night.

For tickets and more information, visit www.peoriabluesandheritagefestival.com

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Greg and Dan welcome Major Anita Sells, President Theresa Mangieri, and Vice President Rachel Braker of the Peoria Women’s Auxiliary, an organization that works directly with the Salvation Army. Over the past 16 years, this dedicated group has helped raise more than $1.5 million to support vital programs and services in our community. They share their personal stories about why they chose to join, the impact of their work, and what the Women’s Auxiliary means to Peoria.

Their next big fundraiser features Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith of the St. Louis Cardinals, happening Wednesday, September 25th at Venue Chisca. The evening kicks off with a meet & greet from 5-6 PM, followed by dinner at 6:15 PM. At 7:15 PM, Ozzie will share stories and inspiration, leading into a live auction filled with unique and exciting prizes, all to benefit the Salvation Army’s mission of serving those in need.

Don’t miss this unforgettable night of baseball, community, and giving back.
Tickets are available now at www.sapeoria.org.

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Greg and Dan talk with Dustin Crawford, owner of The 33 Room in Peoria Heights, along with organizers Johnathan Vota and Logan Wheaton, to talk about the upcoming Mt. Moon Fest, a two-day celebration of community, creativity, and independent music!

The festival kicks off Friday, August 29th at Café Santa Rosa and continues with a block party on Saturday, August 30th along the 4500 block of Prospect Road. Festival-goers can enjoy incredible live music, local food and drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere supporting a great cause.

All proceeds benefit LULA NFP, an organization dedicated to supporting Peoria’s homeless community.

Tickets are just $20 per day or $30 for the full weekend and are available now at www.mtmoonfest.com.

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Greg and Dan talk with Coach Pop of Bradley University, along with two standout hometown stars, Mya Wardle and Claire McDougal: two of the best players on Bradley’s Women’s Basketball team. They share their excitement as the season starts off September 23rd and talk about what they’re most looking forward to this year.

Coach Pop reflects on the importance of building a strong team culture, emphasizing peace, relationships, and unity on and off the court. She explains why she prefers to talk about standards rather than expectations, believing that standards create accountability and success, while expectations often set the stage for failure.

Mya and Claire open up about the balance between pressure and support as athletes, while also highlighting their academic journeys as Sports Communication majors. 

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Greg and Dan talk with Matt McClain, Director of Outreach & Communications at BCDI, and Jamie Cunningham, Director of Foundation and Education at BCDI, about their upcoming community event: Food Truck Frenzy!

When: Friday, August 29 (11 AM – 7 PM)
Where: The Bleeding & Clotting Disorders Institute (BCDI), Peoria

Matt and Jamie also discuss their respective roles along with the institute’s overarching mission. BCDI’s mission: The Bleeding & Clotting Disorders Institute aims to provide integrated, family-oriented care, treatment, and education for individuals with bleeding, blood clotting, and other blood disorders.

For further details on these events, please visit ilbcdi.org/get-involved/events

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Greg and Dan chat with Mark Alig about his inspiring upcoming event, Walk for the Mind, happening September 27th!

This annual walk raises awareness and vital funds for brain tumor research, having already generated more than $1 million over the past decade. The event is also about community, hope, and support for those affected.

Mark shares his powerful personal story of being diagnosed with a brain tumor three separate times and how that journey motivated him to create a supportive space for others facing the same battle.

Event details:

• Doors open at 7:30 AM

• Program begins at 9:30 AM

• One-Mile Walk kicks off at 10:00 AM

• Raffle and community activities included

Register online at www.marklinderwalkforthemind.org

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