WHISKEY + ROBOTS - A Night of Fundraising for the Will Kenny Foundation

Join us for an unforgettable evening where heart meets hardware and compassion comes with a kick! We’re raising our glasses - and some gears - for the Will Kenny Foundation, dedicated to building a legacy in honor of Will by funding scholarships and other science, technology, and robotic education projects in Central Illinois.

Date: September 4, 2025

Time: 5pm

Location: BLACK BAND Distillery 

Proceeds support the Will Kenny Foundation and its mission!

Whiskey warms the soul. Robots move the future. Will’s legacy brings us together.

Let’s make some noise - with circuits, spirits, and heart

 

Ticket includes admission, buffet, a craft cocktail, and raffle entry.

VIP tickets include all the above, plus an additional cocktail and raffle entry, and a distillery tour with an exclusive whisky tasting.

 

PLUS, we are releasing a Whiskey + Robots EXCLUSIVE bourbon! Limited to only 150 bottles, this is a unique whiskey expression and the only way to guarantee you can buy a bottle is to attend the fundraiser.

For tickets: https://www.exploretock.com/blackbanddistillery

Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry
Thursday, September 4, 2025 ~ 8:00 - 10:00 pm

When checking in at the door, be prepared to share your table and seat number.

Tickets in Advance Online: $5-members, $8-nonmembers, $3-poets + fees (till 6pm day of event)
If an event is not sold out, tickets will also be sold at the door.
Tickets at the door*: $9-members, $12-nonmembers, $5-poets
(*No money will be taken at the door unless we don’t reach our max capacity)
*Please Note that purchasing a Poet Ticket is a commitment to share your poetry on stage.
If you don't plan to read, then don't purchase a poet level ticket.

Water and Pop for $1.00 is offered at the bar.
Attendees may bring their own food and drink or bring in food and drink from the Rhythm Kitchen.

Experience a diverse open mic with artists from all backgrounds in a positive and inspiring atmosphere.
Peoria’s Open Mic for Poetry is held on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month.
Hosts: Ryan Lowry and Whitney Jensen with DJ YV

Featured Poet: HuSTLe City Poetry
HuSTLe City Poetry Slam team was formed in March 2022 by a few young poets who were hungry for the opportunity to share their passion on different stages outside the streets of Saint Louis, Missouri to open hearts across the nation. Started by Aaron Bell and Shakeita Anderson, this year’s team consists of 6 amazing poets all from Saint Louis: Shy The Poet, Kmoney the Poet, Meta4, Truth, Mister and Just Aaron. HuSTLe City Poetry Slam team is ranked 10th in the nation and continues to stride towards greatness.

For tickets: Tickets309tix.com/events/whisper-shout-open-mic-for-poetry-9-4-2025