I first met Brady Varwig when we discussed the production for PML’s upcoming Takeover. As we wrapped up introductions, he shared that he had recently quit his day job to focus on Varwig Studios full-time. Since I had just made a similar decision for Peoria Music Live, I could relate completely and was excited to work with him.

Although I had attended shows at the 3300 Event Center that he produced, I hadn’t paid much attention to the lights and sound — which is often the case. People rarely notice the production unless there's something to critique. So, I was eager to see the first full-scale concert he produced on his own last Friday.

His show with Raynah & the Band, AJ Schmall & the Funny Business, and First Date Kiss was fantastic. I was blown away by the flawless execution. The sound was crystal clear, and the lighting and effects created an immersive experience that elevated the entire performance. Brady’s meticulous attention to detail and passion for his work were evident in every detail. It was clear from the way the lighting highlighted solos and emphasized dramatic moments that Brady and his team take their work seriously.

"I just love the art behind sound and lighting," Brady said when I asked him what he loves about running Varwig Studios. He also spoke about the connections he's made in the industry and how rewarding it is to share his passion for music and production with others. "I love that I get to do what I love, surrounded by an awesome team of my closest friends — and, of course, my lovely wife," he added.

Brady notes that people often underestimate the amount of work involved in producing a show, from daily administrative tasks to the physical labor of setup and teardown. Despite the hard work, he remains committed to delivering memorable, high-quality productions. "Seeing everything come together so successfully at a show and watching both the musicians and the audience have a great time is really rewarding," he says.

While you may not always notice the work that goes into a great show, when Brady Varwig and Varwig Studios are behind it, the results speak for themselves.

In addition to being the resident production company at the 3300 Event Center, Varwig Studios serves a variety of venues and events across the region. "Varwig Studios can handle practically anything AV-related! We do weddings, concerts, school dances, musicals, plays, corporate events, and more. We also offer rentals — speakers, microphones, lights, TVs, projectors, and even our 360-degree photo booth. If your event needs sound, lighting, or video, we’ve got you covered!"

You can catch Varwig Studios in action around town, but your next best chance to experience a full-scale production will be on the ballroom stage at the First Annual Peoria Music Live Takeover on October 20th at the 3300 Event Center. (Click here to get your discounted tickets now!)

As always, there are a ton of great things happening around the area this weekend. We’ve got all the ones we know about listed below as well as pics and video from Brady’s show at the 3300 Event Center!

While you’re using this list to help decide where you want to go this weekend, check out the photos and videos from last weekend we have here and on our
YouTube channel! (We have more being added there all the time, so be sure and subscribe.)

Here’s your musical to-do list for this weekend!

FRIDAY 9/27
The M-75’s at 4 Corners Smokehouse 5-7pm

Deuces Wild at Wildlife Prairie Park 6-9pm

Shipwreck Kelly at Oz'z Bar & Grill 7-11pm

Joshua Allan and Nicole Montgomery at Obed & Isaac's 7-9pm

Raynah at Office on Main 8-11pm

ZA Funk at The Twelve Bar 8-11pm

The Killer Riffs at The Rusty Rail 8pm

Kash'd Out w/ Dale and the Zdubs at Kenny's Westside 8pm

The Road Less Traveled at Brasky's Bar & Grill 8pm

Spanky Entertainment Dueling Pianos at Oliver's in The Heights 8-11pm

Fro & Burr at The Neon Bison 9pm

SATURDAY 9/28
James Herr at Peoria Riverfront Market 8am

Brent Lidwell at Black Band Distillery 1-3pm

Pekin Downtown Concert Series 4-10pm
Mixtape Mayhem 4pm
Stone Cold Cowboys 7-10pm

TyJon Charlie at The Owls Nest 4pm

Courtyard Concert Series at Pour Bros. Craft Taproom 4-11pm
Union Avenue 4-6pm
Brainchild 6:30-8:15 pm
Highway J 9-11pm

3 Mile High at Deer Creek Fall Festival 6-9pm

Spoony & The Bootleggers at The Bowling Alley in Eureka 6-9pm

Jera & The Absoluts at Big Catz BBQ 7-11pm

Biscuits & Gravy Band at Mackinaw Valley Winery 7-11pm

Vinyl Tap at Spring Bay American Legion 7-11pm

Lonesome Jones at Gilmore's Sports Bar 7-10pm

Brent Lidwell at Kickapoo Creek Saloon 7:30pm

Heartland Festival Orchestra at Five Points Washington 7:30-9:30pm

Dexter O'Neal & The Funk Yard at Industry Brewing 8-11pm

Plastic Green Armymen at Stag Tap 8-11pm

Trailer Parke at Martinis 8pm

Isaac Durst Band at Crusens Farmington 8pm

Blue Stew at Cindy's Corner Pub 8-11pm

The Killer Riffs at Sunset Lanes 8pm

Ryan Massey at Katie's Corner Tap 8pm

Sista and the Misters at Silver Dollar 8pm

The Clout at Office on Main 8-11pm

Capt. Quirk at Crusens War Memorial 8:30pm

Baysik at Kenny's Westside 8:30pm

Galactic Empress at High Voltage Taphouse 9pm

Stereo Typical at Tin Lizard 9pm-12am

SUNDAY 9/29
1st Annual MusicSavesLives Benefit at OZ'Z Bar & Grill 11am-8pm

Deuces Wild at Tres Rojas Winery 1-4pm

Sista and the Misters at Psycho Silo Saloon 1pm

Mama Said String Band wsg Emily the Band at Blue Ridge Community Farm 2-5pm

Djemba Class with Bolokada Conde at Peoria Public Library North Branch 2-3:15pm

Matt Eckberg Band at Peoria Zoo 5pm

SUNDAY OPEN STAGES:
Spontaneous Musical Combustion open mic at Country Saloon 2-8pm

Roy Ponce hosting at Tartan Inn 7pm-12am

This week’s post contains contributions from:
Kindall Reuschel, Mike Reuschel, and Ben Wiese

_______
Want to make sure your events are on our Facebook page? Add Peoria Music Live as a co-host on the event page and we'll help share the word about your upcoming show!
_______

Social media providers sometimes make changes that prevent us from interacting with you the way we do now.
So, we'd love to add you to our VIP email list, just in case.
And don't worry, we don’t like getting too many emails either.
If we send something, we’ll make it count!
Fill out the form below, or send your email address to Kindall@PeoriaMusicLive.com