A Peoria Plays America Exhibition
February 20, 2026 - April 5, 2025
Gary Richrath honed the melodic sensibility and aggressive edge that would eventually define the “Midwestern Rock” sound in the assorted bars, halls, and venues of Peoria, Illinois. Prior to becoming the city’s most globally celebrated rock guitarist, Richrath was a fixture in regional bands, most notably the garage band Suburban 9 to 5, where he built a reputation as a local guitar hero.
Joining REO Speedwagon in 1970, he architected their transition from a hard-touring bar band to an arena-rock powerhouse through his work as lead guitarist, songwriter, and visionary who reimagined the band’s configuration. Richrath will forever be remembered for the fiery technique and soulful phrasing that helped define the American soundtrack of the 1970s and 80s.
Our exhibition, RICHRATH kicks off our Peoria Plays America series which examines the careers of world-renown Peorians. With a look into Gary’s musically formative years in Peoria, the exhibition also features an intimate selection of guitars which figure prominently into his career with REO Speedwagon. RICHRATH introduces the influence of rock’s most influential Peoria son.
Part of the Peoria Riverfront Museum's celebration of America 250
The Peoria Riverfront Museum is celebrating the 250th anniversary of our nation in 2026. Join us all year long for exhibitions on American art, science, history and achievement, including The Promise of Liberty, an exhibition guest curated by documentarian Ken Burns. Featuring a 1776 copy of the Declaration of Independence, a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech and more, this exhibition will be the largest collection of some of the most important documents in American history on display during America 250.
Sponsored by America 250 donors, Visionary Society
