Tuesday
Feb 18, 2020 at 12:01 AM
Peoria was introduced to live rock ‘n’ roll music in February of 1957. The first public performances were held at 1506-1508 SW Adams St., a former location of the Itoo Hall. The building that housed the Itoo Hall is still standing today and is part of the George O. Pasquel Co. complex of buildings. The Adams Street location went on to become a focal point in Peoria’s rock ‘n’ roll scene, hosting many bands and dances.
Bobby Mack and Tommy Atwood were the singers who fronted the “Teen-Age Frolics” rock/country assortment. They were accompanied by a “Red Hot 7 Piece Band,” according to an advertisement that ran in the Journal Star prior to their appearance. Among the band’s instruments were three guitars: an acoustic, an electric and a steel, all shown in the accompanying microfilm scan from the Feb. 7, 1957, edition of this newspaper.
This February’s anniversary of rock ‘n’ roll’s beginnings in Peoria coincides with the official kickoff of the Peoria Public Library’s participation in celebrating the “Year of the Guitar” in Peoria with our partner, the Peoria Riverfront Museum. For more information, “like” and follow the “Year of the Guitar” Facebook page at facebook.com/PeoriaYOG.