“Six Kankakee area musicians who founded the local music and arts showcase known as the Kankakee Estival Festival, held at Bird Park last September, have taken their love of Kankakee’s music and arts scene even further, forming the non-profit arts organization to be known as “CIRKA.” The name is an acronym for the “Collaborative Initiative to Revive Kankakee Arts.” Following the success of the inaugural festival, boasting approximately 2,000 attendees throughout the day, as well as the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic that adversely impacted the Kankakee area’s vibrant live music scene, it was clear to organizers that the community’s appetite to support local arts was high. “In addition to our love for the Kankakee area and its incredible music and arts scene, the formation of CIKRA was in response to the community’s outpouring of support at the Estival Festival.”
- Greg Peerbolte, Board Secretary.
Our Team
Neil Beeson
Neil Beeson was born and raised in Kankakee and is a graduate of Kankakee High School. He is a loving husband and father of three, and a lifelong supporter of the local music and arts scene. As a musician himself, Neil has a deep understanding of the challenges and passions artists face.
Neil is a founding member of CIRKA and of the band Beeso and Friends. He has played a key role in creating and developing CIRKA’s signature community events, including Estival Festival, Teen Talent Takeover, and April Grooves. His commitment to the arts extends beyond CIRKA through ongoing volunteer support for other nonprofit organizations and local festivals, including the Kankakee Merchant Street Festival and Shoe Fest.
Professionally, Neil is a longtime technician with AT&T. As President of CIRKA, he oversees organizational operations and works to ensure CIRKA remains responsive, accessible, and rooted in the community. He is deeply committed to continual learning and to helping Kankakee’s local arts scene grow and thrive.
Fun Fact:
Neil has a lifelong fascination with old ocean liners, airplanes, and all things related to World War II.
Board Member | President, CIRKA
Lee Anthony Dean Jr.
Lee was raised in Iroquois and Kankakee County and is a graduate of Clifton Central High School. He is a professional musician, sound and lighting technician, and recording engineer who has played in numerous bands throughout Kankakee and the surrounding areas, as well as recorded with several of them. Lee is passionate about original art and music and ensuring it is shared throughout the community.
Lee is a founding member of CIRKA and an engineer with 5Ks Productions. He also serves as the head of online streaming and sound engineering at his church. In addition to helping organize and host musical and arts events through CIRKA, he donates his time to support other nonprofit organizations and community initiatives.
As Vice President, Lee supports organizational leadership and event production, helping ensure CIRKA’s programming maintains high-quality sound, technical execution, and artistic integrity
Fun Fact:
Lee has performed at Ellis Island and has run sound and lighting for a member of the Grateful Dead.
Board Member | Vice President, CIRKA
Board Member | Registered Agent | Artist Relations | Production Assistant
Bill Richardson
Bill Richardson is a lifelong resident of Kankakee County and a professional musician, guitar technician, recording engineer, and former music instructor. He has played with and recorded alongside many artists throughout Kankakee County and the surrounding region and is deeply passionate about original music and amplifying local voices.
Bill has spent his entire life immersed in the music industry through his family’s guitar shop, Axes Music. Over nearly 20 years, he taught music, sold and repaired guitars, and recorded artists ranging from emerging musicians to Grammy nominees and winners.
Through his recording studio, Axes Music Group, Bill has contributed to recordings for Teen Talent Takeover winners and Estival Festival artists. In his role with CIRKA, he supports artist relations and production needs, helping ensure musicians are well-supported and events run smoothly. Bill has also been active in community service, volunteering alongside his mother through the United Way and Salvation Army.
Fun Fact:
Bill has performed across the United States and internationally, including in London and Vienna.
Board Member | Secretary | Community Programs & Youth Engagement CoordinatorT’Mocha Dean-Wilhite
T’Mocha was born in Chicago and raised in the Chebanse/Kankakee area. She is a 1998 graduate of Clifton Central High School. Along with her brother and fellow CIRKA Board Member, Lee A. Dean Jr., T’Mocha comes from a family tradition deeply rooted in the arts.
T’Mocha currently serves as Circulation Lead at the Kankakee Public Library and is the President of the Harvey, Illinois chapter of The Ladies of Xcitement S.C. Her professional and community leadership experience informs her work at CIRKA.
As Secretary, T’Mocha helps ensure CIRKA’s operations remain organized, timely, and effective. Additionally, she coordinates vendors for April Grooves, organizes the Teen Talent Takeover, and curates Estival Festival’s Kids Zone, playing a key role in creating engaging, inclusive experiences for families and youth.
Fun Fact:
T'Mocha has performed on stage at The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Board Member | Volunteer CoordinatorAren Michael
Aren was born and raised in the Kankakee area and is a 2002 graduate of Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School (BBCHS). He has been passionate about the arts since his youth, including participating in his school choir, and remains deeply committed to supporting the local arts community.
Aren is currently employed by a locally owned small business, KD Coffee & Tea Company, and is a pianist with over 25 years of experience. In addition to his work with CIRKA, he volunteers through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) in support of Shoe Fest, an annual music festival held at historic Camp Shaw-waw-nas-see in Manteno, Illinois.
As Board Member and Volunteer Coordinator, Aren organizes programs, supports local artists, and coordinates volunteer efforts that enrich Kankakee’s creative and cultural landscape.
Fun Fact:
Aren has appeared as a background extra in both television and film, including the 2014 major motion picture Divergent.
Board Member | Sr. Graphic Designer & AdvisorChris Bottari
Chris grew up in Herscher, where his early creative interests took shape through music. He formed a band with friends in rural Bonfield and performed locally between 2009 and 2011. Chris is a 2014 graduate of Olivet Nazarene University.
Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in Digital Media & Graphic Design and has worked as a professional designer for over a decade. His extensive experience across visual media informs his thoughtful, adaptable design approach.
Chris has volunteered as a designer for Estival Festival since its inception in 2021, contributing every year except 2024. He now supports a broader range of CIRKA initiatives, providing graphic design and advisory support that strengthens the organization’s visual identity and outreach.
Fun Fact:
Chris has a long-standing passion for languages and has spoken fluent German since teaching himself beginning at age 14.