Okay, we’re going out on a rare Friday night to the bar at Casa de Arte. But there’s much more than just hanging out at the bar happening there tonight.

There’s also art on display and live music happening. And if you just keep on scrolling, it will all be revealed to you as precious time ticks by as you look at this post.

Tick…tick…tick…

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Bar Number 127: Casa de Arte, Friday, October 2, 2026

Here we are at the impressive building that houses Casa de Arte. Art, tequila and tacos…who could ask for anything more?

Casa de Arte features the work of a local artist the First Friday of every month. Keep on scrolling to see this month’s featured artist!

The dining room is straight ahead, but we’ll be taking a left and traveling over to…

The bar!

They have a really nice bar in here and there’s plenty of seats available. Let’s snag one and get our first drink of the evening.

There’s Maria serving me up a margarita with a beautiful smile. We’re off to a fantastic start in here!

Arturo, who owns Casa de Arte with his wife and business partner, Carla stopped by and said hi. He said business has been great and that’s wonderful to hear.

Nice to know the community is supporting a family owned business like this!

There’s the back of this well-stocked bar. And if you look closely at that top photo, you can see an obligatory mirror shot happening. I love it when that happens!

Here’s the bar from both sides now. Yeah, Joni Mitchell inspired these shots.

There’s tables directly opposite the bar to drink and dine at.

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Frist Friday Featured Artist: Martin Mitchell

Martin Mitchell is the First Friday featured artist and his art will be on display for the entire month of October. It can also be purchased if you’d like to invest in some beautiful locally made art.

Martin was seated nearby enjoying dinner with family and friends, so of course I had to go and interrupt the festivities by asking for a photo!

There’s Martin and it was wonderful to meet and chat with him.

This month’s show features Martin’s paintings and metal sculptures. Let’s go and take a look at them.

I ablsolutely love that Sky Harbor painting!

This art is so original and incredible and you should really stop by and check it out this month!

They have a nice large patio in the back with tables and chairs. And tonight there’s live music out here!

I ran into James who’s a local musician and you can follow his band, Banjovi, Hawkins and Anne right here.

Linda and Sarah were seated nearby and here’s both of them looking beautiful for the MBIP Camera!

Okay, I think it’s just about showtime here at Casa de Arte!

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Live Music By Bruce Burton

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the musical star of the evening…

Bruce Burton!

Bruce is one of the hardest working musicians in Central Illinois! He’s in not one but two bands, Still Shine and the Roundstone Buskers.

Tonight he’s playing a rare solo gig and he sounds fantastic!

Bruce played a fabulous set of cover songs and original tunes. The crowd loved him and it was a very entertaining evening of live music.

Thanks to Bruce for the wonderful music, to Martin for his fabulous artwork and to Casa de Arte for putting this all together and for supporting local art and music!

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