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Try out these upcoming programs at the DeKalb Public Library, generously shared with the Hinckley community:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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After-Hours Concert: Pangelic Performance

June 5, 2026, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

The Pangelic steelpan and harp duo will perform an eclectic program consisting of musical styles from around the world; these will include classical, calypso, choro, bossa nova, and jazz standards. The duo will be joined by 18-year-old multi-instrumentalist Jaden Teague-Nunez, who will provide rhythmic accompaniment on the cajón—a box-shaped Afro-Peruvian percussion instrument.

Liam Teague is Professor of Music and Director of Steelpan Studies at Northern Illinois University (NIU) and leads the renowned NIU Steelband. He is the recipient of an NIU Board of Trustees Professorship Award (2022); Presidential Research, Scholarship and Artistry Professor Award (2018); and an Illinois Arts Council Artist Fellowship Award (2023).

Hailed as the "Paganini of the Steelpan”, he has received several honors from Trinidad and Tobago, his country of birth, including the Hummingbird National Award (Silver), the Ansa McAl Caribbean Award for Excellence, and the Keys to the City of San Fernando. In 2024, the Fox Valley Orchestra honored Teague with its Champion of the Arts award.

Faye Seeman is established as one of the most versatile harpists in the Midwest. As principal harpist of the innovative and cutting-edge Chicago Sinfonietta Orchestra, she has worked with musical talents of all styles from around the world. An adventurous spirit at heart, she began collaborating with steel pan virtuoso Liam Teague, forming the unique Pangelic duo. Together the pair have performed recitals and master classes in the Midwest, such as the Birch Creek Music Festival, Northern Illinois University faculty recital series, and the Harper College Concert series, to name a few.

Jaden Teague-Núñez is 18 years old and was born in Panama City, Panama. The son of Trinidadian and Panamanian parents, he began studying steelpan and piano at age 8 and 10, respectively. He became the first steelpan soloist in the world to perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra after winning the CSO’s Crain-Maling Foundation Young Artists Competition in 2024. In 2025, he was named YoungArts Winner with Distinction (classical percussion) by the National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists. 

A selection of charcuterie from Class VI Wine Bar in DeKalb will also be available. Samples available while supplies last.

This concert is free and open to all. Doors will open at 6:00 and music will begin at 6:30 p.m. No registration is required.

For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.

 

In Time: A Live History Experience

June 13, 2026, 10:00am - 4:00pm

The library is alive with characters from the past! These legendary Illinois personalities have emerged from different eras of history, appearing as "living exhibits" drawn together by a mysterious force. A hidden mystery threatens to erase their entire family histories and legacies from existence—unless you can help them.

Combining elements of immersive theatre, escape rooms, and high-stakes quests, In Time turns you into a participant in history. As you explore the library, you will solve logic puzzles, find hidden clues, and complete tasks that assess your skills. The stories and characters appear in real time as they go about their day. Spend time with each figure to learn their unique stories and decide which paths to follow.

You may meet Wild Bill Hikock, Ulysses S. Grant, Ernest Hemingway, Amelia Earhart, or others!

This program runs from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and takes about one hour to complete. Missions will start every 15 minutes, with the final slot beginning at 3:00 p.m.

Please register on our website now for a time slot. Drop-ins are welcome if we can accommodate. All ages are welcome.

During the event, free flavored iced lattes will be available from The Greenhouse in Sycamore. Sample their blueberry crumble and banana bread lattes while you complete your group’s mission! Beverages available while supplies last.

For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.

 

The Big Balloonosaur Adventure

June 25, 2026, 10:00am - 10:45am, 11:30am - 12:15pm, & 1:00pm - 1:45pm

This summer, Smarty Pants takes audiences back to the age of dinosaurs with the Big Balloonosaur Adventure!  Called “simply amazing” by WGN-TV, this hilarious balloon stage show features magic, comedy for all ages, and Smarty’s award-winning, world’s biggest balloon props, plus more dinosaurs than you’ve ever seen at the library!

We’ll meet baby dinosaurs, giant dinosaurs, chickens that want to be dinosaurs, and even the world’s largest dinosaur egg (it’s over eight feet tall!)

Smarty Pants’ eye-popping, larger than life balloon creations will have the entire family exclaiming, “I never believed it was possible to do such things with balloons!”

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the DeKalb Public Library. It is free and open to families. No registration is required.

For more information, please contact Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.

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