JULMARKNAD (Christmas Market) in Bishop Hill, Illinois
2025-12-06 10:00 - 2025-12-07 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Bishop Hill, Illinois, Bishop Hill, 61419, United States
Swedish Traditions Come Alive in Bishop Hill, Illinois for Julmarknad (Christmas Market)
Visit shops and museums decorated for a Swedish
Christmas. Encounter Swedish folk characters roaming
the village. Experience unique holiday Swedish foods,
music, gifts and much more. For more details, email
bhha@mymctc.net or call 309 927-3899.
Sponsored By:
Bishop Hill Heritage Association, Illinois Art Council, Community State Bank, and Barbro Osher Pro Suecia F o u n d a t i o n

Kongero Folk Music Singing Workshop
2025-12-06 13:00 - 14:30 | Bishop Hill Dairy Building, 410 North Erickson St, Bishop Hill, 61419, United States
Swedish Vocal Folk Music Workshop in Bishop Hill!
Renowned Swedish vocal ensemble, Kongero, will teach a variety of Swedish folk songs
and tunes in 2- to 4-part harmony – all by ear, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Dairy Building in historic Bishop Hill, IL on Saturday December 6, 2025.
Kongero works and experiments with genre specific sounds, grooves, articulation, improvisation, and ornaments, in what they term folk’apella. The participants will get tips and feed-back on vocal technique, intonation, tools for improving their singing together, basic arranging ideas, and we always have a lovely and fun time singing. The four Kongero singers are all skilled and experienced workshop leaders. Kongero has released two Song Books with the songs and arrangements they teach in workshop settings. All levels and ages of singers are welcome to this free workshop! Song books will be available for sale at the workshop, but are not necessary for participation.
Kongero is a Swedish vocal group consisting of the four female folk singers Lotta Andersson, Emma Björling, Sofia Hultqvist Kott and Anna Wikénius. Kongero was formed in 2005 when the original members all attended a Nordic folk music conference. By chance they started singing together and found that their voices and harmonies blended perfectly. Since then they have performed at many of the major folk music scenes and festivals and at several a cappella and chamber music festivals as well as doing tours all over Europe, Asia and The Americas. They also do church concerts, school concerts, tours, perform at business events, and conduct well-received workshops in traditional Swedish vocal music and vocal harmonies.
After the workshop at the Dairy Building, Kongero will also be performing a concert later the night at the Bishop Hill Creative Commons at 7 p.m.
Reservations are not required for the workshop. The Dairy Building is located at 410 North Erickson Street.
For more information about this free workshop, please call 309-927-3899 or email bhha@mymctc.net. Sponsored by the BHHA, Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, and SWEA-Chicago.

World-Renowned Swedish Vocal Quartet Kongero
2025-12-06 18:00 - 21:00 | Bishop Hill Creative Commons, 309 N. Bishop Hill St, Bishop Hill, IL, 61434, United States
World-Renowned Swedish Vocal Quartet Kongero to Perform at Bishop Hill Creative Commons
BISHOP HILL, Illinois—Crossroads Cultural Connections is thrilled to welcome internationally acclaimed Swedish vocal ensemble Kongero for a rare Midwest performance on Saturday, December 6. The evening begins with an optional community potluck at 6:00 PM, followed by the concert at 7:00 PM. This all-ages event is open to the public, with a suggested donation of $20–30, all of which goes directly to the artists.
Kongero is a world-touring Folk’appella quartet known for its breathtaking blend of traditional Swedish folk music, intricate vocal polyphony, and contemporary artistic expression. Their concerts transport listeners into a sonic landscape that is at once ancient and modern—an immersive Scandinavian folk experience marked by tight harmonies, rhythmic vitality, and pure, luminous voices.
Formed in 2005, Kongero has spent nearly two decades pushing artistic boundaries across folk, world, a cappella, and chamber music. They have released six full-length albums—including their highly praised 2021 live recording Live in Longueuil—and have toured extensively throughout Europe, Asia, The Americas, and the Caribbean. The group has showcased at major international events such as Folk Alliance International, Nordic Folk Alliance, Bourse Rideau, and Global Music Match.
In addition to performing, Kongero is deeply committed to cultural exchange. They lead workshops, master classes, and educational programs around the world, sharing their expertise in traditional Swedish vocal styles and harmony singing. Their teaching materials have been published in three Song Books used by choirs and vocal ensembles globally. Before the concert, at 2PM at the Dairy Building, the group will offer a free vocal workshop. It will last approximately one hour.
The quartet—Lotta Andersson, Emma Björling, Sofia Hultqvist Kott, and Anna Wikénius—is celebrated for its ability to bring old melodies into the present, weaving stories of love, landscape, humor, and history with technical precision and irresistible charm.
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to experience one of Sweden’s most acclaimed vocal groups in an intimate, resonant setting.
Bishop Hill Creative Commons invites longtime fans and newcomers alike to experience an evening of exceptional original music in an intimate, community-centered setting.

LUCIA NIGHTS (Festival of Lights) in Bishop Hill, Illinois
2025-12-12 18:00 - 21:00 | Bishop Hill, Illinois, Bishop Hill, 61419, United States
Swedish Traditions Come Alive in Bishop Hill, Illinois for LUCIA NIGHTS (Festival of Lights)
Experience a unique Swedish holiday. Luminaries line
the sidewalks and candles are in every window, as free
live music is performed at several locations. As you
visit the shops and museums, Lucia girls will serve you
drinks and sweets. All Bishop Hill businesses will be
open for this special event. For more details, email
bhha@mymctc.net or call 309 927-3899.
Chili/Soup Supper at Methodist Church.
Sponsored By:
Bishop Hill Heritage Association, Illinois Art Council, Community State Bank, and Barbro Osher Pro Suecia F o u n d a t i o n

LUCIA NIGHTS (Festival of Lights) in Bishop Hill, Illinois
2025-12-13 18:00 - 21:00 | Bishop Hill, Illinois, Bishop Hill, 61419, United States
Swedish Traditions Come Alive in Bishop Hill, Illinois for LUCIA NIGHTS (Festival of Lights)
Experience a unique Swedish holiday. Luminaries line
the sidewalks and candles are in every window, as free
live music is performed at several locations. As you
visit the shops and museums, Lucia girls will serve you
drinks and sweets. All Bishop Hill businesses will be
open for this special event.
Chili/Soup Supper at Methodist Church, and a barn dance at the Colony School.
For more details, email
bhha@mymctc.net or call 309 927-3899.
Sponsored By:
Bishop Hill Heritage Association, Illinois Art Council, Community State Bank, and Barbro Osher Pro Suecia F o u n d a t i o n

Uncle Tom’s Christmas Family Reunion
2025-12-19 18:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-20 18:30 - 21:30 | Midland Golf Club, 3536 Midland Rd., Kewanee, IL, 61443, United States
This interactive comedy drops guests right in the middle of Uncle Tom’s uproarious household, where eccentric relatives, awkward conversations, questionable decisions, and plenty of audience participation create a night of unpredictable fun. It’s part family gathering, part holiday meltdown, part comedy free-for-all—and entirely unforgettable.

“I am beyond thrilled to share this Tomfoolery with our family members; family secrets will be revealed and we’ll play all of the traditional-sort-of-Christmas games,” says Mr. Akers.
This annual dinner theatre night serves as a major fundraiser for Crossroads Cultural Connections, whose mission is to elevate Henry County and surrounding communities socially, culturally, and economically through live music and cultural experiences. Thanks to two consecutive years of sold-out shows—yes, even the fire marshal knows us now—we’re expanding to two nights this year.
Event Details:
Dates: Friday, December 19 and Saturday, December 20
Location: Midland Golf Club, Kewanee, Illinois
Doors Open: 6:30 PM
Dinner/Show Start: 7:00 PM
Guests will enjoy a hearty and delicious meal featuring pulled pork, cheesy potatoes, salad, and dessert, followed by the interactive comedy performance. The show’s eccentric cast delivers a warm, wild, and wonderfully dysfunctional holiday celebration combination of the Waltons and the Griswolds family Christmases filled with surprise moments throughout the evening. The production also features musical entertainment by the one and only Lewis Knudsen.

“I’ve scoured the family albums and have assembled a cast of family members, all of which are possibly awaiting trial or just released on parole, who are sure to remind you of the Swiss Family Robinson, or the Kranks! Come and join the family while supporting a great cause!. Please leave all expensive jewelry at home. Uncle Tom is not responsible for any “lost” or stolen items.”, says director Akers.
Tickets:
$25 – Dinner & Show
$10 – Show Only
Available at xroadscc.org/events
Dinner reservations are required by December 15th.
We can’t guarantee there won’t be a food fight in the show…but we can guarantee you’ll have your own plate if you reserve on time.
This PG-13 production contains comedic mischief, light-hearted family dysfunction, and plenty of opportunities for guests to join in the fun.
Come hungry, come ready to laugh, and you just might become part of the family!

Pioneering Female Paleontologists
2026-01-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Cambride Public Library, 212 W. Center Street, Cambridge, IL
The Cambridge Natural History Museum invites the public to join Anderson Taylor, curator of the museum, for an engaging and educational presentation entitled “The Lives and Discoveries of Famous Female Paleontologists.” The event will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM in the basement of the Cambridge Public Library, located at 212 W. Center Street.
This presentation will explore the lives and groundbreaking contributions of renowned female paleontologists, including Mary Anning, Mary Ann Mantell, and Sue Hendrickson, whose discoveries helped shape modern understanding of prehistoric life. Through storytelling and historical context, attendees will gain insight into the challenges these women faced and the lasting impact of their work.
The program is supported by an Activate History microgrant from Illinois Humanities, underscoring its importance in preserving and sharing vital historical narratives.
Following the presentation, curator Anderson Taylor will open the Cambridge Natural History Museum, located at 132 W. Center Street, for a guided group visit. Attendees are invited to walk over together for a full museum tour. The museum features an impressive collection of fossils, minerals, and Native American artifacts, offering visitors an immersive journey through natural history.
Light refreshments will be served, and the event is free and open to the public. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to attend.
Event Details
What: Presentation and Exhibit Opening – “The Lives and Discoveries of Famous Female Paleontologists”
When: Saturday, January 10, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Where: Cambridge Public Library, 212 W. Center Street, Cambridge, IL
Presenter: Anderson Taylor, Cambridge Natural History Museum Curator
Cost: Free and open to the public
For more information, please contact the Cambridge Natural History Museum at (309) 704-0110, email cambridgenaturalhistory@gmail.com, or visit the museum’s Facebook page.

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About the Cambridge Natural History Museum
The Cambridge Natural History Museum is dedicated to inspiring curiosity and fostering education through its diverse collections of fossils, minerals, and Native American artifacts. Led by curator Anderson Taylor, the museum offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the natural world and its rich history.

Award Winning Blues Artists Coming to Bishop Hill
2026-01-11 18:00 - 21:00 | Bishop Hill Creative Commons, 309 N. Bishop Hill St, Bishop Hill, IL, 61434, United States
Bishop Hill Creative Commons is excited to welcome award-winning blues rock artist Amanda Fish with opening act Jerm Theory for an electrifying night of live music on Sunday, January 11. The evening will begin with an optional potluck dinner at 6:00 PM (guests are invited to bring a dish to share), followed by the concert at 7:00 PM. This is an all-ages show, with a suggested donation of $20–30, with all proceeds going directly to the artists.
Born and raised in the rich musical landscape of Kansas City, Amanda Fish has built a powerful reputation for her fearless blend of blues rock and Americana, driven by impassioned vocals, swampy guitar work, and a groove-heavy rhythm section. Since forming her band in 2014, Fish has released a string of acclaimed albums on the Vizztone Label Group, quickly establishing herself as one of the most compelling voices in modern blues.
Her debut album Down In The Dirt earned her the 2016 Sean Costello Rising Star Blues Blast Music Award, followed by her sophomore release Free, which won the 2019 Blues Music Award for Best Emerging Artist Album and debuted at #6 on the Billboard Blues Chart. Fish’s most recent album, Kingdom (2024), has been described as “a journey of faith, redemption, and hope against a backdrop of chaos and upheaval.” The record reached #1 on the Roots Music Report Blues Rock chart, with four singles charting simultaneously in the Top 20, including “Mockingbird,” which hit #1 on SiriusXM Bluesville’s Rack of Blues Countdown for two consecutive weeks.
Amanda Fish has toured extensively across the U.S. and Canada, performing at legendary venues such as Buddy Guy’s Legends, Ground Zero Blues Club, and Knuckleheads, as well as major festivals nationwide. She currently resides in Nashville and is touring in support of Kingdom.
Opening the evening is Jerm Theory, whose blues-rock sound and high-energy performances have been earning a growing regional following.
Bishop Hill Creative Commons invites music lovers to kick off the new year with a night of soulful, high-powered blues rock in an intimate, community-centered setting.
For tickets and more information please visit xroadscc.org.

Dallahan Returns to the U.S. for First Tour in a Decade
2026-01-16 18:00 - 21:00 | Bishop Hill Creative Commons, 309 N. Bishop Hill St, Bishop Hill, IL, 61434, United States
Bishop Hill Creative Commons is proud to present Dallahan in concert on Friday, January 16th, marking the band’s first U.S. tour in ten years. The evening will begin with an optional community potluck dinner at 6:00 PM (bring a dish to share if you’d like to join), followed by the concert at 7:00 PM. This is an all-ages show, with a suggested donation of $20–30, all of which goes directly to the artists.
Forged out of the traditional music scenes of Scotland and Ireland, Dallahan have spent more than a decade carving out a bold, genre-defying sound influenced by the Balkans, North America, and beyond. Their music blends deep traditional roots with restless creativity, resulting in a live show known for its stunning virtuosity, dynamic arrangements, and global perspective.
The band—Jack Badcock (guitar, vocals), Ciaran Ryan (banjo), Andrew Waite (accordion), and Benedict Morris (fiddle)—burst onto the international stage with their 2014 debut When The Day Is On The Turn, hailed by fRoots as “the most exciting Irish music I’ve heard in a long time… Lúnasa for the new generation.” What followed was extensive touring across Europe, North America, and beyond, with appearances at major festivals including Celtic Connections (Scotland), Milwaukee Irish Fest (USA), Woodford Folk Festival (Australia), and many more.
Dallahan quickly earned critical acclaim, receiving the Emerging Excellence Award from Help Musicians UK and multiple Album of the Year nominations at the Scots Trad Music Awards. Their follow-up releases—Matter of Time (2016), Smallworld (2019), and Speak of the Devil (2023)—document a band continually evolving while remaining grounded in tradition. Along the way, they’ve performed in 25 countries, collaborated with artists ranging from Dougie MacLean to the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and built a devoted international following.
Now, after a decade away from U.S. stages, Dallahan returns with a sound that is seasoned, adventurous, and unmistakably their own. This concert offers a rare opportunity to experience one of the most compelling contemporary folk bands in the world—up close, in an intimate setting.
Event Details:
📍 Bishop Hill Creative Commons, Bishop Hill, IL
🗓 Friday, January 16
🍽 Optional Potluck/Social Hour: 6:00 PM
🎶 Concert: 7:00 PM
💵 Suggested Donation: $20–30
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All Ages Welcome
For tickets and more information please visit xroadscc.org.

Christine Tassan et les Imposteures In Concert
2026-01-26 18:00 - 21:00 | Bishop Hill Creative Commons, 309 N. Bishop Hill St, Bishop Hill, IL, 61434, United States
With more than twenty years of touring and recording, Christine Tassan et les Imposteures have carved out a distinctive place on the international music scene with their vibrant blend of Gypsy jazz, inventive arrangements, and reimagined cover songs. Led by guitarist Christine Tassan, the quartet has been widely recognized as pioneers—particularly as women forging space in a genre long dominated by men—and as early contributors to the gypsy jazz wave that swept across Québec.
From classic standards to original compositions, the Imposteures continually reinvent this timeless style, integrating fresh ideas and influences with unmistakable originality and flair. Their music is playful yet virtuosic, honoring tradition while leaving ample room for creativity and improvisation from four highly accomplished musicians.
Audiences can expect an evening filled with swinging rhythms, sparkling guitar work, and joyful ensemble interplay—music that is both deeply rooted and refreshingly modern. Presented in the intimate, community-centered setting of Bishop Hill Creative Commons, this concert offers a rare opportunity to experience one of Canada’s most celebrated gypsy jazz ensembles up close.
Event Details:
📍 Bishop Hill Creative Commons, Bishop Hill, IL
🗓 Monday, January 26
🍽 Optional Potluck: 6:00 PM
🎶 Concert: 7:00 PM
💵 Suggested Donation: $20–30
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All Ages Welcome

For tickets and more information please visit xroadscc.org.

Chloe Kimes to Perform in Bishop Hill
2026-01-28 18:00 - 21:00 | Bishop Hill Creative Commons, 309 N. Bishop Hill St, Bishop Hill, IL, 61434, United States
Crossroads Cultural Connections is pleased to present Chloe Kimes in concert at Bishop Hill Creative Commons on Wednesday, January 28. The evening will begin with an optional potluck dinner at 6:00 PM (guests are welcome to bring a dish to share), followed by the concert at 7:00 PM. This is an all-ages show, with a suggested donation of $20–30, all of which supports the artist.
Chloe Kimes has quickly become one of the most compelling new voices in contemporary folk and alt-country. Her rise reached a turning point after a live performance of her song “Coors Light” at WDVX’s Blue Plate Special in Knoxville went viral, amassing more than 4 million views across social media in just one week. Responding to overwhelming demand, Kimes moved swiftly—recording the studio version at RCA Studio A with producer Phillip Smith and releasing the single within weeks of its online debut.
Rooted in the songwriting traditions of John Prine, John Hartford, and Tom T. Hall, “Coors Light” radiates joy, gratitude, and authenticity. Driven by a ripping mandolin and a classic country lineup—pedal steel, upright bass, acoustic guitar, and drums—the song has drawn in countless new listeners, many commenting, “I never liked country music until I heard this.”
Born and raised along the lakeshores of northern Michigan, Kimes grew up immersed in folk festivals, family harmonies, and rural back roads. She built a devoted following by touring small Michigan towns from the age of fourteen before relocating to Nashville in 2016 to pursue her career full time. Since then, she has emerged as a defining voice of a new generation of folk-singing troubadours—pairing an old-soul approach to storytelling with the energy of a modern alt-country band.
Kimes released her self-titled debut album in 2022 to wide acclaim, earning comparisons to Lucinda Williams, a spot on NPR Music’s Top 10 Nashville Artists on the Rise, and Listener’s Choice Album of the Year honors from WYCE Radio’s Jammie Awards. Following in the footsteps of fellow Michigan-to-Nashville artists, she continues to forge a powerful, genre-bridging sound that is resonating with audiences nationwide.
Bishop Hill Creative Commons invites the community to experience Chloe Kimes’ powerful songwriting and dynamic live performance in an intimate setting that emphasizes connection, listening, and shared experience.
Event Details:
📍 Bishop Hill Creative Commons, Bishop Hill, IL
🗓 Wednesday, January 28
🍽 Optional Potluck: 6:00 PM
🎶 Concert: 7:00 PM
💵 Suggested Donation: $20–30
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All Ages Welcome

For tickets and more information please visit xroadscc.org.

Chloe Hoecker coming to Bishop Hill
2026-02-05 18:00 - 21:00 | Bishop Hill Creative Commons, 309 N. Bishop Hill St, Bishop Hill, IL, 61434, United States
Crossroads Cultural Connections is pleased to present Chloe Hoecker in concert at Bishop Hill Creative Commons on Thursday, February 5. The evening will begin with an optional potluck dinner at 6:00 PM, followed by the concert at 7:00 PM. This is an all-ages show, with a suggested donation of $20–30.
Often referred to as “Missouri’s Country Sweetheart,” Chloe Hoecker brings together hardworking grit, honest songwriting, and powerful vocals with a warm, engaging stage presence. A seasoned performer since the age of ten, Hoecker has played hundreds of acoustic country shows throughout Missouri, earning a reputation for energetic performances and a voice that balances sweetness with just the right amount of sass.
Before entering her twenties, Hoecker began focusing deeply on songwriting—crafting lyrics and melodies that are intensely personal yet widely relatable. Her music explores a wide emotional range, inviting listeners to feel everything from nostalgia and pride to pain and quiet reflection. While she doesn’t confine herself to a single sub-genre of country music, her commitment is clear: to create and perform original songs that make both her and her audience feel something.
Currently splitting time between the stage and studio sessions in Nashville, Hoecker released four singles in 2025 and is preparing to unveil her debut EP in early 2026. And while her sound continues to evolve, two things remain constant: she’s never afraid to speak her mind (politely, of course), and there’s always a fiddle somewhere in the mix.
This concert offers a chance to catch a rising country songwriter in an intimate setting, connecting directly with the stories and songs that are quickly earning her fans across the Midwest and beyond.
Event Details:
📍 Bishop Hill Creative Commons, Bishop Hill, IL
🗓 Thursday, February 5
🍽 Optional Potluck: 6:00 PM
🎶 Concert: 7:00 PM
💵 Suggested Donation: $20–30
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All Ages Welcome
For tickets and more information please visit xroadscc.org.

Irene’s Entropy and The Identity Project coming to Bishop Hill
2026-02-08 14:00 - 17:00 | Bishop Hill Creative Commons, 309 N. Bishop Hill St, Bishop Hill, IL, 61434, United States
Crossroads Cultural Connections is honored to present Irene’s Entropy in concert on Sunday, February 8 at Bishop Hill Creative Commons. This special early afternoon show will begin with an optional potluck dinner at 2:00 PM (bring a dish to share if you’d like), followed by the concert at 3:00 PM, allowing guests plenty of time to make it home for the Super Bowl. The event is all-ages, with a suggested donation of $20–30.
This gathering will also serve as a time to honor and celebrate the life of Dave Cygan, a beloved member of the community who passed away last April. Friends, family, and community members are invited to come together in remembrance, reflection, and shared experience through music and art.
Irene’s Entropy is more than a concert—it is a cultural experience that blends music, storytelling, philosophy, and community. Irene is a singer-songwriter and storyteller whose work is shaped by resilience, transformation, and a deep curiosity about how people navigate change. With a background in engineering and a life marked by profound personal growth, she brings a unique blend of analytical insight and emotional depth to her performances.
Her music unfolds as theatrical storytelling drawn from lived experience, crossing genres and instruments while inviting listeners into moments of reflection and connection. Beyond the stage, Irene leads creative ventures such as Door Walker Coffee and Golf with Irene, each rooted in the idea of courageously walking through life’s transitions.
At this event, Irene will also display selections from her Identity Project, a powerful visual and written art installation created from responses to three questions posed to her audience:

What was your identity before your trauma experience?
What did you like or not like about that identity?
What is your identity now?

These deeply personal responses have been transformed into artwork, offering an additional layer of reflection and community dialogue alongside the music.
Currently focused on cultural advocacy, Irene uses her art and platform to counter division and promote emotional intelligence, communication, and belief in one another. With more than half a million supporters online, she has become a compelling voice for unity during a time of fragmentation.
This afternoon gathering promises to be meaningful, reflective, and connective—an opportunity to honor a life, share stories, and experience art as a communal act.
Event Details:
📍 Bishop Hill Creative Commons, Bishop Hill, IL
🗓 Sunday, February 8
🍽 Optional Potluck: 2:00 PM
🎶 Concert: 3:00 PM
💵 Suggested Donation: $20–30
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All Ages Welcome

Free Digital Literacy Course
2026-02-10 14:00 - 16:00 | Galva City Hall, 311 NW 4th Ave, Galva, 61434, United States
The American Job Center will provide a free digital literacy class at 2pm February 10, 2026 at Galva City Hall, 311 NW 4th Ave.
In this class, you will learn the following:
How to access the internet, how to use a mouse, how to search the internet safely, how to create and use email effectively, and how to navigate the file system.
