Celebrate the grand finale of Summer Music Fest with an uplifting concert showcasing our community choir, instrumental ensemble, and talented student performers. This inspiring event brings together voices, instruments, and hearts in a vibrant display of creativity, collaboration, and community spirit.

IN COLLABORATION WITH THE STREATOR PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Streator Public Library hosts their Summer Reading Kick-off Party!

Join us for a morning of musical adventures designed especially for PreK through 4th grade students! Led by the energetic and engaging Poco a Poco faculty, this interactive program invites young learners to explore the magic of music through hands-on activities, movement, and rhythm games.

It’s the perfect opportunity to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire a lifelong love of music - all while having tons of fun! Bring your friends and join us for a joyful start to your day.

This event is free and open to the public.

We’re trying something NEW in 2026, and we’re excited to have you join us!

This year’s Jam Session will begin with three mini concerts representing different genres, with short demos. Afterwards, all interested musicians will be broken up into small group sessions, depending on instrument and skill level to prep 2-3 pieces for an all group Jam.

Advanced musicians will continue the Jam for the remainder of the evening. This is a casual and low-pressure way to meet musicians in your area and learn something new. Everyone is welcome, whether you plan to participate, request a song, or simply sit and relax.

Bring your instrument or your voice! Let us know you’re coming by signing up below, so we can ensure we have enough skilled leaders.

As always, this event is free and open to the public.

Calling all Poco a Poco Alums! Former young artists from 2017 through 2025, we warmly invite you to join us in singing two selections to be presented at the Saturday Community Concert.

Light supper provided. Take time to reconnect with Poco faculty and peers, and make music again in our beautiful festival home.

Dr. Carlton Monroe, conductor.

Join us for a short interactive lecture by Dr. Carlton Monroe about singing in German, followed by a fun Mini Concert & Demonstration.

Participants will learn about how to pronounce German words and tips for singing in that language. Then you will get to see these tips come to life in a Mini Concert of German music featuring Poco a Poco faculty.

TIMEFRAME:

2:00 PM - Interactive Lecture

2:30 PM - Mini Concert and Demonstration

This event is free and open to the public - all are welcome!

Love to sing? Join our Community Choir!

We’re inviting singers from Streator and beyond to raise their voices at our Community Choir Rehearsal on Monday, June 9 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM at Park Presbyterian Church. There’s an optional second rehearsal on Friday, June 12 from 1-2 pm, also at Park Presbyterian Church. Final rehearsal will take place Saturday, June 13 before our 3 PM performance at the Community Concert located at Streator Township High School.

This group is led by Streator native Dr. Shelbie Wahl-Fouts and provides a welcoming, multi-generational choir open to all levels and voice types.

No auditions and no fees required! You’ll enjoy a fun, diverse selection of music, and we’ll provide vocal rehearsal tracks to help you feel comfortable with your part. Come be a part of something truly special as we build community through song.

Registration is free and encouraged - just fill out our short form using the button below to stay connected and to let us know you’re coming!

Join us for a heartwarming evening celebrating the growth, talent, and creativity of our Poco a Poco Young Artists! The Student Showcase features solos and ensembles developed throughout their intensive week at Summer Fest, highlighting both their musical progress and passion.

As always, this event is free and open to the public—come support our incredible young performers and be inspired by the future of music!

Come listen to a fascinating guided lecture about the nature of sound by Poco a Poco Faculty, Dr. Joe Uthup.

Participants will learn about how humans perceive sounds and how we distinguish musical sounds from non-musical sounds. 

This event is free and open to the public - we hope to see you there!

More about Dr. Uthup: Originally from Kerala, India, Joe Uthup's musical journey began in Bloomington, Indiana, where he discovered his love for singing at a young age. Beginning as a boy soprano, he quickly gained recognition for his talent, performing solos at the Jacobs School of Music and appearing in productions like Bernstein’s The Mass and Verdi’s Falstaff. After earning his Doctor of Music degree at Indiana University, Joe focused his research on vocal pedagogy, music perception, and education. His dissertation, "The Acoustical Foundations of Bel Canto" aimed to bridge the gap between science and tradition in voice teaching. Now based in Evansville, Indiana, he shares his love for music at the University of Southern Indiana, teaching applied voice and directing the Chancel Choir at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Outside of his professional life, Joe enjoys composing music, writing poetry, and traveling with his wife, Gifty, an Audiologist at Deaconess Gateway Hospital, and their son, Asher.

Calling all instrumentalists—junior high and up! Whether you're dusting off your instrument or play regularly, you're invited to join our Community Instrumental Ensemble, open to all band and orchestral musicians regardless of experience level.

Led by Streator native and trumpeter Dr. Shelbie Wahl-Fouts, this ensemble is a fun, inclusive space to connect through music. We'll prepare across two rehearsals (Tues and Thurs) plus Saturday’s run-through before a featured performance at the Community Concert, the grand finale of our Summer Music Fest.

Participation is completely free, and music will be provided at the first rehearsal. Just bring your instrument and your enthusiasm!

Please fill out our short registration form to let us know you’re coming. This is a '“flex ensemble,” and we select pieces according to your instrument and level!

Get an inside look at the works composed by Poco a Poco’s Composer in Residence (And Streator Native!) Ellen Ruth Harrison.

Join us to hear some of Ellen’s music and learn more about Ellen’s work as a composer and compositional process.

This event is free and open to the public - you won’t want to miss this awesome insider look at the creative side of making new music.

More about Ellen: Harrison was “born and raised in Streator, Illinois, a place you know well. I played in the band, but my musical experiences began long before this. When I was very young, I visited my grandmother daily, and she played the piano for hours with me as her audience. As an added bonus, I got to eat cereal for lunch. Given the rather sheltered nature of my early upbringing, it is astounding for me to think of the paths my life has taken. My travels and studies have exposed me to many types of music and have inspired me to explore a variety of different approaches in my compositions. Extra-musical ideas often serve as a point of departure, but the best sources of inspiration are musicians like Kate Tombaugh, a singer of extraordinary warmth and beauty. I am honored to have her perform my songs in celebration of Kathy Tombaugh’s and Carlton Monroe’s contributions to Poco a Poco.”

Calling all Poco a Poco Alums! Former young artists from 2017 through 2025, we warmly invite you to join us in singing two selections to be presented at the Saturday Community Concert.

Light supper provided. Take time to reconnect with Poco faculty and peers, and make music again in our beautiful festival home.

Dr. Carlton Monroe, conductor.

Unwind with an afternoon of music, refreshments, and community at the beautifully restored Silver Fox - formerly the historic Masonic temple. This relaxed concert features eclectic, up-close performances by Poco a Poco’s talented Junior Faculty and emerging artists.

From memorable melodies to timeless favorites, the program offers a little something for everyone. While you’re there, enjoy the inviting atmosphere, meet our faculty, and learn more about the vibrant programs that power Poco a Poco’s Summer Music Fest.

This event is free and open to the public—we can’t wait to see you there!

Poco a Poco is excited to have Senior Faculty Dr. Janani Sridhar present her fascinating lecture “The Intersection of Hip Hop, Opera, and Social Injustice.”

Participants will learn about the history of Hip Hop and Opera, their signature musical elements, and how they are similar and can be used to serve our communities.

This event is FREE and OPEN to the public! As always, our programs are high-quality, interactive, and educational.

More About Dr. Sridhar: Raved as having the “loveliest of voices,” Singaporean soprano Janani Sridhar is well known for her interpretation of operatic heroines. Equally at home in concert repertoire, Dr. Sridhar’s orchestral engagements include collaborations with orchestras across America and Asia. A passionate proponent of contemporary music, Dr. Sridhar has premiered works by American and Singaporean composers, and has had the honor of working with composers Jake Heggie, Libby Larsen, Evan Mack, and Tom Cipullo. Sought after as a pedagogue, Dr. Sridhar’s previous faculty appointments include Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Centenary College of Louisiana.

She currently serves as the Voice Area Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Voice at DePauw University. Some of Dr. Sridhar’s recent season performances include: her return to Carnegie Hall as the soprano soloist in Mozart’s Requiem, Charpentier’s Te Deum with Manchester Symphony Orchestra, and Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors with Opera Today! 

Dr. Angelo L. Favis, guitarist, has performed across the United States and abroad. He has been the guitar professor at Illinois State University since 1994.

We’re excited for patrons to hear his mini pop-up concerts around businesses in downtown Streator, Illinois during Poco a Poco’s 10th annual Summer Music Fest celebration.

Good Morning, Good Day Cafe: As always, this event is FREE and open to the PUBLIC

Check out Good Morning, Good Day Cafe’s webpage —lots of great selections!

IN COLLABORATION WITH THE STREATOR PUBLIC LIBRARY

Join us for a morning of musical adventures designed especially for PreK through 4th grade students! Led by the energetic and engaging Poco a Poco faculty, this interactive program invites young learners to explore the magic of music through hands-on activities, movement, and rhythm games.

It’s the perfect opportunity to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire a lifelong love of music - all while having tons of fun! Bring your friends and join us for a joyful start to your day.

This event is free and open to the public.

TIMEFRAME:
9:30 - 10:00 AM Activities with the Streator Public Library staff
10:00 - 11:00 AM Music games and activities, led by Ellen Yedinak
11:00 - 11:30 AM Activities with the Streator Public Library staff

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music featuring the acclaimed faculty and guest artists of Poco a Poco’s 9th Annual Summer Music Fest. From timeless classics to fresh contemporary works, this concert showcases the incredible talent and passion that define our weeklong celebration.

Arrive early for a special roundtable discussion at 6:30 PM, where you’ll get an inside look at the music and artists behind the performance. Then settle in for a 7:00 PM powerful program that promises to uplift and inspire.

This event is free and open to the public - all are welcome!

Join us before the Faculty & Friends concerts for a Pre-Concert Roundtable Interview with soprano Dr. Janani Sridhar and pianist-conductor Jennifer Quammen McGuire. Hear more about their experiences as performing artists and ask those questions you’ve always wanted to ask about music, performance, and the professional world of music and performance!

This event is FREE and open to the public, and a great way to start a concert!

Calling all instrumentalists—junior high and up! Whether you're dusting off your instrument or play regularly, you're invited to join our Community Instrumental Ensemble, open to all band and orchestral musicians regardless of experience level.

Led by Streator native and trumpeter Dr. Shelbie Wahl-Fouts, this ensemble is a fun, inclusive space to connect through music. We'll prepare across two rehearsals (Tues and Thurs) plus Saturday’s run-through before a featured performance at the Community Concert, the grand finale of our Summer Music Fest.

Participation is completely free, and music will be provided at the first rehearsal. Just bring your instrument and your enthusiasm!

Please fill out our short registration form to let us know you’re coming. This is a '“flex ensemble,” and we select pieces according to your instrument and level!

Poco a Poco welcomes Kelly Anderson (PT, DPT, CLT), Physical Therapist at OSF, to present an interactive and informative session about Physical Therapy.

Participants will learn about physical therapy including the different patient populations that are treated and the different types of interventions that can be utilized.

Then they will learn how this relates to singing or playing an instrument.

This event is FREE and OPEN to the public! As always, our programs are high-quality, interactive, and educational.

More about Kelly: Ms. Anderson is a Physical Therapist at OSF Center for Health Streator. She received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Carroll University in Waukesha, WI. She began her career in Oklahoma, moved to South Carolina, and returned to her home state in 2017. She has been a Physical Therapist for 17 years, primarily working in the out-patient setting, treating a wide variety of diagnoses. She is a certified lymphedema therapist and has a special interest in treating Functional Neurological Disorders.

She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Functional Neurological Disorder Society serving on the Communications Committee as the Social Media Manager and on the Membership and Liaison Committee. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, spending time outdoors, going to music concerts, and going to live sporting events.

Dr. Angelo L. Favis, guitarist, has performed across the United States and abroad. He has been the guitar professor at Illinois State University since 1994.

We’re excited for patrons to hear his mini pop-up concerts around businesses in downtown Streator, Illinois during Poco a Poco’s 10th annual Summer Music Fest celebration.

More on Main: As always, this event is FREE and open to the PUBLIC

Check out More on Main’s webpage —lots of great food and drinks!

Start your day off right with a yoga session to shake the sleepiness and focus your energy!

We’re excited to have Poco a Poco Faculty Jennifer McGuire lead a relaxing morning session of yoga. Jennifer is a certified yoga instructor at the 500-hour level and loves to help others helping embrace their authentic selves and achieve their fullest potential.

Like all our events, this is free and open to the public—all are welcome!

-Some yoga mats and blocks will be available to borrow or feel free to bring your own!-

Love to sing? Join our Community Choir!

We’re inviting singers from Streator and beyond to raise their voices at our Community Choir Rehearsal on Monday, June 9 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM at Park Presbyterian Church. There’s an optional second rehearsal on Friday, June 12 from 1-2 pm, also at Park Presbyterian Church. Final rehearsal will take place Saturday, June 13 before our 3 PM performance at the Community Concert located at Streator Township High School.

This group is led by Streator native Dr. Shelbie Wahl-Fouts and provides a welcoming, multi-generational choir open to all levels and voice types.

No auditions and no fees required! You’ll enjoy a fun, diverse selection of music, and we’ll provide vocal rehearsal tracks to help you feel comfortable with your part. Come be a part of something truly special as we build community through song.

Registration is free and encouraged - just fill out our short form using the button below to stay connected and to let us know you’re coming!

Dr. Angelo L. Favis, guitarist, has performed across the United States and abroad. He has been the guitar professor at Illinois State University since 1994.

We’re excited for patrons to hear his mini pop-up concerts around businesses in downtown Streator, Illinois during Poco a Poco’s 10th annual Summer Music Fest celebration.

Midland States Bank Lobby: As always, this event is FREE and open to the PUBLIC!

Come hear the ‘festival scoop’ before everything picks up, and get a chance to see the place where it will all be happening! Home to our 8-day Summer Music Fest is the historic Park Presbyterian Church, complete with beautiful stained glass, lots of natural light, and the 1974 Casavant Pipe Organ.

Poco’s Executive Director and Founder Kate Tombaugh will guide you through the events of the following festival week and talk about training and programs. Bring your questions and curiosity!

Life-long pianist and organist Nancy Mueller, Streator native, will give a guided mini concert on the pipe organ.

Join Poco a Poco for a light breakfast and coffee to see and hear details about our 10th anniversary season of Summer Music Fest in Streator, Illinois. Connect with other locals making a difference in our area. Located near the Streator City Park at Park Presbyterian Church, host to Poco a Poco's training programs and the majority of its events.

Join us for an enchanting afternoon of music and art!

Immerse yourself in 90 minutes of live mini concerts, visual art displays, and a delightful selection of sampler desserts.

Tickets: $100 each – With 100% of proceeds directly supporting Poco a Poco!

Reserve your seat today: PURCHASE ONLINE HERE!
Prefer to reserve online, pay by mail HERE.

Seating is limited to ensure an intimate experience with the artists. Thanks to their generous contributions, every dollar raised supports Poco a Poco’s mission.

Don’t miss this special afternoon—secure your ticket today!

Celebrate the grand finale of Summer Music Fest with an uplifting concert showcasing our community choir, instrumental ensemble, and talented student performers. This inspiring event brings together voices, instruments, and hearts in a vibrant display of creativity, collaboration, and community spirit.

Join us for a fun and relaxed Jam Session, led by guitarist and guest artist Ascher Taylor-Schroeder! Fresh off his performance in our Poco Sampler Fundraiser Concert, Ascher brings his talent and energy to this collaborative event where everyone is welcome—whether you play an instrument, sing, or just enjoy listening to live music and jamming.

This casual, open-format session is perfect for musicians of all experience levels. Bring your instrument, your voice, or simply your love of music, and jump in! Connect with others, try something new, and enjoy the spontaneous joy of making music together.

As always, this event is free and open to the public. No registration needed—just show up and jam!

Calling all instrumentalists—junior high and up! Whether you're dusting off your instrument or play regularly, you're invited to join our Community Instrumental Ensemble, open to all band and orchestral musicians regardless of experience level.

Led by Streator native and trumpeter Dr. Shelbie Wahl-Fouts, this ensemble is a fun, inclusive space to connect through music. We'll rehearse together for two mornings in preparation for a featured performance at the Community Concert, the grand finale of our Summer Music Fest.

Participation is completely free, and music will be provided at the first rehearsal. Just bring your instrument and your enthusiasm!
Please fill out our short registration form so we can prepare for your participation—and reach out anytime with questions.

Calling all instrumentalists—junior high and up! Whether you're dusting off your instrument or play regularly, you're invited to join our Community Instrumental Ensemble, open to all band and orchestral musicians regardless of experience level.

Led by Streator native and trumpeter Dr. Shelbie Wahl-Fouts, this ensemble is a fun, inclusive space to connect through music. We'll rehearse together for two mornings in preparation for a featured performance at the Community Concert, the grand finale of our Summer Music Fest.

Participation is completely free, and music will be provided at the first rehearsal. Just bring your instrument and your enthusiasm!
Please fill out our short registration form to let us know you’re coming—and reach out anytime with questions.