Shows announced for 2026-27 season at Elgin’s Hemmens center
More than a dozen shows have been announced for the 2026-27 season at The Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin, kicking off in September.
“Our team has worked hard to build a season filled with unforgettable performances and unique experiences,” Amanda Harris, Elgin’s director of cultural arts and special events, said in a news release.
Tony Lentino, cultural arts and special events programming manager, said the season is a collaborative one for the city.
“We’re working with Gail Borden Public Library, Si Sabo Media and some great artists to make the Hemmens the first place you should think of when you’re looking for a night out,” Lentino said.
The season will offer an eclectic mix of acts, including comedy shows, tribute acts, ethnic music, hip-hop concerts, Christmas galas, an animal act and even a showing of the cult movie “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” with live music.
Film director/actor Kevin Smith, best known for such movies as “Clerks” and “Chasing Amy,” has already been announced as the season’s opening show. “An Evening with Kevin Smith,” in which he shares behind-the-scenes stories and answers audience questions, will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18.
The rest of the lineup includes:
“Hollywood Revisited”: Scenes from classic films are reenacted on stage, with the cast wearing the original costumes, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25.
“Juanga: The Eras Concert”: A tribute to Mexican music and LGBTQIA+ music icon Juan Gabriel at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27.
“MJ The Illusion”: A tribute to Michael Jackson at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show”: A screening of the campy cult horror-comedy as a live shadow cast performs along with the film at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30.
“Las Cafeteras Presents Hasta La Muerte”: A Día de los Muertos celebration at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1.
“A Boy Band Review Christmas”: A mix of holiday tunes and boy band hits performed live at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19.
“Thee Phantom and The Illharmonic Orchestra”: A concert mashup of hip-hop and symphonic music featuring an orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16.
“Bad Momz of Comedy”: A night of stand-up comics at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4.
The Seán Heely Celtic Band: A post-St. Patrick’s Day performance from an ensemble that plays traditional and contemporary Irish music at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 27.
“Classic Albums Live Performs The Eagles Greatest Hits”: A tribute act plays all the songs on one of the all-time bestselling albums in the order they appear on the record at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 23.
“Puppy Pals LIVE!”: A family-friendly show featuring rescue dogs that perform stunts and tricks at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 30.
Tickets for shows scheduled through Dec. 19 can be purchased online at hemmens.org/tickets, by calling (847) 931-5900 or by going to the Hemmens box office at 45 Symphony Way.
• Mike Danahey is a freelance reporter for The (Elgin) Courier-News.