Heartland HangOut
Sept 18th – 21st
Tickets are Live
« Welcome to a world where »
alien spaceships create sonic vibes
… Where Cows walk on water; And castle, camping & river vibes hangout. It’s a Handpan kind of weekend where all bodies are welcome to gather. We’re excited to host our Inaugural Heartland HangOut at Stronghold Castle Retreat Center, as it gifts a unique experience with access to a variety of accommodations for us to gather & grow handpan magic! Carve out the time & meet us in the middle of the USA, in the Heartland!
In the lineage of HangOutUK we aim to honor the spirit of community by making gatherings accessible. Thank you Rob & Kelly for the inspiration!
See you in Oregon, Illinois!
This year we’re beyond thrilled to invite some homegrown handpan heroes to join the Castle Crew. We’re looking forward to:
Another Day to the weekend festivities
More private accommodations!!
Deep dive immersive workshops with Dan Mulqueen & Peter Levitov!
Space is limited for the immersions!
2024 Heartlanders get first dibs!
« 2025 »
FLASHBACK TO
HEHO 2024
VIBES
« See
what’s
in store
« 2025 Weekend »
Line-Up
This year at HeHo we’re featuring some “homegrown” handpan heroes from across the states.
• Sarah Paz Hyde
• Sarah Paz Hyde
Performance • Workshop
• Peter LevitoV
• Peter LevitoV
Performance • Workshop • Deep Dive Intensive
• Dan Mulqueen
• Dan Mulqueen
Deep Dive Intensive and ?
• More Than Physics + Parker Horsch
• More Than Physics + Parker Horsch
Performance • Workshops
About the Artists
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More Than Physics is a melodic percussion-based duo from Fort Collins, Colorado, known for their captivating blend of intricate rhythms and compelling melodies. With over 14 years of collaborative performance, Clint and Jonathan bring a dynamic chemistry to the stage, creating immersive musical experiences that go far beyond traditional percussion.
Specializing in composed, percussion-driven pieces—often featuring handpans and other melodic instruments—More Than Physics bridges the worlds of rhythm and melody with innovation and emotional depth. Their performances are a fluid expression of connection, musicality, and energy that consistently leave audiences spellbound.
They’ve brought their sound to festivals and gatherings such as FOCOMX (Fort Collins Music Experiment), Arise Music Festival, Pantasia Handpan Gathering, and Steel Mountain Gathering. Their live performances have also graced stages at The Mishawaka Amphitheatre, The Lincoln Center, and the Otterbox Digital Dome Theatre at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, among many other venues across Colorado’s Front Range.
Beyond the stage, More Than Physics has cultivated a deep connection with their community through unique offerings like monthly live music and yoga classes, as well as sound journeys at Old Town Yoga. They’ve also been featured on NPR Live Sessions, further showcasing their innovative approach to modern percussion.
With roots in diverse musical backgrounds and international performance experience, Clint and Jonathan are dedicated, professional musicians whose mission is to bring people together through the transformative power of music.
Parker Horsch is a multi-instrumentalist from Michigan, based in Fort Collins, CO. His passion for music and his admiration of cultural tradition, from around the globe, has helped him blend modern and traditional rhythms and melodies to develop his own unique style.
More Than Physics and Parker came together for the first time in the fall of 2024 and have since played a number of concerts; as well as recorded the album 'Hot Pans' set to release in June of 2025. The combination of (mind bending/innovative) handpan melodies and captivating percussive landscapes, creates an alchemical musical environment that transcends time, space, and physics 😉 The birthing of this trio has elevated and expanded the realm of musical possibilities for all of its members and is sure to take the listener on a musical journey like no other.
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info coming soon
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In 2008, I had an experience that changed my life forever. As I heard the sound of the handpan for the first time, something inside of me shifted. I couldn't quite grasp how, but I knew that everything I wanted to experience and understand was inside that sound. Nearly 2 decades later, the handpan remains a constant source of inspiration and guidance, reminding me to breathe, listen, and feel deeply.
I believe this art form offers an incredible gift to the world. It has the power to bring us together in creative community, where we learn, grow, and make beautiful music together. It's in these moments of connection and collaboration that we find the most joy and meaning in life.
I feel so lucky to share my love of the handpan, to hold space for exploration and growth, and to help others find their own path with this incredible instrument.
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Dan Mulqueen is an American multi-instrumentalist from New Jersey. Dan's music is centered around an instrument called the "Handpan", an instrument created in 2001 in Switzerland. This instrument allows the player to create a rhythm and a melody simultaneously using only the hands.
Determined to push the limits of music revolving around this instrument, Dan's playing style is both beautifully melodic and intensely percussive. His stylistic approach invites the listener to experience elements of multiple genres of music all housed in one easily digestible format. While keeping the handpan as the centerpiece of his compositions, Dan's recordings also feature instruments such as upright bass, piano, electronic beats, guest vocals and more.
Dan has over 20 years of percussion experience in genres like hip-hop, rock, reggae, trip-hop, electronic, blues and latin. When asked about how these genres inspire his writing process, Dan responded "...it's important to me to take my favorite elements of multiple genres and blend them into something different. You'd be really surprised how open people are to music when they can identify with even a tiny element of it."
In addition to multiple solo tours across Australia, Europe and the USA, Mulqueen has also shared the stage with Shpongle for two sold out concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado and collaborated with artists such as Mereba, Long Arm, Zebbler Encanti Experience and many more.
No matter what kind of music you're into, Dan has something in his music catalog for you. His music spans across multiple genres and grabs the attention of both casual music listeners and die-hard music lovers. So kick back, relax, and enjoy the sounds of Dan Mulqueen and the handpan!
« 2025 Weekend »
Schedule
More details coming soon… Schedule subject to change.
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3:00 pm - Castle opens. Fire is lit in the Great Hall.
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8:30 - Breakfast
12:30 - Lunch
6:00 - Dinner
7:30 - Open Mic
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8:30 - Breakfast
12:30 - Lunch
6:00 - Dinner
7:30 - Concert
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8:30 - Breakfast
3:00 - Extinguish fire in the Great Hall. Castle closes.
« Ticket PoRtal »
2025 Heartland HangOut
All ticket sales end on Sept 10th at 11:59PM! » Ticket price includes chosen accommodation, meal plan, general admission to workshops, concert, open mic & gathering activities, and access to purchase raffle tickets. Deep Dive Intensives are sold separately and will be launched soon.
Stay Connected!!
Join our newsletter and be the first to know about upcoming events and offerings. Stay inspired by connecting to our social channels.
Stronghold Castle
Camp & retreat center
Perched atop bluffs along the beautiful Rock River in Northern Illinois, Stronghold Castle Retreat Center provides opportunities for people to experience the community through a retreat and camping environment, and we love offering the same at this year’s HangOut. Stronghold is 30-minutes south of Rockford, Illinois and 1.5-hours from Chicago O’Hare Airport.
– Join Us At –
Accommodations
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Our Private rooms are all found in the Isthmus Center, a contemporary lodge that sleeps up to 16 people. It has eight bedrooms, each with a double bed and 1 set of bunk beds. Four of these bedrooms have private baths, and the remaining four bedrooms share two connecting baths (Jack & Jill Style). A large central meeting room features a stone fireplace. Snack preparation area includes a sink and refrigerator. Sears Center has central heat and air. All firewood is provided for the beautiful fireplace.
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Our Semi-Private rooms can be found in the Isthmus Center and the Castle. The centerpiece of Stronghold is the unique Tudor-style manor house nestled high on the bluffs overlooking the Rock River. It features the Great Hall, which is perfect for gatherings in front of the massive wood fireplace. Castle has 4 floors plus a nice climb up to the tower overlooking the Rock River for miles!
The Castle has a full kitchen for use with pots and pans/dishes. There is also a kitchenette for small use. 2 refrigerators, 1 stove & 3 microwaves. The Castle is heated by 3 large boilers to keep it nice and warm. The Castle does not have air conditioning, but we do have fans for each room and multiple for the large Great Hall. There is a beautiful breeze if you open the windows.
The Isthmus Center (known as the Sears Center) is a contemporary lodge that sleeps up to 16 people. It has eight bedrooms, each with a double bed and 1 set of bunk beds. Four of these bedrooms have private baths, and the remaining four bedrooms share two connecting baths (Jack & Jill Style). A large central meeting room features a stone fireplace. Snack preparation area includes a sink and refrigerator. Sears Center has central heat and air. All firewood is provided for the beautiful fireplace.
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STAY IN THE CASTLE!! The centerpiece of Stronghold is the unique Tudor-style manor house nestled high on the bluffs overlooking the Rock River. It features the Great Hall, which is perfect for gatherings in front of the massive wood fireplace. Castle has 4 floors plus a nice climb up to the tower overlooking the Rock River for miles! Several of the Castle rooms can be used for meetings or seminars. Dormitory-style lodging with twin beds and bunk beds. For the Heartland HangOut, we’ve organized rooms into two categories: Bunk-Style & Semi-Private Rooms.
The Castle has a full kitchen for use with pots and pans/dishes. There is also a kitchenette for small use. 2 refrigerators, 1 stove & 3 microwaves. The Castle is heated by 3 large boilers to keep it nice and warm. The Castle does not have air conditioning, but we do have fans for each room and multiple for the large Great Hall. There is a beautiful breeze if you open the windows.
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If you want the privacy of nature, you can camp on the Stronghold Grounds in the Campground. Bring a tent, a van/car or a camper! We’ve got dry-camping options for all (though no hookups). If you’re tent camping you can post up near the castle, otherwise, bring your walking shoes and enjoy a 10-minute stroll from the campsite to the Castle.
The campground has a shower house with hot showers and flush toilets, fire rings at each site, and soft grass in the shade. Quiet time is 11pm to 7am. The campground is about a 10 minute walk from the Stronghold Castle. Trolls are not allowed in the campground or in the moat.
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If you want to attend Heartland Hangout and live nearby or want to stay off-site, a general admission ticket is for you!
Facilities IncludE
Camping (tent, car & RV), bunk-style & semi-private room accommodations
Disc golf 1/2 course
Hiking trails
Big fire pit
Circle of Pines
Proximal to the Rock River
Covered group pavilion
Castle vibes & a secret, hidden room
FAQ for more info
Maps & Photo Gallery
Stronghold Castle
Sincerest gratitude for these like minded makers, musicians, artists, and community members for generously contributing to the inaugural Heartland Handpan Hangout!!
Meet the 2025 Village
Co-Organizing Castle Crew
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‘24-’25 Organizer, Co-Founder of Handpan Gathering Productions, LLC
Addi Faerber, PhD is a handpansapien, gardener, grant writer, and cyclist. Addi has a PhD in pharmaceutical marketing from UW, and has trained in jazz, marching and concert percussion. Addi offers handpan instruction, facilities drum circles, and performs nationwide.
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‘24-’25 Organizer, Video Projects & Musical Extraordinaire
After Discovering the handpan back in 2013, I knew that it was going to be a massive part of my life. By the fall of that same year, I was back enrolled in college and I went on to finish my Undergrad degree in Music business at Southern Illinois University. Handpan music was my drive throughout it all, and I would take my knowledge learned in classes to find ways to implement them on handpan, and creative ways to utilize them in my music. While I have been longtime friends of Isthmus, I began working at the shop in February 2021, and enjoy both building and working on special projects with the team!
connect with Maxwell -
‘24-’25 Organizer, Musician & Handpan Steward, Co-Founder of Handpan Gathering Productions, LLC
In 2016, while visiting friends in the Mojave desert, a glowing campfire set the stage for Sarah to be mesmerized by something she had neither seen nor heard before … the handpan. Little did she know that big changes were being initiated. As her inner flames grew brighter and bolder, she was brought back to her first musical loves — the violin and the voice. Sarah uses her voice as a self-healing tool, alongside playing the handpan, violin, mandolin, RAVvast and frame drum. Having written a few pieces, she aims to share them in 2022. In addition to music, Sarah is also a visual artist — fine art, mixed-media photography & graphic design.
Four years after discovering the handpan, Sarah Paz Hyde went on, to organize the first Super Bloom Women’s Handpan Gathering set for a 2020 launch. Though the inaugural gathering was postponed, in 2022 it took flight and is in its 4th cycle.
Village Leader
Thank you Isthmus Instruments for your generous financial support.
PArtner
Thank you Rhythm Rest for your financial support and generously donating knee grips for this year’s raffle.
Want to Collaborate?
Interested in Collaborating
in some way for this year’s
Heartland Handpan Hangout?!
We’d love to hear from you!
Stronghold ValUeS
Engaging Life's Realities
Respect for Creation and Creatures
Hopefulness
Responsibility for Self & Action
A place of Second Chances & Grace
Hospitality
Creating a Safe Environment
Heartland Hangout
FAq
This FAQ section is specific for the Heartland Hangout at the Stronghold Castle in Oregon, Illinois.
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Yes! Everyone is welcome here!! Heartland Hangout is for people wanting to learn more about the handpan, who wish to grow & gather in community. Even if you have never played a handpan before in your entire life, you can join us! You will have the opportunity to learn directly from other handpan players, level up your skills, play numerous unique handpans & listen to amazing musicians. Workshops indicate if they are suited for beginning or intermediate players.
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Choose your own adventure!! While it’s recommended to bring your personal handpan to a gathering, let’s be real, travel options don’t always support it!
It’s ideal for people attending Heartland Hangout to bring a handpan (or two, if convenient), BUT there will totally be extra handpans available to use, and some available to buy. There are going to be so many handpans you won’t be able to pick which one you want to play. A Clusterf*ck of Handpans.
We respectfully share and care for each other and our instruments.
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Yes, partners are welcome to join. Individual tickets are required. To honor the energy of organizing, we have a strict no refund policy in place.
One intention of Heartland Hangout is to gift oneself time and space for personal growth and relaxation. Children are the seeds of our future, and we cherish them. We also encourage you to take this time for yourself to receive everything this event has to offer. Children (18 years or younger) are welcome to join daytime activities. However, children will not be able to stay overnight in the castle.
We hope to have day passes available in August, and will know more then. Parents are welcome to buy a day pass for children and join for a day, buy a camping pass and camp on the grounds, or buy a camping pass and stay in a nearby hotel.
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Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed at Stronghold castle. Service dogs who are trained to support an individual with a disability are allowed, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you need reasonable accommodations for you and your service animal, please contact us.
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SMOKING is not allowed indoors or within 20 feet of any building. Smoking outdoors and away from buildings is permitted. Use your discretion, be kind, and please practice “Leave No Trace” principles.
ALCOHOL: Yes, you may bring alcohol (beer, wine, liquor) for responsible consumption.
Please practice “Leave no Trace” principles!!!
AKA: Don’t make someone else clean up yo’ stuff ;-)
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In 1929, Walter Strong, the owner/publisher of the Chicago Daily News built Stronghold Castle in a Tudor Style. We think it’s a pretty cool castle.
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Tickets include attendance for all workshops, performances and jams on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, select accommodations, meals (Friday breakfast through Sunday lunch), access to purchase raffle tickets. TICKET SALES END: Sept 10th… No Exception!!!
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We will have coffee, tea, water, and a rotating spread of tasty snacks available in the Stronghold Castle kitchen throughout the event.
Meals are included in the ticket price. Breakfasts and lunches are served at the Stronghold Cafeteria, a 5 minute walk through the woods from the Castle. Dinners are served in the castle. Meal-times are:
8am – Breakfast
12:30pm – Lunch
6:00 pm - Dinner
There is no food service on Thursday. Please make your own arrangements for dinner on Thursday, Sept 18.
STRONGHOLD KITCHEN: There is a kitchen in Stronghold Castle with a microwave, refrigerator, stove and range, and limited pots, pans, and dishes. You are welcome to bring your own food and make your own meals. And do your own dishes. Unwashed dishes are given to the trolls.
FOOD ALLERGIES & DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
Please share any dietary needs when you register. If you have a specific requirement, contact us and we will discuss with the caterer. We can accommodate most needs including:
Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, Diabetic, etc
Food Allergies: Milk, Eggs, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Fish, Shellfish, Soy, Wheat (but please be aware that these foods are used in the kitchen at Stronghold)
The alternate meal form needs to be filled out 2-weeks prior to gathering for any special dietary needs.
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Yes! We will have strong Wifi and cellular access throughout the event and in all of the buildings. There is no wifi in the moat. The trolls block it.
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There is no moat.
There are no trolls.
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Campers and visitors must check in at the Brubaker Center prior to entering the campground.
Check in time is to be discussed prior to arrival.
Check out time is 4pm.
Quiet time is 11pm-7am. Disorderly conduct and unreasonable noise is not allowed.
Electrical outlets at the shower house are not to be used for cooking with electrical appliances. No exceptions.
Trash is to be placed in the dumpster at the end of every day. Dumpster is located opposite the shower house. There is no site trash pick-up.
Fires are to be in the fire rings at your site.
Some firewood is provided as you arrive if more is needed firewood must be purchased On-site. You may purchase firewood in advance when you make your reservation and it will be waiting at your site. The cost is $10.00 per bundle of 14 pieces
Please leave trolls at home
Smoking is not allowed in the shower house, on the trails, or in the woods
Possession of firearms, fireworks, and hunting or trapping are prohibited
No off-road vehicles, horses, etc. are permitted on Stronghold property. You must have a valid driver's license to drive on Stronghold property.
Please observe the 10mph speed limit in the campground and the 15mph on the remainder of the property.
Any camper who violates these rules may be asked to leave without a refund
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There are hotels in the nearby communities of Byron, Oregon, Rochelle, Dixon and Rockford, Illinois. Hotels are 20 to 40 minute drive from Stronghold Center. If you wish to stay in a hotel and attend Heartland Hangout, you must purchase a No Lodging Pass (which doubles as our General Admission weekend pass).
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While we all hope for an stretch of Indian Summer temps, dress accordingly! Bring warm clothes and supplies for the weather!
Bring you, your handpan(s), a notebook and pen to keep track of all you have learned.
Please bring a reusable vessel for beverages. We are trying to minimize garbage, so no disposable cups or single-use beverages will be provided.
The Rock River is near Stronghold. Weather permitting the Stronghold Pool will be open for swimming! Bring your bathing suit if you want a swim…or a cold plunge!! The river and pool are not monitored, so be mindful of your own safety!!
A flashlight or head lamp.
CASH for raffle tickets
If you buy a camping pass, you will need to bring everything you need to sleep comfortably outdoors. There is a shower and toilets available at the campsite and in Stronghold castle. The campsites are a 10-minute walk from the castle.
If you buy a Bunk Room or Semi-Private room pass, you will receive a pillow, blanket, two sheets, a towel and a washcloth. You are welcome to bring more bedding or towels for your warmth and comfort. The Stronghold Castle stays toasty warm throughout the year.
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Transportation is not provided.
Please join the Heartland HangOut Facebook event page to connect and coordinate travels with other Heartlanders.
The Stronghold Center address is
1922 IL-2 N, Oregon, IL 61061
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Here are the nearest airports (by proximity):
Chicago Rockford International Airport (IL) ~ 30m
Dane County Regional Airport-Truax Field(Madison, WI) ~ 1hr 30m
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IL) ~ 1hr 30m
Chicago Midway (IL) ~ 1hr 45m
There is no shuttle service to the event! Please follow our FB event page, as it is the best plays to connect and coordinate travels with other humans in attendance.
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#1 Recommendation:
Ray’s Bucktown Bed & Breakfast
2144 N Leavitt St, Chicago, IL 60647Phone: (773) 384-3245
Call them direct and mention Heartland Handpan Hangout!
If you have to stay over before/after the gathering, we recommend Ray’s! We don’t get anything for recommending them, the’re just a legit Bed & Breakfast and their brekky is off the hook!Ray's unique Bed and Breakfast in the heart of Chicago's Bucktown/Wicker Park/Logan Square neighborhood welcomes everyone. Modeled after small European hotels and hostels, the Bed and Breakfast has 11 rooms, all with their own private bathrooms.
They serve delicious cooked-to-order breakfasts
Kid friendly
Dog friendly
Enjoy the dry & wet Saunas for free
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Please note that Stronghold Castle is not ADA Compliant. The castle has entryway barriers, manual doors, and stairs. Stairs up to the 3rd and 4th floors can be challenging for individuals with limited mobility. Bathrooms have showers with 2 inch entry edges, and lack grab bars or roll-under sinks.
We are sorry for any inconvenience, and thank you for understanding.
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The average September temperature can vary between 80°F and 40°F.
The best we can say is that it’s a humid environment, may be a perfect fall weekend, may be chilly or precipitate.
Stay up to date with NOAA weather info here.
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It takes a village to create events and we value your support. There will be volunteer opportunities available for this year’s Heartland Hangout. Sign up to volunteer when you register for the event. We will also send out email blasts and post to Facebook with more information as it develops.
Some important volunteer roles include:
Handpan wrangler to tidy pans, cases and equipment strewn all over the castle.
Firekeeper that ignites, maintains and extinguishes the fire in the main hall.
Snack station refreshed with snacks, hot water, coffee, and tea.
Tech setup for Friday and Saturday night concerts.
Videographer and/or Photographer.
Schlepper to help people get settled into their Stronghold accommodations and checking out.
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We believe that everyone that contributes to the event deserves to be paid, and gifted gratitude for their work. We have created the Volunteer Gratitude Fund to pay everyone who adds something to the event. As more information develops we’ll make sure to share it!
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There are 3x ways to contribute:
Buy a ticket! Everyone who attends pays into the fund.
Buy raffle tickets! The revenue from the raffle goes directly into the Volunteer Gratitude Fund.
Sponsor the event! See details below.
Give directly! When you buy your ticket, you have the option to contribute additional money directly to the Volunteer Gratitude Fund.
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Heartland Hangout is welcoming sponsors for our event. Sponsors are our partners who help financially support the event, promote the event, and, in return, gain access to a highly engaged audience of talented handpan musicians.
Sponsors have the opportunity to provide funds and/or donate items for the raffle. In exchange, we will place your logo on our website for a year cycle, sponsor contribution signs, and recognize your contribution before our concert performance. We may also write lovely music about you…
Please reach out to us directly at ConnectWithTheHeartland @ gmail.com
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Yes! We will have a vendor room where you can sell handpans, accessories, and handpan-related goods. You will need to manage your own transactions with attendees - we will not have cash available to make change nor a credit card machine to swipe for purchases.
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The health and safety of all Heartlanders is a priority for any of our events. To ensure everyone is safe and healthy we will follow the guidelines provided by Illinois State and Ogle County, and encourage participants to navigate their comforts as needed. COVID-19 affects different people in different ways with a wide range of symptoms reported – from mild symptoms to severe illness. For more information on Covid-19 view CDC info.
If you have experienced any symptoms or feel you may have been exposed to the virus, STAY HOME, STAY SAFE, CONSULT A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER, and take care of yourself.
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We will make every effort to maintain the health and safety of all Heartlanders attending, by having extra masks on hand, lots of hand sanitizers around the site, and will do our best to disinfect high touch surfaces (handpans) regularly.
Please be aware and respect other people’s comfort about personal distance.
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Currently there are no day pass options available. As the event approaches, Friday or Saturday Day Passes may become available. This event will sell out!! PLEASE DO NOT DEPEND ON THIS OPTION!!!
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Oh no!!! I forgot something?! How do I get my things back?
Please reach out to us directly at ConnectWithTheHeartland @ gmail.com
Items will be returned at the owner’s expense, at the nearest convenience of the shipper.
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Registration is fully transferable, however there are no refunds. Thank you for understanding.
Please let us know if you are unable to join us and have sold or gift you ticket to another so that we can confirm their attendance and update our registration list.