2025 Save The Date
Sept 18th – 21st
Join the Castle Crew
New Moon + Autumn Equinox Weekend
« 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!
« a taste of ‘24 »
below, samples of last year’s festivities
« 2024 Weekend »
Line-Up
• Archer & Tripp
• Archer & Tripp
• Settle into Stillness
• Settle into Stillness
• Dan Mulqueen
• Dan Mulqueen
About the Artists
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Archer & Tripp are a true love story through the love of handpans. Having met at HangoutUK 2014 they have since traveled the world, sharing their love for and through music. Both multi-instrumentalists bring unique abilities which, in their mixture, guarantee an excitingly unusual, profound musical experience at the pulse of our era.
Together, Archer & Tripp have over 20 years experience of playing handpan.
Samantha’s classical training during her child and teenage years in piano, clarinet and vocals allowed her distinctive and instinctive sense for melody to flower into a skill for both improvisation and composition.Jaron’s development as a musician is driven by the grounding power of rhythm. When starting to play the Hang in early 2006, the freedom of no tradition matched perfectly with his approach to music.
Since studying complex rhythmical structures in a meditative way, whilst becoming a Taketina teacher (from 2010 – 2012), Jaron’s deep understanding of rhythm and pulse uniquely blends with Samantha’s enchanting melodic tone.
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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!
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Settle into Stillness unites the healing power of conscious relaxation with sacred sound. Settle Into Stillness was founded by Jeremy Arndt and Nancy Grzeszak, whose paths converged in 2011, igniting a shared passion for yoga and music that would ultimately blossom into a transformative journey around the globe. Their mutual desire to spread peace, serenity, and self-discovery led them to create the Sound Journey, a magical fusion of music and mindfulness.
Settle Into Stillness stands apart from the ever-growing landscape of mindfulness-based musical offerings. By seamlessly weaving together diverse world music instrumentation, such as the mesmerizing handpan and the enchanting didgeridoo, with the gentle resonance of gongs, and the ethereal tones of crystal singing bowls, Settle Into Stillness has crafted a truly extraordinary experience. Each element is carefully chosen and delivered with intention, creating a symphony of soothing vibrations that nurture the mind, body, and soul. Their offerings create an immersive experience that transports participants towards a state of deep inner calm. Through carefully curated sessions, guests are invited to release stress, let go of tension, and embark on a profound journey of self-exploration.
Each Sound Journey is a unique tapestry of sonic landscapes, woven together with love and a deep commitment to the guest's well-being. The purity of sound permeates every cell, evoking a sense of harmony that soothes the spirit and opens doors to personal transformation. Settle Into Stillness invites you to come experience one of their Sound Journeys, where the transformative fusion of these enchanting instruments and mindfulness practices will open doors to your innermost self.
« Weekend »
Schedule
« Select here for spreadsheet view downloadable PDF »
Select image for downloadable PDF (upd 10/24/24)
« Workshop »
Details
Friday, October 25th
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Bring your questions for this Q&A style handpan builder's panel. During the hour's workshop we'll also get a sonic "tasting" of the various materials handpans can be built from!
Saturday, October 26th
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Have you been interested in learning more about Sound Healing? Join with Jeremy Arndt & Nancy Grzeszak for this morning's workshop.
– more info coming soon
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Workshop description coming soon
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Workshop description coming soon
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Workshop description coming soon
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FREE TIME + PLAY TIME
Brain feel like mush from a long day immersed in learning? Wanna chill out for the rest of the afternoon? Enjoy a game of disc golf, some jam time, or explore the castle grounds, BYO kayak and enjoy a moment on the Rock River (boat launch down the road), etc
SKILL SHARE
Want to keep going? Passionate about a topic and want to share? Keep an eye out for our onsite sign up! It goes live Saturday morning with Locations / Topics TBD
Sunday, October 27th
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Weaving music - intertwining intricate melodies and complex rhythmic structures into smoothly flowing pieces and improvisations. Our approach to combine handpans with other instruments is driven by passion to explore the different tones and textures of music. In this session we will dive into topics like:
playing together
combining instruments
intuitive ways into polyrhythms and odd meters
expressive melodies
the importance of dynamic
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Enjoy this introductory overview of looping. We’ll start with an intro and insights, share live looping samples, then get some hands on experience together.
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FREE TIME + PLAY TIME
Brain feel like mush from a long weekend immersed in handpanland? Wanna chill out for the rest of the afternoon? Enjoy a game of disc golf, some jam time, or explore the castle grounds, BYO kayak and enjoy a moment on the Rock River (boat launch down the road), etc
SKILL SHARE
Want to keep going? Passionate about a topic and want to share? Keep an eye out for our onsite sign up! It goes live Saturday morning with Locations / Topics TBD
PACK-UP
The castle closes up shop at 3P and we don't want anyone to get trapped in the moat with the trolls!!! Ok, none of those things are real, except we do have to be out of Stronghold Castle by 3p!!
« purchasing PoRtal »
Heartland HangOut
We’re dormant before opening the flood gates for 2025. Thank you for your patience & understanding.
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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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 accommodates 54. 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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The Bunkhouse provides a cozy cottage space. A wing of the Castle, the Bunkhouse includes a full kitchen, gathering room, and two bedrooms, full size shared bathroom.
One bedroom sleeps two people in a king-sized bed, the other sleeps up to four people in bunk beds. The Bunkhouse has central heat and air.
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If you want more privacy and more nature, you can camp on the Stronghold Grounds in the Campground. Bring a tent and your walking shoes. 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.
If you want to attend Heartland Hangout and stay off-site, a general admission ticket must be purchased.
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 2024 Village
Village Leader
Thank you Isthmus Instruments for generously donating a handpan to this year’s gathering, along with financial support.
PArtners
Thank you Tacta Handpans for generously donating a handpan to this year’s raffle. Thank you Rhythm Rest for generously donating knee grips for this year’s raffle and financial support.
CollaboraToRs
Thank you to our Village Collaborators for gifting your time and in-kind donations for this year’s HangOut!
Meet the 2024 Co-Organizers for
Heartland Hangout
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‘24 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 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 -
Musician & Handpan Steward, Co-Founder of Handpan Gathering Productions, LLC
n 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.
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 sea of handpans. Cornucopia of steel. Panoply of pans.
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 September, 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 Friday, Saturday and Sunday, select accommodations, Saturday dinner, access to purchase raffle tickets. TICKET SALES END: Oct 14th … No Exception!!!
FOOD IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TICKET PRICE!! See info on food below…
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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.
MEAL PASSES are available for purchase separately from your event pass. A meal pass gets you five meals: Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, Saturday lunch, Sunday breakfast, and Sunday lunch. Meals are served at the Stronghold Cafeteria, a 5 minute walk through the woods from the Castle. Meal Pass meal-times are:
8am – Breakfast
12:30pm – Lunch
5:30pm – Dinner
STRONG HOLD 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.
Everyone in attendance
will gather for a special
Saturday Night Feast
before the concert.
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 leav 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 hae 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 Camping 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. Bring your bathing suit if you want a swim…or a cold plunge!! The river is not monitored, so be mindful of your own safety!!
A flashlight or head lamp.
Halloween outfit! Whaat, just sayin! Keep it classy! lol ;-)
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 women in attendance.
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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 October temperature can vary between 60°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.
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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 buy/barter/trade 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, 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.