Heartland Hangout
Handpan Gathering
Sept 17th – 20th
« 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 3rd Heartland Handpan Hangout at Stronghold Castle Retreat Center, and 2026 is gonna be extra special & spicy as we add time to gather & connect! The 2026 featured artist lineup, includes Mar Loi, Amy Naylor, Dan Mulqueen and Mumi. Carve out the time & meet us in the Heartland (aka: the middle of the USA)!
« 2026 »
«
SEE
what’s
in store
»
– FEATURING –
MAR LOI
•
AMY NAYLOR
•
MUMI
•
DAN MULQUEEN
•
MAR LOI • AMY NAYLOR • MUMI • DAN MULQUEEN •
HEHO HANDPAN
GATHERING feat.
Mar • Mumi • Amy • Dan
• SEPT 17–20TH •
Handpan Gathering
Performances & Workshops
Meals & Accommodations
Weekend & Day Passes
All Skill Levels Welcome
MASTER CLASS SERIES
with Mar & Amy
• SEPT 17–20TH •
Focused Handpan Instruction
Small Class Add-On Experience
During Heartland Hangout
6-DAY STAY
Premium Gathering Experience
EXTENDED LEARNING WITH
Mar • Amy • Dan
• SEPT 17–23RD •
Premium Handpan Gathering Experience
Stay-On after HeHo for the Afterglow
Workshops & Performances
Connect with Community
Meals & Private Accommodations
Same Accommodations All Week
All Skill Levels Welcome
In the lineage of HangOutUK we aim to honor the spirit of community by making gatherings accessible. Thank you Rob & Kelly for the inspiration!
« 2026 Weekend »
LINE-UP
Join handpan players from around the world!
EXPERIENCE
Mar Loi • Amy Naylor • Mumi • Dan Mulqueen
MAR LOI
Workshop • Performance • Master Class • Afterglow Educator
Born in Tenerife (Canary Islands) and based in Girona, Spain, is recognized as one of the most prominent handpan performers on the international scene. Since 2017, when she discovered the instrument and taught herself to play, Mar Loi has become a passionate sound explorer, capable of blending sensitivity, technique, and emotion in every piece.
In 2018 she decided to dedicate herself fully to music, leaving behind her career as a psychomotor therapist and physical education teacher to follow a calling that would take her to stages around the world. Her first steps took place on the streets of Barcelona, where her captivating presence and unique sound began to attract attention. She soon started collaborating with artists such as Jozz Sajim, Raquel Lúa, Ketekalles, and Alicia Rey, while studying Sound Art at Escola Massana (Art and Design Center of Barcelona).
Since her debut album "Mercury found Mars" (2020), Mar Loi has established herself as a composer and performer capable of deeply moving audiences through a musical language that transcends styles and borders. Her discography continues with "Género desconocido" (2022), released with the duo JOI, "Grises" (2023), in collaboration with Vic Moliner, delving into more experimental and atmospheric textures and “Arrels” (2025), a masterpiece and musical journey to the origin and the sense of belonging.
Her career has led her to share stages and projects with renowned handpan artists such as Mia Lev, Archer & Tripp, Danny Cudd (Hang Massive), Kabeçao, Alexander Mercks, and Amarok.
As an educator, Mar Loi combines pedagogical sensitivity with artistic experience, offering workshops, courses, and international masterclasses — from beginner levels to artistic mentoring and professional development programs. She has also been part of the handpan school Kurdeolian and is co-founder and organizer of the Singading Festival, the Handpan Festival of Barcelona, a key meeting point for musicians and handpan enthusiasts.
With a career that unites rootedness and creative freedom, Mar Loi continues to explore the power of sound as a universal language capable of connecting cultures, emotions, and human essence.
AMY NAYLOR
Workshop • Performance • Master Class • Afterglow Educator
Amy Naylor is a UK songwriter and handpan artist who blends modern mantras with heart-centered melodies and folk songs. Amy’s music and concerts are more than a performance - they’re an invitation to co-create, and to celebrate the voice as a powerful tool for healing and self-expression.
With an open heart and a playful spirit, Amy encourages connection through sound, turning every concert into a shared experience of love, rhythm, and authentic voice. Her workshops and teachings inspire others to embrace their unique musical journey, whether through singing, handpan, or song creation.
As a passionate educator and global performer, Amy has touched thousands through her online presence, offering free handpan education and guiding deep, transformative experiences.
MUMI
Performance • Workshop
Mumi is an Italian multi-instrumentalist, singer and, above all, handpan maker and player.
She began studying piano at the age of five, continuing for over 20 years, while also exploring music theory and history in various music schools. She trained as a soprano and later performed for several years as a leading voice in an opera choir.
In 2010, she discovered the handpan - an encounter that changed her path. She went on to become a professional player, performing and teaching at the major handpan festivals worldwide.
In 2017, she co-founded Elaia Handpans with her partner Alessandro. While recent years have focused mainly on instrument making, she continues to perform and teach internationally.
DAN MULQUEEN
Musician at Large • Workshop • Afterglow Educator
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!
REGISTER NOW
2026 SCHEDULE
Schedule subject to change • Printable PDF » coming in the spring • updated 1/2/26
Heartland Hangout
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3–6 pm: CASTLE OPENS. ARRIVAL & CHECK-IN
… Check-in at Village Welcome Hut (end of the field on the right)
… Get settled/Free time
… Fire is lit in the Castle Great Hall
… Dinner on your own7–7:30 pm: WELCOME & LOGISTICS (mandatory attendance, Great Hall)
7:30–9:00 pm: OPEN MIC (Great Hall)
AFTER HOURS: Free Time & Fireside Jams
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8:30 – 9:30 am: BREAKFAST (Brubaker)
+Day-Pass Check-In at Brubaker9:30–10:45 am: WORKSHOP
BREAK (15 mins)11–12:15 pm: WORKSHOP
12:30–1:30 pm: LUNCH (Brubaker)
1:30–2:45 pm: WORKSHOP
3–5 pm: AFTERNOON FREE FLOW TIME
... MASTER CLASS: Isthmus Center
... GUIDED JAM/SKILL SHARE: Meet in the Pavilion next to the pool
... FREE TIME: disc golf, Stronghold adventures, swimming, etc5–6 pm: DINNER
6:30–9 pm: CONCERT (Great Hall)
AFTER HOURS: Fireside Jams, Drum Circle ... you do you booo
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8:30–9:30 am: BREAKFAST (Brubaker)
+ Day-Pass Check-In at Brubaker9:30–10:45 am: MORNING SESSION
… BEGINNER WORKSHOP: Great Hall
… INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED WORKSHOP: TBD10:15–12:15 pm: MASTER CLASS SESSION
11–12:15 pm: WORKSHOP – Builders Panel: Discussion and Q&A (Great Hall)
12:30–1:30 pm: LUNCH (Brubaker)
1:30–2:45 pm: WORKSHOP
3–4:30 pm: AFTERNOON SESSION
… IMPROV/JAM & SKILL SHARE: Pavilion
… AFTERNOON FREE FLOW: disc golf, swimming, off-site adventures, etc4:30–5 pm: GROUP PHOTO
Bring handpan to the Courtyard Fountain5–6 pm: DINNER
6:30 pm: RAFFLE TICKET SALES END!
7:00–9:00 pm: CONCERT, RAFFLE DRAWING & DEPARTURE ANNOUNCEMENTS (Great Hall)
AFTER HOURS: Fireside Jams, Drum Circle ... you do you booo!
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8:30–9:30 am: BREAKFAST (Brubaker)
10–12:00 pm: BRUNCH BLOCK & DEPARTURE ANNOUNCEMENTS
… MASTER CLASS CLOSING SESSION (Isthmus Center)
… FREE TIME: one last jam, pack & fair-the-wells12–1 pm: “SELF-SERVE” LUNCH LEFTOVERS (Castle Kitchen/Foodlandia, or on your own)
2 pm: HEHO CASTLE GATES CLOSE
… Extinguish castle fire
HeHo Afterglow Retreat
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2–6 pm: TRANSITION TIME & CHECK-IN
… FREE TIME: Get settled, jam time, disc golf, swimming, off-site adventures, etc
… Dinner on your own6:30–9 pm: WELCOME, LOGISTICS & OPENING SESSION
AFTER HOURS: Free Time & Fireside Jams
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8:30–9:30 am: BREAKFAST (Brubaker)
9:30–10:30 am: Morning Movement with Guest Educator
10:30–12:30 pm: Morning Session with Mar Loi or Amy Naylor
12:30–1:30 pm: LUNCH (Brubaker)
1:45–3:45 pm: Afternoon Session with Mar Loi or Amy Naylor
3:45–5 pm: AFTERNOON FREE TIME
… disc golf, jam time, swimming, walk-about, off-site adventures, etc5–6 pm: DINNER
7:00–9:00pm: MUSIC NIGHT
… A night with Amy Naylor & Mar Loi or Afterglow Open MicAFTER HOURS: Hang time
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8:30–9:30 am: BREAKFAST (Brubaker)
9:30–10:30 am: FREE TIME – last jam & packing up
10:30–12:30 pm: Closing Session & Group Photo
12:30–1:30 pm: LUNCH “LEFTOVERS”
2 pm: HEHO AFTERGLOW DOORS CLOSE
Regisration closes Sept 2nd » If you’re unable to join us please consider donating to one of our programs. See you in September!!
TICKET PORTAL
Heartland Hangout
Handpan Gathering 2026
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
1.5-hours from Chicago O’Hare Airport
– Join Us At –
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
FACILITIES INCLUDE
ACCOMMODATIONS
(coming soon – view Stronghold Retreat Map & Room Map pdf)
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6-DAY RETREAT HOUSE: HEHO + AFTERGLOW
Available: Sept 17-23rd, 2026This year we’ve transformed the Isthmus Center into our HeHo+Afterglow Retreat house, and it is only available for Heartlanders immersed for 6-days. The Isthmus Center (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. A large central meeting room features a stone fireplace. Snack preparation area includes a sink and refrigerator. The Isthmus Center has central heat and air. All firewood is provided for the beautiful fireplace.
Private Room: has a private bathroom for 2 people.
Semi-Private Suite: two bedrooms share a connected bathroom (Jack & Jill Style). 2x people per room, 4x sharing a bathroom.
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HEARTLAND HANGOUT
Available: Sept 17-20th, 2026This year Private rooms are located in the Heritage Lodge. Stronghold's hotel style facility, can accommodate adults and family groups. Adjacent to Brubaker Center, the Lodge offers a large gathering room with a gas fireplace on the 2nd floor, meeting room on the 1st floor. This year we have 6 double occupancy bedrooms each with a private bath. Handicap accessible with an elevator for easy access to each floor.
The difference between Private & Semi-Private Rooms?
Private: register & pay for 2x people
Semi-Private: Heritage Lodge – register/pay for 1x person. Anyone could be your roommate. Castle – register/pay for 1x person. Anyone could be your roommate and there may be a shared bathroom.
The meeting rooms have a coffee machine, a microwave, a small refrigerator and small sink; though you will need to bring your own coffee supplies for these coffee machines.
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HEARTLAND HANGOUT
Available: Sept 17-20th, 2026Our Semi-Private rooms can be found in the Heritage Lodge and the Castle. The centerpiece of Stronghold is the unique Tudor-style manor house (the castle) 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. It is heated by 3 large boilers to keep it nice and warm. Please note that the castle does not have air conditioning, but there are fans for each room and multiple for the large Great Hall. There is a beautiful breeze when the windows are open.
The Heritage Lodge …
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HEARTLAND HANGOUT
Available: Sept 17-20th, 2026STAY 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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HEARTLAND HANGOUT
Available: Sept 17-20th, 2026If 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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HEARTLAND HANGOUT
Available: Sept 17-20th, 2026If you want to attend Heartland Hangout and live nearby or want to stay off-site, a general admission ticket is for you!
Unable to attend the whole weekend? General Admission Day-Passes are available for Friday & Saturday only attendance.
Maps & Photo Gallery
Stronghold Castle
Sincerest gratitude for these like minded makers, musicians, artists, and community members for generously contributing to the 3rd Heartland Handpan Hangout!!
Meet the 2026 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, Site manager, Special projects & more!
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.
After finishing college, I began teaching workshops/classes around the country, in spaces where people could discover these beautiful instrument with a hands-on experience. I have brought my Handpan, Flow state, and the Music within workshop to many communities, especially in the festival scene. It has become a mission of mine to inspire people to connect with their musical selves, and create in any capacity.
Going into our 3rd year with HeHo, I’m speechless by the magic everyone brings to the Castle. It’s such an honor working with some of the most wonderful people to make this weekend a reality. See you in the Castle!
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
PARTNERS
COLLABORATORS
JOIN OUR VILLAGE
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
updated 1/30/26
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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 2nd… No Exception!!!
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info coming soon
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more info coming soon!
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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 17th.
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 cellular access throughout the event and all of the buildings are equipped with WiFi, excluding the Isthmus Center. 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, or join our WhatsApp rideshare group, as these are the best place 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! By sponsoring HeHo 26’ we will provide a space in our Vendor village where you can sell handpans, accessories, and handpan-related goods, in a focal point of the weekends activities. 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.
If interested in learning more, please reach out to us directly at ConnectWithTheHeartland @ gmail.com
Otherwise patrons are able to buy, sell, and trade as they wish with other attendees.
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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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Day Passes will be available two to three weeks before the event.
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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.