Songwriter Showcase encourages the creation and sharing of original music by regional singer songwriters.

Dean Mattoon and Esmé Alexis effortlessly fuse style and voice in a celebration of entrancing vocal harmonies and the rich resonance of melodic electric guitar. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of artists—including The Wood Brothers, The Band, Tedeschi Trucks, and Warren Zevon—the duo crafts a distinctive blend of Americana and Roots music, with a Soulful twist.

This concert is free and open to the public, donations welcomed.
Special thanks to sponsors Mark and Mary Ellen.

Playing some rock, pop, and country from the 90’s and on.

The Galena Center for the Arts presents an opening reception for exhibits in both the Regional Artists Gallery and Special Exhibit space. Refreshments will be available and music by saxophonist David Resnick. The Regional Art Gallery will be filled with a diverse array of art from local artists and innovative Street Art will fill the Special Exhibit space. The exhibits and the gift shop will be open to the public Thursdays through Sundays, 1-4pm through February 21st. Admission is free, donations are appreciated. Art credit: K Kriesel

Where Heartland Twang Meets Modern Grit

From dusty red roads to dive bar neon, Frank Martin Busch & the Names carve their own brand of country, seasoned with alt-twang and storytelling that digs deep. A side project blossoming into a full-fledged force, they bring four years of shared highway miles and a wellspring of original tunes to every stage.

Channel your inner honey sommelier and enjoy a full sensory honey tasting experience, as you taste light, medium, and dark colored honeys as well as creamed, crystallized, and direct from the comb honey. Engage all of your senses as you use a flavor wheel to identify the aromas and flavors you experience as you taste each honey. Each attendee will take honey tasting notes and will compare as they go along. At the end of the tasting, each attendee will receive a glass of honey mead wine to further enjoy honey in another delightful way. Perfect for couples, friends, families, or groups.
Tasting led by local apiary, Dry Creek Beekeeping.
All ages are welcome. Age 21 for mead tasting. Honey will be available for sale.
Register in advance online at www.drycreekbeekeeping.com to purchase tickets. $35 per person.

Where Heartland Twang Meets Modern Grit

From dusty red roads to dive bar neon, Frank Martin Busch & the Names carve their own brand of country, seasoned with alt-twang and storytelling that digs deep. A side project blossoming into a full-fledged force, they bring four years of shared highway miles and a wellspring of original tunes to every stage.

Join Scott Rische’s Open Mic every Sunday at the Grape Escape.

Rockabilly, Country, Blues, & Rock.

Playing some rock, pop, and country from the 90’s and on.

Join bestselling mystery author Mia P. Manansala for a curated dinner featuring Filipino recipes from the Tita Rosie Kitchen Mysteries book series to learn about her journey as an author and the cultural importance of food in the Filipino diaspora.

A full curated dinner will be served including beverages, plated appetizers, buffet-style entrees and sides, and a plated dessert. Manansala will be present with guests before and after the program is presented. Galena Book & Paper will be on-site with books for purchase and signing.

Manansala is the author of the mulit-award-winning Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery Series. She uses humor (and murder) to explore aspects of the Filipino diaspora, queerness, and her millennial love for pop culture. She will be joined in conversation by Galena local Charissa McAuliff.

This is an in-person program presented at Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages. Tickets are $65 per person and can be purchased by clicking here,

If you’re attending the dinner and you’d like to spend the night at Hawk Valley, they are offering a 10% discount on any room from Friday, 01/24/25 to Sunday, 01/26/25. Use promo code LITFEST when booking online, http://www.hawkvalleyretreat.com, or call, (815) 777-4100, to make the reservation.

Galena LitFest 2025 is the eleventh annual literary festival organized and funded by the Galena Public Library with support from the Friends of the Galena Public Library and in partnership with the Galena Center for the Arts, Miss Kitty’s Grape Escape, and Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages. Events will take place throughout January in-person and virtually.

Tony Walker is a band of ONE. He plays songs everyone knows on acoustic guitar while playing drums with his feet.

K (they/them) is a textile artist who integrates natural and spiritual themes into their work. They utilize sewing, embroidery, beading, and 3d printing and they’re currently experimenting with 3 dimensional pieces such as shrines. They have a B.A. in studio art from Alverno College in Milwaukee.
K will share their sources of inspiration, creative process, and techniques used as well as answer questions. They will also have additional artwork available for sale.

K’s works are displayed in the Center’s exhibit running January 17 through February 21st. Gallery hours are Thursday – Sunday 1-4pm.

This event is free to attend, donations are appreciated.