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Baker Community Center in the 1930s
The Norris Cultural Arts Center is planning a major celebration recognizing the centennial of the Baker Community Center throughout its 2026-27 event season.
Since 2020, the Baker Center has hosted the majority of concerts and events produced by The Norris a part of an agreement with the St. Charles Park District, which manages the venue (located at 101 S. Second St. in downtown St. Charles).
Several events and concerts throughout the upcoming season will feature a 1920s theme, including the following “Saturday Night Lights” concerts at the Baker Center:
“I Speak Music: Songs and Stories of a Century, with Howard Levy and Chris Siebold” – October 17
“Classics, the Jazz Age, and the Silent Film: An Early 20th Century Sampler with Pianist Jeffrey LaDeur” – November 21
“Where or When: A Century of Songs with Tatum Langley” – April 17
“Origins and Outlooks, with Members of the St. Charles Singers and Jeff Hunt” – May 15
The 1920’s focus will also play a role in several “Wednesdays @ One” events at the Baker Center:
“St. Charles Sings, with Jeff Hunt” – September 30
“Images of the Jazz Age: Art, Fashion, and the New Woman, with Jeff Mishur” – March 10
“Trolleys, Trucks, & Model-T’s – How Transportation Transformed St Charles in the Early 20th Century, with Brian and Joyce Ostberg” – May 5
The “Wednesdays @ One” series also includes two other events with historical anniversary themes:
“America at 250: Terry Lynch Portrays Ben Franklin in Designing a New Nation” – October 28
“Beethoven +200: Why He Still Matters, with Chad Goodman and Tony Siqi Yun” – April 7
“We invite the community to join us at these and other Norris-produced events throughout the 2026-27 season to celebrate a St. Charles landmark’s milestone anniversary,” said James L. Collins, president of the Norris Cultural Arts Center board of directors.
Other upcoming events
In addition to its concerts and events at the Baker Center, the Norris Cultural Arts Center will host a variety of events and art exhibits in the Norris Theatre and Norris Gallery (1040 Dunham Road).
“Music and More in the Gallery” returns with a Sunday afternoon event series in the Norris Gallery, beginning with a November 8 performance by Pangelic Plus, an eclectic ensemble featuring renowned harpist Faye Seeman, steelpan virtuoso Liam Teague, and rising star steelpan and piano artist Jaden Teague-Nunez.
On December 13, popular magician and storyteller Bill Pack performs “Holiday Magic,” a show designed for family entertainment.
On December 4, The Norris again will host the annual Holiday Brass Concert performed by the brass and percussion sections of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. Tickets for that concert will be available through the Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s website.
The Norris also will present another season of performances by the Fox Valley Concert Band, which offer free admission.
The Norris will host a full season of gallery exhibits, starting with the annual Vicinity show, September 19 through November 1, featuring original works created by Chicago area artists. The Norris Gallery offers free admission throughout the year, 11AM to 4PM Thursday through Sunday.
Visit www.NorrisCulturalArts.com for more information.
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