Community Calendar

Jacobs Academy

Jacobs Academy

Get in the holiday spirit with a New Orleans twist!

The Preservation Hall Jazz Band brings their beloved Creole Christmas to Bloomington! Join as the band performs New Orleans classics as well as some of our best-loved holiday selections with a twist.

The group derives its name from Preservation Hall, the venerable music venue located in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter, founded in 1961 by Allan and Sandra Jaffe. They’ve traveled worldwide spreading their mission to nurture and perpetuate the art form of New Orleans Jazz. Whether performing at Carnegie Hall or Lincoln Center, for British Royalty or the King of Thailand, this music embodies a joyful, timeless spirit. Under the auspices of current director, Ben Jaffe, the son of founders Allan and Sandra, Preservation Hall continues with a deep reverence and consciousness of its greatest attributes in the modern day as a venue, band, and record label.

The PHJB began touring in 1963 and for many years there were several bands successfully touring under the name Preservation Hall. Many of the band’s charter members performed with the pioneers who invented jazz in the early twentieth century including Buddy Bolden, Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, and Bunk Johnson. Band leaders over the band’s history include the brothers Willie and Percy Humphrey, husband and wife Billie and De De Pierce, famed pianist Sweet Emma Barrett, and in the modern day Wendall and John Brunious. These founding artists and dozens of others passed on the lessons of their music to a younger generation who now follow in their footsteps like the current lineup.

Constellation Stage & Screen presents “The ConstelLate Show: Holiday Special” on stage December 17-27 at the Waldron Firebay.

The ConstelLate Show is Constellation’s very own late-night holiday special—part talk show, part variety show, and completely one-of-a-kind. Running throughout the holidays with brand-new guests each night, this festive evening brings together local luminaries, performers, and personalities. Each episode features interviews, games, live music, comedy, surprise talents, and a few unexpected twists. Complete with cameras and live monitors, audiences won’t just watch the show—they’ll feel like they’re part of the broadcast. It’s joyful, it’s unpredictable, and it’s the most Constellation way imaginable to celebrate the season.

See Constellation’s website for more information, including a detailed performance schedule. Learn more and find tickets at https://seeconstellation.org/event/constellate-show/

Constellation Stage & Screen presents “Annie” on stage December 10, 2026 - January 3, 2027 at the Waldron Auditorium.

Discover the magic of Annie, the iconic Broadway musical that has captured hearts for generations! The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie follows a tenacious young girl whose unbreakable optimism leads her on an unforgettable journey from a New York City orphanage to a place she can finally call home. Featuring one of Broadway’s most memorable scores, including “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “N.Y.C.” and the endlessly-uplifting “Tomorrow,” Annie is a delightful theatrical experience for the entire family.

See Constellation’s website for more information, including a detailed performance schedule. Learn more and find tickets at https://seeconstellation.org/kids/annie/

Join us in the children's department every Saturday morning for Story Hour! All are welcome!

Jacobs Academy

Each week, STEM Saturday invites kids and caregivers to explore science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on fun that sparks curiosity and creativity—turning learning into a true adventure.
First Saturday of the month, S for Science.
Second Saturday of the month, T for Technology
Third Saturday of the month, E for Engineering
Fourth Saturday of the month, M for Math
Any fifth Saturday of a month is, M for Maker

Jacobs Academy

Jacobs Academy