Cultural Commission

CULTURAL COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2026 AL LARSON PRAIRIE CENTER FOR THE ARTS / CONFERENCE ROOM A MINUTES MEMBERS PRESENT: Linda Cain Marilyn Karr Michael Kozakis Michael Mach Bobbi Marchuk Kevin Miller Michael Nejman Marilyn Pande MEMBERS ABSENT: Jon Cunningham Bette Solomon Rob Ward STAFF PRESENT: Tiana Weiler, Director Eddie Sugarman, Assistant Director Alissa Brunet, Programming Manager STAFF ABSENT: None AUDIENCE: None CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Cain called the meeting to order at 6:32pm. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Mr. Nejman motioned to approve the minutes from the Cultural Commission meeting of January 26, 2026. Ms. Marchuk seconded. A voice vote took place. All ayes. MOTION CARRIED. NEW BUSINESS: 1. COMMISSIONER TOPICS: No Report. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: No report. DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Ms. Weiler reported that the Village of Schaumburg’s annual Volunteer of the Year event will take place on April 22. Nominations are now being accepted for the Volunteer of the Year award in the youth, adult and organization categories. New this year, the Schaumburg-Hoffman Lions Club will sponsor a $2,500 scholarship to be awarded to the winner in the youth volunteer category.  Ms. Weiler reported that artist applications are currently being accepted for the Prairie Arts Festival, Plein Air Competition, and Septemberfest Arts and Crafts Show, with 85, 12, and 108 applications received respectively, and sponsorship opportunities are available now for Septemberfest. CONTINUING ITEMS: 1. Young Artists Mr. Sugarman announced that Schaumburg Youth Orchestra alum and Conant High School Orchestra teacher Devin Gozicki has been selected to lead the Schaumburg Youth Symphony Orchestra after its current director, Kevan Kosobayashi, retires at the end of the season. Mr. Sugarman reported that The SYO Chamber Program will resume this fall. Mr. Sugarman reported that Schaumburg Summer Theatre’s 2026 production will be announced in the next few weeks. Mr. Sugarman reported that registration is open for two Young Artists Summer Camps, with registration for additional camps coming soon. 2. 2025-26 Programming Mr. Sugarman shared a ticket sales report, noting that overall sales trends continue to be strong for the current season of arts and entertainment. 3. 2026-27 Programming Mr. Sugarman shared a list of shows discussed at the last meeting that have progressed to a date hold or have gone to contract. Ms. Cain asked for an update about adding a blues act as an opener for The Stray Cat’s Lee Rocker, adding that this show could possibly be a tie-in for the Schaumburg A.M. Rotary Club’s fall fundraiser. Mr. Sugarman reported that the artist approved adding an opener. The date for this engagement has changed from fall to spring. Mr. Sugarman stated that the Rotary Club can still plan their fundraiser around this event if the new date works for them but suggested that a blues opener be booked in either case. Ms. Cain stated that she will connect with the Rotary Club’s leadership regarding the new date and will start working on suggestions for an opener. Mr. Sugarman shared additional acts for consideration, including Broadway star Judy Kuhn, travel celebrity Rick Steves, and the one-woman comedy show Late Night Catechism. Mr. Sugarman also shared updates about a few shows previously discussed: the Clue movie showing with a special appearance by Leslie Ann Warren is too costly to make sense for the Prairie Center’s theatre capacity, Scott Bonn is retiring from touring with his Serial Killers program. Inquiries have been sent to agents for Tom Skilling, Matt Friend, and John Oliver, but no response has been received yet. DEFERRALS: No report. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE: No report. ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Nejman motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:04 pm. Ms. Karr seconded. A voice vote was held. All ayes. MOTION CARRIED. NEXT MEETING: March 23, 2026. Respectfully Submitted, Alissa Brunet Programming Manager, Cultural Services Department