October 2026 News at JAM
Janesville Academy of Music Newsletter
Issue 14, Oct 2026
ONLY 20 TICKETS REMAIN
Seussical Jr, a collaboration with No Limits LDA and JAM, plays on Sunday, October 17 in the JPAC blackbox theatre. Pre-ordering tickets is strongly encouraged. All proceeds from this production helps to fund No Limits LDA, a local nonprofit whose mission is to provide free arts education for individuals with disabilities.
JAM faculty features
local artist feature
Keo Gathman
By now, you may have noticed the stunning new portraits of David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, and Amy Winehouse that adorn the walls of the JAM lobby. These captivating works are by local artist Keo Gathman who generously shares her artwork with our community.
Keo has been creating art her entire life and about 12 years ago, she found the medium that truly spoke to her. The result is these stunning portraits composed in mosaic-style from cuttings from publications. When far away, you notice the larger portrait but the closer you get, you realize Keo put careful thought and intention into the words and images chosen for her portraits. Today, she focuses primarily on portraits of music and film icons who have inspired creativity and entertained generations.
Along with honoring the iconic performers with her art, music is also an important part of Keo’s creative process. When working on a portrait, she puts on her Bluetooth headphones, gets to work, and lets a variety of music inspire her work.
Keo moved to Wisconsin from the Omaha area in 1986, settling in Beloit before moving to Janesville in 2007. She’s also a United States Marine Corps veteran, something many may not know about this talented local artist.
We’re grateful to Keo for sharing her incredible work with JAM. Next time you’re in the lobby, take a moment to enjoy her portraits and discover the artistry of a talented member of our community! Read Keo's full artist feature here.
Catch a spark of inspiration? Keo is accepting commissions. You can connect with her at beakerless@gmail.com
booked & busy
Seussical Jr cast members
performing Oct 17 at JPAC
Trinity Hall, Isla Mayer, Murphy Harnack, Jemma King, Emma Peabody, Kim Valenta, Sarah Parker, Caitlyn Dickman, Jen Shanin
Elephant & Piggie's We Are in a Play
playing Oct 10 & 11 at JPAC
Lo Villarreal-Black, Aidan Villarreal-Black
The Little Mermaid with KFAD
playing Oct 16-18 at Kirk Denmark Theatre
Aidan Villarreal-Black, director
Cassandra Joy releases debut single
Full version of "Keep Her In"
releases on Oct 13
Elf Jr cast announced for JPAC
Jemma King, Vincent Natale, Liam Klingler, Harper Tunks, Cait Shepherd, Amilah Stenson, Emma Field, Taylor Colwell
Dare to Dream cast announced for JPAC
Murphy Harnack, Amal Shekhani
Do you have an accomplishment to share?
Email us so we can celebrate you!
registration open
JAM Holiday Cabaret
Registration for our Holiday Cabaret is now open until November 10!
Enjoy Jolly Jingle festivities all weekend long and top it off with special performances by JAM students and faculty on Sunday, December 6 at 2:30pm at the Janesville Woman's Club. Enjoy traditional carols, jazz renditions, and more songs of the season. Join us for a hot cocoa bar after the performance.
Catch Isla at the Fireside
JAM artist Isla Mayer makes her professional debute as Randy in A Christmas Story at the Fireside Dinner Theatre. This production is double cast. To make sure you catch Isla's cast, look for tickets on the dates listed in the photo.
Janesville Academy of Music
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20 S Main St, Suite 29
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 554-2550
www.jamjvl.com
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2026 Janesville Academy of Music. All rights reserved.
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