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School Performance: Kaki King: BUGS (KCYS)

This performance is part of the Krannert Center Youth Series, weekday performances for public schools, private schools, and home school groups.

One of the most acclaimed guitarists today blends music and technology with the wild and wonderful world of BUGS!

This new piece for young audiences incorporates Kaki King’s signature guitar projection mapping and drum-triggered effects into a fun exploration of bugs, beetles, critters, and all things sugar. Audiences will experience magically synched visuals, emotionally rich music, playful effects, as well as audio samples and multiple kinds of insect sounds from field recordings in nature. This interactive performance encourages audiences to participate: they will be invited to shout out to their favorite bug, dance like one of the insects jiggling around on the guitar, and embrace their curiosity about the world around us.

Composer and musician Kaki King is known both for her technical mastery and for her constant quest to push the boundaries of the guitar. Visually, the show features three custom projection screens in the shape of a bug; a guitar with images projected on it; a custom ukulele; a snare drum that is used to trigger sound, video, and lights; and several LED light structures that are placed onstage and inside the drum. An enchanting concert that combines music, light, and imagery to encourage children to think about nature, ecology, and the animal kingdom.

View the BUGS Study Guide here!

Recommended for grades Pre K–3.

Parking update! Due to construction at Oregon and Gregory streets, please use Illinois Street to arrive at Krannert Center. Reserved parking for buses will be on Illinois Street (and our team will send further instructions to school groups). Access to metered spaces for other vehicles will be available in the Krannert Center parking garage, and at curbside spaces surrounding the Center.

Season-long Sponsors

  • A. Mark Neuman
  • Anonymous
  • Phyllis Robeson & Family

Sponsors

  • Ann H. Bender Youth Series Endowment
  • Susan Sargeant McDonald Endowed Fund
  • Illinois Arts Council
  • National Endowment for the Arts
  • Bernard & Prudence Spodek Endowed Fund
  • Judith Bojar Kaplan
  • Susan & Michael Haney
  • Brenda & Stephen Pacey
  • Jill & James Quisenberry
  • Linda & Ronald Roaks
  • Carol & Ed Scharlau
  • Jane & Christian Scherer
  • Anne & David Sharpe

Event Details

Colwell Playhouse
We Nov 12, 2025 - 10:00am CT
Th Nov 13, 2025 - 10:00am CT
Fr Nov 14, 2025 - 10:00am CT
$10

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