Latin Night - Universidad Del Perreo

Sale Price: $5.00 Original Price: $7.00

THE HORNWORMS MARCHING BAND

The Hornworms are a "rogue musical dis-organization" and community marching band that has quickly become one of the most delightfully eclectic fixtures of the Carbondale arts scene. First spawned during the Tomato Fertility Rites of Southern Illinois in 2025, this ~23-piece ensemble describes itself as a "ragtag cast of characters" bringing high-energy, brass-forward street music to the local scene.

Organized by local musician Betsy Brink, the Hornworms bring together performers across a wide range of backgrounds—from seasoned regional musicians like Brink and Cody Dawkins to community members picking up brass and woodwinds for the first time in years. Accompanying the band at their performances is their official mascot: a giant, handmade worm named "Hornby" whom they cart along to join the party.

Music Style & Vibe

The band’s sound blends traditional marching band arrangements with dynamic street-band brass, funk, and bluegrass twang. Setlists lean heavily into genre-bending covers, shifting seamlessly between standard brass marches, crowd-pleasing pop themes, and pop-culture staples like the Star Wars Cantina Band theme.

Key Highlights & Player Roster

Band Leadership & Organizers: Betsy Brink (organizer/guitarist) and Cody Dawkins (banjo), both active in the Southern Illinois roots and folk music community.
Instrumentation: Full brass, woodwinds, and mobile percussion—featuring trumpets, trombones, saxophones, and marching drums.
Special Guest: "Hornby," the larger-than-life handmade mascot worm.

Hangar 9 Spotlight

The Hornworms were a massive hit during their multiple appearances on the stage and patio in 2025, and Hangar 9 is thrilled to welcome them back as a regular part of our live music lineup for the 2026 season. Expect big brass, bright energy, costumes, and plenty of crowd participation whenever they take over the house!

Hangar 9

511 S Illinois Ave, Carbondale, IL 62901

(Between Pagliai’s and Jimmy John’s)

Contact Us

Phone: 618-549-4999

Booking: bookinghangar9@gmail.com