Music & Potlucks celebrates ninth anniversary in Berwyn April 23
RIVER FOREST IL - Music & Potlucks, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization will celebrate its ninth anniversary with a free pizza party and a folk jam and sing along on Thursday, April 23 at 6:30 pm. The live in-person event takes place at The Friendly Music Community, 6731 Roosevelt Road in Berwyn.
“We’re super excited,” said board director Stephanie Kay of River Forest, to celebrate the spirit of music, connection and generosity of this community that has made the past nine years so special.”
The evening will kick off at 6:30 pm with a free pizza party, some remarks by the Music & Potlucks board of directors, followed by a folk jam and sing along led by resident artist Mark Dvorak.
“Mark is our jammaster,” said Kay. “Nobody in the Midwest and possibly the nation has led more jam sessions and sing a longs. He has a magical way of involving people in the music and getting them to sing and play together.”
“Nine years ago,” said Dvorak. “Stephanie invited me for coffee with two other women on the board of Beyond Hunger Food Pantry. “They expressed frustration regarding severe cuts to SNAP benefits and other resources supporting the food pantry.”
The group decided to plan a music event to raise some much needed funds for Beyond Hunger. "About a hundred people showed up at Doc Ryans to listen, donate and sing along,” he said. "It was a great success.”
“One of the things we gained from that event,” said Music & Potlucks board member Betsy Backes, “was a sense that we could collectively pull together to help in some way. Certainly our little organization is not capable of solving hunger or shelter insecurity, but certainly we can gather others together in a positive atmosphere and help out our neighbors in need as best we can.”
“About a week after the concert,” said Music & Potlucks board member Liz Ziehl,” we purchased a domain name, put a simple web site together and began the process of filing for 501(c)(3) non-porfit status. It’s been a great ride so far.”
“I simply love what Music & Potlucks is all about,” said Pierce who has operated the Friendly Tap since 2007. Since then he has opened the Friendly Coffee Lounge, the Friendly Music School and added the multi-use Community Room earlier this year.
“We’re in the business of attraction,” said Pierce in a recent interview. “Our goal is to create space where people of all ages can gather for music, for lessons or for a cup of coffee. Music & Potlucks does incredible work in the community and their mission and ours, are pretty much in alignment.”
The event is free and is family-friendly. Players and singers of all abilities are welcome. Listeners are certainly welcome. Refreshments will be available. For more information call The Friendly Community at 708.484.9794 or visit www.friendlymusic.community.
Learn more about the Music & Potlucks community music initiative at www.musicandpotlucks.org.
Find Mark Dvorak at www.markdvorak.com.