9th Folktober Fest celebrates the new ‘folk’ revival in Berwyn October 16, 17 & 18
BERWYN IL - Music & Potlucks presents the 9th annual Folktoberfest on Thursday October 16, Friday October 17 and Sunday, October 18. All events take place at the Friendly Music Community, 6731 Roosevelt Road.
"Each autumn Music & Potlucks puts together a special series of events to support a local service organization or a community education program,” said Stephanie Schrodt of River Forest, who is co-director of Music & Potlucks, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. “We’re so excited to again partner with the Friendly Community in Berwyn to present these events."
Folktoberfest kicks of on Thursday, October 16 at 7:00 pm. Folk singer songwriter Mark Dvorak hosts the “Acoustic Neighbors Folk Jam.” Singers and players of all acoustic instruments are welcome to join in. Beginners and those who wish to listen are also welcome. There is no admission free. Learn more at www.musicandpotlucks.org.
On Friday, October 17 at 6:30 pm, a special interview and conversation with folk legend Frank Hamilton and Midwest troubadour Dvorak will take place before the screening of of Jim Brown's 2007 award-winning documentary film “Pete Seeger and The Power of Song."
Folk music legend and educator Frank Hamilton along with Win Stracke, cofounded Chicago’s venerable Old Town School of Folk Music in 1957. After a long and successful career in music that included a stint performing the hit folk quartet The Weavers, Hamilton found himself in the Atlanta area and realized the timing was right to start a new school based upon the successful teaching methods used in Chicago. Hamilton’s influence can be felt across a breadth of American musical culture.
The Frank Hamilton School is the Atlanta, Georgia area’s home for community music education.
Dvorak met Hamilton in 1994 when he came back to Chicago for an Old Town School anniversary concert.
“We hit it right off,” said Dvorak. “He’s a dear friend, but also my mentor and teacher, and it has been that way for many years. Frank was at the center of the folk revival of the 1950s and 60s. At age 91 he is still involved and vibrant. Together we’ll begin the conversation for the next folk revival.”
Pete Seeger andd the Power of Song is Jim Brown’s award-winning documentary film chronicling the life, artisry and impact of songwriter, activist and legendary performer Pete Seeger. Pizza will be served.
For information and reservations log onto www.muaicANDpotlucks.org.
On Saturday, October 18 at 7:00 pm a very special Folktober Fest Showcase Concert will feature the local folk ensember Cooler By the Lake, singer songwriter Karen Barr & her friends, guitarist and song collecter Ren Herr will be joined by Kathy Doyle. Also performing is Music & Potlucks resident artist Mark Dvorak, who will be joined by longtime singing partner Marianne Mohrhusen.
“I simply love what Music & Potlucks is all about,” said Rob 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.”
All events take place at the Friendly Community, 6733 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. For information and registration visit www.musicandpotlucks.org.
Learn more about the Friendly Music Community, Coffee Lounge & Music School at www.friendlymusic.community or phone 708.484.9794.