Old Town School of Folk Music Americana Series
Beer Garden
Select Sundays, 3:30 – 5:45 pm
Celebrate America 250 with Cantigny and the Old Town School of Folk Music! This limited series brings a musically diverse group of performers to the Beer Garden to honor the roots of American music. Enjoy a summer Sunday afternoon with food, drinks, and entertainment surrounded by the beauty of Cantigny’s Gardens.
Schedule
Chris Walz, July 12
Chris Walz, a musician’s musician, a performer and esteemed educator at Chicago’s OldTown School of Folk Music for roughly the past three decades. Chris’s passion in discovering the music he now plays came from listening as a boy to the radio – including the “Bluegrass Ramble” on WCNY in upstate New York. Radio being the window into a new musical landscape broadened the young Chris Walz’s desires, passions, and indeed aptitudes, resulting in him becoming the respected and multi-dimensional artist he is today.
During his youth, excited by hearing various programs from bluegrass to blues, it was one particular night that ignited Chris to figure out how to play fingerstyle on the guitar: he heard an entire show of Mississippi John Hurt music, and this was the genesis of Chris’s style he plays on this album. You’ll also hear strains of his favorite artists, along with his other influences including Blind Willie McTell, Stefan Grossman, and John Renbourn. Chris’s resonant vocals, his intuitive prowess on the guitar as his sole accompaniment, and a selection of songs that Chris puts his own unique stamp on, culminates in how these artists have helped shape Chris while honoring them all.
The Bear Williams Trio, July 26
The Bear Williams Trio delivers an engaging blend of blues, soul, folk, and roots music led by acclaimed bassist, vocalist, songwriter, and educator Bear Williams. Drawing from a career that includes 21 years with Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly and performances alongside some of music’s most respected artists, the trio combines exceptional musicianship, rich storytelling, and audience-friendly performances that celebrate the heart and soul of American music.
Slapdash Bluegrass, August 2
Slapdash Bluegrass is a string band rooted in the bluff country of southeast Minnesota, southwest Wisconsin, and northeast Iowa. Centering a love of folk traditions, tight vocal harmony, and instrumental prowess, a Slapdash show is a celebration of community. From festival stages to dive bars to fellowship halls, Slapdash Bluegrass draws a crowd with foot-stomping, finger-blazing barn burners, and keeps that crowd with nuanced writing and charm.
Great American Jukebox, August 9
The story of American music with Michael J. Miles & Jill Kaeding
Miles and Kaeding bring together their highly acclaimed newest work, the “Great American Jukebox” of classic hit songs, reimagined for acoustic guitar and cello, combined with Miles’ historic and internationally renowned work on the banjo, to present a thrilling portrait of America through its songs and stories.
Cicada Summer, August 16
In the heart of Chicago, there’s a band playing the songs of summer all year round, and like their namesake this little band makes a big sound. Inspired by bluegrass, Irish and folk music traditions, CICADA SUMMER brews up a warm acoustic blend of tunes spiced with a pinch of city flair. Their energetic sets feature sunny vocal harmonies, folksy favorites, scattered fiddle tunes, golden oldies, and even the occasional pop-hit gone acoustic. Tap your toes and hum along to some strings on wings!
Los Gallos, August 23
Los Gallos are Chicago’s premier Tex-Mex/ Americana Roots band. Transcending musical borders, Los Gallos are known for their unsegregated sound. Their roots-oriented style honors their collective musical inheritance by drawing upon traditional Latin sounds and American vibes. Los Gallos seamlessly fuse an eclectic mix of Cumbia, Norteño and Bolero with Country, Rock and Blues to create their innovative signature sound.
