Old Town School of Folk Music Hosts 60th Anniversary Party with Free Classes

Everyone’s favorite Chicago music school is turning 60 this year! The Old Town School of Folk Music opened in 1957, and now sixty years later it operates three concert venues and classroom facilities: two in Lincoln Square, one in Lincoln Park, and none in Old Town. The Old Town School is hosting an anniversary party and open house on Friday, April 14th from 7-11 p.m. at their main location at 4545 N. Lincoln Avenue. The event will feature singalongs and a jam session called Voice of the People taught by Mary Peterson and Andrea Bunch. Attendees will learn a range of protest and solidarity tunes that have shaped movements and cultures in the U.S. and abroad; from the ballads of the labor movement and the spirituals-turned-protest songs of the 50’s and 60’s to reggae and contemporary hip-hop.  Paula McKernan will lead a collective songwriting workshop, Kim Davis will lead a dance jam session. There will be a guitar class with Louis Bardales. There will be an ensemble showcase with live performances by Riot Grrl, Big Band Jazz, and Disco Ensembles. The event is totally free. Come one, come all!
Emma Terhaar