Folk and Bluegrass, Music, Reviews

Review: Rousing Chicago Reunion for Irish Trad Legend Altan

Chicago played a crucial role in the survival of traditional Irish music. Our city in the 19th and early 20th centuries became home to a huge influx of Irish immigrants […]

Bob Benenson /
Folk and Bluegrass, Music, Reviews

Review: Beausoleil’s Cajun Charms Prevail Despite a Trimmed Lineup 

Beausoleil has been the premier Cajun music recording and touring band for 45 years, and I have seen them so many times I’ve lost count. Every one of their past […]

Bob Benenson /
Folk and Bluegrass, Lit, Music, Nonfiction

Review: Where Dylan Grew into His Genius, Bob Dylan’s New York By June Skinner Sawyers

Bob Dylan’s New York By June Skinner Sawyers The History Press,142 pages, $21.99 First of all, a story: In April 2010, I was in downtown Duluth on a freelance writing […]

Patrick T. Reardon /
Folk and Bluegrass, Music, Reviews

Review: Aoife O’Donovan Enchants at Old Town School of Folk Music

Aoife O’Donovan is special. It’s easy to say that about many musicians, especially ones we hold dear, but there is something about O’Donovan that can’t be denied. Whether it be […]

Mariel Fechik /
Features, Folk and Bluegrass, Music, Reviews

Review: Le Vent du Nord at Old Town School of Folk Music: Tapez Du Pieds!

Le Vent du Nord, which translates to North Wind, brought the rollicking traditional music of Quebec to the Windy City on January 8. In kicking off the Old Town School […]

Bob Benenson /
Classical, Festivals, Folk and Bluegrass, Reviews

Mambo Kings and Tropical Weather Transported Grant Park to Cuba

The Grant Park Orchestra does not often play back-up to a jazz combo. On the other hand, the Mambo Kings, veteran performers of Afro-Cuban jazz, have been teaming up with […]

Bob Benenson /
Classical, Folk and Bluegrass, Music, Venues

Preview: Make Music Chicago Celebrates the Solstice on Friday

As the sun rises at what annually is its most northerly point on the horizon, sound artists and Rogers Park residents Eric Leonardson and Deirdre Harrison will be performing Dean […]

Louis Harris /
Folk and Bluegrass, Music, Reviews

Review: Gregory Alan Isakov Brings Evening Machines to a Dreamy Night at the Vic

Listen to a song by Gregory Alan Isakov and you’re likely to hear something about suitcases, gasoline, the sea, the moon, the stars– his poetry is populated by dusty images […]

Matthew Nerber /
Folk and Bluegrass, Interviews, Music, Reviews

Interview: Erin Rae on Her Dreamy Folk Music

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When Brandi Carlile recently performed at the Chicago Theater, she said that it was not long ago that she was playing Schubas. Now selling out a theater with a capacity […]

Nicholas Blashill /
Folk and Bluegrass, Music, Reviews

Album Review: Trampled by Turtles’ Life is Good on the Open Road is Varied, Thoughtful

Duluth bluegrass sextet Trampled By Turtles will play back-to-back sold out nights at Thalia Hall this weekend, May 19th & 20th. The band’s timely visit provides fans the opportunity to […]

Nicholas Blashill /
Folk and Bluegrass, Music, Previews, TCR Mixtape

TCR Mixtape No. 36: Spring Americana Concert Preview

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It’s a rare mixtape/preview crossover! This is the spot where you get a preview of this spring’s Americana slate coming to Chicago’s great music venues, alongside a nice playlist of […]

Nicholas Blashill /
Folk and Bluegrass, Music, Reviews, Venues

I’m With Her Put on a Joyful Show at Thalia Hall

It seems that in each generation of bluegrass, there comes a new reigning trio of powerful women. Like Dolly, Linda, and Emmylou before them, Aoife O’Donovan, Sarah Jarosz, and Sara […]

Mariel Fechik /