Folktoberfest events at Friendly Community to support Youth Crossroads and the Frank Hamilton School
BERWYN IL - Music & Potlucks presents the 7th annual Folktoberfest on Thursday October 24, Friday October 25 and Sunday, October 27. All events take place at the Friendly Music Community, 6731 Roosevelt Road and proceeds will directly support Youth Crossroads and the Frank Hamilton School in Decatur, Georgia.
"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 24 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 25 at 7:00 pm a special live stream interview and conversation with folk legend Frank Hamilton and Midwest troubadour Dvorak will take place before the screening of the 2023 award-winning documentary film Frank Hamilton and the Folk Revival: From Woody Guthrie to “We Shall Overcome”
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."
Those wishing to attend are invited to bring along a store-bought potluck item. Tickets are just $10. Doors at 6:00 pm. Proceeds from this event support the Frank Hamilton School. Reserve and learn more at www.musicandpotlucks.org.
On Sunday, October 27 at 5:00 pm a special Folktoberfest Community Concert will support Youth Crossroads in Berwyn, Illinois. The event features members of the acoustic rock group Risky Tingles who were finalists in the 2024 Law Rocks event, which raises money for local non-profit organizations. Also performing is Music & Potlucks resident artist Mark Dvorak, who will be joined by longtime singing partner Marianne Mohrhusen. Also performing is the local folk group Cooler By the Lake.
Youth Crossroads supports youth and their families, guiding them through life’s challenges, and inspiring them to discover new opportunities for personal development, healthy relationships, and positive community involvement.
“Youth Crossroads has been serving the community since 1971,” said Josephine DiCesare, Executive Director. “We’ve gone through some changes over the years but the need for youth and family services is ongoing, and without Youth Crossroads, the youth in our community would not get the guidance, support, and inspiration they desperately need"
Youth Crossroads is the only organization serving Berwyn, Cicero, Lyons, Stickney, and Forest View that provides counseling services and youth development programs free of charge in English and Spanish. For more information and to make a donation to Youth Crossroads visit www.youthcrossroads.org.
Doors open at 4:00 pm. Pizza will be served. Tickets start at just $10. Reserve and learn more at www.musicandpotlucks.org.
“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.