Folktoberfest events at Friendly Community to support Despensa at Beyond Hunger October 26, 27 and 29
BERWYN IL - Music & Potlucks presents the 6th annual Folktoberfest on Thursday October 26, Friday October 27 and Sunday, October 29. All events take place at the Friendly Music Community, 6733 Roosevelt Road and proceeds will directly support Despensa at Beyond Hunger.
"Each autumn Music & Potlucks put together a special series of events to support a local service organization,” said Stephanie Schrodt of River Forest, who is co-director of Music & Potlucks, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. “This year we’re so excited to partner with the Friendly Community in Berwyn for our in-person events all to support Despensa at Beyond Hunger.”
Beyond Hunger works to end Hunger through distributing food to those in immediate need while working toward more permanent food security through community action and policy change. Despensa is Beyond Hunger's pop-up food pantry which continues to serve the immigrant population with culturally familiar foods.
“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.”
On Thursday, October 26 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.
On Friday, October 27 at 7:30 pm journalist and author Mark Guarino will drop by to discuss his new book Country & Midwestern. The book chronicles Chicago's pivotal role as a country and folk music capital. From the old WLS National Barn Dance to the opening of the Gate of Horn club and the Old Town School of Folk Music, to the alt-country movement, Country & Midwestern has received rave reviews across the country. The evening will include conversation and song. Copies of Country & Midwestern will be available for purchase. There is no admission fee.
Sunday, October 29 features two events. At 5:00 pm “Singing & Harmony,” a eighty-minute workshop hosted by Dvorak, will focus on group singing and finding a way to harmonize with simple melodies. Admission is $10.
Also on Sunday October 29 at 7:00 pm Music & Potlucks and the Friendly Community present a "Sing Along Concert with Mark Dvorak and Marianne Mohrhusen.” The seventy-five minute program will feature familiar songs with singable choruses accompanied on guitar, 5-string banjo and other instruments. All ages are welcome. Admission is $10.
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.
Find Mark Guarino and Country & Midwestern at www.countryandmidwestern.com.
Visit Mark Dvorak at www.markdvorak.com.