Jefferson County Historical Society celebrates the American folk song with Illinois troubadour Mark Dvorak October 19
MT. VERNON IL - The Jefferson County Historical Society welcomes Chicago’s “official troubadour” Mark Dvorak for a special concert on Saturday, October 19 at 2:00 pm. The event takes place at the Jefferson County Historical Museum and Village, 1411 North 27th Street.
Dvorak who accompanies himself on guitar, 5-string banjo and 12-string guitar will present “The American Folk Song,” a musical exploration into the roots of American folk, blues and pop standards.
“I try to mix it up,” said Dvorak who accompanies himself on guitar, 5-string banjo, 12-string guitar and other instruments.
“The subject of ’The American Folk Song’ has always been fascinating to me. It all started by listening to Bob Dylan while in high school. I read the 1972 biography by Anthony Scaduto which led me to Pete Seeger. Seeger’s recordings and books that opened the door to the music of Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly and a whole bunch of others. The songs represent a kind of an ongoing patchwork quilt of struggle, celebration, loss and triumph. And at the very core of these songs - is storytelling.
Dvorak is celebrating the release of his 20th CD, Live & Alone, recorded in an empty concert hall during the height of the pandemic lock down, and his fourth book of essays, 31 Winters, which reflects on his long journey through music and teaching.
“At this stage of the game,” said the singer from his home outside Chicago, Illinois, “I feel like I’m doing my best work.”
Dvorak has performed in thirty-eight states and in parts of Europe and Canada. He has won awards for journalism and children’s music. In 2008 he received the Woodstock Folk Festival Lifetime Achievement Award and the Lantern Bearer Award from Folk Alliance International in 2013.Dvorak is an integral member of the faculty at Chicago’s remarkable Old Town School of Folk Music.
“The Chicago Tribune has called Dvorak “masterful,” and the Fox Valley Folk Festival describes him as “a living archive of song and style.”
For more information on the concert phone 618 246 0033 or visit www.historicjeffersoncountyil.com.
For information on Mark Dvorak visit www.markdvorak.com.
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