Acoustic Neighbors unite to fight homelessness, hunger August 23
BROOKFIELD IL - “The answer my friend, is blowin’ in the wind…” says the famous folk song penned by Bob Dylan in 1962. The answer may be blowing in the wind, but a community action group, Music & Potlucks has its boots on the ground and will be walking the walk on Saturday, August 23 when a dozen or so local musicians will gather to perform at the fourth annual block party and neighborhood concert to support BEDS Plus in La Grange, Illinois.
“Raymond Unplugged” will feature music by Brookfield resident Mark Dvorak, who is the resident artist at Music & Potlucks, Ashley and Simpson of Downers Grove, Cooler By the Lake, a folk band based in River Forest and the Victoria Storm Trio.
Also performing are Ren & Kathy Herr of Brookfield, singer songwriter Karen Wegman Barr of Berwyn, Joseph Kostal from the Friendly Music Community in Berwyn, Wayne Oestricher of Bensenville, Patty Peace from Chicago, railroad historian and folk singer Ed Ellis of La Grange and other special guests.
The block party opens at 4:00 pm, the music begins at 5:00 pm.
“Homelessness and food insecurity are on the rise,” said Stephanie Schrodt, director of Music & Potlucks. “Our mission is to partner with other organizations and do what we can to help.”
Since 2017 Music & Potlucks, a state-registered 501(c)(3) non-profit granting organization, has presented hundreds of programs and events and granted out tens of thousands of dollars to other non-profits in the Chicagoland area.
“This is the sort of community event where folk songs really come to life and express a common message,” said Dvorak, who is producing the event. “We’ve gathered a great cast of area singers and songwriters who are invested in the folk community and committed to pitching in to help our neighbors in need. We’re very excited.”
BEDS Plus has been serving the community since 1988 and partners with area housing agencies to provide housing for people with histories of chronic homelessness. Transitional housing programs are also available for clients with intensive needs, including families, domestic violence survivors, other victims of crime, and transition aged youth.
The event is family friendly and takes place on Raymond Avenue in Brookfield, Illinois. There is no admission charge and some food and beverage will be provided. There will an area for children’s activities and those attending should bring a chair, a picnic and refreshments. Cash donations and donations of non-perishable food items and toiletries will be accepted.
One hundred per-cent of all proceeds collected will go to support BEDS Plus, La Grange IL.
To register for the event and receive an invitation visit Music & Potlucks on line at www.musicandpotlucks.org.
Learn more about BEDS Plus at www.beds-plus.org.
Mark Dvorak is at www.markdvorak.com.