12th Annual Chicago Folk and Roots Festival
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Mid JulyDescription
Chicago Folk & Roots Festival, produced by the venerable Old Town School of Folk Music, is one of the city’s most celebrated summer events. The festival features a spectacular array of world music and dance in a beautiful park setting. Chicago Folk & Roots holds a main stage for international and national touring artists, a dance workshop tent, kids music tent, kids arts & crafts, instrument petting zoo, a staff & student stage (from Old Town School's extensive education programs), and an array of local food and retail vendors. The Chicago Folk & Roots Festival has a massive, loyal fan base and consistently receives positive critics' reviews. Here's what they have to say: “Old Town School Folk & Roots festival one of season’s best.” -Jim DeRogatis, Chicago Sun-Times, 7/11/08. “Shows you can’t miss: In a city glutted with summer festivals, the 11th annual outdoor party hosted by the Old Town School of Folk Music wins the diversity prize.” -Greg Kot, Chicago Tribune. 7/11/08. “Top live shows: Don’t try to detect a prevailing theme at Old Town’s annual block party. Befitting the institution’s increasingly eclectic purview of all things folk, the roots at this year’s fest are more tangled than ever.” -Craig Keller, Time Out Chicago. 7/10-16/08 “Old Town fest succeeds by doing what it does best.” -Aaron Cohen, Chicago Tribune. 7/17/08
Performers
Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, Karsh Kale and Timeline, Honey Honey, Watcha Clan, Curly Taylor and Zydeco TroubleMbolo Moy Dolle, and many others. Past Festival Performers have included Richard Thompson, Patti Smith, Ozomatli, Thomas Mapfumo, Tinariwen, Otis Clay, Alejandro Escovedo, Irma Thomas, Dobet Gnahoré, Refugee All Stars of the Sierra Leone and many more.
Venue
Welles Park, 4400 N. Lincoln Ave.
Directions
Driving westbound (from downtown) on I-90/94: Exit at Western Ave. Follow signs (straight at first stoplight) to Western Ave, then turn right on to Western Ave (at second stoplight). Turn right on Montrose Ave. Turn left onto Lincoln, where the park will be on the left. Driving eastbound (from north/nothwest suburbs) on 1-90/94: Exit at Irving Park and head east (left). Turn left on to Western Ave. Turn right on to Montrose Ave. Turn left onto Lincoln, where the park will be on the left.
Times
12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Admission & Parking
Free, $10 donation, $5 for kids and seniors
Website
http://www.oldtownschool.org
Infophone
773-.751.3431
Email
edellibovi@oldtownschool.org