Episodes
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En la parte final de la serie, La Peña comes to a close, and makes room for a new and broader concert series, which continues to this day: World Music Wednesday. In this episode we hear stories--en inglés y español--from Juan Díes, Mateo Mulcahy, and Roberto Arce, alongside música latina from the archives.
Original recordings featured in this episode (in order of occurrence):
- “Túmbame el Engaño” from “A Bomba & Plena History of Puerto Rico: Bembeteo” written and performed by Ramón Lopez, live at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 04/27/2005
- Interview with Mateo Mulcahy at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 909 W Armitage Ave, 06/14/2019
- Interview with Juan Díes & Luis Jahn at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 909 W Armitage Ave, 06/14/2019
- Phone interview with Roberto Arce, 6/7/19 (tape sync courtesy of Adrian Alcantar)
- “La Banda” performed by Los Cenzontles, live at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 10/13/2004
This podcast series on La Peña was supported by a grant from the Illinois Digital Archive. Access more audio and video recordings from the La Peña concert series at: http://www.idaillinois.org/digital/collection/p16614coll9/search/
Website: www.oldtownschool.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/OTSArchives
Instagram: @archivespodcast -
“I think some people came because they could eat the empanadas. You know, and then, the music.” En la tercera parte de la serie, we hear how the La Peña concert series finally came to be. In this episode we hear stories--en inglés y español--from Jim Hirsch, Juan Díes, Luis Jahn, and Roberto Arce, alongside música latina from the archives.
Original recordings featured in this episode (in order of occurrence):
- “Bulería” performed by Las Guitarras de España, live at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 03/09/2005
- StoryCorps conversation between Jim Hirsch & Skip Landt, 7/6/2017 at the StoryCorps booth in the Chicago Cultural Center
- Interview with Juan Díes & Luis Jahn at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 909 W Armitage Ave, 06/14/2019
- “Cartas de la Habana” performed by Luis Jahn, live at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 03/02/2005
- Phone interview with Roberto Arce, 6/7/19 (tape sync courtesy of Adrian Alcantar)
- “Las Penas Matan” performed by Roberto Arce, live at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 07/26/2000
This podcast series on La Peña was supported by a grant from the Illinois Digital Archive. Access more audio and video recordings from the La Peña concert series at: http://www.idaillinois.org/digital/collection/p16614coll9/search/
Website: www.oldtownschool.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/OTSArchives
Instagram: @archivespodcast -
Episodes manquant?
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In the early 1980s, the Old Town School came the closest it ever has to shutting its doors. How did they manage to stay open? Escucha la historia en la segunda parte de la serie La Peña. In this episode we hear stories--en inglés y español--from Juan Díes, Jim Hirsch, Michael Miles and Roberto Arce, alongside música latina from the archives.
Original recordings featured in this episode (in order of occurrence):
- Interview with Juan Díes & Luis Jahn at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 909 W Armitage Ave, 06/14/2019
- StoryCorps conversation between Jim Hirsch & Skip Landt, 7/6/2017 at the StoryCorps booth in the Chicago Cultural Center
- “Adiós la Mio Vaca Pinta” performed by Llan de Cubel, live at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 9/22/1999
- StoryCorps conversation between Michael Miles & Skip Landt, 10/20/2017 at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4545 N Lincoln Ave
- Phone interview with Roberto Arce, 6/7/19 (tape sync courtesy of Adrian Alcantar)
- “Pajarillo” performed by Tribus Futuras, live at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 3/20/2002
This podcast series on La Peña was supported by a grant from the Illinois Digital Archive. Access more audio and video recordings from the La Peña concert series at: http://www.idaillinois.org/digital/collection/p16614coll9/search/
Website: www.oldtownschool.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/OTSArchives
Instagram: @archivespodcast -
Esto es la historia de La Peña, the first Latin music concert series at the Old Town School, pretty much the predecessor to today’s enormously successful World Music Wednesday concerts. But the story of La Peña is really just one part of a larger story, about how the Old Town School in the 1980s was brought back from the brink of closure, in large part by broadening their definition of “folk” in highly intentional ways. To tell the tale, we’ll share stories and music, en inglés y en español, from the people who were there. Featuring an interview with Juan Díes, founder of La Peña, and former Director of Community Outreach at the school.
Original recordings featured in this episode (in order of occurrence):
- “Voy Por la Mañana” performed by Ensemble Charambó live at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 11/07/2001
- Interview with Juan Díes & Luis Jahn at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 909 W Armitage Ave, 06/14/2019
- “Malagueña Salerosa” performed by Valucha de Castro, Studs Terkel OTS Show, 1968
- “Alma Llanera” performed by Karin & sus Llaneros live at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 07/19/2000
This podcast series on La Peña was supported by a grant from the Illinois Digital Archive. Access more audio and video recordings from the La Peña concert series at: http://www.idaillinois.org/digital/collection/p16614coll9/search/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/OTSArchives
Instagram: @archivespodcast
www.oldtownschool.org -
Esto es la historia de La Peña, the first Latin music concert series at the Old Town School--the predecessor to today’s enormously successful World Music Wednesday concerts. To tell the tale, we’ll share stories and music, en inglés y en español, from the people who were there. Episodes come out the first Wednesday of the month, starting in March. Listen on iTunes, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts. ¡Nos vemos el miercoles!
Music: “Voy Por la Mañana” performed by Ensemble Charambó live at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 11/07/2001
This podcast series on La Peña was supported by a grant from the Illinois Digital Archive. Access more audio and video recordings from the La Peña concert series at: http://www.idaillinois.org/digital/collection/p16614coll9/search/
Website: www.oldtownschool.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/OTSArchives
Instagram: @archivespodcast -
A running theme throughout Old Town School history is people finding deep connections and community, forging lifelong collaborations, friendships, and often falling in love. In this last episode of our Second Half series, we wanted to share one such story, from two people who met while working at the school in the late 1980s. Married now for years, longtime teachers Elaine Moore and Jim DeWan first met at the school over 3 decades ago. In these excerpts from their conversation at the school on May 20th, 2017, they share a few memories and reflections on their time there--including the school’s brief relocation to the Irish-American Heritage Center. Listen to the full interview at: https://archive.storycorps.org/interviews/jim-dewan-elaine-moore/
More stories at: www.oldtownschool.org/StoryCorps
Original recordings featured in this episode (in order of occurrence):
- “Glory of Love” performed by Big Bill Broonzy live at Circle Pines Center, circa 1950s
- “Softly and Tenderly” as performed by Elaine Moore, Catherine Hall & Jim DeWan at the Old Town School of Folk Music at 909 W Armitage Ave, 1988
- StoryCorps interview between Elaine Moore & Jim Dewan at the Old Town School of Folk Music at 4545 N Lincoln Ave, 5/20/17 -
[Content warning: Brief profanity, conversation about death and chronic illness.] In these excerpts from a conversation between Mary Babcock and Lorena Velázquez-Hinojosa, Mary shares memories of her daughter Rebecca "Becca" Babcock, who worked at the front desk of the Old Town School from 2005 until her death in 2012 at the age of 31. They talk about Becca's diagnosis with colon cancer and how she coped with her illness; her blog about the experience, "The Colon Chronicles"; the community and support Becca had at Old Town School throughout that time; and the documentary about her story, "I Am A Visitor In Your World." The conversation was recorded June 22nd, 2017. Go to www.oldtownschool.org/StoryCorps to hear more stories from the StoryCorps-Old Town School partnership.Original recordings featured in this episode (in order of occurence):- “Glory of Love” performed by Big Bill Broonzy live at Circle Pines Center, circa 1950s- StoryCorps interview between Mary Babcock & Lorena Velázquez-Hinojosa at the Old Town School of Folk Music at 4545 N Lincoln Ave, 6/22/17- "I'll Fly Away," performed by the Kathy Kallick Band at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 10/14/2001
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Before we take an end-of-year break, we want to recognize something pretty significant. The Old Town School and the music store formerly known as the “Different Strummer” have had a home at 909 W Armitage for 50 years. Fifty years! In celebration of that milestone, and of the many people and communities that have had a home there over the decades, we’re rebroadcasting an episode from last season with stories from Eddie Holstein, Art Thieme, Judy Hauff and more from the earliest years on Armitage. “60 Years of Folk, Part 3: Folk clubs and all-night parties” is part three of a documentary series on the Old Town School of Folk Music, told through the voices and songs of the people who were there. You can listen to the entire series on iTunes, SoundCloud, or by googling “Old Town School Archives Podcast.” Go to oldtownschool.org/StoryCorps to learn more. The Archives will return with a new episode of “Second Half” on January 10th, 2019, with more stories from Old Town School folks. Have a happy new year!
Original recordings featured in this episode (in order of occurrence):
- “Glory of Love” performed by Big Bill Broonzy live at Circle Pines Center, circa 1950s
- Win Stracke, “Farewell to Frank,” 4/15/1962
- “In the Evening” performed by Frank Hamilton, 4/15/1962
- StoryCorps conversation between Mike Dunbar & Mark Dvorak, 12/13/2016
- “Medicine Show” performed by Mike Dunbar at 909 W Armitage Ave, 1975
- “Sans Day Carol” by Armstrong party guests, New Year’s Day party, 1/1/1963
- Ed Holstein interviews, 4/29/16 with Mareva Lindo & 3/22/17 with Rick Weiland (StoryCorps)
- “Come Fare Away (Marnie)” performed by Fred Holstein at Somebody Else’s Troubles, 2/28/1976
- Art Thieme phone interview by Paul Tyler, 1992
- “Drill Ye Tarriers Drill” performed by Win Stracke, Compendium, circa 1965
- “Elanoy” performed by Art Thieme, Wandering Folksong, 1/4/1980
- StoryCorps conversation between Judy Hauff & Louise Dimiceli-Mitran, 3/22/2017
- “I Am A Pilgrim,” performed by Ray Tate, Studs Terkel program, 1968
- “John Henry” performed by Stu Ramsey, 333 W North Ave, 4/15/1962
- "All the Good People" (written by Ken Hicks) performed by Fred Holstein, Old Town School benefit at Stages Music Hall, 9/28/1980
- “Drop Down Mama” performed by Ed Holstein, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 11/13/2005
- “The Twentieth Century is Almost Over” performed by Steve Goodman, circa 1980s
- “Six O’Clock News” performed by John Prine, Stages Music Hall, 9/28/1980
- StoryCorps conversation between Jimmy Tomasello & Bill Brickey, 3/22/2017
- “Banjo Contest (partial)” performed by Stephen Wade, Somebody Else’s Troubles, 7/31/1975
- StoryCorps conversation between Stephen Wade & Matt Brown, 4/13/2017
- “Walking Boss” performed by Fleming Brown, Somebody Else’s Troubles, 2/26/1976 -
Jon Langford and Sally Timms--of The Mekons and countless other projects--have been part of the Old Town School community in a myriad of ways since the 1990s. Just a few months after Langford was honored as a “Music Legend” by the school, the two friends and longtime bandmates sat down to talk about their memories and reflections on the place. This is part two of our new series, Second Half, putting Old Town School folks and their stories center-stage.
Original recordings featured in this episode (in order of occurrence):
- “Glory of Love” performed by Big Bill Broonzy live at Circle Pines Center, circa 1950s
- StoryCorps interview between Jon Langford & Sally Timms, 6/5/2017
- “The Fox” performed by Jon Langford, live at Old Town School of Folk Music, circa 2000s -
Welcome back! This season, we bring you Second Half: a new series drawn from the interviews we've collected as part of our oral history partnership with StoryCorps, featuring Old Town School folks and their stories. In part one, we introduce you to Chicago artist Peggy Lipschutz, who is about to celebrate her 100th birthday. She’s been part of the Old Town School community since its earliest years, and her artwork still adorns the school walls today.
Original recordings featured in this episode (in order of occurence):
- “Glory of Love” performed by Big Bill Broonzy live at Circle Pines Center, circa 1950s
- StoryCorps interview between Peggy Lipschutz & Peg Browning, Chicago, IL, 10/14/2017
- “Oh Mary Don’t You Weep” performed by Mark Dvorak and co., Old Town School of Folk Music, circa 2010s
- “In the Port of Amsterdam” performed by Fred Holstein, Chicago, IL, circa 1970s -
Welcome back! We've got a fresh new season for you, to begin this Thursday, December 6th, and we want to tell you a little about it. Plus: Today is the Old Town School's 61st anniversary! In celebration, we bring you a special rebroadcast of "60 Years of Folk, Part 1: Come for to Sing" from last season's audio documentary, all about the people, principles and forces that led to the creation of the school back in 1957. Featuring archival recordings from Pete Seeger, Studs Terkel, and the school's co-founders, as well as oral history interviews collected in collaboration with StoryCorps.
Original recordings featured in this episode (in order of occurrence):
- “Blues on Big Bill Broonzy guitar” performed by Chris Walz live at 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 6/17/2011
- StoryCorps interview of Jane Stracke by Mareva Lindo, 6/5/2017
- “Wandering,” performed by Win Stracke, Old Town School Compendium, circa 1965
- “The Trees Are All Ivied” performed by Win Stracke, Win Stracke Live with Studs Terkel, 3/19/1982
- “Ballad of the Boll Weevil” performed by Win Stracke, Old Town School Compendium, circa 1965
- StoryCorps conversation between Ron Cohen & Bob Riesman, 5/20/2017
- Studs Terkel interview by Paul Tyler, Old Town School 35th anniversary interviews, 1992
- Win Stracke interview by Studs Terkel, Win Stracke Live with Studs Terkel, 3/19/1982
- “In the Evening” performed by Frank Hamilton live at 333 W North Ave, 4/15/1962
- Frank Hamilton interviews by Mareva Lindo, 7/27/2015 and 2/12/2016
- “Old Blue” performed by Guy Carawan live at the Armstrong home, 8/13/1978
- “Nine Hundred Miles” from Old Town School Compendium, circa 1965
- “Roll the Union On,” performed by Pete Seeger live at People’s Church, 5/17/1986
- Pete Seeger interview by Paul Tyler, Old Town School 35th anniversary interviews, 1992
- StoryCorps conversation between Lance Greening & Rick Veras, 5/8/2017
- Dawn Greening interview by Paul Tyler, Old Town School 35th anniversary interviews, 1992
- “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round,” performed by Odetta live at 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 10/30/2004
- “Methodist Pie” performed by Win Stracke live at 333 W North Ave, 4/15/1962
- “Vranjanka (Serbia)” performed by Valucha deCastro and Frank Hamilton live at 333 W North Ave, 4/15/1962
- “Witch Upon A Hill” performed by Ted Johnson live at 333 W North Ave, 10/10/1964
- StoryCorps conversation between Ted Johnson and Marcia Johnson, 3/22/2017
- “Glory of Love” performed by Big Bill Broonzy live at Circle Pines Center, circa 1950s
References and recommended reading:
- Chicago Folk: Images of the Sixties Music Scene by Ronald D. Cohen & Bob Riesman
- Rainbow Quest: The Folk Music Revival and American Society, 1940-1970 by Ronald D. Cohen -
The Old Town School has grown exponentially in the new millennium--both in terms of its reach and the two new buildings it’s grown into since 1998. Sixty years in, this episode introduces some of the people who have made it what it is today, and those who will shape it in the years to come--from executive director Bau Graves to Old Town School Teen Council member Zelda Zerkel.
Original recordings featured in this episode (in order of occurrence):
- “Glory of Love” performed by Big Bill Broonzy live at Circle Pines Center, circa 1950s
- “Deep River Blues” performed by Chris Walz, lobby of 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 12/1/17
- StoryCorps conversation between Bau Graves & Gregg Ostrom, 4545 N Lincoln Ave, 1/25/17
- “We’re Up Against It Now” performed by Bau Graves, “Come for to Sing,” 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 3/3/2012
- StoryCorps interview with Carlos Cornier by Mareva Lindo, 4545 N Lincoln Ave, 5/8/17
- "Bolo Haye Re" performed by Funkadesi, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, live in 2003
- StoryCorps conversation between Julian Ross & Christopher Ross, 4545 N Lincoln Ave, 4/10/2017
- "Blues on Big Bill Broonzy guitar" performed by Chris Walz, “Tribute to Big Bill Broonzy,” 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 6/17/2011
- StoryCorps conversation between Marge Weber & Lara Weber, 4545 N Lincoln Ave, 5/8/17
- “Fiddle Tune Medley / Ruben You Can Play Your Banjo” performed by Mark Dvorak, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 10/25/1998
- StoryCorps interview with Zelda Zerkel by Mareva Lindo, 4545 N Lincoln Ave, 7/25/17
- “I Lost My Control” performed by Gabrielle & Jaclyn Sukich, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, Teen Open Mic 2/17/2007 -
In this special episode, Resource Center engineer Raul Fernandez shares a selection of archival recordings from the La Peña concert series, a weekly showcase of Latin folk music and dance that ran at the Old Town School from the mid-1990s through the 2000s.
Original recordings from the La Peña concert series featured in this episode (in order of occurrence):
- “Cante Jondo” performed by Arte y Pureza & Members of Noche Flamenca, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 2/8/2006
- “La Bamba” performed by Mono Blanco at World Music Festival Night, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 9/27/2000
- “Medley Guerrerense / Medley de Gustos” performed by Sones de Mexico & CSO Brass Ensemble, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 3/15/2000
- “Penas Matan” performed by Roberto Arce, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 5/03/2000
- “Un Poquito de Manteca” performed by Victor Parra & Mambo Express at the Festival Cubano, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 2/16/2000
Recommended listening:
- Live from the Old Town School, Vol 1-4, 2011: https://www.oldtownschool.org/liverecordings/ -
From Wiggleworms to the Latin Music Festival, this two-part episode explores how the school has expanded class offerings and community programs to be more inclusive and broad-reaching over the past 36 years. This is part five of a six-part documentary series on the 60-year history of Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music, told through the voices and songs of the people who were there. The conversations featured were gathered in collaboration with StoryCorps this year, along with archival music culled from the school’s Resource Center. Go to oldtownschool.org/StoryCorps to hear more excerpts, full interviews, and to learn more about this ongoing partnership.
Original recordings featured in this episode (in order of occurrence):
- “Glory of Love” performed by Big Bill Broonzy live at Circle Pines Center, circa 1950s
- “Yemaya” performed by Conjunto Cespedes, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 2/5/2000
- StoryCorps conversation between Jim Hirsch & Skip Landt, StoryCorps booth at the Chicago Cultural Center, 7/6/2017
- “Puerto Rico Mi Tierra Natal” performed by Los Pleneros de la 21, University of Chicago, 11/25/1989
- StoryCorps conversation between Michael Miles & Skip Landt, 4545 N Lincoln Ave, 10/20/2017
- “Carnavalito” performed by Andes Manta, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, World Music Wednesday, 4/6/2011
- Interviews with Juan Dies by Mareva Lindo & Raul Fernandez, 11/11/2016 & 12/2/2016
- “De Camaleon” performed by Groupo Canta Claro, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, World Music Wednesday, 8/10/2008
- “Jarabe Planeco” performed by Sones de Mexico Ensemble, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, Festival de Son, 11/11/2006
- StoryCorps conversation between Mateo Mulcahy & Karima Daoudi, 4545 N Lincoln Ave, 9/27/2017
- “Cripple Creek” performed by Fleming Brown & Ray Tate, 333 W North Ave, 4/15/1962
- “Joulafassa“ performed by Mamadou Diabate, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, World Music Wednesday, 8/6/2008
- “Skip to My Lou” performed by Anne-Marie Akin, “Songs for Wiggleworms,” 2006
- StoryCorps conversation between Katie Lahiff & Erin Flynn, 4545 N Lincoln Ave, 5/1/2017
- StoryCorps conversation between Laura Doherty & Karen Banks-Lubicz, 4545 N Lincoln Ave, 5/20/2017
- “If All of the Raindrops” performed by Laura Doherty, “Songs for Wiggleworms,” 2006
Recommended listening:
- Live from the Old Town School, Vol 1-4, 2011: https://www.oldtownschool.org/liverecordings/
- Songs for Wiggleworms, 2006: https://www.bloodshotrecords.com/album/songs-fo-wiggleworms -
This is a special extra episode featuring excerpts from a conversation between longtime friends Robbie Fulks and Steve Dawson, fellow songwriters and performers in Chicago. In 2017 Fulks concluded 7 years of weekly shows at The Hideout, on the heels of releasing the Grammy-nominated album, Upland Stories. Dawson recently co-wrote a book on songwriting with the Chicago Tribune’s Mark Caro, called Take It to the Bridge.” Both active in the Chicago music community for over 30 years, Fulks taught bluegrass guitar at the Old Town School from 1984-96, and Dawson has been teaching guitar and songwriting at the school since 2006. This conversation was recorded on June 5th, 2017, as part of our oral history project with StoryCorps. Go to www.oldtownschool.org/StoryCorps to learn more about our partnership with StoryCorps, and to hear excerpts of other interviews collected over the past year.
Original recordings featured in this episode (in order of occurrence):
- “Goodbye Cruel Girl” performed by Robbie Fulks, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 3/19/2006
- StoryCorps conversation between Robbie Fulks & Steve Dawson, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 6/5/17
- “Too Good to Believe” performed by Dolly Varden, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 5/10/2002
- “Cigarette State” performed by Robbie Fulks, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 3/19/2006
- “The Dying Soldier” performed by Steve Dawson, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 12/9/2007
- “Glory of Love” performed by Big Bill Broonzy live at Circle Pines Center, circa 1950s
Recommended reading:
- "Take It to the Bridge" by Steve Dawson & Mark Caro -
By the early 1980s, “folk” was a four-letter word, and the Old Town School was nearly empty. Part four of the series explores how the school endured by broadening and redefining the meaning of “folk” throughout the 80s and 90s, under the leadership of executive director Jim Hirsch and program director Michael Miles. This is part four of a six-part documentary series on the 60-year history of Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music, told through the voices and songs of the people who were there. Many of the stories featured were gathered in collaboration with StoryCorps this year, along with music and interviews from the archive in the school’s Resource Center. Go to oldtownschool.org/StoryCorps to hear more excerpts, full interviews, and to learn more about this ongoing partnership.
Original recordings featured in this episode (in order of occurrence):
- “Glory of Love” performed by Big Bill Broonzy live at Circle Pines Center, circa 1950s
- StoryCorps conversation between Jim Hirsch & Skip Landt, 7/6/2017
- “San Francisco Bay Blues” performed by Frank Hamilton at Holstein’s, Old Town School 25th anniversary concert, 1982
- “Hey, Billie Jean” performed by Corky Siegel at Orchestra Hall, Old Town School Benefit, 1/16/1987
- “Loreta” performed by Paulinho García, La Peña at 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 11/17/1999
- StoryCorps conversation between Skip Landt & Rick Sherry, 1/25/2017
- “Hen House Blues” performed by Fran Landt, Skip Landt, Jonathan Whitier & Michelle Kaminsky, 909 W Armitage, 12/1/1988
- StoryCorps conversation between Michael Miles & Skip Landt, 10/20/2017
- “Come On In My Kitchen” performed by Michael Miles, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 10/18/2003
- “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” performed by Elaine Moore, Old Town School of Folk Music Songbook Vol. 1, 2006
- “Sportin’ Life” performed by Mary Peterson, Old Town School of Folk Music Songbook Vol. 2 & 3 [Disc 1], 2007
- StoryCorps conversation between Reggio McLaughlin & Mareva Lindo, 1/25/2017
- “Chicago Reel” (trad., from O’Neill’s Music of Ireland) performed by Liz Carroll & Mike Austin, StoryCorps recording, 1/26/2017
- StoryCorps conversation between Liz Carroll & Mike Austin, 1/26/2017
- Paul Tyler interview by Mareva Lindo, 7/1/2016
- “Shady Grove” performed by The Volo Bogtrotters, Flea Market Radio Show at 909 W Armitage, 11/30/1986
Additional recordings featured:
- “Is It Because I’m Black (Instrumental)” by Syl Johnson, from Light: On the South Side book and box set, 2009 -- http://www.numerogroup.com/products/light-on-the-south-side -
This is a special mini episode on the musical lineage between Hobart Smith, Fleming Brown, and Stephen Wade, who was featured on our last episode. You’ll hear archival recordings of Hobart and Fleming, as well as excerpts from Stephen’s conversation with Old Town School teaching artist Matt Brown this spring, as part of our oral history partnership with StoryCorps. Stephen began playing banjo at the Old Town School as a student of Fleming Brown and has since become a prominent folklorist, banjo player and researcher whose accomplishments include the one man show Banjo Dancing and his recent book The Beautiful Music All Around Us. Go to www.oldtownschool.org/StoryCorps to learn more about our partnership with StoryCorps, and to hear excerpts of other interviews collected over the past year.
Original recordings featured in this episode (in order of occurrence):
- “Pateroller” performed by Stephen Wade, 4/13/17
- StoryCorps conversation between Stephen Wade & Matt Brown, 4/13/17
- “Poor Ellen Smith” performed by Hobart Smith at Coffee, circa 1963
- “Pateroller” (fast and slow) performed by Hobart Smith at Fleming Brown’s home, 1963
- Conversation between Hobart Smith and Fleming Brown at Brown home, 1963
- “Chinquapin Pie” performed by Hobart Smith at Fleming Brown’s home, 1963
- “Down in a Willow Garden” performed by Dodi Kallick & Hobart Smith, circa 1963
- “Down in a Willow Garden” performed by Fleming Brown & Ray Tate, 333 W North Ave, 4/15/1962
- “Fare Thee Well, Old Ely Branch” performed by Fleming Brown, 333 W North Ave, 4/15/1962
- “Chinquapin Pie” performed by Stephen Wade, 4/13/17
Recommended listening & reading:
- In Sacred Trust: The 1963 Fleming Brown Tapes feat. Hobart Smith, produced by Stephen Wade
- The Beautiful Music All Around Us by Stephen Wade -
Folk music changed significantly over the 1960s, and the Old Town School was no different--even as it sought to preserve the traditional music that defined it from the start. This episode features stories from Mike Dunbar, Ed Holstein, Stephen Wade, and more from the school’s second incarnation at 909 W Armitage Ave, where Ray Tate took over leadership from the school’s founders in the late 1960s. This is part three of a six-part documentary series on the 60-year history of Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music, told through the voices and songs of the people who were there. Many of the stories featured were gathered in partnership with StoryCorps this year, along with music and interviews from the archive in the school’s Resource Center. Go to oldtownschool.org/StoryCorps to learn more.
Original recordings featured in this episode (in order of occurrence):
- “Glory of Love” performed by Big Bill Broonzy live at Circle Pines Center, circa 1950s
- Win Stracke, “Farewell to Frank,” 4/15/1962
- “In the Evening” performed by Frank Hamilton, 4/15/1962
- StoryCorps conversation between Mike Dunbar & Mark Dvorak, 12/13/2016
- “Medicine Show” performed by Mike Dunbar at 909 W Armitage Ave, 1975
- “Sans Day Carol” by Armstrong party guests, New Year’s Day party, 1/1/1963
- Ed Holstein interviews, 4/29/16 with Mareva Lindo & 3/22/17 with Rick Weiland (StoryCorps)
- “Come Fare Away (Marnie)” performed by Fred Holstein at Somebody Else’s Troubles, 2/28/1976
- Art Thieme phone interview by Paul Tyler, 1992
- “Drill Ye Tarriers Drill” performed by Win Stracke, Compendium, circa 1965
- “Elanoy” performed by Art Thieme, Wandering Folksong, 1/4/1980
- StoryCorps conversation between Judy Hauff & Louise Dimiceli-Mitran, 3/22/2017
- “I Am A Pilgrim,” performed by Ray Tate, Studs Terkel program, 1968
- “John Henry” performed by Stu Ramsey, 333 W North Ave, 4/15/1962
- "All the Good People" (written by Ken Hicks) performed by Fred Holstein, Old Town School benefit at Stages Music Hall, 9/28/1980
- “Drop Down Mama” performed by Ed Holstein, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 11/13/2005
- “The Twentieth Century is Almost Over” performed by Steve Goodman, circa 1980s
- “Six O’Clock News” performed by John Prine, Stages Music Hall, 9/28/1980
- StoryCorps conversation between Jimmy Tomasello & Bill Brickey, 3/22/2017
- “Banjo Contest (partial)” performed by Stephen Wade, Somebody Else’s Troubles, 7/31/1975
- StoryCorps conversation between Stephen Wade & Matt Brown, 4/13/2017
- “Walking Boss” performed by Fleming Brown, Somebody Else’s Troubles, 2/26/1976
Additional reading:
- Steve Goodman: Facing the Music by Clay Eals -
This is a special mini episode featuring the stories of Ted and Marcia Johnson, who you heard in both of the last two episodes. Ted and Marcia met at the Old Town School in in the early sixties, and have now been married for over 50 years. Ted was involved before the Old Town School even began, in a group guitar class led by Frank Hamilton in Dawn Greening's Oak Park living room; he soon went on to become the school’s second teacher. In this extra, they talk about their role in establishing the long-running Chicago Sacred Harp Singers community, as well as the Old Town School’s impact on their lives to this day. To hear the full conversation, listen to excerpts from other conversations, or to learn more about the project, go to www.oldtownschool.org/StoryCorps. Music: "All My Trials" performed by Ted Johnson & Shirley Hirsch, 4/15/1962
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This episode shares the stories of the school’s fabled opening night on Dec. 1st, 1957, and the early years when it was housed at the Immigrant State Bank Building at 333 West North Avenue. You’ll hear archival music and recordings from Ella Jenkins, Big Bill Broonzy, the Johnsons, the Armstrongs and more, including many people who participated in our oral history partnership with StoryCorps this past year. This is part two of a six-part documentary series on the 60-year history of Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music, told through the voices and songs of the people who were there.
Original recordings featured in this episode (in order of occurrence):
- “Glory of Love” performed by Big Bill Broonzy live at Circle Pines Center, circa 1950s
- George Armstrong playing bagpipes, circa 1982
- StoryCorps conversation between Ted Johnson & Marcia Johnson, 3/22/2017
- “Glory of Love” performed by Big Bill Broonzy, circa 1950s
- Frank Hamilton interviews by Mareva Lindo, 7/27/2015 and 2/12/2016
- Gerry Armstrong interview by Paul Tyler, 1992
- Studs Terkel interview by Paul Tyler, 1992
- “Came Out the Wilderness” performed by Ella Jenkins, 7/3/1991
- StoryCorps interview of Ella Jenkins by Mareva Lindo, 5/3/2017
- “Trouble on My Mind” performed by Ginni Clemmens, 1968
- “Sloop John B” performed by Win Stracke, Frank Hamilton, Dawn Greening, Ray Tate & the Kossoy Sisters, 1982
- StoryCorps interview of Jane Stracke by Mareva Lindo, 6/5/2017
- "The Auld Triangle" performed live by Marcia & Ted Johnson, 3/21/1982
- StoryCorps interview of Rebecca Armstrong by Mareva Lindo, 7/13/2017
- “Glory Be to the Newborn King” performed by Gerry Armstrong, 12/12/1959
- “Come All You Fair and Tender Ladies” performed by Dodi Kallick & Gerry Armstrong, circa 1960s
- “Rolling Home” performed by The Golden Ring, circa 1960s
- “The Frog Song (Portuguese)” performed by Valucha deCastro & Frank Hamilton, 4/15/1962
- Valucha deCastro interview by Paul Tyler, 1992
- “Bambolele / Train on the Island” performed by Valucha deCastro & Frank Hamilton, circa 1960s
- “Motherless Child” performed by Valucha deCastro & Frank Hamilton, 4/15/1962
- “This Old World Is Full of Sorrow” performed by The Golden Ring, circa 1960s
References and recommended reading:
- Chicago Folk: Images of the Sixties Music Scene by Ronald D. Cohen & Bob Riesman
- Rainbow Quest: The Folk Music Revival and American Society, 1940-1970 by Ronald D. Cohen - Montre plus
