Chicago’s Old School Town of Folk Music

Chicago is a town with a lot of old school charm. It’s a great place to find folk music and enjoy the simple things in life.

Introducing Chicago’s Old School Town of Folk Music

Chicago is home to a rich history of folk music, dating back to the city’s early days as a hub for immigrants from all over the world. The city’s folk music scene was nurtured in the years following World War II by such legendary figures as Big Bill Broonzy, Muddy Waters, and Woody Guthrie, who all made their homes in Chicago. In the 1960s and ’70s, the city’s folk scene blossomed with the help of venues like the Old Town School of Folk Music, which continues to be a major player in Chicago’s musical landscape today.

If you’re looking to experience some of Chicago’s rich folk music history, there are plenty of great places to start. The Old Town School of Folk Music offers classes and performances in a wide variety of genres, from old-timey Appalachian tunes to modern folk styles. (And if you’re not in the mood for a class, they also offer plenty of great concerts throughout the year.) If you’re looking for something a little more high-energy, you can check out one of Chicago’s many bluegrass bands; some favorites include Al Scorch & TheCountry Boys and The Yonder Mountain String Band. Or if you want to get really deep into Chicago’s folk scene, head out to one of the city’s many house concerts, where you can see some of the best up-and-coming talent in an intimate setting.

The History of Folk Music in Chicago

Folk music has been a part of Chicago’s cultural scene since the city’s early days. The city’s first folk music venue, the Chicago Folklore Center, opened in the early 1950s. It was founded by Ken Krase and Max Kaminsky, two fans of American folk music who wanted to create a place where the genre could be performed and preserved.

Since then, Chicago has become a hotbed for folk music, with many seminal artists calling the city home. Some of the most famous names in folk music history have worked and performed in Chicago, including Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, and Bob Dylan.

Chicago’s love for folk music extends to its present day. The city is home to many active folk music venues, including the Old Town School of Folk Music, which was founded in 1957 and continues to be a leading institution for teaching and performing folk music today.

The Resurgence of Folk Music in Chicago

Folk music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, and Chicago is at the forefront of this movement. The city has a rich history of folk music, dating back to the early days of the genre. Today, there are dozens of folk music venues across the city, catering to both traditional and contemporary tastes.

Chicago is home to some of the most well-known folk musicians in the world. Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Pete Seeger all got their start in the city’s vibrant folk scene. In recent years, artists like Bonnie Raitt, John Prine, and Neko Case have continued to carry the torch for Folk Music in Chicago.

If you’re looking to experience Chicago’s vibrant Folk Music scene, there are plenty of options to choose from. Local clubs like Hideout and Schuba’s regularly host Folk Music nights, while larger venues like The Vic and Metro often have Folk acts on their stage. No matter what your taste in music is, you’re sure to find a Chicago Folk show that you’ll enjoy.

The Future of Folk Music in Chicago

With the recent popularity of folk music, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of the genre in Chicago. While the city has always had a strong folk music scene, it has generally been overshadowed by other genres such as blues and jazz. However, with the rise of new folk artists such as Mumford & Sons and The Lumineers, Chicago is once again becoming a hotbed for folk music.

This resurgence is also being seen in the number of folk clubs and festivals that are popping up around the city. In addition, many of Chicago’s most iconic venues, such as The Old Town School of Folk Music and The Hideout, are seeing an increase in attendance. With this renewed interest in folk music, it seems likely that Chicago will remain a major player in the genre for years to come.