GoodTimeTonight is a blog about Fiddles and Banjos and Guitars and Folk and Roots music and Country and the Blues and Americana and Chicago and the midwest and America.
A new documentary film is coming out about the life of artist Peggy Lipschutz. Peggy is a fascinating person, I learned about her from her work creating images to supplement Win Stracke’s music, they had a television program called ‘Songs You Can See’ in Chicago. It sounds interesting. Check out the trailer.
You’ll have two chances to see a screening of this film in Chicago coming up:
The Premier:
Sunday, October 26, 1 pm
Unity Church
1925 W. Thome
Chicago
(right south of Misercordia)
$20 suggested donation. refreshments compliments of Blind Faith Cafe. DVD and artwork will be for sale.
If you can’t make the gala premiere, mark you calendar for First Friday, December 5. The Old Town School of Folk Music will be celebrating Peggy Lipschutz’ 90th birthday with an opening of her artwork in the Harris Gallery (right at the school), a short concert featuring some of Peggy’s bestest music buddies: Kristin Lems, Jamie O’Reilly, Rebecca Armstrong and Mark Dvorak, a screening of NEVER TURNING BACK, and a birthday celebration with Jason McInnes and The Young Stracke All-Stars.
This is old news, but it’s new to me. Over the weekend I got a chance to watch the Jonathan Demme documentary “Jimmy Carter: Man From Plains”. The Soundtrack features some stuff from Gillian Welch and David Rawlings and Alejandro Escovedo. Aside from the good musice, that I was really engrossed in this film, Jimmy Carter really is an earnest and peaceful man. Check it out.
Ah sorry for the delay guys, but I haven’t had a moment to get this up. The Pickin’ Bubs and Alberts Folk Revival played a great set at the Grafton Pub in September. Alberts Folk Revival is Mike Alberts of the One Mic Stand series and his son Chris. They recently recorded an episode for the Chicago Acoustic Underground podcast so check that out when it’s up. Enjoy!
admin | Uncategorized | Wednesday, October 15th, 2008
I got a postcard for this in my mail box today. If you’re in Chicago on November 2nd check it out. Michael Miles is an excellent performer and Chris Walz has been featured here on the One Mike Stand program. May be worth checking out.
Sunday November 2nd, 7-8:30 pm
Harris Theater 205e Randolph St
$15, Free for students and educators
This Musical pagent, written and directed by banjoist Michael Miles, will recount the epic realization of a grand American vision: the Transcontinental railroad. Evocative songs, performed by Miles with other Chicago musical stalwarts Corky Siegel, Al Ehrich, Chris Walz, Sue Demel and Deborah Lader.
Check out this webcast recording of Bruce Springsteen’s acoustic set in Phillidelphia this past weekend (October 6th) at a Vote For Change Obama rally. The video’s tiny but the audio is quite good, and check out that sweet guitar bruce is playing, +3 points for chipped wood. (the audio cuts out for me for a bit at 4 min, but comes back shortly)
Bruce says (around 25min):
I’ve spent 35 years writing about America, it’s people and the American promise. That’s the promise that was handed down to us right here in this city from our founding fathers with one instruction. Thats Do your best to make these things real: Opportunity, Equality, Social and Economic Justice, a fair shake for all of our citizens, the American idea as a positive influence around the world for a more just and peaceful existence. These are the things that give our lives hope, give our lives shape and give our lives meaning. These are the ties that bind us together and give us faith in our contract with one another. I’ve spent most of my creative life measuring the distance between that American promise and American reality.
There’s a lot of great music in Chicago, and a lot of great music to be made in Chicago. Song Circles, Open Stages, Sing-ins, Sing-outs, Rent Parties, Gather-alls, whatever you want to call them, the’re a lot of fun and a great way to share music. In the coming weeks I’d like to highlight a couple of those opportunities for you intrepid folks to get out there and play at.
I know Howard Johnson through the Old Town School of Folk Music. Howard’s a volunteer there and one weekend a long time ago a friend of mine invited me to check out Howard’s jam at the Lincoln Square sandwich shop Costello’s. It was a heckuva good time, Howard’s an excellent player in his own right, but he structures the event in a way that’s equitable to all the players. I’d say the Costello’s Jam has a Bluegrass slant, but you’d not be suprised to here any number of Folk, Gospel, Country or Roots tunes here. In a traditional circle structure each member gets his turn to lead a song, while the other members are free to harmonize or play along. Instrument wise it’s a pretty even split between Guitars, Banjos, Fiddles and Mandolins. It’s great fun, good community and an excellent way to build up your playing. Howard Johnson’s Costello’s Jam happens every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, from about 3:30pm - 6:30pm (but frequently later!). Come on out!
I asked Howard to sit down with me and discuss his thougts on the Jam and Music in General. Click on, after the jump for the transcript.
There is open stage every Monday night at the Grafton Pub on Lincoln Ave (4530 N Lincoln Ave) in Chicago, but tonight is the first night I am hosting it! I’d like this to become a folk and roots friendly open mic, but ’All Are Welcome’ (very much so!). Some friends and teachers from the Old Town School have mentioned they will drop by, so if you’re interested in playing or listening come on out and sing along!
Going Forward we’re going to try and do this monthly, so pencil in the first monday of the month at the grafton.
There is open stage every Monday night at the Grafton Pub on Lincoln Ave (