The 9th Annual Chicago Folk & Roots Festival

The 9th Annual Chicago Folk & Roots Festival will be held Saturday, July 8th, & Sunday, July 9th, from noon – 9:30pm in Welles Park (located at the 4400 block of North Lincoln Avenue between Montrose and Sunnyside).

All year long at Old Town School of Folk Music focuses on educating, learning, honoring, and presenting American and International artistic traditions and styles. “Folk & Roots is our opportunity to give that some commitment some fresh air and fun in the sun.”

New Orleans’ Queen of Soul, Irma Thomas & The Professionals, will close Saturday night’s Main Stage. Other luminaries on Saturday include Louisiana’s Lost Bayou Ramblers, the honky tonk and Western Swing of the James Hand Band, and Robbie Fulks’ Secret Country. “Sunday night’s Main Stage will find us dancing to the sounds of the Congo wih Kékélé, celebrating with the Refugee All Stars Of The Sierra Leone, and finishing the Fest on our feet with all 21 pieces of Chicago’s own 911 Mambo Orchestra!”

Folk & Roots is not simply about the Main Stage music. “Be sure to bring your offspring, nieces, nephews and neighbors by our Kids Tent. Shimmy and shake with us at our very popular and eclectic Dance Tent. Come watch our talented faculty strut their stuff on the Staff Stage then show off yourself at the open jams and sing-a-longs at the Gazebo. Of course Lincoln Avenue will also be lined with a diverse sampling of Chicago’s finest food vendors offering a vast array of tasty multicultural delights.”

Admission: $5 suggested donation for adults / $1 suggested donation for seniors and children

Telephone information: Old Town School of Folk Music – (773) 728-6000

Chicago Folk & Roots Festival is sponsored by LaSalle Bank and WXRT.

Fort more information go to: oldtownschool.org