Bring the family to the University of Chicago Folk Music Festival February 15-16 and stay at the nearby and affordable LaQuinta Inn & Suites in historic Hyde Park!
The 59th edition of the University of Chicago Folk Music Festival is for purists who love the roots of folk music. Just look at this lineup:
T’Monde: This rocking Cajun trio (Drew Simon, accordion and Vocals; Megan Brown, guitar and vocals; Kelli Jones, fiddle and vocals) offers waltzes, two-steps and soulful songs of the bayou to tantalize both the heart and the feet. Drew’s been here before as part of the spectacular Pine Leaf Boys, but that stint accounts for but a few of the combined ten Grammy nominations these players bring with them. Influences ranging from early country, ancient French and Creole ballads as well as modern Cajun give them a unique and enticing sound.
The Price Sisters features the bluegrass mandolin, fiddle, and vocal talents of twin sisters Lauren and Leanna Price. Inspired and influenced by the sounds of Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys, The Price Sisters capture the traditional style of bluegrass with their original and fresh sound. Their recent album, A Heart Never Knows, has earned them the title of “the torchbearers of bluegrass music,” and “would make Monroe proud.” Their beautiful harmonies, Lauren’s mandolin, and Leanna’s fiddle certainly make the group a joy to listen to!
The Fat Babies is an old-time seven-piece jazz band. The band interprets classic styles of 1920s and 1930s vintage. The band prides itself on a careful balance of traditional idiosyncrasy and contemporary flare, adding a healthy dose of life to the already vivacious scores they bring to life on stage. Their name comes from the phrase “hotter than a fat baby,” and it’s one they live up to with howling phrases, thumping dance rhythms, and gliding melodies serving as hallmarks of their music.
And there is more: Elmore James Jr. and the Blues Band, Steam machine, and Irish group Jimmy Keene and Pat Broaders!
For tickets and schedules of pe4formances, go online to http://www.uofcfolk.org/tickets.shtml and follow the prompts.
Make your University of Chicago Folk Music Festival experience even more enjoyable by staying at the LaQuinta Inn & Suites, in Hyde Park. The hotel offers free shuttle bus service to and from the Loop area and is close to bus and train services. Enjoy the free breakfast. AND Jazz and seafood buffet (non-seafood items available) Friday nights.