Dec. 10 - 13 · Various Times · Maurer Hall

Songs of Good Cheer
28th Annual Holiday Caroling Party with Mary Schmich and Eric Zorn

Celebrating its 28th year, the Old Town School’s Songs of Good Cheer Holiday Caroling Party, hosted by Eric Zorn and Mary Schmich, has become a cherished and uniquely Chicago tradition.

On sale for members: 9/23/2026
On sale for general public: 9/25/2026

Saturday, Dec. 5 · 5 & 8 PM · Maurer Hall

Irish Christmas in America

Irish Christmas in America returns for its 21st season with a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of Ireland’s Christmas traditions. The production brings together exceptional music, song, dance and storytelling in a performance filled with warmth, humor and festive energy.

On sale for members: 9/23/2026
On sale for general public: 9/25/2026

Saturday, Nov. 28 · 2, 5, & 8 PM
Sunday, Nov. 29 · 3:00 PM · Maurer Hall

Mariachi Herencia de México
A Mariachi Christmas

Experience an‬‭ amazing night‬‭ as Mariachi‬‭ Herencia‬‭ de‬‭ México‬‭ blend‬‭ beloved, heartwarming holiday‬‭ classics‬‭ with‬‭ mariachi‬‭ traditions‬‭, creating‬ an electrifying and unforgettable celebration of‬‭ Mexican music and culture the whole family will enjoy!

Thursday, Dec. 3 · 8:00 PM · Maurer Hall

An Acoustic Christmas With
Over the Rhine

Over the Rhine make a holiday stop to the Old Town School to deliver their gift of an acoustic Christmas. Join Karin and Linford for an evening of warmth, great songwriting, and community. 

Sunday, Oct. 25 · 10:30 AM · Maurer Hall

Spooky Sing-Along

It's an annual Old Town School Halloween tradition! It's a great chance to show off those amazing costumes! It's the Spooky Sing-Along! Bring the whole family to this silly & spooky musical send-off to trick or treat town.

On sale for members: 9/23/2026
On sale for general public: 9/25/2026

Featured Event

Thursday, Oct. 1 · 6:00 PM · Kehrein Center for the Arts · 5628 W Washington Blvd

Old Town School presents
Africa Out West

FREE EVENT: Old Town School of Folk Music's Community Ventures program is delighted to present Africa Out West in partnership with DCASE and the Kehrein Center for the Arts. The free of admission event will feature New York-based Asase Yaa, one of the premiere traditional West African performance ensembles in the United States, Chicago's own Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre, local youth djembe orchestra Azania Drum, and Finding Ijeoma. The event is part of World Music Festival Chicago.

Tuesday, Nov. 3 · 8:00 PM · Maurer Hall

Margaret Glaspy
The I Am Both Tour
with special guest Olive Klug

Margaret Glaspy’s new album I Am Both spans from fictional vignettes to unguarded self-revelation to empathetic observation of the troubled world around her and ultimately stands as a striking new statement from one of the modern music canon’s most formidable songwriters.

Thursday, Oct. 1 · 8:00 PM · Maurer Hall

Vieux Farka Touré

Often referred to as “The Hendrix of the Sahara,” Vieux Farka Touré was born in Mali in 1981, son of the late, legendary Malian guitar player Ali Farka Touré. "A surging, festival-ready set from the Malian guitarist straddles desert blues, exotica-rock, tradition - and his superstar father’s legacy.” - The Guardian

Friday, Sept. 25 · 8:00 PM · Szold Hall

Donna Herula
Cold Feet Album Release Show

Donna Herula is an award-winning singer, songwriter, slide guitarist, Chicago Blues Hall of Fame inductee and teacher at Old Town School of Folk Music. Celebrate the release of Cold Feet, her highly anticipated new album! 

Wednesday, Sept. 23 · 7:30 PM · Maurer Hall

Gadan

TOMORROW: A storming new band, blending the drive of Irish traditional music and bluegrass with the heart and soul of folk and Appalachian music - spiced up with an Italian seasoning for extra flair!

Saturday, Oct. 3 · 8:00 PM · Maurer Hall

The Dream Syndicate

When the Dream Syndicate emerged in the early 80s, frontman Steve Wynn declared that “we’re playing music we want to hear because nobody else is doing it.” Their template of Velvet Underground meets Crazy Horse, with raw twin guitar, bass, and drums was not common during an era when slick, polished MTV bands ruled. The band were, and remain, uncompromising.

Wednesday, Nov. 25 · 8:00 PM · Maurer Hall

Rickie Lee Jones

Rickie Lee Jones’ latest album Pieces of Treasure is a reunion with her lifelong friend, legendary producer Russ Titelman, co-producer of Jones’ star-making debut and Pirates. “a work of art...this is Rickie and Russ’ Kind of Blue.” - Jazziz

Friday, Oct. 2 · 8:00 PM · Maurer Hall

Fruition
Something More: The Final Tour
with special guest Carriers

Fruition have built their genre-bending version of American roots music around harmony - not just the vocal interplay of the band’s three songwriters, but the deeper harmony created between five friends who’ve spent years on the road together.

Sunday, Oct. 4 · 7:00 PM · Szold Hall

Angelo De Augustine
with special guest Chad M. Clark

Angelo De Augustine returns with Angel in Plainclothes - a deeply felt rendering of his multi-year journey of healing and renewal that showcases his powerful melodies and poignant lyrics.

Sunday, Oct. 4 · 7:00 PM · Maurer Hall

The Bad Plus
Farewell Tour

The Bad Plus are the ultimate originals. A democratic unit with a clear vision and a refusal to conform to convention. For the past two decades they have played with spirit and adventure and made their own rules with a bold sense of creativity and intent. Don’t miss them on their final farewell U.S. tour! 

Saturday, Oct. 31 · 8:00 PM · Maurer Hall

Marshall Crenshaw
with special guest Sarah Borges with Eric Ambel

Singer and songwriting master Marshall Crenshaw has roots in classic soul music, British Invasion songcraft, Burt Bacharach, and Buddy Holly and is best known for his Top 40 classic "Someday, Someway”. Americana musicians Sarah Borges and Eric Ambel join forces for some top flight roots music.

Upcoming Concerts and Rescheduled Shows

visit oldtownschool.org/concerts for the full list

9/22 · 8:00 PM · John Pizzarelli

9/23 · 7:30 PM · Gadan

9/24 · 8:00 PM · Beth Orton

9/25 · 8:00 PM · Donna Herula

9/29 · 8:00 PM · Lambchop

9/30 · 7:30 PM · World Music Chicago Festival

10/1 · 8:00 PM · Vieux Farka Touré

10/2 · 8:00 PM · Fruition

10/3 · 8:00 PM · The Dream Syndicate

10/4 · 7:00 PM · The Bad Plus

10/4 · 7:00 PM · Angelo De Augustine

10/8 · 8:00 PM · Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine (at Chicago Theatre)

10/9 · 8:00 PM · Rufus Wainwright

10/10 · 8:00 PM · Rufus Wainwright

10/12 · 7:30 PM · Indigenous Peoples' Day

10/14 · 7:30 PM · The Bolero Project

10/14 · 8:00 PM · Joshua Burnside

10/16 · 7:00 PM · Fugu Dugu

10/21 · 7:30 PM · Clinard Dance

10/23 · 8:00 PM · Judy Collins

10/24 · 8:00 PM · Judy Collins

10/25 · 7:00 PM · Judy Collins

10/28 · 7:30 PM · Día de los Muertos

10/29 · 8:00 PM · Little Barrie

10/25 · 10:30 AM · Spooky Sing Along

10/31 · 8:00 PM · Marshall Crenshaw

11/1 · 7:00 PM · Billy Prine

11/3 · 8:00 PM · Margaret Glaspy

11/4 · 8:00 PM · Lizzy & the Triggermen

11/4 · 7:30 PM · ImprovisAsian

11/7 · 8:00 PM · Lucinda Williams

11/8 · 7:00 PM · Lucinda Williams

11/10 · 8:00 PM · Lucinda Williams

11/11 · 8:00 PM · Lucinda Williams

11/11 · 7:30 PM · ConstelNation - The Bridge #2.11

11/13 · 8:00 PM · Liana Flores

11/14 · 7:30 PM · Twin Peaks: A Conversation With The Stars

11/18 · 7:30 PM · Flamenco Nights

11/21 · 8:00 PM · WHY?

11/22 · 3:00 PM · Cracker

11/22 · 7:00 PM · Cracker

11/25 · 8:00 PM · Rickie Lee Jones

11/25 · 7:30 PM · Black and White Gipsy Orchestra

11/28 · 2:00 PM · Mariachi Herencia de México: A Mariachi Christmas

11/28 · 5:00 PM · Mariachi Herencia de México: A Mariachi Christmas

11/28 · 8:00 PM · Mariachi Herencia de México: A Mariachi Christmas

11/29 · 3:00 PM · Mariachi Herencia de México: A Mariachi Christmas

12/2 · 7:30 PM · Parranda Gaitera

12/3 · 8:00 PM · Over The Rhine

12/4 · 8:00 PM · Bedouine

12/5 · 5:00 PM · Irish Christmas in America

12/5 · 8:00 PM · Irish Christmas in America

12/9 · 7:30 PM · Mousiki Parea

12/10 · 7:30 PM · Songs of Good Cheer

12/11 · 7:30 PM · Songs of Good Cheer

12/12 · 3:00 PM · Songs of Good Cheer

12/12 · 7:30 PM · Songs of Good Cheer

12/13 · 4:00 PM · Songs of Good Cheer

4/1/2027 · 8:00 PM · Kelly Willis & Radney Foster