Annual Folktoberfest to support Beyond Hunger's pop-up pantry
Music & Potlucks presents the sixth annual Folktoberfest on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 26-27, and Sunday, Oct. 29. All events take place at the Friendly Music Community in Berwyn. Proceeds will directly support Despensa at Beyond Hunger.
"Each autumn Music & Potlucks put together a special series of events to support a local service organization,” said Stephanie Schrodt of River Forest, who is co-director of Music & Potlucks, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. “This year we're so excited to partner with the Friendly Community in Berwyn for our in-person events all to support Despensa at Beyond Hunger.”
Beyond Hunger works to end Hunger through distributing food to those in immediate need while working toward more permanent food security through community action and policy change. Despensa is Beyond Hunger's pop-up food pantry which continues to serve the immigrant population with culturally familiar foods.
“I simply love what Music & Potlucks is all about,” said Rob Pierce who has operated the Friendly Tap since 2007. Since then he has opened the Friendly Coffee Lounge, the Friendly Music School and added the multi-use Community Room earlier this year.
“We're in the business of attraction,” said Pierce in a recent interview. “Our goal is to create space where people of all ages can gather for music, for lessons or for a cup of coffee. Music & Potlucks does incredible work in the community and their mission and ours, are pretty much in alignment.”
On Thursday, Oct. 26, folksinger and songwriter Mark Dvorak hosts the “Acoustic Neighbors Folk Jam” at 7 p.m. Singers and players of all acoustic instruments are welcome to join in. Beginners and those who wish to listen are also welcome. There is no admission free.
On Friday, Oct. 27, journalist and author Mark Guarino will drop by to discuss his new book "Country & Midwestern" at 7:30 p.m. The book chronicles Chicago's pivotal role as a country and folk music capital. From the old WLS National Barn Dance to the opening of the Gate of Horn club and the Old Town School of Folk Music, to the alt-country movement, "Country & Midwestern" has received rave reviews across the country. The evening will include conversation and song. Copies of "Country & Midwestern" will be available for purchase. There is no admission fee.
On Sunday, Oct. 29 features two events. At 5 p.m., “Singing & Harmony,” a 80-minute workshop hosted by Dvorak, will focus on group singing and finding a way to harmonize with simple melodies. Admission is $10.
Also on Sunday, Oct. 29, Music & Potlucks and the Friendly Community present a sing-along concert with Mark Dvorak and Marianne Mohrhusen at 7 p.m.
The 75-minute program will feature familiar songs with singable choruses accompanied on guitar, five-string banjo, and other instruments. All ages are welcome. Admission is $10.
All events take place at the Friendly Community, 6733 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. For information and registration, visit
Learn more about the Friendly Music Community, Coffee Lounge & Music School at www.friendlymusic.community or call (708) 484-9794.
Find Mark Guarino and Country & Midwestern at www.countryandmidwestern.com.
Visit Mark Dvorak at www.markdvorak.com.