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Folk performers team up for Dec. 27 benefit concert supporting hunger relief

Music & Potlucks, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is partnering with the Two Way Street Coffee House for a special community concert on Friday, Dec. 27.

It will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss Ave. in Downers Grove. One hundred percent of the proceeds will support the West Suburban Community Pantry, 6809 Hobson Valley Drive, Woodridge.

Located within the First Congregation Church of Downers Grove, the Two Way Street Coffee House has been the western suburbs’ venue for folk, acoustic music and spoken word performances since 1970.

The third annual event will feature performances by Randomosity recording artists Ashley & Simpson of Downers Grove; “Guitar Charlie” Archambault, a high school senior from Chicago; singer-songwriter Karen Wegman Barr of Berwyn; and Midwest troubadour Mark Dvorak.

Ashley & Simpson are Jennifer Ashley and Joel Simpson. They are co-directors of the legendary Two Way Street Coffee House and are working on their third CD release. Ashley & Simpson are quickly becoming favorites on the Chicago area folk scene and their new sound features both traditional songs and original material. Learn more at www.ashleyandsimpson.com.

Guitar Charlie Archambault is a senior in high school. “I love music and I love science,” says Charlie, who is also on the cross-country team. He has a presence beyond his years and has a deep repertoire of folk and pop songs from the 1950s.

Singer/songwriter Karen Wegman Barr performs locally is an engaging performer. She is working on her second recorded release. Her lyrics have the charm of a classic fairy tale, often with a splash of humor. Learn more at www.karenbarrmusic.com.

Folk singer and songwriter Mark Dvorak has toured throughout the U.S. and parts of Europe and Canada. In 2024, he released his fourth book of essays, “31 Winters: Finding the Folk Way,” and his 21st recorded release, “Live & Along.” Dvorak first performed at the Two Way Street in 1982. Learn more about Dvorak at www.markdvorak.com.

“We’re grateful to be partnering with the Two Way Street and the West Suburban Community Pantry again this year,” said Music & Potlucks co-director Stephanie Schrodt. “We’re always looking to connect with area nonprofits to help further their mission, and help raise awareness and resources for our neighbors in need. The West Suburban Community Pantry does incredible work serving those who are facing food insecurity.

The West Suburban Community Pantry has been rooted in the community since 1992. The organization strives to eliminate barriers to food security but also implement strategies to immediately serve those in need and reach the goal of a community without hunger. www.wscpantry.org.

Admission to the live performance is $10. Nonperishable food items and toiletries will be accepted that evening.

Visit www.twowaystreet.org for information and to access the livestream feed. Donations are accepted. Learn more and donate to Music & Potlucks at www.musicandpotlucks.org.

Music & Potlucks is hosting a community concert featuring Ashley & Simpson, Karen Wegman Barr, Charlie Archambault, and Mark Dvorak. Courtesy of Music & Potlucks
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