Singer to share folk music catalog at Park Ridge library

The Park Ridge Public Library welcomes Chicago's "official troubadour" Mark Dvorak for a musical presentation, "The American Folk Song," at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 14, at 20 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge.

Dvorak will perform examples from African-American and British Isles traditions and songs from American folk artists such as Lead Belly, Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger. He'll also share stories of growing up in the Chicago area and learning music.

He continues to be an integral member of the faculty at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. Since 1986, he has worked with thousands of music students who have passed through his classes. He has helped many beginners get through their first chords and strums, and has hosted a catalog of master classes and workshops on a range of subjects, from old-time banjo picking to the legacy of the great Lead Belly, to just about every other topic related to the study of American folk music.

"He's the real deal," said James Tomasello, Old Town School Program Manager. "Mark has made music his life and livelihood. He's been a top faculty member at the school for thirty years. His performances are elegant, rich and powerful."

Dvorak is at work on his 18th recording project, "Let Love Go On," due out later this year.

"At this stage of the game, I feel like I'm doing my best work," Dvorak said. "I'm very excited about the new songs and CD, and am very excited to be back in Park Ridge."

His show is funny, passionate, intimate and unforgettable.

"I like being able to work in the comfort of my home studio," he said. "At home, I can work until I get a take I really like; something that has the energy and life of a live performance. At this point in the game, I feel like I'm doing my best work."

For more information, contact the Park Ridge Public Library at (847) 825-3123 or visit www.parkridgelibrary.org.

To learn more about Mark Dvorak, visit his homepage at www.markdvorak.com.