"The Earl Of Old Town" Reunion. Earl's 80th Birthday at "Fitzgerald's"
I was so proud to be a part of one of the finest shows the Chicago area has ever seen as we gathered at "Fitzgerald's" in Berwyn, IL to celebrate the 80th birthday of legendary Chicago club owner, Earl Pionke. The six hour show included John Prine, Bonnie Koloc, Bryan Bowers, Michael Johnson, Jim Post, Claudia Schmidt, Saul Broudy, Buddy Mondlock, Ed Holstein, Andrew Calhoun, Johnny Burns, Dean Milano, Julianne Macarus, Al Day, Mike Dunbar, Byron Roche, Jan Burda, Marty Peifer, Donna Adler, Mick Scott, Larry Rand, Harry Waller, Ron Buffington, Billy Prine, Fred Simons, Elliot Delman, Bob Levine, Paul Breidenbach & Jim Tullio.
Photo by Jim Polaski
I had a great night in Nashville with my long time friends from Chicago, Buddy Mondlock and Andrew Calhoun in our "Chicago Style" show at Douglas Corner. A special thanks goes out to Fred Koller, Gillian Tate and Tom Anglund for their guest appearances with some great new songs.
Douglas Corner - Nashville, TN
Photo by Melissa Dagenhart
Minnette Goodman Memorial at "S.P.A.C.E."
We were all saddened by the sudden passing of the "Grande Dame" of Chicago folk music, Minnette Goodman. She started out as the mother of Steve and David then eventually adopted all of us as her kids. I was honored to be a part of the musical tribute to Mrs. Goodman at S.P.A.C.E. in Evanston, IL. Bonnie Koloc, Corky Siegel, Elliot Delman and Jim Tullio were joined by Steve's daughter Rosanna Goodman for a stunning rendition of John Prine's classic, "Angel From Montgomery". We all finished up with an improvised version of "Mamma Don't Allow" in loving memory of how Minnette tried her best to keep us all in line.
Photo by Chuck Osgood
Pictured above are Corky Siegel, Rosanna Goodman, Bonnie Koloc, Donna Adler, Chris Farrell and Elliot Delman.
New Year's Eve at WFMT - Chicago
This was possibly my best New Year's Eve ever. It was an honor and a rare treat to spend over three hours on the air with these amazingly talented artists and studio audience for the legendary MIDNIGHT SPECIAL live broadcast. Sincere thanks to Rich Warren and WFMT for bringing us all together.
Pictured above are Heather Pierson, Rev. Robert B. Jones, Madeline Fendrick, Brian Peck, Rich Warren and Chris Farrell
Field Museum Tribute
I never had so much fun playing one song in such a beautiful setting. By special request I performed Steve Goodman's classic, "City Of New Orleans" for John and Judy McCarter as Mr. McCarter retired as President of Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History. I had former Mayor Daley, Marshall Field, two stuffed Elephants and one boney 67 million year old dinosaur singing along.
Photo by John Weinstein
3rd Friday Folk - Somerset, KY
We set a new house attendance record at 3rd Friday Folk in Somerset, KY. I had a wonderful night with Zip Roberston and all who attended the show at the Carnegie Community Arts Center. A special thanks to Joe LaMay and Sherri Reese for bringing me down to Kentucky and producing the great shows at 3rd Friday Folk.
Photo by Joe LaMay
CD Release Concert
The CD release concert was a big success. Thank you to all who attended and made it happen!