Well, it took a while to recoup and regroup from the spring tour. But it was the best time ever!
I spent summer weekends going to Chicago area farmers markets and local park music festivals.
June 22, Loretta Sawyer Acoustic Arts hosted its first yard concert. Neighbors and neighbor’s friends gathered for two sets of songs by Mark Dvorak, along with food and beverages. I would say that hosting a yard concert is harder than the three-night late night showcases I do at the folk conferences and I thank all who host a house concert series.
July 11 brought the Island in the City Festival with Seventh Heaven.
September 6, I found out about Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music festival on Friday night. Friday morning I went and had my Covid vaccine. My sixth one, and my only side effects are a sore arm and an intense amount of energy.
Saturday Sept 7, the music event was at the Credit Union 1 Amphitheater in Tinley Park, IL. A decade or two ago I knew it as The World Music Theater and it always felt like I was driving to the end of the world to get there. Yes, I take Harlem Ave there from Chicago. Anyway, I got on line Saturday morning and got a ticket. Section 101 Row J which is just 10 rows from the stage. And a very decent price, only a third of the cost of the ticket I had for the Eagles at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY last November, plus parking. So off I went. I missed the opening performance by Southern Avenue because I was waiting in line for a t-shirt. (I always buy t-shirts at events like this). Then I found my seat for the rest of the evening. John Mellencamp, Bob Dylan, and Willie Nelson and Family. I was hoping that Willie had his son Lucas and band with him, but he didn’t . Lucas and his band stayed at my townhouse in Lexington many years ago when they were just starting out. They were to stay for one night but asked for a couple more. I guess they liked the place. Too bad I don’t have it any more. A friend said I was seeing music history. Anyway, all that energy I had was totally gone at the end of the night!
Michael Johnathon released his new album, My Covers. Michael explains the concept of his new album: “I’ve written over 300 songs of my own, released 21 albums and lived every note, every lyric… but these songs are written by artists I deeply admire. They are like chapters, snapshots of time, experienced and lived through the years. They are companions, brutal enemies and loyal friends.”
In the wake of Helene Hurricane, Michael Johnathon is organizing an instrument drive to collect instruments that will be distributed to musicians who lost theirs due to this catastrophic event. Learn more about donating at Woodsongs.com/Helene
My heart goes out to all who were in the paths of hurricanes Helene and Milton. Everywhere we stopped on the spring tour that took us twice to North Carolina is now devastated.
Mark Dvorak continued with a busy schedule throughout the summer months. He also works with Music and Potlucks, sponsoring events to support community services.
October 24-26, Loretta Sawyer Acoustic Arts will be hosting the Uncorked late night showcase at the FARM (Folk Alliance Regional Midwest) Conference in Lisle/Naperville, IL. LSAA is excited to be presenting new talent to the Uncorked room, along with alumni favorites!
Autumn Wishes,
Love,
Lo