Folk

A man with a bald head and beard, wearing a blue shirt, sits in front of a black mantle holding an acoustic guitar. Text above reads: Max Subar Anything Could Be.

by Elizabeth Jakaitis | July 16, 2026

Max Subar’s “Anything Could Be” Makes the Case for Hope Rich with acoustic guitar, fiddle, pedal steel and vivid lyrical imagery, “Anything Could Be” embraces the classic singer-songwriter tradition with warmth and originality.

A man playing a black acoustic guitar sings into a microphone on stage under dim lighting. Another person is blurred in the background.

by Teddy Sandler | July 14, 2026

Paul Simon Hosts “A Quiet Celebration” at Ravinia Simon finales his tour at Ravinia's Hunter Pavilion, playing 2023 album "Seven Psalms" in full ahead of a second half that spans a career of classic songs.

Three young people sit close together outdoors on a cloudy, foggy day, with water in the background. They are dressed in jackets and appear relaxed, smiling and looking at the camera.

by Elizabeth Jakaitis | June 23, 2026

Widemouth Finds Meaning in the Quiet Details on “No Gasoline” On their debut album, Chicago band Widemouth finds meaning in friendship, memory and the unfinished business of growing older.

A person stands on a sandy desert road holding a mirror that reflects bright sunlight. They wear a sleeveless top and ripped jeans, with mountains and blue sky in the background.

by David Witter | June 2, 2026

The Rail-Riding Folk Hero Alynda Segarra Lands in Chicago With a Live Album Segarra has walked the legendary walk of American folk mythology, spending nearly a decade hitchhiking, busking on the streets of New Orleans and riding the rails like Woody Guthrie.

A person wearing a bright red jacket and dark pants stands under a spotlight in an otherwise dark space. They have sunglasses on and hands in pockets, with a shadow cast on the wall behind them.

by Dylan Weinert | May 12, 2026

Chet Faker Goes There and Back Again The singer-songwriter comes to the Vic in support of his new album, "A Love For Strangers,” described as a full-circle exercise.

A person wearing a long, white coat crouches on a dark beach at night, illuminated by blue and soft white light, with waves and a cloudy sky in the background.

by Joshua Bohnsack | May 5, 2026

Trusting Her Voice: Gia Margaret Is “Singing” Again The Chicago native discusses her new album, her songwriting approach and collaboration with other artists.

A woman with long reddish hair stands against a dark brown background, holding and playing a banjo. She wears a dark, patterned dress and looks confidently at the camera.

by David Witter | March 12, 2026

Rhiannon Giddens Brings the Silkroad Ensemble to the Harris Theater Giddens is the artistic director of the group founded by Yo-Yo Ma, which performs folk musical traditions from all over the world.

Jessica Risker, with short brown hair and in an army-green trench coat, playing guitar by white brick wall. Photo by Rachel Winslow

by Craig Bechtel | September 2, 2025

Jessica Risker on Making “Calendar Year,” Music Therapy and Motherhood Real Housewife of Jefferson Park? Jessica Risker turns life’s chaos into luminous psych-folk songs.

by David Witter | May 13, 2025

A Mouth Organ Virtuoso: Howard Levy Has Transformed the Harmonica Into a Symphonic Participant

by David Witter | March 25, 2025

Full of Heart: A Preview of Gary Louris at Old Town School of Folk Music