Calendar

December 2024
Date	Performer	Place	Time	Comments
12 - 15 THU - SUN	CHEERIOS: Eric Zorn, Mary Schmich, Anna Jacobson, Barb Silverman, Steve Rosen, Roy McGrath, Lanialoha Lee, Aaron Smith, Fred Campeau, Zacbe Pichardo, Gail Tyler, Paul Tyler, Jim Wynton	Songs of Good Cheer OLD TOWN SCHOOL OF FOLK MUSIC 4544 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL	7:30 pm or afternoons Dec 12-15	This is year 26 and running! The biggest concert of the year Old Town School hosts 4 nights and 2 afternoons. The full 12-piece band, all singers as well, lead holiday songs from the rare, beautifully haunting to the familiar, stirringly joyful. Gems from cultures all over the world, and you get to sing along! Proceeds benefit Chicago charities. www.oldtownschool.org 773 728-6000

- - past calendars - -

September 2024
Performer	Place	Comments
BARB SILVERMAN, JESS BALDISSERO, SARA CORAL	Wonder Woods Scholarship Fundraiser LaBagh Woods Grove 3 West Foster Ave and North Cicero Ave Chicago, IL	Barb calls barn dances for the supportive "See You In The Woods" fundraiser for the Wonder Woods School, calling to the rich, soulful violin of Jess McIntosh Baldissero. Jump in and pitch in!

August 2024
Performer	Place	Comments
BARB SILVERMAN	White Oak Savanna Music Festival White Oak Savanna Events Farm and Sanctuary 4352 State Road 23 Dodgeville, WI 53533	Invited back for the 3rd time, Barb conducts a multi-rhythm workshop (washboard, bones, sandblocks, foot rhythms) and also calls dances at the big barn dance. This White Oak Fest is absolute joy in a stunning setting.
Barb Silverman's CABARET SHOWCASES	OLD TOWN SCHOOL CABARET Old Town School of Folk Music 4545 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60625	Two full-throated groups of singers rattle the East lobby with exquisite pianist Abby Lyons and teammate Barb Silverman. Early show boasts pop hit "Killing Me Softly," show tune "They Just Keep Movin the Line," the later show features playfully macabre blues lament "Ballad of Jane Doe" and "A Good Man Is Hard To Find." Selections from Sondheim, Leon Russell, Harold Arlen and some more surprises. COME TO ONE OR BOTH SHOWS! www.oldtownschool.org

July 2024
Performer	Place	Comments
SILVER BEAMS: Fred Campeau, Barb Silverman, Rick Veras	Barn Dance Hour Edgewater Library 6000 N Broadway Chicago, IL 60660	Chicago Public Librairies all over the region are hosting these Old Town School talents for an hour of dancing and old time music on fiddle and banjo. Summer fun! www.oldtownschool.org
SILVER BEAMS: Michelle McCarthy Beck, Barb Silverman, Rick Veras	Sing-Along Oldies Fest Kelly LIbrary 6151 S. Normal Blvd Chicago, IL 60621	A joyous singing hour of the "oldies" by two of the touted Teflons band (faculty members of Old Town School) and a powerful-voiced multi-decades student. Bring your friends, your song memories, and your voice! www.oldtownschool.org
BARB SILVERMAN with special guest Jordan Wankoff	Sheffield Garden Walk 2120 N Sheffield Halsted/Clybourn/Armitage/Fullerton Chicago, IL	Ambiant Americana tunes and songs in a lovely gardened back yard, part of the beautiful Sheffield Garden Walk. Barb will render country and swing chestnuts, and Jordan will join her for Cajun and Old Time fiddle tunes. Melodious fun!
SILVER BEAMS: Barb Silverman, Rick Veras, Jordan Wankoff	Library Barn Dance Greater Grand Crossing Library 1000 E. 73rd St Chicago, IL 60619	Chicago Public Librairies all over the region are hosting these Old Town School talents for an hour of dancing and old time music on fiddle and banjo. Come join the fun! www.oldtownschool.org 773-485-3363
HOT JAZZ TRIO: Gerry Field, Barb Silverman, Al Trachtenburg	Jens Jensen Park Thursday Food Truck Concerts 485 Roger Williams Ave Highland Park, IL 60035	Thursday summertime is two-band Food Truck night in this lovely north shore setting. Hear the sweet seasoned violin of Gerry the Violin Builder, the sultry vocals of Barb the Guitarist/Washboardist, and Al the Timely Bassman.
HOT JAZZ QUARTET: Gerry Field, Ross Plunkett, Barb Silverman, Al Trachtenburg	EBO Has Talent Edgewater Beach Organization 5555 N Sheridan Chicago, IL	Hot Jazz Trio's third consecutive concert in this summer series (by popular demand) adds Ross on trumpet which wowed last year's audience and lit on fire the smorgasboard of jazz standards and country classics. Sponsored by the Edgewater Beach Association with limited audience, so contact Barb to be on guest list!
SILVER BEAMS: Steve Rosen, Barb Silverman, Rick Veras	Barn Dance Hour Daley Library - W. Humboldt Park 733 N Kedzie Chicago, IL 60612	Chicago Public Librairies all over the region are hosting these Old Town School talents for an hour of dancing and old time music on fiddle and banjo. Summer fun!

June 2024
Performer	Place	Comments
SILVER ROSE: Barb Silverman & Steve Rosen	House Concert in Evanston reservations bjredbike9@gmail.com Evanston, IL	Silver Rose sails again. Country standards, folk songs, fiddle favorites, swing tunes and schtick as can only be delivered by these two. Suggested donation $15. For reservations email bjredbike9@gmail.com to receive host and location info. www.silverbeammusic.com bjredbike9@gmail.com
BARB SILVERMAN	Clogging Workshop Old Town School of Folk Music 4545 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL	The American style of clogging is rooted in Irish step dance and African flat foot dance. Learn some basic steps and a few embellishments to the delightful strains of fiddle/banjo favorites. www.oldtownschool.org
SILVER STARS: Fred Campeau, Barb Silverman, Aaron Smith, Mitch Straeffer ......	Wedding Barn Dance Lincoln Farmstead Private Wedding 8401 IL-47 Huntley, IL	Private event. Barb calls an exhuberant barn dance for the wedding party and guests backed by fiddle, banjo and bass.
SILVER BEAMS: Fred Campeau, Steve Rosen, Barb Silverman	Barn Dance Hour Clearing Library 6423 W. 63rd Pl Chicago, IL 60638	Chicago Public Librairies all over the region are hosting these Old Town School talents for an hour of dancing and old time music on fiddle and banjo. Summer fun!

May 2024
Performer	Place	Comments
THE TEFLONS	Barrington Area Library Barrington Area Library Concerts 505 N Northwest Highway Barrington, IL 60010	Long beloved Teflons reappear like the Spring crocus with their rich harmonized country-swing and virtuoso solos. Their 2023 Chicago Botanic Gardens show brought 150 attendees. Let's beat the record in Barrington!

April 2024
Performer	Place	Comments
BARB SILVERMAN	Easy Country Harmony Workshop Old Town School of Folk Music 4544 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL	Join multiple-band songstress/harmony coach Barb Silverman for a fun, easy session of favorite country hits from the 1950s Louvin brothers, through 1960’s George Jones and Tammy Wynette, to Emmy Lou Harris and Herb Pedersen in the 1970s. Come new singer, seasoned singer, whoever - we will blend our voices in sweet harmonies to rocket you to fame and impress friends. www.oldtown
SILVERMAN'S ZOOM CABARET SHOWCASE	Old Town School of Folk Musi Cabaret Showcase Zoom Chicago, IL	Barb's intimate early evening Cabaret students perform sweet and stirring classics from the Traditional and Torch archives. Please link in and appear on video while staying muted. https://oldtownschool.zoom.us/j/89255363577?pwd=bs1K1jb9SpqmqM80CTNxquCrK5qSHR.1 www.oldtownschool.org
SILVERMAN'S LIVE CABARET SHOWCASE	Old Town School of Folk Music Cabaret Showcase 4545 N. Lincoln Lobby Chicago, IL	FABULOUS OLD TOWN SCHOOL CABARET SHOW TONITE: Stunning voices of Barb Silverman's Cabaret Singers backed by precision pianist Abby Lyons. A spicy array of jazz standards, popular songs and show tunes prefaced by Barb's enthusiastic Harmony Singers with two pop favorites. www.oldtownschool.org
BARB SILVERMAN & RICK VERAS	Merchandise Mart One of a Kind Show Illinois Street and the Chicago River Chicago, IL	Every year this mammoth arts and wares exhibition at the historic Merchandise Mart features these two (and others) as an audio backdrop to the rich displays. Country swing and standards from Barb on guitar and Rick on fiddle.

March 2024
Performer	Place	Comments
Barb Silverman	Washboard Workshop Old Town School of Folk Music 4544 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL	Glide and slide exciting rhythms on your handy dandy washboard that's been sitting in your basement for decades. Barb lends her techniques for accompanying old-time, swing and a touch of Cajun. Launch a new career! www.oldtownschool.org bsilverman@oldtownschool.org

February 2024
Performer	Place	Comments
Barb Silverman's Virtual Cabaret Singers	Virtual Cabaret Showcase Old Town School Old Town School of Folk Music Online Chicago, IL	Six richly talented singers render a sweet virtual show with songs ranging from standards to Pizzarelli to Leonard Cohen to George Gershwin. Extraordinarily talented pianist Abby Lyons accompanies. Barb directs. And here's the link: https://oldtownschool.zoom.us/j/87186784626?pwd=E8iaRAPrnzGZDwtuXBiPZUxNS6QAhx.1
Barb Silverman's Cabaret Singers	Cabaret Showcase Old Town School of Folk Music 4545 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL 60625	Wildly talented singers with power, tenderness and soul perform solo jazz and show tunes and stirring ensemble pop numbers to precision pianist Abby Lyons. Barb directs. A fun, free event. www.oldtownschool.org

January 2024
Performer	Place	Comments
JONATHAN WHITEALL, FRED CAMPEAU, MITCH THOMAS, BARB SILVERMAN	Fox Valley Folk Society Family Dance Grace Lutheran Church 493 Forest Avenue Glen Ellen, IL	This all ages barn dance offers an hour or more of all simple dances for ages, followed by squares and contras for those who can usually keep left and right straight. foxvalleyfolk.com/barndance.html

December 2023
Performer	Place	Comments
Barb Silverman	Winter Walk on Wilson Uptown Chamber of Commerce Wilson from Sheridan to Clark Chicago, IL	Holiday-themed Barb and other iconic performers stroll and hop-scotch storefronts along the Wilson Corridor while businesses provide hot cocoa and holiday treats to celebrate the season.
Eric Zorn, Mary Schmich, Barb Silverman, Anna Jacobson, Lani Lee, Steve Rosen, Fred Campeau, Aaron Smith, Zacbe Pichardo, Roy McGrath, Paul & Gail Tyler	Songs of Good Cheer Old Town School of Folk Music 4544 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL	YEAR 25! Five shows December 7-10 with our rich, fully orchestrated, heartily harmonized program that celebrates the holidays and seals the year with joy. Join the singing of multi-ethnic beauties and familiar gems. Varying show times. Close to sold out so call OTS today! www.oldtownschool.org
Cabaret and Harmony Singers Old Town School	Cabaret Showcase Old Town School of Folk Music 4545 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL	Cabaret classics, show tunes, vintage pop hits performed by Barb Silverman's classes. Hits from Curtis Mayfield, Andrew Lloyd Weber, Irving Berlin, Hoagy Carmichael, Alex Newell and on it goes. Incredibly deft Abby Lyons pianist. Lobby of OTS East. www.oldtownschool.org
Zoom Cabaret Singers Old Town School	Zoom Cabaret Showcase Old Town School of Folk Music xxxx Chicago, IL	Enjoy powerful, heartful singing from the comfort of your home on Zoom. Compositions by Styne and Cahn, Garner & Burke, a 16th century Christmas lament, Brown & Redd, and Elton John! Talented Abby Lyons pianist. https://oldtownschool.zoom.us/j/85085568251?pwd=WRbIQS4pCzcUi0QDOcYZdzFHPNUggr.1
Barb Silverman & Steve Rosen	Lincoln Park Zoo Lights 2023 Lincoln Park Zoo Heated Tent Chicago, IL	Barbie and Steve (Silver Rose) render holiday favorite sing-alongs sprinkled with swing standards and other surprises. Come find the heated tent, drink some cheer and wail away with us.
Barb Silverman & Steve Rosen	Chicago Library Concerts Mount Greenwood Public Library 11010 S Kedzie Chicago, IL	Chicago Public Libraries host holiday music all over our beloved city. The iconic Steve and Barbie "Silver Rose" have brought sound, joy and laughter to listeners for nearly 200 years, seems like. Banjo and fiddle, washboard and guitar, rich harmonies and schtick.

November 2023
Performer	Place	Comments
Barb Silverman	Washboard Workshop Old Town School of Folk Music 4544 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL	Glide, scrape and rub rhythms on your handy dandy washboard that's been sitting in your basement for decades. Barb lends her techniques for accompanying old-time, swing and a touch of Cajun. www.oldtownschool.org
Silverman, Steinmann, Wankoff Trio	Annual Scouts Concert/Dance Lincoln School XXXX Oak Park, IL	We perform this every year with palpable joy from the scouts and families. Wouldn't give up this gig for all the revenue in the National Girl Scout Cookie Drive.

October 2023
Performer	Place	Comments
Barb Silverman and Fred Campeau	Grove Fest The Grove Historical Museum 1700 N Milwaukee Ave Glenview, IL	In her 20th year performing at this rustic outdoor fest in its beautiful wooded setting, Barb is joined by veteran fiddler/banjoist/bass voiced Fred Campeau for old time and country gems. www.thegroveglenview.org
Barb Silverman & Fred Campeau	Chicago Library Concerts Near North Branch Chicago Public Library 310 W Division Chicago, IL	Come gather round the warm, cozy sounds of this multi-skilled duo from the Old Town School of Folk Music as they share the sounds of the banjo, guitar, fiddle, percussion and serenade the season.
Cabaret Students of Old Town School	Cabaret Showcases Old Town School of Folk Music 4545 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL	Two lush and richly varied Cabaret showcases, 7:00 pm Zoom performance and an 8:00 pm live show, pianist Abby Lyons and vocal director and wrangler Barb Silverman. Standards and show tunes from all decades. Enjoy your Wednesday night one way or both! Zoom link:https://oldtownschool.zoom.us/j/85854274515?pwd=Z214MzZhRHZINXcvK3ZWdXYrSUVIZz09

September 2023
Performer	Place	Comments
Silver Rose: Barb Silverman and Steve Rosen	Blackhawk Folk Society Concert Series Blackhawk Folk Concert at Mount Morris Town Prk Mt Morris Town Park, N3847 County Highway G Mount Morris, Wisconsin	This beloved dynamic duo has been performing for nearly 200 years it seems like. "A folk festival in a box" Barb and “the folk Buddha" Steve pack old-time to swing to novelty numbers weaving tight harmony, textured rhythms and solos, and snappy footwork. Do come! www.blackhawkfolk.org
String Three: Campeau, Silverman, Thomas	Queer Contra Dance Second Unitarian Church 656 W Barry Chicago, IL	Monthly delight for all shapes, sizes, costumes and identifiers who love to dance. Fiddler Fred, Guitarist Barbist, Uker Mitch. Fun galore.
Barb Silverman and Rick Veras	Apple Fest Giddings Plaza Giddings and Lincoln Ave Chicago	Annual apple-laden festival with apple fritters, apple cider, apple pies, candy apples, and the sweetest Old-Town-School derived music all day long at charming, casual Giddings Plaza. Pull up a bench or chair, eat and enjoy.

August 2023
Performer	Place	Comments
Silverman's Cabaret Showcase	Cabaret Showcase Old Town School of Folk Music 4545 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL 60625	Barb's Cabaret Showcases have been happening for 24 years and counting at Old Town School. This live performance will be in the East Building in the glassed-in fishbowl lobby. Pianist Paul Giallorenzo and 9 powerhouse singers display their vast repertoire and talent. www.oldtownschool.org
Silverman's Zoom Cabaret Showcase	Zoom Cabaret Showcase Online Online Online	Barb's Cabaret Showcases are over two decades running, and the pandemic generated this intimate and heart-warming new variety. Link in at 6:50 pm to the link below, and then scoot on over the 4545 N. Lincoln at 8:00 pm for the very different, dynamic in-person Cabaret Showcase. Pianist Paul Giallorenzo accompanies both with ease and heart. https://oldtownschool.zoom.us/j/81471751597?pwd=V28yQmM0QzZ4OVlvZFpsSzVGaXdXZz09 www.oldtownschool.org
Barb Silverman	White Oak Savanna Folk Fest White Oak Folk Festival 4352 State Road 23 Dodgeville, WI 53533	At the beautiful and lush White Oak Folk Fest conceived and run by iconic Jonas Friddle, you can "Wake Up And Clog" with Barb to start your Saturday right. Hard soled shoes and a willing spirit is all you need. Barb team-calls with Cara for the Square Dance at 12:15. And check the incredible line-up of national and regional performers through the weekend. www.whiteoakfolkfest.com
Sean Colledge, Barb Silverman, Jordan Wankoff	Horner Farmer's Market Horner Park 2741 W Montrose Ave Chicago, IL 60618	Cajun and Old-time Americana fiddle tunes with guitar and washboard. Drop on by, and buy some tomatoes and scones while you're at it.
Hot Jazz Trio: Field, Silverman, Trachtenberg	Thursday Food Truck Concert Jens Jensen Park 485 Roger Williams Ave Highland Park, IL 60035	Offering Early Jazz, Western Swing and Folk Favorites, this rare trio features violin maker Gerry Field, singer/guitarist/washboardist Barb Silverman, and Al Trachtenbeg holding down the bass lines.

July 2023
Performer	Place	Comments
The Teflons: Steve Doyle, Eugenia Elliott, Barb Silverman, Aaron Smith, Gail Tyler, Rick Veras	Chicago Botanic Gardens Wednesday Jazz Series 1000 Lake Cook Road Glencoe, IL	The Teflons re-emerge with flare and fanfare on the luscious Botanic Gardens Esplanade with a palette of vintage jazz and western swing. www.chicagobotanicgarden.org
Buds & Shoots: Aaron Smith, Barb Silverman, Fred Campeau, Sara Coral	Roscoe Village Burger Fest Roscoe Village Burger Fest Belmont & Damen Stage Chicago, IL	Wild and roaring annual music/food fest in historic Roscoe Village where "Buds & Shoots" are chosen to open for the dynamic "Way Down Wanderers." We have a couple of surprises in this configuration that you'll be pleased to see and hear.
Silver Trotters: Fred Campeau, Barb Silverman, Chirps Smith	Square Roots Festival Dance Old Town School of Folk Music Lincoln and Sunnyside Stage Chicago, IL 60625	Back by popular demand of families and staff, the Silver Trotters create an on-the-spot family dance on the shaded street in front of the Sunnyside Stage. Last year we had two-year-olds on up to 80 year-olds marching, swinging and laughing with joy. We'll do it again! www.oldtownschool.org
Barb Silverman	Washboard Workshop Old Town School of Folk Music 4544 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL	Expand your rhythm journey with washboard in hand and thimbles ready. We will slide into steady shuffle rhythms and spiffy syncopations to accompany jug band, old time, Cajun and swing styles. This fun workshop will be led by washboard wizard Barb, known for four decades as multiple band leader and rhythm queen. www.oldtownschool.org
Hot Jazz Trio: Gerry Field, Barb Silverman, Alan Trachtenburg	EBO Has Talent Edgewater Beach Organization 5555 N Sheridan Chicago, IL	Barb and seasoned jazz musicians Gerry Field and Al Trachtenberg spread a smorgasboard of jazz standards, country classics and folk favorites. This spicy summer concert series is sponsored by the Edgewater Beach Association. Limited audience, contact Barb to be on guest list!

June 2023
Performer	Place	Comments
Cabaret Showcase	Cabaret Showcase Old Town School of Folk Music 4545 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL 60625	Two showcases in one night! Zoom the early virtual show at 6:45 pm at this link:https://oldtownschool.zoom.us/j/83831630658?pwd=NXU1SGVZL0NtdnVKWGxuU0dFSXRqdz09 Then swing on over to the East building lobby, 4545 N. Lincoln for a live ZING of a show -- eleven performers with STUNNING voices and widely ranging styles. Jazz pianist Paul Giallorenzo on the keys, Barb directs. www.oldtownschool.org
Silver Rose Trio (Silverman, Campeau, Coral)	Scottish Festival and Highland Games Hamilton Lakes 2 Pierce Place Itasca, IL 60143	Silver Rose is featured Saturday 4 pm at this joyous outdoor all-weekend musical fest with men in kilts, beer gardens and food galore. We celebrate the glory of the Scottish tradition as it has crossed the sea and taken on American forms, rendering Scottish and Bluegrass.

May 2023
Performer	Place	Comments
Barb Silverman	Classic Country Duets Workshop Old Town School of Folk Music 4544 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL 60625	Let's expand our lungs and spirits to the gems of Hank Williams and Hank Williams Jr., Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers,Tammy Wynette and George Jones, and the infamous Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson -- the undisputed kings and queens of country duet vocals. We will swim the lush waters of their harmonies led by Barb, the front person of country swing and jug bands. www.oldtownschool.org

April 2023
Performer	Place	Comments
Cabaret Showcase Old Town School	Cabaret Showcase Old Town School East 4545 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60657	Twenty-two year running Cabaret Showcase rallies again in the lovely East building lobby with 9 powerful and soulful voices rendering classic jazz standards to spicy show tunes. Jazz pianist Paul Giallorenzo on piano, Barb Silverman artistic guidance. www.oldtownschool.org

March 2023
Performer	Place	Comments
Barb Silverman	Grab A Board And Rub Washboard Workshop Old Town School of Folk Music 4545 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL	Washboard Queen Barb whips up rhythm techniques for the young and old, the brave and timid, the coordinated and the wild. Basic skills and accompaniment for jug band, old time, swing and cajun. Grab A Board And Rub. www.oldtownschool.org bsilverman@oldtownschool.org
Trio D'Argent (Colledge, Rosen, Silverman)	Chicago Queer Contra Second Unitarian Church 656 W Barry Ave Chicago, IL 60657	A dance for all stripes of humanity at this joyous community event with music by the recently coalesced "Trio D'Argent," hailed performers of Americana and Cajun. chicagoqueercontra.wordpress.com

February 2023
Performer	Place	Comments
Barbara Silverman	Classic Country Duets Workshop Old Town School of Folk Music 4544 N Lincoln Chicago, IL 60618	Let’s wail to the gems of Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn, George Jones and Tammy Wynette, the Louvin Brothers, Alison Kraus and Robert Plant — the soulful masters of country duets. Dive into this wailing song fest with seasoned songstress Barb Silverman, the Harmony Duchess of the Oldtown School.

January 2023
Performer	Place	Comments
Barbara Silverman & Colby Maddox	Cowboy Songs Concert Warrenville Public Library 28W751 Stafford Place Warrenville, IL 60555	An enlightening program of classic Cowboy Songs, Western folklore and a sprinkling of Western Swing tunes. Barb and Colby reunite fiddle, guitars, washboard, & sweet harmony. Sign up here for this free event.
Barbara Silverman	Family Day Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier 700 E. Grand Ave. Chicago, IL 60611	The magnificent Chicago Children's Museum hosts Barb for two fun-filled concerts encompassing music and movement, sound and soundscapes. Hands-on percussion blocks, scrapers, dancing limberjack. Fun for all the fam. www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org

2024 Silverbeam Music
www.silverbeammusic.com