Hot Times at Old Town

Appearing below are selections from the hard copy Hot Times. The objective is to highlight activities at the School and in the larger community, especially those featuring or of special interest to teachers and staff. Your suggestions are welcome. Enter a comment (under any item); it will come to me rather than automatically appearing.

Sing for Yer Supper

This great idea is back!

Each week John Abbey brings together a few different musicians for some informal, good time music; they trade songs and instruments, and everyone has a good time. If you feel like playing or singing a tune, contact John!

The fun takes place Sundays, 4 – 6 pm at Uncommon Ground, 1401 W. Devon. Note: Uncommon Ground is a neat little restaurant, worth visiting anytime — but most fun on these Sunday afternoons.

Filed under: Interesting elsewhere,Uncategorized by Skip | July 25, 2009 | Comments (0)

Improve your creativity!

You’ve noticed that you’re most creative in the early morning? Yep, it’s true for most of us. Ideas pop into mind when we’re just awakening. The reason: that’s when our mind is getting itself organized. That’s when we’re most open to new insights.

You may also have noticed that taking a shower has a similar effect. You’re standing there, streams of hot water on your back, and BANG! another new idea or insight. The reason could be more of the early morning effect. Or maybe you it’s a kinesthetic effect. « Read more »

Filed under: Practice tips by Skip | July 9, 2009 | Comments (0)

Farmers Market & Music

If you haven’t already done so, be sure to visit the Lincoln Square Farmers Market, held each Tuesday. (See earlier item)

The Market features music organized by the School in cooperation with Alderman Schulter’s Office. Among the groups that have played are the Basket Cases, a jug band, Two for the Road and Friends, and Otisco, a group specializing in early country music. Music usually begins at 10 am and runs until 2 pm. Otisco is currently scheduled from 10-12 on July 28th and August 4th.

We’re hoping to have Bellissima, an excellent classical ensemble, at one or more future markets. Need a classical group for top quality wedding music? Bellissima is, as the name suggests, a beautiful choice!

Filed under: Interesting outside the Old Town School by Skip | July 8, 2009 | Comments (0)

Old Time Music Fans – an area website

Paul Lucas thought Chicago area old-time musicians could use a website that provides a pointer to OTM stuff going on in Chicago. He notes that it’s not meant to replace other sites, like the Chicago Barn Dance Company site, but a place to provide other OTM related info and links to existing sites. The site is Old Time Chicago -> http://www.oldtimechicago.com « Read more »

Filed under: Interesting outside the Old Town School by Skip | July 7, 2009 | Comments (0)

Farmers Market – Lincoln Square!

It’s fresh produce time in Chicago — including a Tuesday Farmers Market just north of the Old Town School next to the Western CTA stop!

The first blossoming of the Lincoln Square Farmers Market was June 9th; weather permitting, the market will continue late into the fall. So now there’s something to anticipate on Tuesdays for those who have time during the day. The market has a range of stands, including fruits, vegetables, plants, quiche, muffins, cookies, and (mmmm!) pies. The market opens when the vendors are set up, from about 7 am to 2 pm. « Read more »

Filed under: Interesting outside the Old Town School by Skip | June 9, 2009 | Comments (0)

The Magic Hedge at Montrose Harbor

The Magic Hedge folks would love your help!

What is ithe Magic Hedge? Ah, you’ll have to go to earlier listings in this column to find out.

David Painter is the major domo for this effort. His number appears below — call him for more information (like specifics on the location). « Read more »

Filed under: Interesting elsewhere by Skip | May 6, 2009 | Comments (0)

Summer! and family fun!

What better than a family outing that is educational and fun at the same time? The (almost) Chicago Botanic Garden has weekend classes through which adults and children can explore cool things about how plants connect to science, art, history, and culture.

Each program includes a variety of hands-on activities and projects, as well as opportunities to bring the Garden home. Ages: Children ages 4 to 10 accompanied by adults (limit of three children per adult). Times: 9:30 – 11 a.m. or 1 – 2:30 p.m. Fees: $17 per child member, $20 per child nonmember.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is at 1000 Lake Cook Rd. in
Glencoe – (847) 835-5440 or www.Chicago-Botanic.org.

Filed under: Interesting elsewhere by Skip | May 5, 2009 | Comments (0)

Add jug band to your resume!

Or if not to your resume, at least to your life. Registration is open for the next term of school’s jug band! It’s both a band AND a class, with the next class starting in late October. So when someone asks you what you’ve been doing — here’s what you can say.

“You didn’t know? I’m now a member of the Hump Night Thumpers Jug Band. That’s the band that won the 25th Annual Battle of the Jug Bands in 2007.” « Read more »

Filed under: Interesting at Old Town by Skip | April 27, 2009 | Comments (0)

You missed Fender day?

Ouch! But it should be a reminder: keep checking the School’s website!

One Saturday earlier this year, the Different Strummer (the School’s store) had staff from Fender come in to do free bench checks on electric guitars. No Fender? That was ok too, they didn’t discriminate.

By the end of the afternoon, 90 folks had received FREE restrings and and set ups. And those who bought Feder or Squier products got 10% back in cash, on top of the already discounted prices. But this wasn’t a standard sales offer. « Read more »

Filed under: Interesting at Old Town by Skip | April 27, 2009 | Comments (0)

Ready for an ensemble?

If you’re a private student, ask your teacher if you may be ready for ensemble playing. If the answer is yes, consider the Beatles for Beginners Ensemble: it’s a great place for intermediate/ advanced students in guitar/bass/drums/ piano/vocal to learn how to play together, play in time with a band, sing group harmony, and learn how to build arrangements. In this ensemble you’ll get to work on the Beatles songs (and solo records) — some great stuff! The great part: you can work on the songs in private lessons, then bring what you learn to the class, where everything comes together.

This class is great preparation to get ready to play in all the other ensembles as well. Want to visit? Leave a note for Charles Kim or email him at ckim@oldtownschool.org). Beatles for Beginners meets at 2:30 on Saturdays at Lincoln Square.

Filed under: Interesting at Old Town by Skip | April 10, 2009 | Comments (0)


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