Concerts & Events

The Working Songwriter Forum is a 3-day, all-inclusive experience packed with concerts, workshops, podcasts, and more! Spend your Memorial Day holiday with the host and creator of The Working Songwriter podcast, Joe Pug, along with his talented friends, Craig Finn (The Hold Steady) and Courtney Hartman, immersing yourself in a musical weekend dedicated to the craft of songwriting.

The main event is an intensive songwriting workshop schedule taught by some of Old Town School's veteran teaching artists alongside our special guest hosts. Old Town School songwriting teacher Steve Dawson has unlocked countless songs for hundreds of students over the years culminating in his book on the subject, Take It to the Bridge. He is also a staple of the Chicago Americana scene in his own right with his band Dolly Varden. Old Town School teaching artist Jonas Friddle won the John Lennon Songwriting Award, as well as many other accolades, and performs with his indie-folk supergroup, The Majority.

These workshops will give attendees the opportunity to showcase their newly-written tunes and to participate in other special performances. Throughout the entire event, Joe Pug will be your roving host - troubleshooting song lyrics with you, helping you tackle the bridge, or joining you in on a chorus. He will be there to aid and abet you, to connect you with your teachers and fellow songwriters, to hang out and talk shop, and maybe even have a beer. Whether you're a grizzled veteran or a scrappy upstart, songwriters of all experience levels are encouraged to attend!

Each day of The Working Songwriter Forum will culminate in an evening concert with one of your out-of-town hosts - Joe Pug, Craig Finn, and Courtney Hartman.

Joe Pug

A singer-songwriter known for his lyrical acumen and plaintive harmonica style, Joe Pug has released a string of critically-acclaimed albums and toured heavily in the U.S. and abroad. Paste Magazine wrote of his music: “Unless your surname is Dylan, Waits, Ritter or Prine, you could face-palm yourself to death trying to pen songs half as inspired.” He is the creator and host of the popular podcast The Working Songwriter.

Craig Finn

Craig Finn is a Minnesota-bred singer/songwriter based in New York City and best known as the singer of The Hold Steady. Finn spent the '90's leading Minneapolis indie band Lifter Puller. After relocating to New York, he formed The Hold Steady in 2003 with Tad Kubler (Lifter Puller), and quickly achieved critical acclaim and a worldwide fanbase with their unique pairing of dense lyrical narratives with big rock guitars.

Courtney Hartman

Colorado-born guitarist, singer, writer, and producer, Courtney Hartman is best known for her work beneath the surface, writing and recording with artists throughout the folk community. But with the release of her second album, Glade, Courtney is taking us with her into a world of her own making, with songs about home and abiding; pulling out the marrow of what makes us good and what makes us kin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will all artists be teaching?
In addition to featured artist performances, some artists will hold workshops and other activities. More details will be available in the spring when the full schedule is released. Throughout the entire event, Joe Pug will be your host- troubleshooting song lyrics, connecting you with the teachers and other attendees, or just having a beer and talking shop.

What is the schedule of events?
The full schedule will be released later this Spring but currently, there will be a welcome on the afternoon of Friday May 23rd followed by performances, a full day of classes, activities and performances on Saturday May 24th, and a day of classes and performances on Sunday May 25th ending in the early evening. Concert-only tickets will be available in the future.

Can I purchase tickets just to the concerts?
Yes, concert-only tickets will be available in the future. Some sets will be available a la carte ticketing but the only way to guarantee seating for all performances is a three-day ticket.

Will there be food or beverages available?
Old Town School sells light snacks, sweets, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages but there will be ample time for trying some of the local cuisine.

Do I need to bring a guitar?
There will be some instruments to share but if you have one that you feel most comfortable with, we recommend bringing it.

What's the best way to get there? Where can I stay?
The Working Songwriter Forum is at Old Town School of Folk Music's Lincoln Square campus on Chicago's northside, just 9 miles north of downtown at 4544 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625. Lodging is available at any of Chicago's great hotels and Airbnb's.

Old Town School is located just 4 blocks from "The L" Brown Line - Western stop. Public parking is available throughout the neighborhood.

Many guests to Old Town School opt to stay in the surrounding neighborhoods and make a longer trip to explore all Chicago has to offer. Search for these neighborhoods to be in walking distance to Old Town School: Lincoln Square, North Center, Ravenswood, St. Ben's. Surrounding neighborhoods with access to public transportation or short rides to Lincoln Square: Andersonville, Roscoe Village, Lakeview, Albany Park, Budlong Woods, North Park, Wrigleyville.

I would like to sponsor or cover the event. Who can I contact?
Any press, media, or sponsorship inquiries, please email afang@newfrontiertouring.com