CHICAGO FOLK AND ROOTS FESTIVAL
When: Noon Saturday-Sunday
Where: Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.
Entry: $3-$7 suggested donation
Get there: No. 78 Montrose bus; No. 49 Western bus; No. 11 Lincoln bus; Brown Line Western “L” stop
The basics: The Old Town School of Folk Music turns 50 this year. And, as if one birthday isn’t enough, its signature fest down the street in Welles Park turns 10 years old. The two-day party features national and global artists on the main stage, plus a bevy of student groups on a second stage. A workshop tent highlights West African dance, salsa, ballet, clogging, hip-hop, polka and more. Food and beer vendors are on hand to fuel the party.
Don’t miss: Malian singer and guitarist Vieux Farka Toure on the main stage at 6:15 p.m. Sunday.
MORE FESTIVALS
* 33rd Annual Arts and Crafts Festival on the grounds of the DuSable Museum of African-American History showcases juried works reflecting traditional, ethnic and experimental art on Saturday and Sunday; also includes music, food and market vendors.
* Chicago Tribune Magnificent Mile Art Festival pretties up Pioneer Court with more than 200 award-winning painters, sculptors, potters, jewelry-makers and photographers from Friday to Sunday.
* BenFest rocks the grounds of St. Benedict Parish in Irving Park with live music, beer and hash-slingers. Hear the Afrodisiacs and Mr. Blotto (Friday) and Vertigo USA and Hello Dave (Saturday).
* 22nd Annual Irish American Heritage Festival gets your feet tapping indoors and outdoors at the Irish American Heritage Center, with Irish and American music on four stages, folk dancing, instrument demos, food, artwork and more. Music highlights: The Tossers (Friday), Black 47 (Saturday) and Gaelic Storm (Sunday). Author and humorist Malachy McCourt (that’s Frank’s brother to you) performs songs and poems on Saturday and Sunday.
* 14th Annual Rock Around the Block tests your knowledge of local bands with about 30 acts on three stages in Lakeview. Hear 16 Candles, Elevation and Hairbangers Ball (Saturday), Catfight, Too White Crew and Mike & Joe (Sunday).
