Two Way Street Coffee House is Chicagoland’s most beloved folk and acoustic music venue, presenting weekly concerts and community events for over 50 years!
On Friday, September 4, 2026 Two Way Street Coffee House Friday Night Concert Series presents Joy Clark.
Joy Clark makes music with both deep roots and a fearless sense of possibility. Drawing from the folk, soul, and musical traditions of her native Louisiana, she pairs exceptional guitar work with songs about freedom, love, identity, and finding the courage to become fully yourself. Her warmth, honesty, and gift for meaningful storytelling embody the connection between artist and audience that makes an intimate listening room like Two Way Street such a special place to experience live music.
MORE INFO HERE
Two Way Street Favorites at the Fox Valley Folk Festival
Two Way Street Favorites: Lisa Medina & Adela Skowronski
Two Way Street Coffee House presents Lisa Medina and Adela Skowronski at the 50th Annual Fox Valley Folk Music & Storytelling Festival.
This special pairing brings together two contemporary singer-songwriters who have already shared the stage. For their festival appearances, Lisa and Adela will trade songs and stories in the classic folk song-swap tradition.
They’ll open the festival’s Monday Main Stage from 11:00–11:30 a.m., then return at 2:00 p.m. for a full hour as part of Two Way Street Favorites.
Lisa Medina’s contemporary folk songwriting carries a flavorful hint of Latin rhythm and spice. Her varied musical background includes theater, choir, singer-songwriter performances, bands and work as a vocalist with a Grammy-nominated Latin jazz big band. After stepping away from songwriting while raising her children, Lisa rediscovered her creative voice during the pandemic, resulting in her first studio album, released in 2024.
Cellist and folk-pop artist Adela Skowronski returned to songwriting after a six-year break and created her sophomore album, Words of Love, a collection of songs, poems and reflections exploring the many dimensions of love and connection. Adela recently appeared at Two Way Street as part of our Local Artist Showcase.
We’re thrilled to bring these two artists together for what promises to be a warm, intimate and musically adventurous hour.
Monday, September 7, 2026
11:00–11:30 a.m. — Main Stage
2:00–3:00 p.m. — Two Way Street Favorites
Wheeler Park, Geneva, Illinois
Presented by Two Way Street Coffee House as part of the 50th Annual Fox Valley Folk Music & Storytelling Festival.
MORE INFO HERE
Tunes & Tales - September 27, 2026
Tunes & Tales Returns September 27
There’s a story behind every song. At Tunes & Tales, we get to hear a few of them.
Join us Sunday, September 27, as Donna Herula and Nikki O’Neill join hosts Ashley & Simpson for an intimate songwriter-in-the-round at the Two Way Street Coffee House.
Rather than a traditional concert, Tunes & Tales gives the artists room to talk about their music—where a song began, what inspired it, how it evolved, or the story hidden somewhere between the lines.
And this month’s combination should make for a particularly fun afternoon.
Donna Herula brings her distinctive blues and slide-guitar roots; Nikki O’Neill blends Americana songwriting with her love of classic soul; and Ashley & Simpson bring their folk influences, harmonies, and songwriting to the circle.
With an audience of around 30, Tunes & Tales feels less like watching a show from across the room and more like being invited into the circle.
Tunes & Tales: Songwriters in the Round
Donna Herula • Nikki O’Neill • Ashley & Simpson
Sunday, September 27, 2026
3:00 PM
Two Way Street Coffee House
MORE INFO HERE
Nordic Jams and Dances Return!
Join Our Nordic Music Jam!
Learn and share tunes from the Nordic countries in a warm, welcoming setting, first Thursday of each month! This is a teaching jam where we’ll teach, review, and play tunes in the aural tradition—by ear. All instruments, ages, and experience levels are welcome, and recording is encouraged.
The jam is facilitated by Mary Allsopp of Chicago Spelmanslag. Many of the tunes will be featured at our Nordic Dance nights, and musicians are invited to join in for an extra review and to learn about playing for dance.
Join Us for Nordic Dance and Music!
Come experience the joy of Scandinavian dance and live music on the fourth Sunday of each month at the Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515.
We’ll begin the evening at 6 pm with an hour of easy, welcoming community dances, and no partner is needed—just bring your enthusiasm! Soon after 7 pm, we’ll move to an advanced format to support those already experienced in pols, polska and springar type turning dances. $5 donation. Thank you for bringing your water bottle.
Dancing is led by Roo Lester, a knowledgeable and engaging teacher known for her clear, upbeat style. Whether you’re new to Nordic dance or have experience, Roo makes everyone feel welcome with her fun and easy-to-follow instruction, blending technique, styling, and cultural background.
Enjoy live music coordinated by Mary Allsopp and friends, bringing the spirit of Scandinavian folk traditions to life.
Last Thursday Open Mic - September 24, 2026
Attention High School & College-Age Musicians, Poets, and Performance Artists!
It’s Your Turn to Shine—Every Last Thursday of the Month!
On September 24, 2026 at 7pm, step into the spotlight at Two Way Street Coffee House, one of the best-loved acoustic venues in the Chicago area. Whether you’re a singer-songwriter, poet, guitarist, or spoken word performer, this is your space to be heard.
MORE INFO HERE
Conveniently located in Downers Grove, Two Way Street Coffee House is Chicagoland’s most beloved folk and acoustic music venue, presenting weekly concerts and community events since 1970!
Stay in the know. Join our newsletter!
Stay up to date on all the latest happenings at the Two Way Street Coffee House. Sign up below for our weekly email newsletter highlighting all of the marvelous events happening at the Two Way Street!
