Murder Ballads: From Song to Story or Story to Song

A Halloween 5th Saturday Workshop

Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 1:00–3:30 p.m.
Two Way Street Coffee House | $25

There are stories hidden inside songs—and songs waiting to be discovered inside stories.

For our Halloween 5th Saturday, Two Way Street Coffee House, the Plank Road Folk Music Society and the Fox Valley Folklore Society invite you to explore the dark, dramatic world of the murder ballad in a hands-on creative writing workshop, Murder Ballads: From Song to Story or Story to Song.

Led by Carolyn Thomas-Daviodoff, Ursa Miles, and Pamela Schumacher, this workshop will explore the history and traditions of murder ballads and the fascinating relationship between songs and storytelling. Participants will look at how writers and songwriters use character, setting, conflict, suspense, and narrative to tell a compelling tale—and then put those ideas to work.

From Ballad to Story—and Back Again

What happens when you take the bones of an old ballad and begin filling in the story around it? Who were these characters? What happened before the song began? What details were left unsung?

Or turn the process around: How do you take a story and distill its characters, drama, and emotion into the compact form of a ballad?

During the workshop, participants will experiment with expanding a traditional ballad into an original story or transforming a story into a ballad of their own. Traditional ballads and short stories will be provided for inspiration.

By the end of the session, you’ll leave with the beginning of an original piece and ideas for where to take it next.

Who Should Attend?

No previous experience with storytelling, creative writing, songwriting, or singing is required.

This workshop is for anyone interested in folklore, storytelling, songwriting, creative writing—or simply curious about the stories behind traditional songs.

Bring your imagination. We’ll provide the inspiration.

Event Details

Murder Ballads: From Song to Story or Story to Song

• Saturday, October 31, 2026
• 1:00–3:30 p.m.
• Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove, Illinois
• Workshop fee: $25

Presented by Two Way Street Coffee House, the Plank Road Folk Music Society, and the Fox Valley Folklore Society.