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!  The show starts at 8pm (CST) and the doors open at 7:30pm. (Suggested donation $10).  We will also host this concert virtually.  You may access the livestream on www.twowaystreet.org, on our Facebook page, or on our YouTube channel.

On Friday, December 27, 2024 Two Way Street Coffee House Friday Night Concert Series together with Music & Potlucks presents a special evening of music with Charlie Archambault, Karen Barr, Ashley & Simpson and Mark Dvorak.

Every Music & Potlucks event features an opportunity to give to neighbors in need. Music & Potlucks has gathered and forwarded thousands of pounds of food, toiletries, gift cards, and other items, plus financial donations to local social services agencies including Beyond Hunger, Housing Forward, Build Chicago, A House In Austin, Peace Corner Youth Center, and Intonation. 

Bring your non-perishable food and toiletries donation to any of our concerts in December or donate monetarily below! 100% of all donations collected will be used to help support both the West Suburban Community Pantry and all the great things Music & Potlucks is doing to help support our neighbors in need.  

CHARLIE ARCHAMBAULT

A dedicated musician, Charlie Archambault began his musical journey at the Old Town School of Folk Music, learning guitar at the age of five. It was there that Charlie’s love for folk and protest music was ignited, particularly through the inspiring opportunity to play alongside the legendary Ella Jenkins. Since eighth grade, he has been an active musician with Music & Potlucks, a non-profit organization committed to raising funds for local causes, including Beyond Hunger. Drawing from a wide range of musical influences, Charlie Archambault remains deeply passionate about protest music and its powerful role in addressing societal inequities. This passion continues to shape his work as a musician and advocate for change.

KAREN BARR

Karen Barr is a folk-inspired singer songwriter who was born, raised, and has lived the majority of her life in Illinois, never far from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe line. Her life experiences as a midwestern girl, a midwife and a mom have informed her songwriting with whimsy and empathy. She’s been described as a master storyteller and songwriter with songs that have the charm of a classic fairytale while also feeling fresh and surprising, often with a splash of humor.

ASHLEY & SIMPSON

Comprised of Jennifer Ashley and Joel Simpson, Ashley & Simpson are quickly becoming folk scene favorites. This folk duo blends traditional songs and instrumentation along with beautiful vocal harmonies reminiscent of famous duos such as Ian & Silvia and The Everly Brothers. With their sophomore release “Off To Here Land,” they have pushed the art of folk to a new sound with an all-traditional track list that will delight fans new and old.  Both bringing a classical perspective to their duo, Jennifer Ashley & Joel Simpson have reached a new level by incorporating elements of jazz, popular music, and other modern styles in their arrangements.  

MARK DVORAK

Mark Dvorak is a modern day troubadour who has never stopped performing, writing and recording. He has been called “a folk singer’s folk singer” with “an encyclopedic knowledge of traditional songs.” His original songs “wondrous” and “profound.”

Though Mark often appears in theaters and on festival stages, he is also at home in a more intimate setting. His concerts are a mix of the familiar and the new, traditional folk and standards from the Great American Songbook. He plays authentic country blues guitar and picks great old-time banjo. Mark enjoys involving his audiences in sing-along songs, just like The Weavers used to do, and mixes in his own infectious and well-crafted originals.

Mark has a refreshing, down-to-earth stage presence and is a very engaging performer. He sings with a clear, signature voice and he likes to joke around with the folks who attend his shows. Throughout the program he’ll interject personal anecdotes and add a touch of history and social context to the performance.

If you can’t join us in person, you can still tune in virtually to catch the show! Make your donation HERE to Music & Potlucks.  Visit www.twowaystreet.org for more information.