Special Features at FARM 2024
Wisdom Across the Ages - Friday 2:30p
Wisdom Across the Ages. Because we believe wisdom isn’t acquired strictly by those of a certain age and this year’s panel is packed with some amazing artists from our community; Claudia Schmidt, Joy Clark, Rj Cowdery, Ben Traverse, and Matt Watroba (host)
Chicago Blues Spotlight - Saturday 7:00 p
DOWNTOWN CHARLIE BROWN
Focusing on Delta and Chicago Blues, Downtown Charlie Brown has been performing at Chicagoland venues, including Buddy Guy’s Legends, since 1995. He has performed at venues across the country, including Ground Zero in both Clarksdale and Biloxi, Mississippi and on King Biscuit Time in Helena, Arkansas. He was referred to as “Chicago’s Delta” by American Blues Scene and was also featured in Living Blues, BG Blues and Music News Magazine. Artists like Muddy Waters, Son House, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Koko Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, and Howlin’ Wolf come alive during his performances.
DONNA HERULA
Hailed for her “superlative guitar prowess” (Living Blues), Donna Herula is a blues singer, songwriter, resonator slide guitarist and Chicago Blues Hall of Fame inductee. Playing a variety of blues styles, her songwriting tips the hat to the tradition while creating a fresh, contemporary perspective on blues and roots music. In 2022 she won Independent Blues Awards for “Best Traditional Blues Artist” and “Best Acoustic Blues Album” and was voted “Artist of the Year” by Doc’s Blues Awards in the UK in 2021. Donna also performs with Downtown Charlie Brown, celebrating Delta and Chicago Blues.
FARM Barn Dance - Thursday 6 - 7:15 pm
We are very excited to shake up the get-to-know-each-other game with a first ever FARM Barn Dance! Come break the ice and meet new people hoedown-style, accompanied by live music from AJ Srubas, Micah Ling, Joe Johnson, Ruby John, and Art Stevenson. No dance experience or partner necessary – if you can tell your right hand from your left hand at least most of the time, that’s all you need to know! Minneapolis dance caller Rina Rossi will walk you through each move and we promise fun will be had.
The Drop Zone
Back by popular demand, the Drop Zone is a designated space where participating presenters and DJs will be assigned their own box for collecting attendee CDs &/or One Sheets. While we believe that personal contact is best, it’s not always easy to connect with every artist, presenter or DJ. Artists simply drop by The Drop Zone, read the instructions, and choose which boxes they will fill. Presenters & DJs interested in participating please fill out this form https://forms.gle/RC1qvL9BB2aVaPTV6. Any questions – please contact Ellen at efspublicity@gmail.com
Farewell Community Sing - Sunday 1p
Fast becoming a FARM tradition as a way to sign off on another fulfilling weekend with our voices raised in song together! All are invited to take turns leading a song (not a solo performance, typically a traditional or well-known cover).