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Silver Beam Music

Calendar

 March 2024

Date

Performer

Place

Time

Comments

9
SAT

Barb Silverman

Washboard Workshop
Old Town School of Folk Music
4544 N. Lincoln
Chicago, IL

3:30 pm to
4:50 pm

Glide and slide exciting rhythms on your handy dandy washboard that's been sitting in your basement for decades. Barb lends her techniques for accompanying old-time, swing and a touch of Cajun. Launch a new career!
www.oldtownschool.org
bsilverman@oldtownschool.org773 728-6000

 April 2024

Date

Performer

Place

Time

Comments

13
SAT

Barb Silverman

Easy Country Harmony Worksop
Old Town School of Folk Music
4544 N. Lincoln
Chicago, IL

3:30 pm to
5:00 pm

Join multiple-band songstress/harmony coach Barb Silverman for a fun, easy session of favorite country hits from the 1950s Louvin brothers, through 1960’s George Jones and Tammy Wynette, to Emmy Lou Harris and Herb Pedersen in the 1970s. Come new singer, seasoned singer, whoever - we will blend our voices in sweet harmonies to rocket you to fame and impress friends.
www.oldtown
773 728-6000

26
FRI

Barb Silverman & Rick Veras

One of a Kind Show
Merchandise Mart
Illinois Street and the Chicago River
Chicago, IL

11:30 am to
1:00 pm

Every year this mammoth arts and wares exhibition at the historic Merchandise Mart features these two (and others) as an audio backdrop to the rich displays. Country swing and standards from Barb on guitar and Rick on fiddle.
800 613-1303

 May 2024

Date

Performer

Place

Time

Comments

10
FRI

The Teflons

Barrington Area Library Concerts
Barrington Area Library
505 N Northwest Highway
Barrington, IL 60010

7:00 pm to
8:15 pm

Revival appearance of the long-time beloved Teflons with their richly harmonized country-swing popping up like the spring crocus every year. Their summer 2023 concert at Chicago Botanic Gardens brought 150 attendees. Let's beat the record in Barrington!
847 382-1300

 July 2024

Date

Performer

Place

Time

Comments

25
THU

Hot Jazz Trio: Gerry Field, Barb Silverman, Al Trachtenburg

Thursday Food Truck Concert
Jens Jensen Park
485 Roger Williams Ave
Highland Park, IL 60035

4:30 pm to
5:15

Thursday summertime is two-band Food Truck night in this lovely north shore setting. Hear the sweet seasoned violin of Gerry the Violin Builder, the sultry vocals of Barb the Guitarist/Washboardist, and Al the Timely Bassman.
847 681-2189

28
SUN

Hot Jazz Quartet: Gerry Field, Ross Plunkett, Barb Silverman, Al Trachtenburg

EBO Has Talent
Edgewater Beach Organization
5555 N Sheridan
Chicago, IL

5:00 pm to
7:00 pm

Hot Jazz Trio's third consecutive concert in this summer series (by popular demand) adds Ross on trumpet which wowed last year's audience and lit on fire the smorgasboard of jazz standards and country classics. Sponsored by the Edgewater Beach Association with limited audience, so contact Barb to be on guest list!
773 485-3363

 August 2024

Date

Performer

Place

Time

Comments

10
SAT

Barbara Silverman

White Oak Savanna Music Festival
White Oak Savanna Events Farm and Sanctuary
4352 State Road 23
Dodgeville, WI 53533

10:00 am to
3:00

Invited back for the 3rd time, Barb conducts a multi-rhythm workshop (washboard, bones, sandblocks, foot rhythms) and also calls dances at the big barn dance. This White Oak Fest is absolute joy in a stunning setting.
502 554-1990

 October 2024

Date

Performer

Place

Time

Comments

6
SUN

Barb Silverman & Fred Campeau

The Grove
The Grove Historical Museum
1700 N Milwaukee Ave
Glenview, IL

12:55 pm to
1:50 pm

Barb's second full decade performing at this yearly hay-baled, pork-pulled rhubarb pie-sweetened Harvest fest. Features music all day long from the main stage, hayrides, woods trails, historic museum all rolled into one. It's the Grove Fest!!
847 299-6096

 December 2024

Date

Performer

Place

Time

Comments

12 - 15
THU - SUN

Eric Zorn, Mary Schmich, Anna Jacobson, Barb Silverman, Steve Rosen, Lanialoha Lee, Aaron Smith, Fred Campeau, Zacbe Pichardo, Gail Tyler, Paul Tyler, Jim Wynton

Songs of Good Cheer
OLD TOWN SCHOOL OF FOLK MUSIC
4544 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL

7:30 pm or afternoons Dec 12-15

This is year 26 and running! The biggest concert of the year Old Town School hosts 4 nights and 2 afternoons. The full 12-piece band, all singers as well, lead holiday songs from the rare, beautifully haunting to the familiar, stirringly joyful. Gems from cultures all over the world, and you get to sing along! Proceeds benefit Chicago charities.
www.oldtownschool.org
773 728-6000

- - past calendars - -

 February 2024

Performer

Place

Comments

Barb Silverman's Virtual Cabaret Singers

Virtual Cabaret Showcase Old Town School
Old Town School of Folk Music
Online
Chicago, IL

Six richly talented singers render a sweet virtual show with songs ranging from standards to Pizzarelli to Leonard Cohen to George Gershwin. Extraordinarily talented pianist Abby Lyons accompanies. Barb directs. And here's the link: https://oldtownschool.zoom.us/j/87186784626?pwd=E8iaRAPrnzGZDwtuXBiPZUxNS6QAhx.1

Barb Silverman's Cabaret Singers

Cabaret Showcase
Old Town School of Folk Music
4545 N. Lincoln
Chicago, IL 60625

Wildly talented singers with power, tenderness and soul perform solo jazz and show tunes and stirring ensemble pop numbers to precision pianist Abby Lyons. Barb directs. A fun, free event.
www.oldtownschool.org

 January 2024

Performer

Place

Comments

Jonathan Whitall, Fred Campeau, Barb Silverman, Mitch Thomas

Fox Valley Folk Society Family Dance
Grace Lutheran Church
493 Forest Avenue
Glen Ellen, IL

This all ages barn dance offers an hour or more of all simple dances for ages, followed by squares and contras for those who can usually keep left and right straight.
foxvalleyfolk.com/barndance.html

 December 2023

Performer

Place

Comments

Barb Silverman

Winter Walk on Wilson
Uptown Chamber of Commerce
Wilson from Sheridan to Clark
Chicago, IL

Holiday-themed Barb and other iconic performers stroll and hop-scotch storefronts along the Wilson Corridor while businesses provide hot cocoa and holiday treats to celebrate the season.

Eric Zorn, Mary Schmich, Barb Silverman, Anna Jacobson, Lani Lee, Steve Rosen, Fred Campeau, Aaron Smith, Zacbe Pichardo, Roy McGrath, Paul & Gail Tyler

Songs of Good Cheer
Old Town School of Folk Music
4544 N. Lincoln
Chicago, IL

YEAR 25! Five shows December 7-10 with our rich, fully orchestrated, heartily harmonized program that celebrates the holidays and seals the year with joy. Join the singing of multi-ethnic beauties and familiar gems. Varying show times. Close to sold out so call OTS today!
www.oldtownschool.org

Cabaret and Harmony Singers Old Town School

Cabaret Showcase
Old Town School of Folk Music
4545 N. Lincoln
Chicago, IL

Cabaret classics, show tunes, vintage pop hits performed by Barb Silverman's classes. Hits from Curtis Mayfield, Andrew Lloyd Weber, Irving Berlin, Hoagy Carmichael, Alex Newell and on it goes. Incredibly deft Abby Lyons pianist. Lobby of OTS East.
www.oldtownschool.org

Zoom Cabaret Singers Old Town School

Zoom Cabaret Showcase
Old Town School of Folk Music
xxxx
Chicago, IL

Enjoy powerful, heartful singing from the comfort of your home on Zoom. Compositions by Styne and Cahn, Garner & Burke, a 16th century Christmas lament, Brown & Redd, and Elton John! Talented Abby Lyons pianist. https://oldtownschool.zoom.us/j/85085568251?pwd=WRbIQS4pCzcUi0QDOcYZdzFHPNUggr.1

Barb Silverman & Steve Rosen

Lincoln Park Zoo Lights 2023
Lincoln Park Zoo Heated Tent
Chicago, IL

Barbie and Steve (Silver Rose) render holiday favorite sing-alongs sprinkled with swing standards and other surprises. Come find the heated tent, drink some cheer and wail away with us.

Barb Silverman & Steve Rosen

Chicago Library Concerts
Mount Greenwood Public Library
11010 S Kedzie
Chicago, IL

Chicago Public Libraries host holiday music all over our beloved city. The iconic Steve and Barbie "Silver Rose" have brought sound, joy and laughter to listeners for nearly 200 years, seems like. Banjo and fiddle, washboard and guitar, rich harmonies and schtick.

 November 2023

Performer

Place

Comments

Barb Silverman

Washboard Workshop
Old Town School of Folk Music
4544 N. Lincoln
Chicago, IL

Glide, scrape and rub rhythms on your handy dandy washboard that's been sitting in your basement for decades. Barb lends her techniques for accompanying old-time, swing and a touch of Cajun.
www.oldtownschool.org

Silverman, Steinmann, Wankoff Trio

Annual Scouts Concert/Dance
Lincoln School
XXXX
Oak Park, IL

We perform this every year with palpable joy from the scouts and families. Wouldn't give up this gig for all the revenue in the National Girl Scout Cookie Drive.

 October 2023

Performer

Place

Comments

Barb Silverman and Fred Campeau

Grove Fest
The Grove Historical Museum
1700 N Milwaukee Ave
Glenview, IL

In her 20th year performing at this rustic outdoor fest in its beautiful wooded setting, Barb is joined by veteran fiddler/banjoist/bass voiced Fred Campeau for old time and country gems.
www.thegroveglenview.org

Barb Silverman & Fred Campeau

Chicago Library Concerts
Near North Branch Chicago Public Library
310 W Division
Chicago, IL

Come gather round the warm, cozy sounds of this multi-skilled duo from the Old Town School of Folk Music as they share the sounds of the banjo, guitar, fiddle, percussion and serenade the season.

Cabaret Students of Old Town School

Cabaret Showcases
Old Town School of Folk Music
4545 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL

Two lush and richly varied Cabaret showcases, 7:00 pm Zoom performance and an 8:00 pm live show, pianist Abby Lyons and vocal director and wrangler Barb Silverman. Standards and show tunes from all decades. Enjoy your Wednesday night one way or both! Zoom link:https://oldtownschool.zoom.us/j/85854274515?pwd=Z214MzZhRHZINXcvK3ZWdXYrSUVIZz09

 September 2023

Performer

Place

Comments

Silver Rose: Barb Silverman and Steve Rosen

Blackhawk Folk Society Concert Series
Blackhawk Folk Concert at Mount Morris Town Prk
Mt Morris Town Park, N3847 County Highway G
Mount Morris, Wisconsin

This beloved dynamic duo has been performing for nearly 200 years it seems like. "A folk festival in a box" Barb and “the folk Buddha" Steve pack old-time to swing to novelty numbers weaving tight harmony, textured rhythms and solos, and snappy footwork. Do come!
www.blackhawkfolk.org

String Three: Campeau, Silverman, Thomas

Queer Contra Dance
Second Unitarian Church
656 W Barry
Chicago, IL

Monthly delight for all shapes, sizes, costumes and identifiers who love to dance. Fiddler Fred, Guitarist Barbist, Uker Mitch. Fun galore.

Barb Silverman and Rick Veras

Apple Fest
Giddings Plaza
Giddings and Lincoln Ave
Chicago

Annual apple-laden festival with apple fritters, apple cider, apple pies, candy apples, and the sweetest Old-Town-School derived music all day long at charming, casual Giddings Plaza. Pull up a bench or chair, eat and enjoy.

 August 2023

Performer

Place

Comments

Silverman's Cabaret Showcase

Cabaret Showcase
Old Town School of Folk Music
4545 N. Lincoln
Chicago, IL 60625

Barb's Cabaret Showcases have been happening for 24 years and counting at Old Town School. This live performance will be in the East Building in the glassed-in fishbowl lobby. Pianist Paul Giallorenzo and 9 powerhouse singers display their vast repertoire and talent.
www.oldtownschool.org

Silverman's Zoom Cabaret Showcase

Zoom Cabaret Showcase
Online
Online
Online

Barb's Cabaret Showcases are over two decades running, and the pandemic generated this intimate and heart-warming new variety. Link in at 6:50 pm to the link below, and then scoot on over the 4545 N. Lincoln at 8:00 pm for the very different, dynamic in-person Cabaret Showcase. Pianist Paul Giallorenzo accompanies both with ease and heart. https://oldtownschool.zoom.us/j/81471751597?pwd=V28yQmM0QzZ4OVlvZFpsSzVGaXdXZz09
www.oldtownschool.org

Barb Silverman

White Oak Savanna Folk Fest
White Oak Folk Festival
4352 State Road 23
Dodgeville, WI 53533

At the beautiful and lush White Oak Folk Fest conceived and run by iconic Jonas Friddle, you can "Wake Up And Clog" with Barb to start your Saturday right. Hard soled shoes and a willing spirit is all you need. Barb team-calls with Cara for the Square Dance at 12:15. And check the incredible line-up of national and regional performers through the weekend.
www.whiteoakfolkfest.com

Sean Colledge, Barb Silverman, Jordan Wankoff

Horner Farmer's Market
Horner Park
2741 W Montrose Ave
Chicago, IL 60618

Cajun and Old-time Americana fiddle tunes with guitar and washboard. Drop on by, and buy some tomatoes and scones while you're at it.

Hot Jazz Trio: Field, Silverman, Trachtenberg

Thursday Food Truck Concert
Jens Jensen Park
485 Roger Williams Ave
Highland Park, IL 60035

Offering Early Jazz, Western Swing and Folk Favorites, this rare trio features violin maker Gerry Field, singer/guitarist/washboardist Barb Silverman, and Al Trachtenbeg holding down the bass lines.

 July 2023

Performer

Place

Comments

The Teflons: Steve Doyle, Eugenia Elliott, Barb Silverman, Aaron Smith, Gail Tyler, Rick Veras

Chicago Botanic Gardens Wednesday Jazz Series
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL

The Teflons re-emerge with flare and fanfare on the luscious Botanic Gardens Esplanade with a palette of vintage jazz and western swing.
www.chicagobotanicgarden.org

Buds & Shoots: Aaron Smith, Barb Silverman, Fred Campeau, Sara Coral

Roscoe Village Burger Fest
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
Belmont & Damen Stage
Chicago, IL

Wild and roaring annual music/food fest in historic Roscoe Village where "Buds & Shoots" are chosen to open for the dynamic "Way Down Wanderers." We have a couple of surprises in this configuration that you'll be pleased to see and hear.

Silver Trotters: Fred Campeau, Barb Silverman, Chirps Smith

Square Roots Festival Dance
Old Town School of Folk Music
Lincoln and Sunnyside Stage
Chicago, IL 60625

Back by popular demand of families and staff, the Silver Trotters create an on-the-spot family dance on the shaded street in front of the Sunnyside Stage. Last year we had two-year-olds on up to 80 year-olds marching, swinging and laughing with joy. We'll do it again!
www.oldtownschool.org

Barb Silverman

Washboard Workshop
Old Town School of Folk Music
4544 N. Lincoln
Chicago, IL

Expand your rhythm journey with washboard in hand and thimbles ready. We will slide into steady shuffle rhythms and spiffy syncopations to accompany jug band, old time, Cajun and swing styles. This fun workshop will be led by washboard wizard Barb, known for four decades as multiple band leader and rhythm queen.
www.oldtownschool.org

Hot Jazz Trio: Gerry Field, Barb Silverman, Alan Trachtenburg

EBO Has Talent
Edgewater Beach Organization
5555 N Sheridan
Chicago, IL

Barb and seasoned jazz musicians Gerry Field and Al Trachtenberg spread a smorgasboard of jazz standards, country classics and folk favorites. This spicy summer concert series is sponsored by the Edgewater Beach Association. Limited audience, contact Barb to be on guest list!

 June 2023

Performer

Place

Comments

Cabaret Showcase

Cabaret Showcase
Old Town School of Folk Music
4545 N. Lincoln
Chicago, IL 60625

Two showcases in one night! Zoom the early virtual show at 6:45 pm at this link:https://oldtownschool.zoom.us/j/83831630658?pwd=NXU1SGVZL0NtdnVKWGxuU0dFSXRqdz09 Then swing on over to the East building lobby, 4545 N. Lincoln for a live ZING of a show -- eleven performers with STUNNING voices and widely ranging styles. Jazz pianist Paul Giallorenzo on the keys, Barb directs.
www.oldtownschool.org

Silver Rose Trio (Silverman, Campeau, Coral)

Scottish Festival and Highland Games
Hamilton Lakes
2 Pierce Place
Itasca, IL 60143

Silver Rose is featured Saturday 4 pm at this joyous outdoor all-weekend musical fest with men in kilts, beer gardens and food galore. We celebrate the glory of the Scottish tradition as it has crossed the sea and taken on American forms, rendering Scottish and Bluegrass.

 May 2023

Performer

Place

Comments

Barb Silverman

Classic Country Duets Workshop
Old Town School of Folk Music
4544 N. Lincoln
Chicago, IL 60625

Let's expand our lungs and spirits to the gems of Hank Williams and Hank Williams Jr., Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers,Tammy Wynette and George Jones, and the infamous Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson -- the undisputed kings and queens of country duet vocals. We will swim the lush waters of their harmonies led by Barb, the front person of country swing and jug bands.
www.oldtownschool.org

 April 2023

Performer

Place

Comments

Cabaret Showcase Old Town School

Cabaret Showcase
Old Town School East
4545 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

Twenty-two year running Cabaret Showcase rallies again in the lovely East building lobby with 9 powerful and soulful voices rendering classic jazz standards to spicy show tunes. Jazz pianist Paul Giallorenzo on piano, Barb Silverman artistic guidance.
www.oldtownschool.org

 March 2023

Performer

Place

Comments

Barb Silverman

Grab A Board And Rub Washboard Workshop
Old Town School of Folk Music
4545 N. Lincoln
Chicago, IL

Washboard Queen Barb whips up rhythm techniques for the young and old, the brave and timid, the coordinated and the wild. Basic skills and accompaniment for jug band, old time, swing and cajun. Grab A Board And Rub.
www.oldtownschool.org
bsilverman@oldtownschool.org

Trio D'Argent (Colledge, Rosen, Silverman)

Chicago Queer Contra
Second Unitarian Church
656 W Barry Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

A dance for all stripes of humanity at this joyous community event with music by the recently coalesced "Trio D'Argent," hailed performers of Americana and Cajun.
chicagoqueercontra.wordpress.com

 February 2023

Performer

Place

Comments

Barbara Silverman

Classic Country Duets Workshop
Old Town School of Folk Music
4544 N Lincoln
Chicago, IL 60618

Let’s wail to the gems of Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn, George Jones and Tammy Wynette, the Louvin Brothers, Alison Kraus and Robert Plant — the soulful masters of country duets. Dive into this wailing song fest with seasoned songstress Barb Silverman, the Harmony Duchess of the Oldtown School.

 January 2023

Performer

Place

Comments

Barbara Silverman & Colby Maddox

Cowboy Songs Concert
Warrenville Public Library
28W751 Stafford Place
Warrenville, IL 60555

An enlightening program of classic Cowboy Songs, Western folklore and a sprinkling of Western Swing tunes. Barb and Colby reunite fiddle, guitars, washboard, & sweet harmony.
Sign up here for this free event.

Barbara Silverman

Family Day
Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier
700 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611

The magnificent Chicago Children's Museum hosts Barb for two fun-filled concerts encompassing music and movement, sound and soundscapes. Hands-on percussion blocks, scrapers, dancing limberjack. Fun for all the fam.
www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org

2024 Silverbeam Music
www.silverbeammusic.com