Calendar
September 2023 |
Date |
Performer |
Place |
Time |
Comments |
9 SAT |
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 |
2:00 pm |
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 773-485-3363 |
16 SAT |
String Three: Campeau, Silverman, Thomas |
Queer Contra Dance Second Unitarian Church
656 W Barry
Chicago, IL |
7:00 pm to 9:30 |
Monthly delight for all shapes, sizes, costumes and identifiers who love to dance. Fiddler Fred, Guitarist Barbist, Uker Mitch. Fun galore. 773-485-3363 |
30 SAT |
Barb Silverman and Rick Veras |
Apple Fest Giddings Plaza
Giddings and Lincoln Ave
Chicago |
2:15 pm to 3:00 |
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. 773-485-3363 |
October 2023 |
Date |
Performer |
Place |
Time |
Comments |
1 SUN |
Barb Silverman and Fred Campeau |
Grove Fest The Grove Historical Museum
1700 N Milwaukee Ave
Glenview, IL |
12:55 pm |
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 847 299-6096 |
15 SUN |
Barb Silverman & Fred Campeau |
Chicago Library Concert Series Near North Branch Chicago Public Library
310 W Division
Chicago, IL |
2:00 pm |
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. 312 744-0991 |
November 2023 |
Date |
Performer |
Place |
Time |
Comments |
17 FRI |
Silverman, Steinmann, Wankoff Trio |
Annual Scouts Concert/Dance Lincoln School
XXXX
Oak Park, IL |
7:30 pm |
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. (773)485-3363 |
- - past calendars - -
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 |
Lets 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 |
December 2022 |
Performer |
Place |
Comments |
Barb Silverman, Anna Jacobson, Roy McGraff, Eric Zorn, Mary Schmich, Steve Rosen, Fred Campeau, Lani Lee, Aaron Smith, Paul & Gail Tyler, Zacbe Pichardo |
Songs of Good Cheer Old Town School of Folk Music
4544 n. Lilncoln Ave
Chicago, IL |
The 24th year of this iconic, heartwarming, stunningly crafted 4-day holiday concert with 13 musicians and sold-out audiences. Fully orchestrated and harmonized, top-of-the-line soloists, nationally touted columnists spearheading these shows with rousing audience voices chiming in. Holiday songs of every ilk from all over the world and straight from your hearts. www.oldtownschool.org |
October 2022 |
Performer |
Place |
Comments |
Barb Silverman & Fred Campeau |
Grove Fest The Grove Historical Museum
1700 N Milwaukee Ave
Glenview, IL |
Annual Harvest Hoe Down Fest with stages and pulled pork, rhubarb pie, and other festivities. Barb and Fred present an array of traditional and oldtime favorites with banjo, fiddle, guitar, bones and washboard. www.thegroveglenview.org |
Barb Silverman & Rick Veras |
Fall Fest Chicago Botanic Gardens
1000 W Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL |
The lush, breathtaking Chicago Botanic Gardens celebrate fall every year with this diverse stretch of vendors and music along the fountain-decked Promenade. Come join the feast! www.chicagobotanicgarden.org |
Barb Silverman, Al Trachtenburg, Gerry Field |
EBO Has Talent Edgewater Beach Association
5555 N. Sheridan Rd
Chicago, IL |
Barb is joined by seasoned jazz musicians Gerry Field and Al Trachtenburg for this smorgasboard of jazz standards, country classics and folk favorites. This annual spicy summer concert series is sponsored by the Edgewater Beach Association. |
Buds & Shoots |
Boots and Bling: Unity on the North Shore Fundraiser Gala Unity on the North Shore
3434 Central St
Evanston, IL |
The stunning Buds and Shoots have been chosen to provide a Fall Harvest Hoedown Festival. This gala fundraiser will include cocktails, silent auction, barn dancing, festive dinner and much more, with proceeds benefiting Unity on the North Shore. The event begins at 6:00 pm, the band starts playing 8:00 pm. www.silverbeammusic.com |
Buds & Shoots |
Gallagher Way at Wrigley Field Gallagher Way
3635 N Clark
Chicago, IL 60613 |
In Wrigley Field's front yard, this esteemed and free concert series has invited illustrious Buds & Shoots (check us out on wwwsilverbeammusic.com) to render a set of country folk classics. Come hear a four-piece of harmonic voices, exceptional solos and a tight woven sound. https://www.gallagherway.com |
Barb Silverman |
Elgin Hadassah Concert Edgewater Creekside Lodge
2554 Edgewater Drive
Elgin, IL 60124 |
Returning for the 3rd time to this Hadassah Chapter, Barbara is their favorite performer. She weaves together vintage popular hits and Jewish gems in a sweet tapestry peppered with humorous anecdotes. |
September 2022 |
Performer |
Place |
Comments |
Barb Silverman |
Harmony Singing Workshop Old Town School of Folk Music
4544 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60625 |
Duets, trios, counterpoint harmony, part-singing and understanding it all from soup to nuts. Join this everybody-welcome workshop without fear or retribution, just soaring voices and lots of fun. www.oldtownschool.org |
The Silver Trotters: Fred Campeau, Anna Jacobson, Steve Rosen, Barb Silverman |
Chicago Live WAVE WALL STAGE NAVY PIER
600 E Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60611 |
City-wide "Chicago Live" celebration of performing artists features Old Town School's Barb Silverman's "Silver Trotters" band and her singular dance calling full of skill and whimsey, for the beginner to the worn-out leather-shoed. Come to the base of the Navy Pier ferris wheel for the fun. |
August 2022 |
Performer |
Place |
Comments |
Barb Silverman & Steve Rosen |
Celebration of Life Celebration of Life
xxxx
Chicago, IL |
Private event |
July 2022 |
Performer |
Place |
Comments |
SILVER TROTTERS: Campeau, Rosen, Silverman, Smith |
SQUARE ROOTS FESTIVAL Old Town School of Folk Music
Lincoln and Sunnyside Stage
Chicago, IL 60625 |
Family Dance on a new Sunnyside Avenue stage in the shade! Star oldtime masters Fred Campeau, Steve Rosen and Chirps Smith play stirring fiddle tunes to Barb's calling of an array of fun dances easy for the whole family -- heck, the whole neighborhood can join in! www.oldtownschool.org |
June 2022 |
Performer |
Place |
Comments |
BARB SILVERMAN |
HARMONY SINGING WORKSHOP Old Town School of Folk Music
4544 N. Lincoln
Chicago, IL |
Sweet harmonies sung full throttle for beginner to experienced voices including folk songs, country ballads, swing tunes and whimsical fun songs. Harmony queen Barb captures and coasts through simple parallel harmonies on up to counterpoint and multiple part gems. www.oldtownschool.org/classes/openhouse |
BARB SILVERMAN |
RELAX ON STAGE Old Town School of Folk Music
4545 N Lincoln
Chicago, IL 60618 |
"RELAX ON STAGE" workshop with Barb Silverman, multiple band leader and Life Story Theatre creator (www.silverbeammusic.com) leads this lively 80-minute workshop. Explore tools that engage an audience with charm, ease, humor, spirit and soul. We will exchange bits of real life anecdotes to weave into our stage material. $30. www.oldtownschool.org |
SILVER ROSE TRIO (Silverman, Veras, Rosen) |
SCOTTISH FESTIVAL & HIGHLAND GAMES Hamilton Lakes
2 Pierce Place
Itasca, IL 60143 |
An all-day fest celebrating the glory of the Scottish tradition as it has crossed the sea and mutated into its many American forms of music and movement. Silver Rose will be performing Bluegrass and Celtic varieties. Sponsored by Illinois Saint Andrew Society. |
SILVER BEAM QUINTET: Silverman, Veras, Rosen, Straeffer, Campeau |
TOTAL VOCAL FREEDOM ANNUAL CONFERENCE DeKoven Center
600 21st Street
Racine, WI 53403 |
The multi-talented Silver Beam Quintet will provide square dancing (Barb the caller) and a rich set of classic songs for this highly skilled group of international singers. The lovely Dekoven Center sits right on the bluff above Lake Michigan, an evening promising to be gorgeous in every way. |
May 2022 |
Performer |
Place |
Comments |
Barbara Silverman |
WASHBOARD WORKSHOP OLD TOWN SCHOOL OF FOLK MUSIC
4544 N. Lincoln
Chicago, IL |
Barb Silverman leads this engaging hands-on washboard rally covering basic rhythm patterns common to jug band, swing, old-time, and Cajun/Zydeco. You'll start with simple shuffle rhythms and build to more exciting variations and patterns. Bring your own board and thimbles or bottle openers or scratchers. www.oldtownschool.org/classes/openhouse |
TRIO D'ARGENT Silverman, Rosen, Colledge |
BAYOU FUNDRAISER PARTY (private event)
XXXX
Chicago, IL |
Cajun gems and Oldtime favorites baked by this new threesome with decades of playing experience all melded into a new blend. Fundraiser for the scholarship fund of the Latin School. Button accordion, guitar, fiddles, triangle and washboard. |
SILVER ROSE TRIO: Silverman, Rosen, Veras |
DUPAGE COMMUNITY ARTS FESTIVAL DuPage County Fairgrounds Festival
2015 Manchester Rd
Wheaton, IL 60187 |
The beloved Silver Rose Trio kicks off the music for this wonderful event in the wild west (Wheaton) on the US Bank Horseshoe Stage with country and swing chestnuts, rich harmony and some clogging thrown in. Fiddle, mando, guitar, washboard, bones and feet. https://dupagecountyfair.org/event/dupage-communit |
April 2022 |
Performer |
Place |
Comments |
Barbara Silverman w/ Rick Veras |
One of a Kind Show Merchandise Mart
Illinois Street and the Chicago River, 7th floor
Chicago, IL |
Barb is one of six selected OTS musicians to perform at this huge conglomeration of artists, artisans, jewelry and furniture makers and more, an annual all-weekend event at the majestic Merchandise Mart right on the Chicago River. Look and listen for her country ballads, swing chestnuts, washboard ruckus, and melodious voice backed by fiddler extraordinaire Rick. |
March 2022 |
Performer |
Place |
Comments |
Barbara Silverman |
Harmony Singing Workshop Old Town School of Folk Music
4544 N. Lincoln
Chicago, IL |
A live in-person gathering of real human beings singing in a big space together. We'll sing some haunting country duets, some three-part early rock hits, a couple of swing tunes with multiple parts. Sign up, sing up!! www.oldtownschool.org |
2023 Silverbeam Music
www.silverbeammusic.com

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