Plank Road's Regular Events
Sing-Around
1st & 3rd Sat. | 2-4 pm
Vocal instrumental jam and sing-along with songbooks and leader
Bluegrass Jam
Like a sing-around but it's bluegrass, "mostly!"
2nd Tuesday Song Circle -- BYOS!
Two Way Street Coffee House2nd Tues. | 7-9 pm
A monthly opportunity for musicians to perform songs for each other, within a song circle. Bring Your Own Song!
Plank Road String Band Practice
630-620-0688
Resumes September 10
2nd Sat. | 2:00-4:00 pm
An old-time string band practice for intermediate/advanced players.
Last Thursday Open Mike
Last Thurs. of every month | 7-9:30 pm
A monthly unplugged open mike for high school and college age students only.
5th Saturday Country and Western
Sing-Around
5th Sat. | 2-4 pm
Sing along with your favorite C&W songs.
- Come join us on October 29 and December 31, 2016
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Annual Christmas Party will be held on Saturday, December 17
We will hold our Annual Meeting at the Log Cabin in Lombard on Saturday, Feb. 18
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Spooktacular Fall Fest
Sunday, Oct. 16 Noon - 4 pm Come join the PRFMS String Band in Downtown Lombard Park Ave & St. Charles Rd.
Autumn Old-Time Barn Dance!
Come and enjoy a fun-filled evening of music and dancing for the entire family!
Our dances are informal, with no costumes needed -- in fact, you don't even have to bring a partner!
The Plank Road String Band will provide lively music, and a caller will walk you through all the dances at our Old-Time Barn Dance -- No Experience Necessary!
Tables will be set up around the edge of the room for visiting with friends and enjoying music between dances.
November 19
8:00 PM - doors open at 7:30 PM
1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove
(Across from the Public Library)
Come all ye faithful
Rejoice and sing to the sound of fiddle, harp, lyre, flute and banjer!
Holiday Party Songfest
Saturday, December 17, 12:30 pm - 6 pm
Join us for the Plank Road Folk Music Society Holiday Party Songfest on Saturday, December 17. Come at 12:30 p.m. and stroll through the streets of downtown Downers Grove, caroling and serenading shoppers and passersby. Songbooks will be provided.
Then return to the Two Way Street Coffee House for the holiday sing-around with all the instruments. Stick around for hot chocolate, apple cider and holiday treats afterwards. It will be a It will be a fa-la-lot of fun!
Photos Courtesy: Pam Schumacher
Cat's Away - January 6, 2017 While this is a Two Way Street event, PRFMS members will be well represented on stage that evening. Best is that all proceeds will be donated back to our community -- to those in need. Tentative lineup as of today - Thirsty Night Pluckers
- Lonesome Eagle
- Kilty Pleasure
- WoodShop Boys
- Joe and Pam Schumacher
- John Reisinger
- Amelia Sweet Bluebird
- Stephen Davis
- Karen Jensen
Plank Road Annual Membership Meeting
February 18, 2017
Bring a dish, dessert or snack to share, your voices and your instruments for a night of music and munchies, as we celebrate 32 years!
Doors will open at 7:00 PM and the music jam will start 7:30 PM, with George Mattson as our jam leader.
You can help by not arriving too early so the board has time to get the cabin ready, the fire roaring, and conduct our board meeting.
This is also a great time to renew your annual PRFMS membership but please remember; cash or check -- we can't do credit cards.
The Annual Membership Meeting is primarily an event for members to celebrate another grand year at PRFMS.
If you do bring a guest, we hope they will consider joining our organization while they are at the meeting.
7:30 PM Music Jam Session
Doors open at 7:00 PM.
Potluck Safety. Read the brochure if you plan on bringing a dish to the potluck! Help keep us all safe and healthy (please no sousaphones).
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 Plank Roaders perform at 40th Annual Fox Valley Folk Festival
Labor Day weekend means lots of singing, playing, listening and learning along the Fox River at the annual Fox Valley Folk Music & Storytelling Festival in Geneva. And, as always, Plank Road was well-represented with a host of hard-working volunteers.
Please say thanks to: - Gary Blankenship
- Denise Davis
- Meg Dedolph
- Barb Ellingsen
- Ann Fisher
- Bill Fisher
- Kristen Fuller
- Dave Humphreys
- Rich Jacob
- Karen Jensen
- Cheryl Joyal
- Ron Leaneagh
- Gregg Morton
- Mimi O'Hanlon
- Bonnie Paulson
- Bill Paulson
- Pam Schumacher
- Joe Schumacher
- Jen Shilt
- Mo Smeets
- Carol Sommer
- Ann Strang
- Jim Wilson
- Jim Zethmayr
On Sunday and Monday morning, a Plank Road "ensemble" got the festivities off to a rousing start, welcoming visitors at the north entrance of the park with a selection of familiar tunes. In addition, a number of PRFMS members performed on various stages throughout the park, including: - The George Mattson Trio
- Comfort Food & A Cup of Joe, with Rich and Vicki Ingle, and Joe Wadz
- Lonesome Eagle, with Jim Zethmayr, Ron Leaneagh, Carol Sommer and Gregg Morton
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The Plank Road String Band and More with Bob O'Hanlon., Bill Lemos, George Mattson, Jim Zethmayer, Carol Sommer, Ron Leaneagh, Stephen Davis, Jim Gilroy, Bob Smith, Chuck Maltese, Jen Shilt, John Allan, Bill Boylan and Barb Ellingsen
String Band performs at historic Lombard homestead
The Sheldon Peck Homestead in Lombard is an 1839 historic house museum that offers visitors information on the village's pioneer way of life through exhibits, living history, educational programs, and outreach programs. The Peck House was also a significant stop on the Underground Railroad. On September 24, the Plank Road String Band provided appropriate musical background for a community picnic event held on the home's grounds.
Participating in the festivities were Plank Road stalwarts, left to right, John Allan, Cathy Jones, Carol Sommer, Jen Shilt, Jim Gilroy, Stephen Davis, Barb Ellingsen, Ron Leaneagh.
Danada Fall Festival - October 9
A beautiful autumn afternoon at the Danada Equestrian Center. This year, the musical lineup consisted solely of PRFMS members. - PRFMS Sing Arround All-Stars
- Plank Road String Band
- Bluegrass Escape
- Kilty Pleasure
- George Mattson Trio
- Natural Bob and Tom Jaynes
- Lonesome Eagle
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Get Out of Your House -- Go Hear Some Music!
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PRFMS Member Gigs
Two of our local Great American Bagel shops host two of our PRFMS member bands on Sunday mornings:
Comfort Food
The first Sunday of every month will find Comfort Food, Rich and Vickie Ingle performing at Great American Bagel at the 2 shops.
- Also - Just Goods in Rockford on December 9 at 7pm
Natural Bob Holdsworth
Then on the 4th Sunday of every month, Natural Bob Holdsworth along with mandolinist Tom Jaynes appears at the 2 shops. (*** In October, they will appear on the 5th Sunday, the 30thLonesome Eagle- Danada Fall Festival, October 9
- Two Way Street Coffee House for the Cat's Away program on January 6.
Amelia Sweet Bluebird - Independence Tap in Irving Park, Friday 10/14, 10-11P
- Buzz Cafe in Oak Park, together with Mark Dvorak, Saturday 12/10, 6P-8:30P
- Two Way Street Coffee House for the Cat's Away program on January 6.
Kilty Pleasure- Danada Fall Festival, October 9
- Two Way Street Coffee House - November 25
- Two Way Street Coffee House for the Cat's Away program on January 6.
Mark Dvorak- Wheaton Public Library
Sunday October 23 * 2:00 pm * The Power of Song : A Sing Along Tribute to Pete Seeger * 225 N. Cross Street * 630 868 7526 - The Buzz Cafe * Oak Park IL * Saturday December 10 * 6:00 pm * 905 S. Lombard Avenue * An evening with MD & Amelia Sweet Bluebird
PRFMS members, drop us a line if you will be appearing locally.
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 Two Way Street Coffee House
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 Maple Street Chapel Folk Concerts
If you are near Lombard, please visit the Maple Street Chapel Folk Concerts website to see a current listing of upcoming performers.
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If you are near Hinsdale, please visit the Acoustic Renaissance website for a list of upcoming performers.
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Did you know that many of our local libraries also host occasional music events throughout the year? Harpeth Rising, Mark Dvorak, Chris Vallilo, and Lonesome Eagle all have been featured at several of our libraries in the past years.
Lisle Library's Friends of Lisle Library Concerts
are offered on a regular basis. You can check their calendar at:
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A Special Thanks to our Membership Contributors!!
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Sustaining Artists ($200 - $399)
Member Artists ($50 - $199)
- George Mattson Trio
Supporting Members ($50 and higher)
- John J. Allan
- Dan Anderson
- Bill and Mary Boylan
- Frank and Helene Clarke
- Joe Jablonski
- Paul and Molly Klonowski
- Ron Kranz
- Dottie Lee
- Bill and Sandyha Matthews
- Gregg and Elizabeth Morton
- Pete Pribyl
- Joe and Pam Schumacher
- Carol and Fred Spanuello
- Gary and Kathy Steffenson
New Members!
Say Hi to
- Amelia Stamsta
- Nikki Dahlin
If you would like to become a member or just need to renew, here is a link to the renewal form that you can print and mail.
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You've been to the Two Way Street Coffee House. Have you ever looked at the folks behind the counter and said, "I know how to make coffee! I'll betcha I could do that!"
All you have to do is contact Tim Kendall.
Timothy Kendall
Assistant Director and Acting Volunteer Coordinator ;-)
Two Way Street Coffee House
cell 630-699-2974
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Top Albums & Songs of September 2016 according to Folk DJs
If you have come across some new or little known artists that you think others might enjoy, please
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What's on your mind?
Do you have ideas for future articles? Things you'd like to see in the newsletter? Ways we can make it more enjoyable and relevant to Plank Road members? Here's your chance to be "note-worthy" . . . just send us an email with your comments about QuarterNotes. We welcome your input!
We may publish some of your comments and always appreciate ideas. (Think of it as sort of a "letters to the editor.")
Please send all correspondence to: PlankRoadFolk@Hotmail.com
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Bob O'Hanlon - President
(630) 325-7764
Gary Steffenson - Treasurer
Bill Lemos - VP, Secretary
2016 Board Members
- Dave Humphreys
- Kristen Fuller
- Jennifer Shilt
- Stephen Davis
- Jim Gilroy
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QuarterNotes Contributors
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Stephen Davis
Jen Shilt
Bob O'Hanlon
Bill Lemos
Andy Malkewicz
and to the numerous folks who took and shared their photos!!!
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 President's Message October, 2016
Plank Road was well represented at the annual Fox Valley Folk Music and Storytelling festival, and it was a great event as usual. With music playing continually on eight different stages, plus informal jam sessions all around the island, the two days are a music lover's dream. We have a tent there both days representing Plank Road, often with music being played right there, and I notice that many of the festival volunteers are Plank Road members. So, we highly recommend it every Labor Day weekend.
On another topic, we are a folk music society and love traditional music, whether it is performed by a modern day artist, or one of our old time favorites. As an organization with a strong interest in the past, we also must keep looking forward, and be sure we are utilizing current technology. So, we are pleased to announce the launch of our new Plank Road web site. In this issue of QuarterNotes, there is an article about this topic, but I wanted to mention it in my message, as it is a proud accomplishment for us.
I hope you will all come and join us throughout the Fall season for our regular events and special events, too. We have a country music jam on October 29, another barn dance on November 19. In December, our Christmas party is on Saturday afternoon, December 17.
Bob O'Hanlon
President
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SPOTLIGHT: Redesigned Website
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Just launched . . .
Plank Road's new and improved Website!
Times change.
Our website has been around since 2002. For the past year the PRFMS board felt the site was looking a bit "tired" and could use a redesign. We felt the site could be more appealing to our members, and to others, young and old, who might want to learn more about our organization.
Early on, it was set up and managed by our past president Dave Reynolds and Charlie Smart. Most recently, our webmasters included Carol Spanuello and Stephen Davis. But the basic look, the content and the photos have remained virtually unchanged -- except for updates to upcoming events and occasional new photos.
So what should we do? The board agreed the website serves two purposes:
- Primarily as a source of current information for and about Plank Road members, including upcoming events and activities.
- Secondarily, a destination for others who may be searching the Web for information about folk music in the western suburbs.
It was time for an update.
A website committee was formed to coordinate the changes, with Stephen Davis, Bob O'Hanlon, Jen Shilt and Bill Lemos.
Jen, photographer and graphic artist extraordinaire, had lobbied for years that we needed to update the photos on our site. "Many of them were of folks who aren't even members anymore," she says. "And too many group photos were of unsmiling people with their heads down, staring at the songbook. We need some smiling faces, showing the fun of singing and playing!"
The committee agreed that the current site could use a face lift. "Parts of it weren't very user friendly," says Bob. "We wanted something that was more visually appealing, that would give it a more contemporary look and feel."
Stephen, the only one on the committee with actual web design experience, felt there were changes to the format and organizational hierarchy that would improve the overall user experience.
"Some sections were just too copy-intensive," says Bill. "For example, the Home Page was a sea of type. We needed to break it up into more manageable chunks, and make it easier for the reader to navigate."
But who's going to DO it?
The issue was discussed at board meetings and all agreed that updating the site was the right thing to do. But there was one major roadblock. Nobody had the expertise -- or time -- to take on the job of actually implementing it. So, Bob suggested we place a small blurb in QuarterNotes asking if anyone was willing to help out with our website and Facebook tasks.
Enter Dottie and Gerry Lee . . .
Sometimes you get lucky. Just days after the newsletter appeared, Bob received a call from Dottie Lee. And we were on our way.
Dottie, a Plank Road member, and her husband Gerry offered to help with the structure, redesign and actual implementation of the site. They have years of experience in website development.
What's new?
Here are a few of the changes that will make the site more accessible, informative and useful to Plank Road members -- as well as people who are interested in learning more about our organization and folk music opportunities in the area.
- Complete redesign of the graphics and "look" of the site
- Re-organized content around PRFMS regular activities
- Updated text and easily accessible information
- Rotating pictures on the home page
- Expanded String Band section with downloadable tunes and charts
Plus, the site "knows" whether the viewer is using a computer, tablet or smart phone and automatically reformats to fit smaller screens!  For example, on a large screen, sections will be side-by-side.
On a phone, they stack on top of each other for easier readability.
The redesigned site also contains embedded "key words" so that when Web searchers are seeking information about local folk music organizations, they'll be directed to plankroad.org.
And we're not done yet.
This is just the beginning. The Plank Road website is a "living, breathing" resource that can be updated and modified as needed. That's the beauty of a digital format.
Dottie and Gerry have made the site easily accessible to authorized staff, so that modifications can be made quickly and easily. That means as events occur, we can insert new photos and refresh our message.
The updated website went live earlier this month. If you haven't visited it recently, please do!
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With a Little Help From our Friends!
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Peter, Paul and Mary
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The odyssey of Peter, Paul and Mary From Greenwich Village to world-wide acclaim. By Andy Malkewicz  Peter, Paul and Mary hit the charts running in 1962 with "Lemon Tree," a Will Holt tune based on a Brazilian folk song, reaching #35 in April. This was followed by "If I Had a Hammer" at #10 In July, written by Pete Seeger, and "Puff, The Magic Dragon," which reached #2 in February, 1963. "Puff" was written by Peter and a friend in 1958, during his college years. Mary Travers (born November,1936 - died 2009) grew up in Greenwich Village. Though she suffered severe stage fright, in high school, she and 7 others (including Erik Darling) backed up Pete Seeger in his 1955 album, Talking Union. The young folk group she was in appeared at Carnegie hall twice, and was the chorus for a Mort Sahl play on Broadway. She married, had a daughter, and lived across the street from the Gaslight Club where she met Paul. Noel Paul Stookey (born December,1937) grew up listening to R&B, and learned guitar at age 11. He formed a high school band (Doo Wop, I think), and put out an album that went nowhere. In college, he continued his 'musical hobby', and discovered he was talented as an MC and a comic. After college, and several jobs, he decided to work full time as an entertainer (comic, MC and singer) at the Gaslight Club in the Village. Mary befriended him and showed him around, and he convinced her to perform with him. After only two songs, stage fright hit, and she had to quickly excuse herself. In the meantime, Albert Grossman (born in 1926) and a friend opened the Gate of Horn folk club in Chicago in 1956. He started managing some of its performers, including Odetta and Bob Gibson, and in 1959 Grossman and an associate launched the Newport Folk Festival. By 1960, he was a regular at the folk clubs in the Village and heard Peter at the Café Wha. Peter Yarrow (born May, 1938) graduated from Cornell University in 1959, and worked as an assistant English instructor for a course in folklore and folk music. He took the job because he wanted time to play more music, and then decided to try performing for a year or two -- leading to Café Wha and Albert Grossman, who started managing him in 1960. Peter was selected for a Kraft Television Theatre special, "Folk Sound USA," broadcast in May, 1960 where Peter performed "Puff." It was the first time the song was heard by a national audience. In the early 50s, the Weavers were a big name in folk music. In 1958, the Kingston Trio's "Tom Dooley" became a #1 gold-selling record -- and the Kingston Trio and the Weavers became models for many folk groups to follow. Grossman developed an idea for a trio consisting of a pretty lady, and two guys, one being a comic. By now, he was managing many artists, and tried several combinations that didn't work out (one being Bob Gibson, Carolyn Hester and Ray Boguslav). Grossman then asked Peter to help develop a trio. Peter asked Noel who initially refused, but acceded later. A few others, including Dave van Ronk, were tried and didn't work out. While practicing, Peter found that Mary knew Noel, called him up to Mary's, and discovered he didn't know any folk songs. Their very first time together they sang "Mary Had a Little Lamb." Milt Okun became their music director/coach. They took their name from a line in Woody Guthrie's "Born 10,000 Years Ago," ("I saw Peter, Paul and Moses"). Noel took on his middle name (Paul), and voila, Peter, Paul and Mary. They signed with new record label Warner Brothers. Grossman negotiated a contract that gave them complete control of the recording and packaging of their music. Their first album (cover shown above) released in May, 1962, went to #1, and spent 85 weeks on the charts. In October of 1963, they had three albums high on the charts simultaneously: In the Wind at #1, Peter, Paul & Mary at #2, and Moving at #6. They performed on and off (mostly on) until Mary's death in 2009. Two last tidbits: In their early years, Mary never spoke on stage (due to her stage fright) which gave her a mystique. In 1983, Mary, while in an El Salvador prison, sang "If I had a Hammer," Trini Lopez style (#3 in 1963), with a young teacher, also in jail. Most of the information for this article was obtained from the Peter, Paul, & Mary web site. More info was obtained from songbooks, published books, magazines, and Albert Grossman on Wikipedia. By my count, there are 12 songs in the Plank Road sing-around songbook that were recorded by Peter, Paul & Mary. Come sing a song and enjoy! |
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La Bamba
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From traditional folk song to rock n' roll classic . . .
The story of "La Bamba"
"Una poca de gracia para mí, para ti." Those of us of a certain age are familiar with the lyrics and rousing rock rhythm of "La Bamba." But the tune is actually a Mexican folk song, originally from the state of Veracruz.
"La Bamba" is best known from a 1958 adaptation by Ritchie Valens. His version became a top 40 hit in the U.S. charts and is one of early rock and roll's best-known songs. The song has been covered by numerous other artists, most notably by Los Lobos, whose version was the title track of the 1987 film La Bamba and reached No. 1 in the U.S. and UK singles charts in the same year.
"La Bamba" originated in the Mexican state of Veracruz and combines Spanish, indigenous, and African musical elements. Lyrics to the song vary greatly, as performers often improvise verses. The title refers to a dance, which has no direct English translation. It is presumably connected with the Spanish verb bambolear, meaning "to shake" or perhaps "to stomp."
A traditional folksong, "La Bamba" was often played during weddings in Veracruz, where the bride and groom perform the accompanying dance. Today this wedding tradition is observed less often, but the dance is still popular.
The "arriba" (literally "up") part of the song suggests the nature of the dance, in which the footwork is done faster and faster as the music tempo accelerates. A repeated lyric is "Yo no soy marinero, soy capitán", meaning "I am not a sailor, I am a captain," perhaps because Veracruz is a maritime locale.
Richie Valens - from folk to rock
Popular young singer, Ritchie Valens, was inspired to do a rock and roll version of "La Bamba" in 1958.He infused the traditional folk tune with a rock drive, making the song accessible to a much wider audience and earning it -- and Valens -- a place in rock history. Valens, who was proud of his Mexican heritage, was hesitant at first to merge "La Bamba" with rock but then agreed. He obtained the lyrics from his aunt and learned the Spanish lyrics phonetically, as he had been raised from birth speaking English.
Valens, along with Buddy Holly and J.P. Richardson (aka The Big Bopper), died in a plane crash in the early hours of February 3, 1959, following a performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. Valens was just 17 years old.
When the Los Lobos cover of Valens' version peaked at No. 1 in 1987, Valens was retroactively credited with writing a No. 1 single.
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| | The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa -- much the same as it was in 1959. |
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The site of the fatal plane crash.
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For those who always wondered what the lyrics were all about, here's a rough translation:
| Para bailar la Bamba
Para bailar la Bamba
Se necesita una poca de gracia
Una poca de gracia para mí, para ti
Ya arriba, ya arriba
Ya arriba, ya arriba
Por ti seré, por ti seré, por ti seré
| To dance the Bamba
To dance the Bamba
One needs a bit of grace
A bit of grace for me, for you
Now come on, come on
Now come on, come on
For you I'll be, for you I'll be, for you I'll be | |
Yo no soy marinero,
yo no soy marinero, soy capitán.
Soy capitán, soy capitán.
Bamba, bamba,
bamba, bamba,
bamba, bamba, bam...
| I'm not a sailor
I'm not a sailor, I'm a captain
I'm a captain, I'm a captain
Bamba, bamba
Bamba, bamba
Bamba, bamba, bam... |
(Most of this information was "borrowed" (quite liberally) from Wikipedia. And since it's on the Internet, you know it's all true!
- Bill Lemos
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Oscar Brand
| Remembering a folk music legend, Oscar Brand
Oscar Brand, the lanky, affable, gravelly-voiced folk singer and songwriter whose weekly on-air hootenanny was the longest-running radio show in history with a single host, died September 30 at his home in Great Neck, NY. He was 96. Over a period of 70 years, the Canadian-born, American folk singer-songwriter and author composed at least 300 songs and released nearly 100 albums, running the gamut from novelty songs to serious social commentary. In addition to performing and recording prolifically, Brand wrote books, articles and the scores for Broadway musicals and documentary films. He also hosted television shows. But it was his radio show, "Folksong Festival," for which he was best known. His guests included the Weavers, Lead Belly, Judy Collins, Harry Belafonte, Joan Baez, Phil Ochs, Harry Chapin, Emmylou Harris, B.B. King and Argo Guthrie among many others. He also participated in the development of Sesame Street, and was one of the original organizers of the Newport Folk Festival. For more information, please visit:
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