Folk and Ethnic Performing Artist Directory of the Midwest

 Folk and Ethnic Performing Artist Directory of the Midwest


Chicago's Polish Highlanders of North America
performing at the Trailing of the Sheep Festival in Hailey, Idaho
Photo: Teri Niedrich

This Directory, partially supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, provides performance information regarding art forms, cultural representation, contact information and technical requirements for performance. For further information, please directly contact the performing artists included in the Directory. The Directory includes performing artists of many cultural communities who specialize in a very wide array of performing arts in the Chicago area, as well as throughout the Midwest. This service is provided in order to increase awareness of the diversity and beauty of ethnic and regional American culture in the Midwest, to increase the number of performances of greater diversity for the broader public and to provide access to performance presenters of this astonishing array of art forms and cultural communities.

If you are a performing artist whose work is based in heritage and you would like to be included in this directory in the future, please send your contact information to
Loretta Brockmeier
c/o Beacon Street Gallery and Performance Company
4131 North Broadway
Chicago, Illinois 60613

Group Name Heritage Title First Name Last Name Address City State Zip Phone Fax Email Web Site Art Form Art Form Heritage Dance? Music? Storytelling? Theatre? Program Description Fee Low End Fee High End Fee Notes Technicial Requirements Teaching? Teaching Notes
Maiko Japanese Drum Group  Japanese American  Ms  Patti  Adachi  1341 W Elmdale  Chicago  IL  60660  (773) 989-7194  (773) 989-7194  pattiadachi@hotmail.com    traditional and innovative Japanese taiko drum music  Japanese  No  Yes  No  No  Performance of traditional and innovative pieces for Japanese taiko drums.      Call for details    Yes  Instruction available, including workshops, and educational programs. 
Mike Anderson  Regional American  Mr  Mike  Anderson  PO Box 35  Jacksonville  Il  62651  (217) 245-9752    mike@dulcimerguy.com  www.dulcimerguy.com  Music and storytelling  Regional American  No  Yes  Yes  No  Program includes music and storytelling accompanied by several traditional instruments including dulcimer, guitar, noseflute, jawharp, and so on. Appropriate for all ages and can be focussed by topic and include writing.  $250  $1,000    Sound system with two microphones on boom stands.     
Ballet Folklorico of East Chicago, Indiana  Mexican American  Dr.  Jose  Arredondo  7898 Tyler St  Merrillville  IN  46410  (219) 769-6426    jose.arredondvalpo.edu    mariachi music and dance  Mexican  Yes  Yes      Dances and music from several regions of Mexico.  $500  $1,500  Program between two to three hours.       
Nubian Root: The Bakari Institute  African American  Mr  Jahi  Bakari  1818 Weiman St  East St Louis  IL  62205  (618) 414-0202  (618) 874-0511  jbakari22@yahoo.com    West African and Caribbean dance and music  West African and Caribbean  Yes  Yes  No  No  Nubian Root is a youth group which performs traditional West African and Caribbean music and dance. Includes steel drums.  $500  $2,500    Minimum of a sixteen channel mixer with audio hookup, including speakers.  Yes  Trains youth in West African and Caribbean music and dance from the ages of twelve to seventeen years of age. 
Grande Prairie Dulcimers  American Italian  Mr  Rocco  Bartolini  PO Box 85  Frankfort  IL  60423  (815) 469-4696        Hammered Dulcimer various music selections    No  Yes  No  No  Programs available for concerts, background music, wakes, walk-by music, weddings, and other events.      Please call  Proper lighting, sound system for large audience, and indoors when it is cold.  Yes  Teaches private lessons and at Moraine Valley Community College. 
JimmyÕs Bavarians  German  Mr  Jim  Bestman  Box 517  Addison  IL  60101  (630) 543-7899    Jbestman@core.com  www.jimmysbavarians.com  Bavarian, German, Austrian, Tyrolean Lederhosen Music  Bavarian, German, Austrian, Tyrolean  No  Yes  No  Yes  Complete specturm of old evergreens, volksmusic, to current music from Munich. German and English vocals and instrumental. Educational programs with lesson plans. Programs include promotions, festivals, cruises, beer gardens, and others.  $425  $1,200    Twelve x twelve feet stage or can perform as a strolling trio, indoors or outdoors. Indoors requires 120 volt current.     
South Suburban Dulcimer and Folk Music Society  Regional Ameriocan  Ms  Donna  Breault  PO Box 455  Park Forest  IL  60466  (708) 258-2616        Dulcimer and folk music  Regional American  No  Yes  No  No  The objectives of the Society include the playing and preservation of dulcimers and other folk instruments and to increase public appreciation of folk music. Monthly meetings are held the last Thursday of each month. Nominal membership fee. All ages and a  $12 per year    Nominal annual membership fee.    Yes  Assistance is available at monthly meetings, as well as at workshop/concerts. Workshops include hammered and mountain dulcimer and penny whistle. 
The Special Consensus  Regional American  Mr  Greg  Cahill          (708) 422-4335  (708) 422-4957  scgrass@aol.com  www.specialc.com  Bluegrass music  Regional American  No  Yes  No  No  Concert performances include traditional bluegrass songs, songs composed by band members and songs from other musical genres performed on Bluegrass instruments (banjo, guitar, mandolin, bass, and fiddle). Tours nationally and internationally each year.  $1,800  $3,500  Education program fees begin at a lower level, see website  General stage lighting, sound system. Band can provide sound system.  Yes  In 1984, the band developed the Traditional American Music Program to introduce students of all ages to Bluegrass music. Program can be tailored to all levels. The TAM program is the model Bluegrass in the schools program internationally. Study guide avai 
Rosamond Campbell  Regional American  Ms  Rosamond  Campbell  1037 Central Ave  Wilmette  IL  60091-2609  (847) 257-1115    RosamondCbell@aol.com    Lap dulcimer music  Regional American, historic  No  Yes  No  No  Victorian songs played on lap dulcimer with brief stories about the songs, composers, and history of the instrument. Demonstrates several styles of dulcimer performance.Has published dulcimer music books.  $70 per hour    Plus travel expenses.       
Grace Notes, a Dulcimer Duo  Regional American  Ms  Rosamond  Campbell  1037 Central Ave  Wilmette  IL  6009111-2609  (847) 251-1115    RosamondCbell@aol.com    Dulcimer music (lap, fretted, or mountain dulcimer)  Regional American  No  Yes  No  No  Gentle, eclectic background music for parties, celebrations, and so on. Duo conducts music therapy program for local hospitals.  $120 per hour    Plus travel expenses       
Jeannie Kern Chenette    Ms  Jeannie  Chenette  1321 Fourth Ave  Grinnell  IA  50112  (641) 236-7190    chenette@grinnell.edu    Celtic harp music  Irish, Scottish, Welsh, and Briton  No  Yes  No  No  Celtic harp music, including tradtional Irish, Scottish, Welsh, and Briton.  $250  $500         
Cooper, Nelson, and Early  Anglo-Irish  Mr  Phil  Cooper  6N631 Brierwood Dr  St. Charles  Il  60175  (630) 584-1262    coopnel@aol.com  http://members.aol.com/coopnel/index.htm  Anglo Irish folk music  Anglo Irish  No  Yes  No  No  Duo or trio performs songs and tunes from the British Isles, both traditional and contemporary written in the tradition. Tight vocal harmony and intricate guitar and percussion with humourous introductions. Instruments include guitar, cittern, bowed psalt  $300  $600    Band provides sound system, if needed.  Yes  Teaching workshops available include instrumental, vocal, music recording, and crafts. 
Tierra Colombiana Folkloric Dance Company  Colombian  Mr.  Guilibaldo  Criollo  1924 W Montrose  Chicago  IL  60613  (773) 203-7426    rumberoayorprod@yahoo.com  rumberomayorprod.com  Music and folkloric dance of Colombia  Coloumbian  Yes  Yes  No  No  Cultural and educational program of Colombian music and dance, which reflects the influence of African culture on the coast and Spanish and native cultures in the interior. Programs include educational program for young people.  negotiable        Yes  Members of group teach the music and dance of the region. 
Teresa y Los Preferidos  Spanish  Ms  Teresa  Cullen  702 Waukegan Rd, #5A  Glenview  IL  60025  (847) 832-0584  (847) 832-0586  Preferidos@aol.com    Spanish dance and music  Spanish  Yes  Yes  No  No  A fourty-five to fifty-five minute performance with three dancers, a narrator, and live music. Authentic colorful costuming appealing to youth audiences. Other programs for festivals, parties, and night clubs available.  call      Two microphones and hard surface dance floor (preferably wood).  Yes   
die Milwaukee Stadtpfeiffer (City Pipers)  German  Mr  Chuck  Dalkert  17945 Lincrest Dr  Brookfield  WI  53045  (262) 781-6771  (262) 781-6698  chuckdalkert@hotmail.com    German Folk music  German  No  Yes  No  No  die Milwaukee Stadtfpeiffer have adapted the name, dress, and musical style of their seventeenth century Leipzig namesakes. The traditional music is performed by a brass quintet, which includes a singer, yodler, and percussionist.  $850    Plus travel expenses  The band provides sound system.  Yes  Members of the Stadtpfeiffer are professional music educators in several areas, including elementary music education and university level. School programs and private lessons. 
Zwei Freunde (Two Friends)  German  Mr  Chuck  Dalkert  17945 Lincrest DR  Brookfield  WI  53045  (262) 781-6771  (262) 781-6698  chuckdalkert@hotmail.com  http://home.earthlink.net/~chuckdalkert  German Folk music  German  No  Yes  No  Yes  Lederhosen-clad strolling musicians, performing on accordian and tuba who also sing and yodel.  $250    Plus travel expenses.  Band can provide sound system if needed.     
Sones de Mexico Ensemble Chicago  Mexican  Mr  Juan  Dies  PO Box 13201  Chicago  IL  60613  (773) 728-1164  (773) 506-2414  jdies@sonesdemexico.com  www.sonesdemexico.com  Mexican ÒsonÓ folk music  Mexican  No  Yes  No  No  Sones de Mexico Ensemble performs concerts, festivals, and educational programs. These include school performances, workshops, residencies, lecture/demonstrations, in-services, and group instruction on music and dance. Local, state, and federal matching f  $600  $15,000    Full ensemble requires a twenty-four channel mixer, but ensemble can provide sound for audiences up to four hundred people. Full technical requirements available at www.sonesdemexico.com.  Yes  Call for information 
Spring Mill Squares  Regional American  Mr.  Vance  Elliott  6720 N CR200W  Orleans  IN  47452  812-865-2657    Melliott1224@aol.com    Country-Western Square Dancing and  Regional American  Yes  Yes      Dances are held on the 2nd Saturday of each month at the Mitchell Community Building, Hancocks, Mitchell IN 47446 at 8:00 pm.      $7.00 per couple       
Sherri Farley  Regional American  Ms  Sherri  Farley  PO Box 724  Somonauk  IL  60552  (815) 498-3459    sfardulcimer@yahoo.com    Hammered Dulcimer Music  Regional American  No  Yes  No  No  Solo and ensemble of stringed acoustic instruments programs are available. Wide variations of music styles from soft, pretty waltzes to fast-paced Bluegrass are presented. Performs for concerts, festivals, and other special events. .Educational program in  $150  $2,000    Varies  Yes   
Foy School of Traditional Irish Dance  Irish  Ms.  Geraldine  Foy  5225 W Berteau  Chicago  IL  60641-1444  773-777-3069    dododancer@yahoo.com  www.geocities.com/Foy Irish Dancers  Irish Dance  Irish  Yes  No  No  No    call        Yes  Teaches traditional Irish dances 
Juan Fuentes and Grupo O Ko Kan  Puerto Rican  Mr  Juan  Fuentes  2115 N Spaulding  Chicago  IL  60647  (773) 507-5747    andy@onshore.com    Afro-Cuban and Afro-Carribean Music  Afro-Cuban and Afro-Caribean  No  Yes  No  No  Performs a large variety of Afro-Latin music; including bata drums, rumba, palo, bomba, and merengue.  $150  $600    Sound system reinforcement for large venues.  Yes  Teaches Afro-Cuban and Afro-Carribean music, including bata drums, rumba, palo, bomba, and merengue. 
Pat Gaughan  Irish American  Mr  Pat  Gaughan  PO Box 128  Ringwood  IL  60072      tomg@owc.net    Celtic, American folk, traditional ballads, and original music  Irish and Regional American  No  Yes  No  No  Folk music performed by vocalist/guitarist, Pat Gaughan, solo or with fiddler joe Wadz. Performs Celtic, American folk, Blues, traditional ballads, and original music.  Call      If using house system, need four microphones.     
Red Path Theater Company  Native American, Ojibwa  Ms  Kelly  Gilbreth  1145 W Wilson  Chicago  IL  60604  (773) 907-4079    redpathwoman@hotmail    Native American heritage based theater and poetry  Native American  No  No  No  Yes  Theater and poetry.  $500  $1,500  Depends on size of cast and crew.       
VelmaÕs Stories  African American  Ms  Velma  Gladney  9001 S Chappel  Chicago  IL  60617  (773) 221-3574    VelgladCS.com  www.storytelling.org/Gladney  Storytelling  African American and International  No  No  Yes  No  Program presents African American folktales and other tales from around the world to educate and entertain.  $150  $600    One stand-up microphone.     
Lisa Gooch Entertainment  African American  Ms  Lisa  Gooch  PO Box 6301  Gary  IN  46406  (219) 887-4096  (219) 887-4096  lisagooch@juno.com    Jazz vocal and piano music, childrenÕs choir  African American  No  Yes  No  No  Jazz vocalist and pianist. Also directs the Gary Indiana ChildrenÕs Choir.      Varies  Tuned piano, microphone and sound system. Artist may provide equipment if necessary.  Yes  Call for details 
The Gordons  Scotch-Irish  Mr  Gary  Gordon  166 W Broadway  Sparta  IL  62286  (618) 443-5051  (618) 443-2723  garybluegrass@yahoo.com  www.efolkmusic.com/gordons  Bluegrass/folk music  Scotch-irish, Regional American  No  Yes  No  No  Programs available range from duet to full band, including guitar, fiddle, bass, and mandolin. Music is a blend of old-time country Carter Family style and bluegrass. Perform throughout Midwest and Europe. Play colleges, fairs, festivals, clubs, and so on  $250  $1,300  Range includes duet to full band  Stage and electrical power. Band provides sound system.     
Mazalot Israeli Dance Troupe  Israeli  Ms.  Beth  Grodzin  419 Custer Ave Apt 2  Evanston  IL  60202  (847) 425-1725    jobe@enteract.com    Israeli Folkdancing    Yes  No  No  No  Mazalot is an Israeli dance performance troupe who perform for children in grades three through nine. Program includes traditional and modern Israeli dances. Mazalot is a program of the JCCS of Chicago  call      CD player, microphone, and a stage large enough for thirty dancers  Yes   
Ray Hanania  Palestinian Christian  Mr  Ray  Hanania  15139 S Windsor Dr  Orland Park  IL  60462  (708) 403-1203  (708) 403-3380  rayhanania@aol.com  www.hanania.com  Storytelling and humour based on ethnic experiences  Arab American  No  No  Yes  No  Standup storytelling and humour based on experiences as an Arab American. Non-political, social satire. Discussion on the role of humour in the face of tragedy can be added.  $300  $800    Microphone with stand and a podium.     
Erwin Helfer    Mr  Erwin  Helfer  2240 Magnolia  Chicago  IL  60614  (773) 472-4787        Jazz, Blues, Boogie piano/Chicago style    No  Yes  No  No  Jazz, Blues, boogie piano performance  Varies           
  Mexican  Mr  Eduardo  Hernandez  3246 Countrybrook St  Columbus  IN  47201  (812) 372-1132    eduardo.hernandez@arvinmeritor.com    Mexican folk dance  Mexican  Yes  Yes  No  No    $20 per class    per person  Wooden floor and music stereo  Yes  Teaches coordination, rhythms, corporal exression, basic dance, stepping dance, and choreography. 
Paul Hinson  Scottish American  Mr  Paul  Hinson  PO Box 54  Oakland  IL  61943  (217) 346-2687    phinson@earthlink.net    Piobaireachd, Highland Bagpipe  Scottish  No  Yes  No  Yes  Programs can be tailored to the needs of the audience and may range from informational through increasing degrees of performance to performance only. Piobaireachd is the classical Scottish Highland Bagpipe tradition.  $100  $250  Plus mileage  One music stand. Prefer larger rooms/higher ceilings or outdoors, as the volume of the bagpipe is very intense in smaller settings.     
Olena Hirna  Ukrainian  Ms  Olena  Hirna  5854 N Melvina Ave  Chicago  IL  60646  ( 773) 763-0182    OlenaHirna@aol.com    Ukrainian classical violin and singing  Ukrainian  No  Yes  Yes  No  Classical Ukrainian violin music with piano accoompaniment or with string ensemble. Programs range from recital or sophisticated party setting.  $150    Per musician  Well tuned piano when required.     
Deeply Rooted Production  African American  Ms.  Jennifer  Jackson  3112 N Broadway #148  Chicago  IL  60613  (312) 913-9773  (312) 913-9774  DEEPLYROOTEDPROD@aol.com  www.DEEPLYROOTED.org  African American dance  African American  Yes        Deeply Rooted Productions is a Chicago-based dance institution steeped in the African American aesthetic. This includes the Deeply Rooted Dance theater, a professional dance company, and a professional dance training program.  call        Yes  Deeply Rooted productions offers both professional and recreational dance training to members of the community 
Kalapriya Dance  Indian  Ms.  Pranita  Jain  824 High Ridge Court  Darien  IL  60561  (630) 969-7785    pranitajain@yahoo.com  www.kalapriya.org  Bharatanatyam, classical dance  Indian  Yes  No  No  No  Several programs available. Lecture/demonstrations, workshops and residencies.  $2,000  $7,000  Mileage extra  Thirty x twenty feet performance area, grid height fourteen feet, wooden floor, brightly lit stage with spot lights preferred, and a sound system of five microphones for live orchestra or cassette player with one transmitter microphone.     
Wesoly Lud Polish Folk Dance Ensemble  Polish  Ms.  Micheline  Jaminski  11011 Arbor Ridge Dr  Orland Park  IL  60467  (708) 403-5718  (708) 403-5625  MRJAMINSKI@aol.com  www.WESOLYLUD.com  Polish Folk Dancing  Polish  Yes  No  No  No  Professional performance company featuring dances from different regions of Poland.  $250  and up  depends on length of performance and travel distance  Electrical outlets, dance floor (minimum of 30Õ x 40Õ preferred), and dressing area close to dance floor.  Yes  Teaching available from beginner through advanced levels. 
Chinese American Cultural Bridge Center  Chinese  Ms.  Qiu  Ji  2809 Embers Ln  Arlington Heights  IL  60005  (847)364-0162  (847) 718-0279  quiminji@hotmail.com  www.cacbc.org  Chinese music, dance and acrobatics  Chinese  Yes  Yes  No  No  Chinese performing arts available in several programs; including music, dance, or acrobatics as individual programs or as combinations thereof. Programs presented for schools, universities, cultural festivals, corporate events, and others. School program,  $500  $1,500      Yes  Individual teaching of Chinese music and dance available 
The Stone Ring  Scots/ Irish  Mr  Charles  Johnson  4205 Mauer Ave  Madison  WI  53716  (608) 221-9319  Same  info@thestonering.com  www.thestonering.com  Acoustic Celtic Music  Scots/Irish  Yes  Yes  Yes  Yes  Irish and Scotch music, tunes, and storytelling.  $1,000    Minimum. $1,000  See website for technical requirements.     
Jones Family Music School  Regional American  Ms  Anne  Jones  36 E Hickory St  Lombard  IL  60148  (630) 916-1356    tom@jonesfamilymusic.com  www.jonesfamilymusic.com  Old Time, Blue Grass, and Folk music teaching nd instrument building and repair  Regional American  No  Yes  No  Yes    call        Yes  Teaches Old Time, Blue Grass, and Folk music. Instruments include banjo, fiddle, mandolin, lap and hammered dulcimer, bass and harmony singing.Tuition is $75 for five lessons. Instrument building and repair available. 
Jim Kanas  Reional American  Mr  Jim  Kanas  204 Cherry St  Kings  IL  61068-4529  (815) 562-4553  Same  jimkanas@rochelle.net  www.rochelle.net/~jimkanas  American Folk music and jazz  Regional American  No  Yes  No  No  Solo or ensemble performances of American music, trace the ethnic influences. Instruments include guitars, fiddle, banjo, Native American flutes, and others. Ensemble performance can be either traditional or original jazz.  $350  $1,500    Self-contained     
Halevi Choral Society  Jewish  Ms  Judith  Karzen  6636 N Talman  Chicago  IL  60645  (773) 274-7700    jhkhalevi@attb..com    Jewish choral music  Jewish  No  Yes  No  No  Choral group performs and records Jewish religious and secular music.  $1,500  $10,000    Piano, risers, and lighting.     
Sextant Music, Ltd.  Regional American  Mr/Ms  Tom and Kris  Kastle  PO Box 0474  Chicago  IL  60656-0474  (773) 774-7216    kastle@enteract.com  www.kastles.net  Maritime music and stories  Maritime occupation  No  Yes  Yes  No  Concerts, concert/lectures, master classes, workshops, and residencies, and teacher in-services. Performances usually focussed on our waterways, their history and/or their ecology and are tailored to fit the needs of the audience. Much experience in worki  $500  And up    Artists have a small sound system available upon request.  Yes  Master classes in songwriting, ballads, and shanties are available. 
Nordmusikk  Norwegian  Ms  Inna  Larsen  1731 Camus Ln  Madison  WI  55705  (608) 236-0468  (608) 262-0479  IVLARSEN@WISC.edu  www.geocities.com/jeffinnakal  Hardanger fiddle music  Norwegian  No  Yes  No  No  Performs the Hardanger fiddle, the folk fiddle of Norway with sympathetic strings. Program includes a variety of dance music from southwestern regions of Norway. Informs abouth the tunes and Norwegian culture.  $50 per hour      Microphone and chair without arms.     
Kerry Leung  Chinese  Mr  Kerry  Leung  3251 S May St  Chicago  IL  60608  (312) 485-8080  (773) 847-8854      Traditional and classical Chinese music  Chinese  No  Yes  No  No  Performs traditional and classical Chinese music on several Chinese instruments, including flutes and oboe-types. Program includes introduction to Chinese culture and music.  $200  $500  Depends on length of performance and travel expenses.  Microphone and chair.  Yes  Conducts school programs. 
Chicago Chinese Cultural Center  Chinese  Mr.  Pak  Leung  3047 S Broad St  Chicago  IL  60608  (312) 636-8080  (312) 225-5127  pcls928@hotmail.com    Chinese Lion Dance  Chinese  Yes  Yes  No  No  The Chinese Lion Dance is usually a part of festivities and celebrations. The dance combines art, history, and Kung Fu moves. The performers are Kung Fu practitioners. The Chinese Lion Dance is believed to bring good luck and happiness.  call      None  Yes  Teaching available in Kung Fu (as basis of Lion Dance) and Lions Dance at beginner through advanced levels. 
Barefoot Becky and the Ivanhoe Dutchmen    Ms  Becky  Livermore  PO Box 1135  Cedar Rapids  IA  52406  (319) 848-7133    polkabecky@aol.com  www.barefootbecky.com  Polka music  German and Czech  No  Yes  No  No  Band plays German-style polka and Czech music with a mix of Country and Big Band. Performs at concerts, house parties, nightclubs, festivals, RV conventions, parades, and others. Performed at the Smithsonian InstitutionÕs Fesitval of American Folklife in      Call for details       
Sanna Longden  East European Jewish  Ms.  Sanna  Longden  1402 Elinor Pl  Evanston  IL  60201  847-328-7793  847-328-5241  sannamars@aol.com  www.Folkstyle.com  Dance- World Dance Teacher & Community Dance Leader    Yes        Teaches world folk dance in schools and community events, at music and physical education conferences and educators workshops. Specialty in Klezmer dancing, ethnic choreography, eastern/central/northern.southern European dances, as well as US and British      A big range.  An audio mixer with speakers and a mike set (lapel and handheld), good dance space, and lots of enthusiastic people.  Yes  See above. 
Greater Chicago Jewish Folk Arts Festival  Jewish  Mr  Michael  Lorge  PO Box 5215  Skokie  IL  60076  (847)933-3000  (847) 677-2020    wwwJewishfestival.org  Jewish folk festival with music, dance, storytelling, and crafts  Jewish  Yes  Yes  Yes  Yes  Every other June, approximately 40,000 people attend the Greater Chicago jewish Folk Arts Festival in a county forest preserve to celebrate Jewish traditions in music, art, dance, storytelling, and poetry. Performers and artists from across the nation at             
Kol Sasson (The Voice of Joy)  Jewish  Mr  Michael  Lorge  PO Box 5215  Skokie  IL  60076  (847) 933-3000  (847) 677-2020  slorgez@aol.com    American and Israeli folk music  Jewish  No  Yes  No  No  American and Jewish folk music tradition performed by a trio. CDs are available.  $1,800  $3,000    Upon request     
Queens of Harmony  African American  Ms  Jesse  McCullum  954 N 37th, #310  Milwaukee  WI  53233  (414) 344-4814        Religious and Gospel singing  African American  No  Yes  No  No  Old religious and new gospel singing  Call    negotiable  Microphones and stands     
McNulty Irish Dancers  Irish  Ms.  Barbara  McNulty  8640 W Sunset Rd  Niles  IL  60714  (847) 698-4434  (847) 518-0863  IrshDancr@aol.com  www.mcnultyirish dancers.com  Traditional & competitive Irish dance  Irish  Yes  No  No  No  Performance of childrenÕs or advanced groups available.  $25  $300  Fees for lessons range from $9 to $12 per.    Yes  Step dance lessons available for ages three through adult, beginner through advanced. 
Steve Meisner  Slovenian  Mr  Steve  Meisner  205 N Hotel St  Whitewater  WI  53190  (262) 473-7184    MeisnerS@cni-usa.com  www.stevemeisner.com  Slovenian polka music  Slovenian  No  Yes  No  No  Performs Slovenian (Yankovic) style polka music. Largely for dances.  $1,000  $2,000    Access to electricity.     
Verne Meisner  Eastern European  Mr  Verne  Meisner  1309 S Grand Ave  Waukesha  WI  53186  (414) 547-5379    MeisnerV@webtv.net  http://www.polkas.com/vernemeisner/index.html  Polka music, ÒCleveland StyleÓ  Eastern European  No  Yes  No  No  Polka Music Hall of Famer performs throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Carribean. Composer and performer with group.      Call for details.  Call for details.     
The Lira Ensemble  Polish  Ms.  Lucyna  Migala  6525 N Sheridan Rd, SKY 905  Chicago  Il  60626  (773) 508-7040  (773) 508-7043  lira@liraencemble.com  www.liraensemble.com  Performing arts of Poland and American Polish music, song, and dance  Polish  Yes  Yes  No  No  The nationÕs only profssional performing arts company specializing in Polish music, dance, and song. Polish and Polish American choral music, dance, and instrumental music. The Lira Ensemble includes The Lira Singers, The Lira Dancers, The Lira Chamber Ch  $150  $11,000    Performing area: thirty feet x fifteen feet for concert and fourty feet x thirty feet for dance concerts, wooden floor or danceable surface, stage lighting or general concert lighting, sound system required, three hour set-up time for stage production, an  Yes  The Lira ChildrenÕs Chorus trains children from beginner level. .Educational programs include lecture/demonstrations, master classes, workshops, and informative narratives. 
Nitzanim Israeli Folk Dance Troupe  Israeli  Mr.  Phil  Moss  822 Westwood Ln  Wilmette  IL  60091  (847) 251-2676  (847) 251-2771  PHILIP_B_MOSS@hotmail.com    Israeli folk dance  Israeli  Yes        Group performs various types of israeli folk dances. Recreational group also available Thursday nights at Northwestern University in Evanston.  call           
Mark Dvorak, c/o Artists of Note  Regional American  Ms  Joann  Murdock  PO Box 11  Kaneville  IL  60144-0011        www.markdvorak.com  American folk music, country and Blues  Regional American  No  Yes  Yes  No  Performer, lecturer, and teacher on broad range of topics in American traditional music, from country, Blues, banjo styles and guitar. Offers programs of the songs of Woody Guthrie, westward expansion, and a program of Carl Sandburg writings and songs.  $300  $1,000    PA with two microphones on boomstands, can be provided by artist if necessary.  Yes  Workshops, school assemblies, and classes at Old Town School in Chicago. 
Lee Mudock, c/o Artists of Note  Regional American  Ms  Joann  Murdock  PO Box 11  Kaneville  IL  60144-0011  (630) 557-2742      www.leemurdock.com  Illinois and Great Lakes folk music  Regional American  No  Yes  No  No  Performs traditional music and original songs based on historical research into Great lakes mariners. Collaborated on book ot traditional folk songs, ÒWindjammers: Songs of the Great Lakes SailorsÓ (Wayne Sate University Press, 2002)  $300  $1,000    Two microphones on boom stands. Artist can provide sound if necessary.  Yes  School assemblies and workshops in sea shanty singing, and guitar master classes. 
Weavermania, c/o Artists of Note  Regional American  Ms  Joann  Murdock  PO Box 11  Kaneville  IL  60144-0011  (630) 557-2742      www.artistsofnote/weavermania  folk music ensemble  Regional American  No  Yes  No  Yes  Four veterans of the Chicago folk scene joined together to recreate the sounds of ÒThe WeaversÓ.  $2,500  $5,000      Yes  Teaching workshop on ÒWasnÕt that a TimeÓ, the historical and political context for the songs and the group, ÒThe WeaversÓ. 
Marilyn Price, Storyteller and Puppeteer, c/o Artists of Note  Jewish  Ms  Joann  Murdock  PO Box 11  kaneville  IL  60144  (63) 557-2742      www.marilynprice.com  Jewish storytelling and puppetry  Jewish  No  No  Yes  No  Jewish folktales for adults and young audiences alike.  $350  $1,200    Artist provides equipment.  No   
Alan Murphy  Regional American with Irish-Scottish base  Mr  Alan  Murphy  323 Post Rd  Iowa City  IA  52245  (319) 351-3859    murphyaa@mchsi.com    Old time American fiddle music and vocal duets  Regional American with Irish-Scottish base  No  Yes  No  No  Alan and Aleta Murphy perform old-time American fiddle music with an emphasis on its Irish-Scottish and English roots. Their old-time vocal duets are historically accurate and suitable for the whole family.  $250  and up    Vocal and instrumental microphones with PA. Artists can provide equipment for additional fee.     
Shoba Natarajan  Indian  Ms.  Shoba  Natarajan  3463 Parliament Ln  Naperville  IL  60564  (630) 527-1498  (630) 527-1898  shoba@samskriti.com  www.samskriti.com  Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dances  Indian  Yes        Programs are tailored to any type of audience. Both Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi are dynamic, colorful, and technically intricate. Lecture/demonstrations are also available.  $500  $5,000    Wooden or vinyl floor, about twenty x thirty feet, general wash and spotlights, CD/cassette deck for recorded music, four to five microphones for live music, and one to three hours for set up time.  Yes  Workshops and master classes are also available. 
J. OÕReilly Productions  Irish American  Ms  Jamie  OÕReilly  PO Box 257309  Chicago  IL  60625  (312) 458-0822    jamiejoan@aol.com    Cultural arts programs, folk-cabaret    No  Yes  No  Yes  Multi-media programs that combine folk music with various art forms, including theater and visual art.  $300  $3,000    Varies, depending on venue.     
Drina Tamburitza Orchestra  Serbian, Croatian  Mr  Milan  Opacich  2255 Robin Hood Blvd  Schererville  IN  46375  (219) 322-2663  (219) 322-3572  Bela Ruza 2 Netnitco.net    Tamburitza family (stringed instruments) of music  Serbian/Croatian  No  Yes  No  No  Performances of traditional Serbian-Croatian tamburitzan orchestral music.      Call for details.       
Rajeswari Pariti  Indian  Ms  Rajeswari  Pariti  3023 Ashbury Dr  Naperville  IL  60564  (630) 922-3591    rajaveena@yahoo.com  http://rpariti.tripod.com  Veena music (East Indian classical music)  East Indian  No  Yes  No  No  Performs East Indian classical music on the veena, a stringed instrument. This is an ancient and traditional music form.  $750  $2,000    Sound system, stage with clean carpet (will perform sitting on floor), and room for percussion instrument artist.  Yes  Call or email for details 
Nartan  Indian  Ms.  Mrugakshi  Patel  1267 Hamilton Ln  Naperville  IL  60540  (630) 369-0734        Indian Folk Dances  Indian  Yes        Program displays culture and heritage of India.  call      Stage facility with light, sound, and CD player.  Yes   
Ensemble Espanol Spanish Dance Theater  Spanish  Mr  Jorge  Perez  5500 N St Louis Ave  Chicago  IL  60625  (773) 442-5930  (773) 442-5105  Ensemble-Espanol@neiu.edu  www.neiu.edu/~eespanol  Spanish music, dance, and song  Spanish  Yes  Yes  No  No  All programs of Spanish music, song, and dance present a variety of innovative Spanish ballets, traditional folkloric suites and fiery Flamenco dramas from Medieval times through the twenty-first century. Programs accompanied by live classical and Flame  $400  $16,000  Transportation and living costs extra  Performance area of twenty-five x twenty-five feet, wooden dance surface, sound system of Dat, CD, or reel-to-reel system, six microphones, monitors on stage, and theater speakers.  Yes  Ensemble Espanol has an extensive training program from beginner through professional levels. The Ensemble is in-residence at Northeastern Illinois University and offers college credit and scholarships in Spanish dance, Flamenco workshops, master classes, 
Tibetcenter  Tivetan  Mr  Tsering  Phuri  6073 N Paulina  Chicago  IL  60660-2307  (773) 743-7772  (847) 492-0809  tibetcenter@aol.com  www.buddhapia.com/tibet  Sacred and cultural performances  Tibet, Indian  Yes  Yes  No  No  Presents performances of sacred and cultural performances of Tibetan and Indian artists. See website for details.  Free  $15         
Jaishree Prasad  Indian  Dr  Jaishree  Prasad  1220 S Elmhurst Rd, Apt 108  Mount Prospect  IL  60056  (847) 439-2306    Jaishriprasad@yahoo.com    South Indian classical music (vocal and instrumental)  South Indian  No  Yes  No  No  Solo or ensemble performances of South Indian classical music ( vocal and instrumental). Ensemble includes two or three accompanists.      Negotiable, depending on program  Sound system, including microphone.  Yes  Teaches theory and science of Indian music. Lecture/demonstrations also available. 
Natya Dance Theatre  Indian  Ms  Hema  Rajagopalan  954 W Washington, Unit 5 North  Chicago  Il  60607  (312) 942-1404  (312) 942-1401  info@natya.com  www.natya.com  Bharatanatym, South Indian classical dance  South Indian  Yes  Yes  No  Yes  Solo, duo, small groups, or full ensemble performs a variety of programs of pure dance or thematic original choreography of Bharatanatyam. Performs throughout North America and internationally. Accompanied by live master musicians from India for several m      See website for details  Call for details.  Yes  Three teaching studios in the Chicago area serves beginner through professional levels. Conducts school residency programs, school performances, lecture/demonstrations, master classes, and so on. 
Bill Robinson and Friends  Regional American  Mr  Roger  Robinson  36W395 River Grange Rd  St. Charles  IL  60175  (630) 377-0519  (630) 377-2762  dulcimer@ameritech.net  www.ghostlight.com/hr-dulcimers  Hammered dulcimer music and dulcimer building  Regional American  No  Yes  No  No  A third-generation dulcimer player performs solo or with ensemble with unique family tuning. Programs include introduction to the dulcimer and its workings and various tunings and styles of music and types of hammers. Performs many songs passed down in f      Negotiable  Sound system  Yes  Individual or groups lessons. Also teaches dulcimer building. 
Tribhang Dance Studio  Indian  Ms.  Mausumi  Roy  1005 Gannon Dr  Hoffman Estates  IL  60194  (847) 781-1860        Odissi Dance (East Indian Classical Dance)  Indian  Yes        Classical dance form from India - combination of intricate footwork, hand gestures, facial expression for purpose of storytelling and pure aesthetics.  1000  1500    Wooden floor, sound system for cassette, green room, monitor speakers.     
Jerry Schneider Band  German and Czech  Mr  Jerry  Schneider  W2205 Maple Heights Dr  Chilton  WI  53014  (920) 849-4580    jkschneider@tds.net    German and Czech music and dance  German and Czech  Yes  Yes  No  No  Band in its thirty-sixth year performs mostly German and some Czech music.      Call       
Orchestra ÒIZGREVÓ  Bulgarian and Balkan  Mr  Velizar  Shumanov  646 Hillside Ave  Elmhurst  IL  60126  (630) 993-1522    nufolk@nufolk.com  www.nufolk.com  Balkan and Bulgarian music  Balkan and Bulgarian  No  Yes  Yes  No  Wide variety of Bulgarian and Balkan music, as well as some international repertoire.  $750  And up  Call for details  Band provides its own sound equipment.     
Judith Simundson, Norwegian Folk Arts  Norwegian American  Ms  Judith  Simundson  PO Box 415  Dubuque  IA  52004-0415  (563) 583-3321    trolltales@aol.com  www.judithsimundson.com  Norwegian and original storytelling, singing, harp and lyre playing.  Norwegian  No  Yes  Yes  No  ÒCreatures from the NorthÓ offers a range of folktales.Storytelling includes traditional, traditionally based, and original.  $500  $2,000    Two microphones and stage lighting with spot lights.  Yes  Teaches storytelling, singing, and sculpting with papier-mache. 
Anila Sinha Foundation for the Promotion of Arts and Culture of India  North Indian  Dr.  Birendra  Sinha  1061 Florida Ln  Elk Grove Village  IL  60007  (847) 891-5457  (847) 524-4346  bksinha@mindspring.com  www.anilasfkathakkendra.com  Kathak dance and music  North Indian  Yes  Yes  No  No  Various programs available from solo to ensemble. Kathak is a Northern Indian performance tradition that developed from the intricate footwork and rhthyms of the Mogul culture. The Foundation also presents internationally renowned Kathak performers from I  $250  $5,000  Travel extra  Performance area: thirty x twenty feet, wood, marley, or vinyl floor; general wash lighting with spot lights; sound system of five microphones for live musicor CD/cassette player for recorded music with onstage monitor; one standing and two foot microphon  Yes  The Academy of Kathak Dance (Kathak Nrityakala Kendra) trains beginner through advanced levels. The Academy offers training in Kathak dance, music, stagecraft, and choreography. 
Thistle & Heather Highland Dancers  Scottish  Ms.  Nancy  Strolle  800 Valley View Dr  Downers Grove  IL  60516  (630) 963-7021  (630) 963-7397  thhd@attbi.com  www.thistleandheather.com  Scottish traditional and national dances  Scottish  Yes        Performance of young people ranging in age from four through college perfroming traditional and national dances of Scotland in traditional costumes. Educational program includes history of dances and Scotland.  $50  $500  Depends on number of dancers and travel distance  Stage size depends on number of dancers. One performer can dance in 4Õ by 8Õ space.  Yes  Beginner through advanced levels 
Dr. J  African and African American  Ms  Jacqueline  Thompson  122 East Alta Vista  Ottumwa  IA  52501  (641) 682-5676    JKTLB@lisco.net  www.potpourriarts.com  African and African American singing, dance, storytelling, and games  African and African American  Yes  Yes  Yes  Yes  Several programs available including African cultures, world cultures, and others which include singing, dance, storytelling, games, and other arts. In-service programs for educators.  Call        Yes  Instruction availble to children and adults in music, dance, drama, and art at the Potpourri Fine Arts Academy in Ottumwa. 
Polish Highlanders  Polish  Mr.  Andrew  Tokarz  6332 S Archer  Chicago  IL  60638  (773) 581-9655  (773) 581-9635  carpathia@att.net  http://carpathia.home.att.net  Traditional folklore of people from Southern Poland  Poland  Yes  Yes      Polish Highlander dance, song, and fiddle performance. These are the performance traditions from the Tatras Mountains in Poland.  200    $200 & up, depending on length of performance  All instruments are acoustic. Stage for dancing.  Yes  Workshops available 
Siumni  Polish  Mr.  Andrew  Tokarz  6332 S Archer Ave  Chicago  IL  60638  773-284-0978  773-581-9635    polishhighlanders.org  Polish Highlander performance  Southern Polish  Yes  Yes      Polish Highlander dance and music.  200  400    Microphones  Yes   
Alex Udvary and Cimbalom  Hungarian Rom  Mr  Alex  Udvary  1120 Lake Shore Dr  Chicago  IL  60611  (312) 787-9848        Cimbalon (hammered dulcimer of Eastern Europe) and ensemble  Hungarian  No  Yes  No  No  Tradiitional and contemporary cimbalom music with ensemble. Focus in Hungarian, Rumanian, Serbian, French, and Italian.  $350      Sound system for larger venues.     
Jim Wearne  Cornish  Mr  James  Wearne  2521 Spring St  Woodridge  IL  60517  (630) 910-1634    J.WEARNE@attbi.com  HOME.attbi.com\~J.WEARNE  Cornish and original folk music and storytelling  Cornish  No  Yes  Yes  No  Traditional and original songs, and folk music and myths of Cornwall. Some sung in Cornish language. Stories and informative narratives about Cornwall, Cornish culture, and stories of the Cornish in America.  Call      Sound system for vocal and guitar where required.     
Steam  Regional American  Mr.  John  Williams  1018 Illinois Rd  Wilmette  IL  60091  (847) 256-5687  (847) 256-5687  bestboy@earthlink.net  www.johnwilliamsmusic.com  Fiddle playing, storytelling, and step dancing  Regional American  Yes  Yes  Yes  No  Award-winning musicianship, storytelling, and dancing of the Chicago ensemble, ÒSteamÓ. Features fiddle playing and guitar.  $1,500    And percentage of the door  Sizeable stage and soundsystem     
John Williams  Irish  Mr  John  Williams  1018 Illinois Rd  Wilmette  Il  60091  (847) 256-5687  (847) 256-5687  bestbox@earthlink.net  www.johnwilliamsmusic.com  Traditional Irish music  Irish  No  Yes  No  No  Performs the traditional music of Ireland on concertina and flutes. Traditional music and contemporary elements.  $400    Plus percentage of the door  Two microphones on boom stands with sound system. Completely acoustic also available.     
Issa Boulos  Palestinian  Mr.  Issa  Boulos  4430 Blanchan Ave  Brookfield  IL  60513  (708)387-9674    issaboulos@yahoo.com  www.issaboulos.com  Arab Classical Music, Palestinian Music, Original Compositions (Western and Traditional)  Palestinian    Yes                   
Natraj Dance Academy  Indian  Ms.  Vijayalakshmi  Shetty  3034 W. Devon  Chicago  IL  60659  (847)634-4679    vshetty@natrajdance.com  www.natrajdance.com    Indian  Yes                     

Folk and Ethnic Performing Artist Directory
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