New folk venue opens in La Grange

New folk venue presents troubadour Mark Dvorak on May 20

LA GRANGE IL - Wesley’s Place, the western suburbs newest folk venue, will present singer songwriter and Chicago’s “official troubadour” Mark Dvorak in concert on Friday, May 20 at 7:00 pm. Wesley’s Place is located at the First United Methodist Church of La Grange, 100 W. Cossitt Avenue.

“Wesley’s Place has been a long time coming,” said director Ed Ellis. "We wanted to create a family-friendly series that fit right in with the vibrant Friday evening scene in La Grange. We’re within walking distance of downtown where there are dozens of restaurants and pubs for dining before or after the show.”

Dvorak is busy at work on his fourth book of essays, 31 Winters which reflects on his long journey into music and teaching. He’s also got new CD in the works, Live & Alone which was recorded in an empty concert hall for WFMT radio during the height of the pandemic.

“Mark has been a revered performer at festivals and concert halls across the country,” said Ellis. “We’re thrilled that he is able to join us for a concert in our inaugural season.”

Wesley’s Place opened its doors on April 29 and will feature a wide variety of acoustic acts including bluegrass, gospel, jazz, singer songwriter and folk. The venue is named for John Wesley, the 18th century theologian who began the religious movement that eventually became “Methodism."

The Chicago Tribune has called Dvorak “masterful,” and the Fox Valley Folk Festival describes him as “a living archive of song and style.” He has won awards for journalism and children’s music, and was honored in 2013 with the FARM Lantern Bearer Award from Folk Alliance International. In 2008 he received the Woodstock Folk Festival Lifetime Achievement Award and in 2012 Rich Warren, long time host of The Midnight Special radio program named Dvorak “Chicago’s official troubadour.” 

General admission is by suggested donation. Information and tickets are available at www.wesleysplacemusic.com. Phone the First UM Church of La Grange at 708 352 1250 or visit www.wesleysplacemusic.com.

Learn more about Mark Dvorak at www.markdvorak.com.

Stay in touch • markdvorakinfo@gmail.com • PO Box 181 • Brookfield IL 60513 • 312 315 4273