Steve Goodman Tribute 1997

OLD TOWN SCHOOL HONORS STEVE GOODMAN WITH TRIBUTE CONCERT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO'S OLD TOWN SCHOOL OF FOLK MUSIC CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY WITH TRIBUTE TO STEVE GOODMAN
Concert To Include Performances by Jackson Browne, Iris DeMent, Arlo Guthrie, Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett, Kathy Mattea, John Prine and Todd Snider.

CHICAGO, IL -- The Old Town School of Folk Music, a national resource for teaching, presentation and encouragement of folk music and folk culture of all countries, will celebrate its 40th Anniversary with a multi-star concert saluting the late singer/songwriter Steve Goodman, one of it's most well-known alumni

Hosted by celebrated author Studs Terkel and broadcasting legend Roy Leonard and scheduled for the Medinah Temple here on Thursday, November 13, 1997, the evening will include performances by some of popular music's most revered artists. Among those confirmed to salute Goodman and his music are Jackson Browne, Iris DeMent, Arlo Guthrie, Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett, Kathy Mattea, John Prine and Todd Snider.

Goodman, a native of Chicago, is perhaps best known as the author of "City Of New Orleans," which was included on his eponymous debut album recorded in Nashville and co-produced by Norbert Putnam and Kris Kristofferson. Described by critics as "a modern train song," "City Of New Orleans" became a 1972 national pop hit for folk singer Arlo Guthrie. More than ten years later, Willie Nelson's recording of "City Of New Orleans" was a number one smash on the country music charts, earned Goodman the 1984 Best Country Song Grammy Award, and was declared a standard by ASCAP.

Goodman began attending classes at the Old Town School in the early 1960s. His music, both live and recorded, established him as one of the most important and influential artists on the Chicago music scene and brought national attention to The Old Town School. In addition to "City Of New Orleans," his better known songs include "Banana Republics," "A Dying Fan's Last Request" and the country standard "You Never Even Call Me By My Name."

Among the diverse group of artists who have covered Goodman's songs are Johnny Cash, Jimmy Buffett, Etta James and Trisha Yearwood. Often called a songwriter's songwriter, Goodman was also a riveting live performer as evidenced on the 1982 album Artistic Hair and 1983's Affordable Art, both released on his Red Pajamas label which still exists today.

Diagnosed with leukemia in the late 1960s, Goodman continued to record and perform until his death on September 20, 1984. The Old Town School Tribute to Steve Goodman will benefit both the school's building fund and the establishment of a Steve Goodman Scholarship for underprivileged children and adults. Following expansion in late 1998, the City of Chicago will name a portion of the street fronting the new facility Steve Goodman Way.

In addition to a regular series of concerts and research and outreach services, The Old Town School offers both private and group instruction ranging from Irish Singing to Japanese Bookbinding, from Fundamentals of Lead Guitar to Flamenco Guitar, from Jazz Singing to Bulgarian Folksinging, from Chicago Blues Harp to Native American Flute, and from Afro-Carribbean Percussion to Streetcorner Harmony. Among noted alumni are the likes of John Prine, Roger McGuinn, and Nina Gordon and Louise Post of Veruca Salt.

Box office information is available by dialing Ticketmaster at 312-559-1212.

The 7:30 p.m. concert will be preceded by a private dinner honoring benefactors at Chicago's Hard Rock Cafe. Benefactor tickets ($500 including dinner and VIP seating) are available through the Old Town School at 773-525-7793.

Sponsored by American Airlines, DraftDirect Worldwide, Ticketmaster, WXRT-FM, and the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation,The Old Town School of Folk Music and Al Bunetta & Dan Einstein for ABM.

While not officially announced in the press release, the ticket prices range as follow... $35.oo, $50.oo, $75.oo, 100.oo, and finally $250.oo. The $500.oo tickets are the only ones that can be bought from the school. All others will be through Ticket Master. I beleive Medinah Temple holds around 5,000 people but I'm not sure. I'll try and find out.

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