Empty Out Your Wallet: Old Town School Of Folk Music Edition

By Marcus Gilmer in Arts & Entertainment on Jul 31, 2008 9:30PM

We know you're getting all geared up for Lollapalooza, but it's time to start preparing for Life After Lolla. The Old Town School of Folk Music boasts an impressive lineup of fall shows, all of which go on sale tomorrow morning (Friday, August 1) at 9 a.m. Here are some of our picks. (Note: Unless otherwise noted, all shows are at the Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall, 4544 N Lincoln Ave.)

• Sam Phillips once went by Leslie and was pushed by an old record label as "the Christian Cyndi Lauper." It's a far cry from the Phillips we know now: the one who toured with Elvis Costello, collaborated with R.E.M., and played a throat-slashing terrorist in Die Hard With a Vengeance. Her roots-based folk-pop has evolved over the years thanks to a partnership (and marriage) with T-Bone Burnett. Phillips is joined by Samantha Crain & The Midnight Shivers. Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7, 2008, 7:30 p.m., $28
• Josh Rouse first caught our ear with his excellent 2002 LP Under Cold Blue Stars and his follow-up, 2003's 1972. While he's been quite prolific since then, he's maintained a constant output of quality folk-pop that's best experience in such intimate settings. Friday, October 10, 2008, 7:00 & 10:00pm, $22 both shows
• Mavis Staples and Booker T. & the MG's bring a soul explosion to The Harris Theater to warm you up on a chilly fall night. Saturday, November 1, 7:30 p.m., The Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph, $75 - $250
• Taking a page from the All Tomorrows Parties playbook, folk legend Robyn Hitchcock will be performing his classic record I Often Dream of Trains in its entirety. Saturday, November 15, 2008, 7:00pm, $35
• It's hard for us to imagine the Juno'd Kimya Dawson performing a show for Kids, seeing as her Moldy Peaches past involves songs like "Who's Got The Crack?" but who are we to judge? She also plays a show for grown-ups. Saturday, November 22, 2008, 5:00 p.m. (Kids' Show) & 8:00 p.m., $15 (5 p.m. show) & $20 (8 p.m. show)
• Former Big Star member Alex Chilton continues to turn out gems, be it pop, folk, or even R&B covers. Saturday, December 6, 2008, 7:00pm, $35