Music: 3rd Annual Queer is Folk Fest

What a night! If you missed Scott Free’s 3rd annual Queer is Folk Fest Saturday at the Old Town School of Folk Music, you missed one of the best multitalented, multi-gender shows in years. Despite a lengthy two sets, the night breezed by with no weak acts, and a great mix of local and national musicians, as well as a few performance poets to mix up the pace.

Who was there? Ferron, SONiA (of Disappear Fear), Sarah Dougher, Urban Folk Collective (lead vocalist Blair, joined by Affini), Dylan Rice and band with Chuck Panozzo (from Styx), Kitko, and Bitch & Animal. Spoken word was provided by Dave Awl, Sven Soderberg, Robert McDonald and Kay Barrett—with Russel Brown O’Brien singing a number. Scott Free programmed so many folks, he was only able to do one song himself.

The event was sponsored by LaSalle Bank, American Airlines, Windy City Media Group, Steamworks, Multiplex Clubs, Fausto.org. A portion of ticket sales was donated to the Gerber/Hart Library.

It’s hard to name highlights in a show of all top-notch acts. Truly, that’s not just being nice during pride month. The first act included Kitko’s humorous ‘I’m a Bitch’ song, followed by a rocking time with Dylan Rice, who was joined later in his set by Panozzo. They ended with a terrific cover of Styx’s ‘Come Sail Away.’ Portand’s Dougher was next with her take on folk, followed by SONiA doing political and love songs with equal talent and energy. Come back to Chicago soon!

The second act began with Michigan’s Urban Folk Collective, a mix of spoken word and sexy music. Bitch and Animal pleased their fans with great songs new and old, including their response to Eminem and falling for drag kings.

The night’s closer was a true treat, with Ferron singing her classics—joined for several songs by Bitch (and a few times Animal). The combination of women’s folk legend with new-generation spark and rock was wonderful and an immediate classic. When will Ferron and Bitch’s duets album be out? A great way to end a well-programmed show.

Scott, we can’t wait until next year. The only complaint? It was up against Mountain Moving’s screening of Radical Harmonies, a film about the history of womyn’s music—talk about audience overlap!