Two Way Street Coffee House is Chicagoland’s most beloved folk and acoustic music venue, presenting weekly concerts and community events for over 50 years!
On Friday, September 25, 2026 Two Way Street Coffee House Friday Night Concert Series presents Jan Krist.
Jan Krist has spent a lifetime exploring what it means to tell a story well. Raised on rock and shaped by the folk and acoustic music of the 1960s and ’70s, she has built a remarkable catalog of songs distinguished by thoughtful observation, emotional depth, and an unmistakable artistic voice.
But songwriting is only one expression of Jan’s creativity. She is also a visual artist, a songwriting teacher, and a member of a celebrated Michigan songwriting community. Whether she’s working with lyrics, watercolor, or clay, the common thread is an artist interested in looking closely at the world and finding something meaningful within it.
After 13 solo recordings and decades of performing, Jan continues to demonstrate why a carefully crafted song and a room full of people willing to listen remain such a powerful combination.
MORE INFO HERE
Tunes & Tales - September 27, 2026
Tunes & Tales Returns September 27
There’s a story behind every song. At Tunes & Tales, we get to hear a few of them.
Join us Sunday, September 27, as Donna Herula and Nikki O’Neill join hosts Ashley & Simpson for an intimate songwriter-in-the-round at the Two Way Street Coffee House.
Rather than a traditional concert, Tunes & Tales gives the artists room to talk about their music—where a song began, what inspired it, how it evolved, or the story hidden somewhere between the lines.
And this month’s combination should make for a particularly fun afternoon.
Donna Herula brings her distinctive blues and slide-guitar roots; Nikki O’Neill blends Americana songwriting with her love of classic soul; and Ashley & Simpson bring their folk influences, harmonies, and songwriting to the circle.
With an audience of around 30, Tunes & Tales feels less like watching a show from across the room and more like being invited into the circle.
Tunes & Tales: Songwriters in the Round
Donna Herula • Nikki O’Neill • Ashley & Simpson
Sunday, September 27, 2026
3:00 PM
Two Way Street Coffee House
MORE INFO HERE
Heritage Matinee Series - October 4, 2026
Join us Sunday, October 4 at 3:00 PM for the next Heritage Matinee at Two Way Street Coffee House, featuring Mark Dvorak, Ashley & Simpson, James Curley, and Tom Orland. Settle in for an afternoon of songs, stories, harmonies, humor, and the folk traditions that continue to inspire new music today.
The Heritage Matinee Series is a benefit for Two Way Street: 100% of free-will donations support our programming and operations. Doors open at 2:30 PM, and the concert will also be livestreamed on twowaystreet.org, Facebook, and YouTube.
MORE INFO HERE
Fifth Saturdays with Fox Valley Folklore Society Storytellers
A Halloween 5th Saturday: Murder Ballads
There are stories hidden inside songs—and songs waiting to be discovered inside stories. Join us on Halloween afternoon, Saturday, October 31, for Murder Ballads: From Song to Story or Story to Song, a hands-on creative writing workshop presented with the Fox Valley Folklore Society.
Led by Carolyn Thomas-Daviodoff, Ursa Miles, and Pamela Schumacher, participants will explore the history and traditions of murder ballads and experiment with turning a traditional ballad into an original story—or a story into a ballad. No previous writing, storytelling, songwriting, or singing experience is required.
Saturday, October 31 | 1:00–3:30 p.m. | $25
Barn Dances are Back! Join us October 18, 2026!
The Plank Road Folk Music Society and the Two Way Street Coffee House invite you to join us for an old time barn dance on October 18, 2026 at 2pm CT.
The Plank Road String Band celebrates a form of music and dance that has endured for centuries. These dances, and the music that accompanies them, bring people together in a family-friendly environment. The simple joy of joining together and sharing this old-time tradition will bring a smile to your face — while providing a welcome break from the routines of our busy lives.
ENJOY a fun-filled evening of music and dancing for the entire family! The Plank Road String Band will provide lively music, and a caller will walk you through all the dances at our No Experience Necessary Old Time Barn Dance–squares, lines, reels, waltzes, and more! Tables will be set up around the edge of the room for visiting with friends and enjoying music between dances. Our dances are informal, with no costumes needed—in fact, you don’t even have to bring a partner!
Come watch. Come listen. Come dance!
Nordic Jams and Dances Return!
Join Our Nordic Music Jam!
Learn and share tunes from the Nordic countries in a warm, welcoming setting, first Thursday of each month! This is a teaching jam where we’ll teach, review, and play tunes in the aural tradition—by ear. All instruments, ages, and experience levels are welcome, and recording is encouraged.
The jam is facilitated by Mary Allsopp of Chicago Spelmanslag. Many of the tunes will be featured at our Nordic Dance nights, and musicians are invited to join in for an extra review and to learn about playing for dance.
Join Us for Nordic Dance and Music!
Come experience the joy of Scandinavian dance and live music on the fourth Sunday of each month at the Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515.
We’ll begin the evening at 6 pm with an hour of easy, welcoming community dances, and no partner is needed—just bring your enthusiasm! Soon after 7 pm, we’ll move to an advanced format to support those already experienced in pols, polska and springar type turning dances. $5 donation. Thank you for bringing your water bottle.
Dancing is led by Roo Lester, a knowledgeable and engaging teacher known for her clear, upbeat style. Whether you’re new to Nordic dance or have experience, Roo makes everyone feel welcome with her fun and easy-to-follow instruction, blending technique, styling, and cultural background.
Enjoy live music coordinated by Mary Allsopp and friends, bringing the spirit of Scandinavian folk traditions to life.
Last Thursday Open Mic - September 24, 2026
Attention High School & College-Age Musicians, Poets, and Performance Artists!
It’s Your Turn to Shine—Every Last Thursday of the Month!
On September 24, 2026 at 7pm, step into the spotlight at Two Way Street Coffee House, one of the best-loved acoustic venues in the Chicago area. Whether you’re a singer-songwriter, poet, guitarist, or spoken word performer, this is your space to be heard.
MORE INFO HERE
Conveniently located in Downers Grove, Two Way Street Coffee House is Chicagoland’s most beloved folk and acoustic music venue, presenting weekly concerts and community events since 1970!
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