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, November 6, 2026 Two Way Street Coffee House Friday Night Concert Series presents Michael Johnathon.
For Michael Johnathon, folk music has never been something that belongs only on a stage. It’s found on front porches, passed between generations, shared among neighbors, and kept alive whenever people gather to make music together. From learning traditional songs firsthand in the Appalachian mountains to creating the internationally heard WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour, Michael has spent a lifetime celebrating that tradition. His songs, stories, humor, and deep belief in community music-making make his visit to Two Way Street a natural meeting of kindred spirits.
MORE INFO HERE
The show starts at 8pm (CT) and the doors open at 7:30pm. (Suggested donation $10, cash or PayPal). We will also host this concert virtually. You may access the livestream on www.twowaystreet.org, on our Facebook page or on our YouTube channel.
Tunes & Tales Returns November 15th with Dana Maragos and Sue Fink
Tunes & Tales: Sue Fink, Dana Maragos & Ashley & Simpson
Tunes & Tales is a songwriter-in-the-round series at Two Way Street Coffee House, hosted by Ashley & Simpson—Jennifer Ashley and Joel Simpson, directors of the venue and songwriters who perform together as a folk duo.
Each session brings Ashley & Simpson together with two guest songwriters for an intimate afternoon of music and storytelling. The artists take turns sharing original songs, talking about the experiences and ideas that inspired them, and exploring the creative paths that led to the finished music.
For our November edition, Ashley & Simpson welcome two Chicago songwriters whose love of words and keen observations of everyday life have led them down wonderfully different musical paths: Sue Fink and Dana Maragos.
MORE INFO HERE
Music & Potlucks - November 27, 2026
Attention High School & College-Age Musicians, Poets, and Performance Artists!
It’s Your Turn to Shine—Every Last Thursday of the Month!
On October 4, 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
Barn Dance November 7, 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 November 7, 2026 at 7pm 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 November 22, 2026 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.
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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