WDCB Folk & Roots Music

10/17/2023

WDCB is a media sponsor for the Steep Canyon Rangers, with two shows on October 21 at the Old Town School of Folk Music. More info available at OldTownSchool.org.

06/12/2023

WDCB is a media sponsor for the 37th Annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games on Friday, June 16 & Saturday, June 17 at Hamilton Lakes in Itasca.

Join us June 16-17, 2023 for Scottish Festival & Highland Games in Itasca. Activities and attractions for all ages. Tickets available now.

03/14/2023

The Travelin' McCourys visit the Old Town School of Folk Music on Friday, March 17! More info is available at OldTownSchool.org.

02/16/2023

Lúnasa is back at the Old Town School of Folk Music on Sat, March 4 for two shows! More info is available at OldTownSchool.org.

02/15/2023

Dervish performs at the Old Town School of Folk Music on Wed, March 1. More info available at OldTownSchool.org.

01/02/2023

A new schedule addition for the new year!

WDCB welcomes award-winning radio host Fiona Ritchie to our Monday night lineup tonight with her weekly Celtic music showcase, "The Thistle & Shamrock."

The program will air each Monday evening on WDCB from 8-9pm, followed by "Ireland Tonight" with Sharon Iberle from 9-10pm.

Ritchie's weekly program exploring Celtic music has aired on station across the United States since 1983, but it's been a while since Chicago radio listeners have heard it on a weekly basis. So, we're excited to bring it to you as a new addition to our Monday night lineup!

11/30/2022

A second show has been added! ...sponsored by WDCB!

10/30/2022

All of us at WDCB are sad to share the news that longtime "Ireland Tonight" host Maryann McTeague Keifer died on Friday. She was a kind and warm person who absolutely loved the Irish music she shared with WDCB listeners for many years. Our condolences go out to all of her friends and family.

Maryann's "Ireland Tonight" producer Sharon Iberle offers this personal remembrance. (shared with permission)

Maryann McTeague Keifer – Rest in Peace – October 28, 2022
I have known Maryann all of my life. Maryann and I attended kindergarten together at James Madison Public School which was located at 74th & Dorchester Ave. in Chicago and a few grades at St. Laurence which was at 72nd & Dorchester. Maryann’s grandmother and my father were both from Co. Monaghan and were great friends.
One day, Maryann mentioned to me that she needed help on the Ireland Tonight Radio Program and I told her that I would help her in any way that I could. Needless to say the rest is history. Maryann taught me so much. She taught me about all of the bands, the music that they provided, the individual musicians and told me about their strengths in the music arena. She introduced me to new comers on the music scene as well as those that have been around for some time. I attended many concerts with her and loved every moment. I went to home sessions, The Galway Arms, Chief O’Neils, The Old Town School of Folk Music, the Irish American Heritage Center to name only a few of the venues, but, Maryann knew almost everyone there. She was so happy to meet and greet old and new friends.
COVID hit and we figured out a way to record the Ireland Tonight Program from my kitchen. Tuesday was the day that we would record and lunch was on the agenda. True to Irish Tradition we had enough food to feed a small army.
The last time that I spoke to Maryann I was aware of how much she sounded like her mother. I’m sure that I noticed that before but maybe I was wishing that she would tell me that the diagnosis was wrong and that she would be ok. To say that I am heartbroken is an understatement. Maryann was one of those people that you meet once in your lifetime. She was always there and you wanted to believe that she would always be there. The Irish Community has lost an incredibly talented and kind supporter for Trad music. She was extraordinary and will be missed. It was my great fortune to count her as my friend.

08/10/2022

WDCB is a media sponsor for Téada, performing at the Old Town School of Folk Music on Saturday, August 13 at 8pm. More details are available at OldTownSchool.org.

07/19/2021

Check it out, musicians!

07/06/2021

Enjoy a great, eclectic mix this Tuesday on Folk Festival on 90.9fm WDCB Public Radio, and fans of the outstanding Nanci Griffith will love the third hour 10-11 p.m. CT!

A new show airs this Tues., July 6-- a great mix of old and new! Artists include Patti Shaffner, The Stray Birds, Jared Rabin, Erin Ash Sullivan, Diana Jones, Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra, Gillian, Dave Rudolf, Craig Siemsen, Daniel Boling, Susan Werner, Mike Barnett, Andy & Judy, Chris Ronald Music, Si Kahn, John Denver, Rachel Baiman, Helene Cronin Music, and more; plus you'll hear part one of the 'dog days of summer' annual theme, and a third hour dedicated to the music of Grammy winner,
Nanci Griffith who turns 68 this Tuesday. Enter the fest between 8-11 p.m., listen at 90.9FM in the Chicago area, 90.7 in Chicago's West Loop, or stream it online at WDCB.org!

04/07/2021

Come listen tonight! Great music coming up:

03/03/2021

Great music headed your way this Tuesday night! And after Folk Festival, be sure to stay put to hear James Allan Finley's excellent show, How The West Was Strung!