Folkstage

Saturdays at 8:00 pm
closeup of a guitar and a microphone

Put yourself in the room where live folk music thrives

Folkstage is a one-hour concert series featuring the finest traditional and singer-songwriter talent in folk music. Each year, some two dozen concerts come to you live from local venues or WFMT's studio. Additional episodes feature selections from 45 years of archival performances, including from the Old Town School of Folk Music.

You might also like The Midnight Special, a thematic mix of folk music and more every Saturday night from 9 pm to midnight after Folkstage.

Folkstage is available for free streaming in two different ways – live during the broadcast and on demand via the rights-compliant 5-hour, non-interactive player below within two weeks of the broadcast.

Reservation Road: Live 1992

October 7, 2023, 8:00 pm

We honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day by airing the 1992 Reservation Road: Live concert recording by esteemed singer/songwriter Bill Miller, a Mohican born in Wisconsin.

Ben Gage Live from St. Tim’s

October 14, 2023, 8:00 pm

By turns, driving, funny and tender, Ohio “Rust Belt” songwriter Ben Gage writes observant, direct songs energized by his signature harmonica style. His St. Tim’s Coffeehouse concert will be broadcast live from St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church (Skokie).  

Folkstage from the Archives

October 21, 2023, 8:00 pm

Highlights of broadcasts recorded live in the Fay & Daniel Levin Performance Studio by Mari Black, Wendy & DB, Jackson Emmer and more.

Folkstage from the Archives

October 28, 2023, 8:00 pm

Highlights of live broadcasts from the recent and distant past including Vance Gilbert, Buffalo Rose, Michael Smith and more.

Mike Ward Live from WFMT

November 4, 2023, 8:00 pm

Examining the nooks and crannies of life from romance, to the hockey rink, to the advertising biz, to the backyard shed, Mike Ward invites us in with finely crafted songs and a gentle manner.

The Refugees Live from Acoustic Renaissance

November 18, 2023, 8:00 pm

Elite songwriters with careers in folk, experimental pop, and rock music, The Refugees put friendship, passion, and laughter into every note. Live from Acoustic Renaissance Concerts in Hinsdale, Ill.