Chicago Banjoist/Guitarist Michael J. Miles: Workshops 1:00, 2:45 PM @ FHS, and Concert 7:00 PM @ Private Venue
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Intermediate Fingerstyle Guitar Workshop — 1:00-2:15 PM
Intermediate Clawhammer Banjo Workshop — 2:45-4:00 PM
Concert (featuring Frank Hamilton) — 7:00 PM
We are honored and excited to bring legendary Chicago musician Michael Miles for two workshops and a concert!
There are those who represent the American Songbook or one particular style of music. Michael J. Miles, and his insatiable banjo covers the world songbook, and with the Great American Jukebox, he leans deeply into his own inner jukebox—20th century songs from AM radio and his father’s player piano.
As a student of the music, Miles is the consummate teacher. The renowned Old Town School of Folk Music named him the 2018 Musician and Educator of the Year. In 2024 he was honored by Illinois Arts Council with an Artist Fellowship Award. He has taught at universities, camps, festivals, schools and woven musical collaborations around the world. He’s also learned from and worked with many musical masters, including Pete Seeger, Bela Fleck & Janos Starker.
Clawhammer banjo and roots guitar aren’t necessarily the tools of expression in the urban vortex of Chicago, Miles’ lifelong home. But he brings the city’s NOW to the timeless melodies of the world’s greatest music. J.S. Bach, Stevie Wonder. His musical roots and approach are part sophistication, part grit. All heart.
7:00 PM — An Old Town School of Folk Music Reunion
MICHAEL J. MILES IN CONCERT
with special guest Frank Hamilton
Location to be disclosed after reservations are made.
Frank Hamilton co-founded the Old Town School of Folk Music in 1957; Michael J. Miles joined in 1984 and helped grow it into America’s largest community music school. In this rare, one‑time‑only concert, Miles performs his celebrated repertoire: J.S. Bach on the banjo, Stevie Wonder on guitar, and literally everything in between. Frank Hamilton will join his longtime friend for a few unforgettable songs.
Pete Seeger once said of Miles, “This is enough to make me want to learn the banjo all over again.”
Michael Miles’ website: https://milesmusic.org