Courtney Hartman

The Working Songwriter Forum is a 3-day experience packed with concerts, workshops, podcasts, and more! Spend Memorial Day weekend with the host and creator of The Working Songwriter podcast, Joe Pug, along with his talented friends, Craig Finn (The Hold Steady) and Courtney Hartman, immersing yourself in a musical weekend dedicated to the craft of songwriting. The main event is an intensive songwriting workshop schedule taught by some of Old Town School's veteran teaching artists alongside our special guest hosts. Old Town School songwriting teacher Steve Dawson has unlocked countless songs for hundreds of students over the years culminating in his book on the subject, Take It to the Bridge. He is also a staple of the Chicago Americana scene in his own right with his band Dolly Varden. Old Town School teaching artist Jonas Friddle won the John Lennon Songwriting Award, as well as many other accolades, and performs with his indie-folk supergroup, The Majority. These workshops will give attendees the opportunity to showcase their newly-written tunes and to participate in other special performances. Throughout the entire event, Joe Pug will be your roving host - troubleshooting song lyrics with you, helping you tackle the bridge, or joining you in on a chorus. He will be there to aid and abet you, to connect you with your teachers and fellow songwriters, to hang out and talk shop, and maybe even have a beer. Whether you're a grizzled veteran or a scrappy upstart, songwriters of all experience levels are encouraged to attend! Each day of The Working Songwriter Forum will culminate in an evening concert with one of your out-of-town hosts - Joe Pug, Craig Finn, and Courtney Hartman.