The Festival will honor Bonnie Koloc with its Ninth Annual Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her enduring role in the Chicago music scene since 1968. Crossing the boundaries of folk, jazz and blues, Koloc was a mainstay at Chicago landmarks such as the Earl of Old Town, Mr. Kelly's, and Holstein's, often sharing the stage with Steve Goodman, and John Prine. She continues to play at storied venues such as the Old Town School of Folk Music, and the Woodstock Opera House.
In addition to her talents as a singer and songwriter, Bonnie is also a print maker, painter, ceramist, and book illustrator. She has received the Governor's Award for Best Singer, the Theatre World Bronze Award for Outstanding New Talent on Broadway, and a Drama Critics Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical.
Bonnie's most recent album, Beginnings, is a CD of selections from early live recordings by Festival Co-Host Rich Warren, primarily of performances at the legendary folk club, the Earl of Old Town. Rich said of Bonnie, “She is fabulous… Her versatile, fluid soprano pours forth effortlessly rapping itself around whatever song it touches. …Wisdom and passion burnish her performance to a fine patina.”
In addition to receiving the award at this year's Festival, Bonnie Koloc will also perform in concert at the Woodstock Opera House on Saturday night, July 17, Festival eve, at 8 p.m. Tickets are available through the Woodstock Opera House Box Office at 815-338-5300; additional information is on the Opera House web site, WoodstockOperaHouse.com.
For more information about Bonnie, visit her website, BonnieKoloc.com.
