Blue Jean Gala 2026

The Best Party Of The Year Featuring Gillian Welch & David Rawlings

After party with Billy Branch and the Sons Of Blues

Friday, September 11, 2026  ·  5:30 PM Roaming Feast  ·  8:00 PM Concert

4544 N. Lincoln Ave. · Gary & Laura Maurer Hall

Stroll up and down the beautiful streets of Lincoln Square and indulge in the Gala pre-concert Roaming Feast at outstanding neighborhood restaurants. Then, settle in for an extraordinary concert from Gillan Welch & David Rawlings in our intimate 425-seat Maurer Hall. Top it all off with the Gala After Party featuring live music from Billy Branch, plus delicious late night bites, drinks, and more surprises.

Proceeds from the Blue Jean Gala help Old Town School carry out its mission: to learn, create, perform, and enjoy music and dance. Old Town School is a home for thousands of people of all ages to express themselves artistically and find joy and purpose in their creative endeavors. Our programs and performances inspire lifelong learning and delight in the sharing of music and dance across different backgrounds and cultural traditions.

Dress is denim-chic for a lively yet relaxed evening. Don’t miss Chicago’s best party of the year with amazing food, music, and other fun surprises.

Each $500 ticket includes:

5:30 – 7:30PM — Roaming Feast In Lincoln Square on Lincoln Avenue
Roam through Lincoln Square’s finest restaurants with unique food & drinks.

Restaurant stops include: Ardor by Chance, Caro Mio, Luella’s Southern Kitchen at Sojourn Cocktail Lounge, Wild Goose, and Yum Dum Food Truck.

8:00PM — Program and Performance in Maurer Hall, 4544 N Lincoln Avenue
featuring Gillian Welch & David Rawlings

10:00PM — After Party in Szold Hall, 4545 N Lincoln Avenue
Specialty cocktails, late night bites and dessert, along with live music by Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues.