And speaking of Chicago--there are still local broadcasts of folk music. WTTW in Chicago, for instance, broadcasts music events like this one from the Old Town School of Folk Music:

http://www.networkchicago.com/latinfest/

And speaking of Chicago and Old Town School of Folk Music, where is Frank Hamilton these days?

Seems as I recall, Studs Terkel had a show on in Chicago in the early or mid (?) 50s, which had folkies of the day on it.

Then there is HoundDog.tv (a cable show in Chicago):

http://www.hounddog.tv/

Chicago has long been a magnet and center of country folk music traditions, from the old WLS days of "National Barn Dance" which was one of the longest continuously running radio programs in American history, to a whole lotta honky tonk music, down to today's alt country music scene with folks like the Waco Brothers, Leftover Salmon, the Texas Rubies, etc. In fact, I wonder why it is so rare to see any of the newgrass and Americana roots/alt country artists discussed here in too often moribund and backward looking Mudcatville. Everyone is always bemoaning the fact that young people aren't getting involved in the music, especially the live music anymore.

Hello! I know tons of Chicago 20 somethings who are INCREDIBLY into this music. They are also addicted to baseball (the reincarnation and revival of Wrigleyville, just to "be there"), and really they aren't all that different from what we were like in the 60s so-called "folk" revival.

Now, I know Chicago is and always has been an incredibly vibrant music city, but I'm always god damned at how much the current Chicago newgrass/Americana roots/alt country music scene remains totally off the national radar, and a secret to the rest of the world.