Woodstock is the center of musical energy in McHenry County, Illinois. From all of its year-round indoor live music venues to outdoor special events and the award winning Woodstock Farmers Market, musicians and non-musicians alike travel to Woodstock to learn, hear and play music of many genres.
Our story …
Off Square Music was started in 2003. The Mast House Concert Series could no longer hold formal concerts. The sing-a-long was okay, but we could not sell tickets and pay performers at a private house in Woodstock.
The Mast House Concert committee at that time was John Hoyt, David Ashby and Keith Johnson. We applied for a federal tax number and the journey began. Judy Matzen soon joined us and a few years later Roger Benson was onboard. Judy and Keith wrote the 501-C-3 application and we were incorporated in the state of Illinois. The journey began.
From this small beginning, Off Square Music became involved in other events. We now sponsor open mics, concerts, music at the farmers market and an annual event on the square called Harvest Fest. We help other events with their sound needs and do performances at retirement facilities.
We encourage teachers to use Off Square Music events as an opportunity for their students to perform or give recitals by sponsoring a performance fund that helps defray their expenses at the Stage Left Café.
The current Off Square Music board includes Andy Andrick, Gloria Burchfield, Kent Fishburn, John Hoyt, Don Humbertson, Keith Johnson, Laurel Palma, Joe Pesz and Rich Prezioso.
About Off Square Music
Off Square Music is a Woodstock nonprofit folk music organization. We are dedicated to promoting live music. For more information about this or other Off Square Music events, please visit our website often as well as Off Square Music on Facebook and Twitter (@offsquaremusic1).
Off Square Music thanks you for your support.