Old Town School of Folk Music announces $18 million expansion project

Big things happening for the Old Town School of Folk Music in Lincoln Square.

Today the music venue/school officially announced an $18 million expansion plan which will build a 27,100 square-foot facility, expected to open fall 2011. The space, across the street from the OTSFM's current Lincoln Avenue location, will feature 19 classrooms and dance studios, as well as flexible 2,100-square foot, 150-seat performance space. The idea, states the press release, is to better meet class size needs and demand for expanded programming. The project breaks ground next month and plans to begin classes, workshops and performances in January 2012.

Want to celebrate the project? Head to the construction site of the new facility from 6-8 p.m. Aug. 6--yes, that's the first day of Lolla--for a free bash featuring a group sing-along with the school's guitar faculty, a Brazilian dance lesson and more.

 What do you think of the news?