Old Town School of Folk Music's Executive Director Resigns

The Old Town School of Folk Music (Chicago, IL) has announced that executive director James "Bau" Graves is stepping down to retire. Graves is currently on medical leave following a hospitalization in November due to blockages in three coronary arteries, according to a release from the school. 

“It has been my honor and great privilege to serve Old Town School and its extended community for 11 years,” Graves wrote in a letter to the school’s staff. Rashida Phillips, the school's deputy director, will act as interim director. 

The school has recently been at the center of controversy over the proposed sale of one of its locations. Students and teachers rallied to save the building, and the school announced it will not list it for sale until March 31 in order to continue discussions with the community. 

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Published: January 24, 2019