"American History through Folk Song: This program features the story of our American heritage starting with songs of the Revolutionary War and travels through time to the post civil war era. Harvest tunes, Love Songs, Work songs, Songs of our Irish Immigrants, Civil War music, Music of African American and Hispanic roots are performed. The historical context of the music is briefly discussed.

“Our all ages audience enjoyed Pat and L.J.’s singing and playing and asked for an encore! Folk, Celtic, Blues, and a Spiritual made for a great evening of music. It was a pleasure working with Pat and L.J. and we would definitely have them back.” -Kelly Fojtik, Program Coordinator Wauconda Library

 “We just had a wonderful Second Fridays program at Barrington Area Library. Pat Gaughan and L.J. Slavin did a "Harvest Harmony" program of folk and civil war tunes. Pat and L.J. have a great stage presence and quickly warmed up our crowd. They really had the crowd engaged and they began to sing along with some of the popular folk songs. Many patrons came up and said how much they loved the performance and it was one of the best performances we have had. Book them soon! We highly recommend them!”-Eileen Gallagher, Program Specialist Barrington Library

"My library audience delighted in the talents of Pat Gaughan and L.J. Slavin. Their performance made for the PERFECT library program - educational, yet funny and wildly entertaining. The richness of Pat's beautiful vocals along with L.J.'s talented mastery of a wide selection of instruments provided my patrons with an entertaining afternoon concert experience. One I'm sure they'll be talking about for a long time to come. I look forward to having them back to my library again in the future." -Terri Suda - Adult Services Programming Coordinator, Wauconda Area Library

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness: Women who continued the work of our nation’s founding fathers: 

250 years ago, our nation declared its independence from Great Britain: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The work begun by our nations forefathers was continued throughout history to present day by individuals working to secure unalienable rights for all people.

This presentation combines the life stories of individuals who worked for justice: abolitionists, suffragists, activists who worked for labor rights, children’s rights, migrants’ rights and civil rights with music that portrays their story. Most of these individuals are from Illinois or have an Illinois connection., although the effects of their work are felt nationwide.

 A lecture/power-point displays the background of the individuals with a live musical performance of songs either from or about their era. “No More Auction Block” is sung to accompany Illinois runaway slave/abolitionist Susan Richardson’s story of working for the Underground Railroad. “Bread and Roses” lyrics portrays the words of Chicago suffragist Helen Todd. The stories of migrant workers Maria Rodrigues Santana and Dolores Huerta are accompanied by “Deportee” and “Des Colores”, and the Irish roots of Chicago activist Mother Jones are performed through song.

Music of the Civil War is a live performance mixed with a lecture power-point presentation that gives the historical background of the music. The hardship, pain, love and humor of those involved in the conflict and those left behind is expressed through the songs once popular in the North, in the South, and songs that crossed those boundaries and helped heal a nation. This program features Pat Gaughan on guitar and vocals with Nancy Maio on fiddle. From the somber Auction Block ballad about slavery, to When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again a song set to a lively Irish tune, Pat and Nancy take the audience on a historical musical journey.

“ Music of the Civil War was a wonderful display of Civil War-era music. Pat and Nancy brought the house down with their riveting renditions and kept patrons hooked with historical facts and anecdotes. Not only did the program bring in a record number of attendees, it also resonated with many patrons who left satisfied and eager for more. Any programmer in search of a fun and engaging history program for their library is in good hands with Music of the Civil War”. -Austin Nord, MLIS, Reference Librarian Woodstock Public Library

Irish Music Program: Pat Gaughan and Nancy Maio are known throughout the Midwest for their riveting programs of Irish music, from Pat’s vocals on lovely lyrical ballads to Nancy's lively instrumental jigs and reels on fiddle, and their rowdy pub songs bring the heart of Irish music to audiences of all ages. They are available to perform as a trio with multi-instrumentalist LJ Slavin.

“Thank you for the wonderful Irish Music Concert. This was a lovely opportunity for the community to enjoy this special genre of music, especially with your unique style, delivery and flair.”-Marci Buerger, Mount Prospect Library

And reviews from the attendees at the library: • Versatile, foot stomping, good ole Irish music! And jokes besides! • Wonderful music, Outstanding musicians • Awesome! • Brought memories of Ireland tour • Very enjoyable • Wow! • Delightful way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day • Fun-Love Irish music • Great performance • Very good-Love the music • Lively & wonderful music

Both Sides Now:  presented by Pat Gaughan and fiddler Nancy Maio is a musical journey back in time to the 60’s and 70’s when women folk musicians were coming to the forefront of American culture. The singer-songwriters, the interpreters of traditional ballads, blues and spirituals, and those who sang songs composed by their contemporary male musicians expressed “Both Sides” of the many movements of the era. Songs about war and the struggle for peace, songs expressing independence vs. the intoxicating dependence of a lover. Songs celebrating youth, and songs accepting that seasons go round and round. The hammer of justice and the bell of freedom were not just song lyrics, but they expressed the activism that these women lived and contrasted with songs that showed the realities of deportees, the homeless, and victims of war. Social justice, civil rights, peace movements, and feminism were the subject matter for the songs of such artists as Joni Mitchell, Mary Travers, Joan Baez, and Judy Collins. This musical program captures the spirit of an era that inspires today.

“Pat Gaughan and Nancy Maio entertained us not only with great music but also with the history behind the music with their informative PowerPoint presentation program "Both Sides Now: Women of Song.” Truly a musical and historical time travel event! It was a great program to kick off National Women's History Month!”-Gayle Weyland, Adult Programming Coordinator, Palatine Illinois Public Library District

"Pat and Nancy sounded great! I liked how they provided background information about each song they played. They were quite knowledgeable about the artists and songs and were happy to answer questions from the audience."-Marnie J. Schmidt, Adult Reference Librarian, Brookfield Wisconsin Public Library

"Thank you Pat and Nancy for a lovely concert on Sunday. Our patrons were very entertained and engaged. Many smiles and compliments on their way out.."                Janet Collins, Adult Programming Coordinator, Rolling Meadows Library

History of Blues Culture: The struggles and sorrows of slaves were expressed through their songs. So were their hopes for freedom and equal rights. This educational lecture/performance uses a power point presentation and live music to describe the role that the oppression of African Americans played in the development of the Blues, from slavery to Jim Crow laws and the civil rights struggle. The Spirituals, Work songs, and Slave songs that evolved into Blues are performed live with a visual depiction from the time period. The Delta Blues styles, the migration North and the development into Classic Blues are discussed and performed. The stories of many key Blues musicians are brought to life with live performances of their signature pieces; Robert Johnson’s “Sweet Home Chicago”, Bessie Smith’s last recording “Nobody knows You When you’re Down and Out”.

“During African American History Month, Music Instructor Patricia Gaughan facilitated a workshop titled “History of Blues Culture”. In her presentation she highlighted the impact of slavery and oppression in America that led to the evolution of the modern day Blues. I enjoyed very much how she imbedded story and song into the presentation. The presentation was very educational and well suited for all audiences. The student participants were engaged throughout the presentation.” –Sonia Reising, Coordinator of Multicultural Affairs, McHenry County College

Holiday Programs Celebrating Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day or any other special occasion that would be enhanced with music? Pat and LJ enjoy performing special music of these traditions to audiences of all ages.