Music on Maple Street- Lee Murdock

Lee Murdock has discovered a boundless body of music and stories from the Great Lakes. On June 12th 2026, Murdock will present a concert, beginning at 7p.m. Noted as a fluent instrumentalist on the six and twelve string guitars, Murdock combines ragtime, Irish, blues and folk styles with his flair for storytelling in songs. His musical influences span fifteen generations. Murdock began his folk career in the Chicago area in the mid 1970’s, expanding his repertoire of blues and popular music as his interest in folk music and the maritime tradition grew. Listen under the stars at the Bill Mueller Memorial Gazebo. Bring a blanket or chair. Pack a picnic and drinks, or stop by Dairy Queen for a sweet treat! This is a free concert but registration is appreciated! Register His focus on Great Lakes music began as a simple interest in finding the folk songs from his own local history. He says, “I sort of ‘fell in’ to the Great Lakes by accident,” says Murdock, “but once I started performing songs about the Great Lakes, my audiences kept asking for more. And the stories and songs just keep coming.” Murdock's songs create an unforgettable image of commerce and recreation as they coexist on the Great Lakes today, with huge cargo ships traversing vital shipping lanes while pleasure craft of all types and sizes share the waters along America’s fourth coast. And Lighthouse Legends, like the great castles of Europe, there is an aura of mystery and romance surrounding a lighthouse. Lee’s songs and stories share the tragedy and the heroics, the isolation and the breathtaking beauty of lighthouse lore and the US Life Saving Service (later known as the Coast Guard). With a deeper understanding of the folk process, Lee's repertoire combines historical research and contemporary insights. Murdock's work is both documentary and also a contemporary anthem to the people who live, work and play along the Great Lakes today. The Music on Maple Street concert series is made possible with support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and the Lombard Rotary