James “Bau” Graves was the executive director of Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music for more than 11 years, steering the venerable institution in the North Side’s Lincoln Square neighborhood through a major expansion.

“Bau lived a vibrant life and was a champion for the power of music and cultural traditions,” said Kish Khemani, who chaired the school’s board during Graves’ time as executive director. “He inspired us to be bold by having the audacity to believe that we, as the Old Town School, have not only the capability but also the responsibility to help address inequities and injustices within our society.”

Graves, 73, died of heart failure on Sept. 26 at his home in Harpswell, Maine, said his wife, Phyllis O’Neill. He had lived in the Rogers Park neighborhood before moving to M

See Full Page