Francis James Child (1825-1896) was Harvard's first professor of English. After Chaucer and the Elizabethan playwrights, he turned his attention to folk song, with the intention of seeking out "every valuable copy of every known ballad." The result was the five volumes of English and Scottish Popular Song published between 1882 and 1898. Child traced down songs and variants organized them by subject and researched parallel songs in many languages from all over Europe. His numbering system has been used by collectors and commentators on both sides of the pond ever since and the 300-plus songs are the basic repertoire of English and American narrative song. Some of the songs are as old as pre-Christian Europe, and they remain contemporary, as versions by Joan Baez, Paul Simon, Fairport Convention and countless others have shown. Magic, murder, passion and great poetry abound in these timeless songs. Join Chico Schwall and friends for new interpretations of some eternal classics. Shedd Presents Series Ticketing: Purchase at The Shedd Institute Ticket Office (541-434-7000, 868 High Street). Discounts available for youths high school and younger (50%); college student with current student ID (10%); group discounts for purchases of 8 or more tickets to a single show (10%), discount for purchases of 20 or more (15%). Shedd Institute package discounts (10% to 20%) are available through The Shedd Ticket Office (541-434-7000 or 868 High Street) or on the web. Discounts cannot be combined. Don’t miss our great set-menu, casual pre-performance dinners for $19.75 ($14.75, kids 9 and younger) in The Shedd’s Great Hall 1 1/2 hours before most evening performances at The Shedd (usually 6 pm). Prepared by The Shedd's resident chef, Shelby Hoopes-Tice, each meal includes entrée (vegetarian option), salad, side dish, dessert, coffee and tea. Wine, beer, and soft drinks are available for purchase. Reservations with The Shedd Ticket Office at least 1 day in advance are required.