Chicago Farmer, the performing name of Illinois singer-songwriter Cody Diekhoff, will bring his heartfelt, working-class folk music to Ca d’Zan House Concerts in Cambridge on Friday, July 31. Presented by Crossroads Cultural Connections, the all-ages concert will begin at 7 p.m., following an optional community potluck dinner at 6 p.m.
Raised in the small farming community of Delavan, Illinois, Diekhoff grew up surrounded by the values, stories, and work ethic that continue to shape his songs. After logging years of highway miles and stage time, he settled in Chicago in 2003, blending his small-town roots with the energy and perspective of city life.

Deeply inspired by fellow Midwesterner John Prine, along with the traditions of Hank Williams and Woody Guthrie, Chicago Farmer writes songs that center everyday people, hard work, and the stories found in both big cities and very small towns. His music reflects a belief that everyone has a story and that no one should be left out.

“I love the energy, music, and creativity of Chicago, but at the same time, the roots and hard work of my small town,” Diekhoff has said. That balance—between rural Illinois and city streets, between humor and hardship, between personal stories and shared experience—has helped Chicago Farmer build a devoted following throughout the Midwest and beyond.

His performances are intimate, direct, and deeply human, driven by sharp storytelling and songs that feel both specific and universal. Honest Tune once described his work by noting that listeners can “smell the dirt in the fields, hear the wind as it blows across the plains, and see the people Chicago Farmer sings about,” comparing the effect of his songs to a John Steinbeck short story set to music.

Guests are invited to arrive at 6 p.m. for the optional potluck dinner and may bring a dish to share. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. Attendees should bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. A donation of $20 to $30 is suggested, and music lovers of all ages are welcome.