Mr. Blotto was born in Chicago as an off-night vehicle for musicians who loved each others playing but were in different bands at the time. The only rule was that they would only play what they loved. That philosophy continues today and has led Mr. Blotto into unique musical situations.

Mr. Blotto takes the Jam band asthetic into areas unfamiliar to the standard Jam Scene. They have been known to cover entire albums by Led Zeppelin and the Who as well as perform entire shows of Country and Reggae. Artists as diverse as the Grateful Dead, the Flaming Lips, Willie Nelson and The Velvet Underground have seen their material interpreted by Mr. Blotto in the 2000+ shows the band has performed in the last 15 years, yet covers only pepper the bands hefty catalog of original material stemming from five studio albums and other unreleased crowd favorites.

“The newt, an amphibious creature, is not solely terrestrial or aquatic; it spends its life as a land and water dweller. Much like the characteristics of the animals, Noot does not confine themselves to one genre or niche. Drawing from elements of jazz, funk, blues, rock and roll, psychedelia, reggae, and even Afro-beat, a set moves through decades, countries, and musical cultures that is sure to be an eclectic listening experience to your ears.”

Noot began as an afternoon jam session between friends in the summer of 2013 on the tree lined street of Altgeld in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Bassist Michael Ryva and guitarist Spyridon Hasiakos began collaborating in the dorms of Loyola University Chicago. Through the music department at Loyola, the two were connected with guitarist Jarrett Donoghue and drummer Cecil Gardner. Mutual discussions of upcoming concerts, favorite Grateful Dead eras, and iconic jazz albums led the four to an exchange of talents that culminated in the formation of Noot.

Sister Speak is a collaboration of musicians supporting the expression of the woman’s voice. Sister Speak has toured nationally and played over 500 shows, including appearances on Canada’s Global TV, opening for major artists such as Air Supply at Humphrey’s in San Diego, at NAMM, House of Blues San Diego, The Belly Up, Hard Rock Cafe, at various festivals and all over the USA and western Canada. In 2011 they were nominated ‘Best New Artist’ at the San Diego Music Awards.

Led by singer/songwriter Sherri-Anne, Sister Speak combines Sher’s captivating vocals and unique guitar stylings with drummer Lisa Viegas’s dynamic percussive beats. Sister Speak has performed with a variety of artists – Sam Cathcart, Swift Pony & Stephen Gentallali to name a few. Their most recent line-up features vocal harmonies and lead guitar by the soulful Tolan Shaw, and tasteful bass guitar grooves by Jacob Miranda.

Sister Speak’s presence is inspiring and refreshing, lending to a wide range of genres – mainly “Alternative/Blues & World.” With 2 live CD’s and a 2012 Demo under their belt, Sister Speak is currrently working on their DEBUT full-length album! Estimated release: November 2013