DJ SHUB, a legendary turntablist and multi-genre Dj. His unique style of precision cuts, bass with his original flare that keeps crowds rocking and intrigued. DJ Shub pioneered a growing genre of electronic music – PowWowStep – since his initial start with internationally-acclaimed group ‘A Tribe Called Red’.
Born Dan General is a Mohawk of the Turtle clan of the Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario, Canada. Since the creation of PowWowStep, he has integrated his Indigenous ways by sharing his heritage through dance music. Expect elements of turntablism with original bass shaking modern dance music.
In 2012, the high-powered bluegrass punk act Old & Dirty hit our scene. Since then, the group led by Pete Dio has put out some top-notch music and has performed an abundance of shows throughout the Midwest along the way.
Recently, the band announced a whole new lineup and have rebranded themselves as Pete Dio and the Old & Dirty. Currently, it’s Dio on guitar and vocals, Mikey Morton on guitar, John Warner on banjo, DJ Riley on bass, Felix Moxter on fiddle, and Carter Ryan on drums. That’s the full version, but Dio says they will also be performing in smaller two- and three-piece versions. He aims at using the full band for bigger shows while the stripped down version will be used for small intimate settings and possible touring.
“I guess you could say I have different incarnations of the group,” Dio said. “I’m trying to make this project as accessible as possible as I plan on playing my tail off.”
NICK BRAUN, Whatzup Magazine
Shane Cotee So brutal, so dissonant, so dark and ruthless… I love it. Recommended for any fan of relentless, blackened death metal. Favorite track: III.
The Minneapolis’ full heaviness purveyors Nothingness are finally back with their sophomore album! Crushing, extreme, dissonant, atmospheric and genre bending Death Metal, a cauldronous mix by naturally blending multiple extreme styles together with respect for the history of metal. Enjoy a journey filled with riffs for days!
Keep Flying is a 6 piece band hailing from the Northeast USA. Punk rock with horns, thats right, horns. The band mixes a combination of sounds from emo to pop punk to punk adding a splash of saxophone & trombone to lead the march. Add in the vocal stylings with the transparent yet relatable lyrics and you’ve created something fresh and new. With a unique sound, honest songwriting, and an explosive live show, the band has been able to turn heads of fans and bands alike, touring and performing with such acts as The Bouncing Souls, Bowling For Soup, Real Friends, Reel Big Fish, State Champs, Four Year Strong, Less Than Jake, Big D and the Kids Table as well as multiple appearances on the Four Chord, Vans Warped Tour, SXSW, Great South Bay, So What?!, The FEST, and many more.
What’s up to everyone new here and just checking in, my name is i.deal and this music thing has been a huge part of my life for many moons now and i continue to make music because it’s truly what i love to do. I am just out here doing my best daily, living my best life and continuing to dream big and all i want to say is – thank you! I am still here, still doing what i love to do and reaching far more people now than i ever thought possible. I wear many hats, i am first an emcee, i own chi-native entertainment, i am a co-host and director of chi-native radio as well as a host on the “all net” podcast and a content creator, but music has and will always be my first love. Our reach as a team has grown over the last few years with the chi-native name being said within many cities throughout the Us and now throughout parts of Europe, Spain and Africa and again it is because of each and everyone of you who tune in, check out, subscribe, comment, watch whatever we are doing here at chi-native, our little tribe has grown and each of you mean a lot to us here because we wouldn’t have made it this long in the game without your support. I’m gonna keep reaching, keep pushing and as always keep smiling because i know how blessed i am to be where i am today, so again if you’ve logged in here, subscribed to any of our pages, watched, streamed, bought merchandise, purchased our music individually or collectively, told a friend about us or introduced your friends to my music – thank you and welcome tribe – let’s keep growing together fam!
Mic Logik is not afraid. Not afraid to show you who he is, and not afraid to share the story of how he became that person. Within the 12 songs on his solo debut, “Overdue,” he fearlessly tackles a vast array of subjects: American greed, police brutality, love and relationships, young fatherhood, and most vulnerably, dealing with the severe mental illness of loved ones.
Chicago Hip-Hop artist Sycosis or ~SY~ combines an aggressive delivery, hard hitting punch lines, and a style that varies but a message that stays consistent. By day he is a Realtor helping first time homebuyers and investors restore communities such as Gary, Indiana. By night he is a performer, writer, publisher, and fierce lyricist that seems to get better over time. Today his music is being streamed globally in over 90 countries around the world, with thousands of monthly listeners on Spotify. Songs like “Worship” has over 1 million Spotify streams, along with several others that have landed in international television and commercial spots such as Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Law & Order SVU, Dude Perfect, Chozen, Sunny Delight, and Vanquish Fitness just to name a few. With music that can be found on shows from ESPN to NBC he continues new international partnerships such as working with Artlist to deliver music to Gamers, Youtube Bloggers, and major corporations. His latest album “Mostly Me 3” is the final installment in the series featuring production from all over the world and has been nominated for Album Of The Year at the 312 Music Awards 2023!
Cowboy Neal, the project of Ian Hammond, is a Chicago-based post-rock/indie 5-piece that brings high-energy to every performance. They have performed in Chicago for a number of years and have played at Subterranean, the “A Star Sign is Born” event at Columbia College with Jason Milbank from Senses Fail in 2019, the Old Town School of Folk Music, and a number of DIY spaces around the city. They have performed with Swatches, Grace Bloom, Horsegirl, and Ian sat in on guitar with Dweezil Zappa at The Vic in 2018.
Amalia Juliane is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter and improviser based and raised in Brooklyn, NYC, graduating from the New School for Jazz Voice. Amalia blends her Brazilian musical roots with a raw rock edge, fueled by experimentation and not bound to genre. Her debut album “This Is Not My Mind” is now available to stream anywhere with cassette tapes available for purchase on Label of Goods. A review from Pitch Perfect music blog by Dan Weston reads, “She has a lot of ideas, some of which are complex but can also make it accessible to the masses”.
“Life is heavy”…. And they should know!! If growing up in the heart of “The Windy City” has taught them anything, It’s the power to “Survive & Thrive” through the coldest and toughest times!
We are Lady Evil – Chicago’s only Female fronted Black Sabbath Tribute Band. The members consist of drummer and singer, husband/wife duo Tony and Chryse Siriani – along with guitar player Richard Sharpe and bass player Mike Craig. We have been playing Chicago south suburb clubs and northeastern Indiana for about 4 years and dedicate ourselves to bringing the music of Black Sabbath to true form with a twist – our female lead singer. Fans come to shows to see what this female singer can do as Ozzy and end up pleasantly surprised and entertained. Our aim is to put on a good show visually and musically – we play a wide range of Black Sabbath material spanning across the first 10 albums. We are mostly Ozzy era, but also have some Dio era tracks in our sets as well.
For fans of Deadset Society, Cold Kingdom, and Heavy Metal! Crossing paths in a recording studio talking about music, twin brothers Mikey V & Andy V along with vocalist, William Mullen, set to re-write the rules of heavy metal as a 3-piece by twisting arrangements, melodies, and grooves in ways thought to be impossible. Creating and defining the sound of Chains Over Razors.
Rebel Queens is a 70s-80s influenced rock band that combines the rebel spirit of Joan Jett with the fun energy of AC/DC.Their raw power and energy pours into each song with soaring vocals, wailing guitar solos, tight harmonies, and a rhythm section that will keep you shakin’ all night long.
Ichi-Bons are the reckless rock ‘n’ roll revival. Inspired by obscure surf, garage and Rockabilly 45’s, they combine the sounds of a raunchy vinyl DJ with a cranked rock ‘n’ roll band. From boppin’ garage to frantic rockabilly, from instrumental surf to desperate rock ‘n’ roll, Ichi-Bons are a stack of quarters on your favourite jukebox.
CRASHprez is a rapper from Fort Washington, MD, currently based in Chicago. These are the musings of a young Black man living, loving, struggling, and building a new world from the wreckage of whatever all… this is. “This” being this ugly world we landed in; CRASHprez raps about that ugly, and the beauty in that, too. CRASH is 1/3rd of the group defprez, with Defcee and knowsthetime. CRASH has shared stages with the likes of Chance the Rapper, Mick Jenkins, Vince Staples, Saba, JPEGMAFIA, and Slow Pulp among many others.
Afro Karaoke is a cultural experience filled with dancing, vibes, and singing lungs out! The listed genres are Afrobeats, Dancehall, Amapiano, Reggae, Kompa and more!
Secret Shame refuse to limit their sound to a single genre but instead pull from a wide range of influences including post-punk, death rock, shoegaze, and dream-pop. Infectious guitar melodies and interlocking bass lines lead a narrative shaped by dynamic drums.
There is a sonic tension between rage and melancholy, the beautiful and the bleak, that finds resolution in the way the music reflects the mood of the lyrics. So too does the dynamic range of Lena’s distinct voice, with the subdued resonance of gentler songs beckoning the listener nearer to her commanding presence in aggressive songs.
Secret Shame first took shape when bassist Matthew met vocalist Lena through mutual friends in summer of 2016. Nathan, who had released the band’s first EP, later joined on drums, and not long after, Aster joined on guitar.
Secret Shame’s debut full-length, Dark Synthetics, received widespread critical acclaim with the single Calm being featured on The New York Time’s weekly playlist and the album landing on many album-of-the-year lists, including #77 on Bandcamp Daily and #1 on Post-Punk.com.
Secret Shame recorded Autonomy at Drop of Sun with engineer/producer Alex Farrar. Both musically and lyrically, the band reaches a new level of maturity in the album. The diverse yet cohesive eleven song record touches on addiction, body dysmorphia, abuse, and mental illness.
Challenger Deep is an instrumental rock band for fans of artists like The Fall of Troy, Protest The Hero, Chon, Polyphia, Plini & Intervals. Born of a passion for music and a light-hearted camaraderie, they continue to push their creative limits to make music that is both technically interesting and fun to listen to.
Physical releases and merch available here: https://merchbooth.net/ok-goodnight/
Ok Goodnight is a modern progressive metal band based in Boston, Massachusetts. The band combines the talents of Casey Lee Williams (vocals), Martín de Lima (piano/guitar), Augusto Bussio (drums/guitar), and Peter de Reyna (bass).
We are a group five-piece Hard Rock outfit with members in South Dakota, Nebraska, and Georgia. We are a loud, aggressive, in your face, rock band that praises loud amps, heavy riffs, and vintage gear. Bigger truly is always better in this band. We are currently with STB Records out of New York and have played many large rock/stoner rock/doom festivals throughout the country and most recently have become Orange Ambassadors. With two albums out in all formats and a third one on the way, we are looking to spread our roots out as far as they stretch, and are ready to be a force to be reckoned with in the heavy scene.
“Rifflord started out back in 2007 in the basement of a punk house where 8 people were living. We were all in punk/hardcore bands at the time, and began digging into the roots of heavy music with bands like Blue Cheer, Hawkwind, Deep Purple and of course Black Sabbath lighting the path for us. We soon began hunting down every vintage tube amp we could find to recreate that tone. It’s been 13 years since then, members have come and gone but the core remains the same: loud tube amps, heavy drums, and a loud hammond organ.” – Wyatt Bartleett
“Being rural midwest boys we were raised with a lot of country and rebelled by listening to heavy/hard rock and metal. Bands and artists like T. Rex, MC5, Sabbath, Motorhead, Hawkwind, Judas Priest, ZZ Top, Robert Johnson, Mississippi Fred Mcdowell, Hank Williams, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson formed us. When naming the band, our options for names were Kilowatt or RIFFLORD. Thankfully we chose the latter.” – Wyatt Bartlett
Stinking Lizaveta’s instrumental post-rock draws as much on Sabbathas it does on Sonic Youth or Slint. By combining a stoner/doom metal edge with jazz, the precision and repetition of math rock, and the blasting assault of early Black Flag, Stinking Lizaveta — their name is derived from a Dostoevsky character in The Brothers Karamazov — come on with a sound all their own.
The Philadelphia trio formed in 1994 when guitar player Yanni Papadopoulos and drummer Cheshire Agusta recruited Yanni’s brother, Alexi Papadopoulos, as their upright electric bass player. In 1995, the band released three 7″ records, including a split with Greg Ginn’s band Gone. Their insane guitar debut, …Hopelessness and Shame, was recorded by studio guru Steve Albini in 1996, and was followed by Slaughterhouse just one year later. Their third album, III, which includes Gloria Justin on violin and John Schenk on analog keyboards, was released on Fugazi member Joe Lally’s Tolotta Recordsin 2001. 2004 saw the release of Caught Between Worlds via At a Loss Recordings in the U.S. and Monotreme Records in U.K. and Europe, and in 2007 they issued their fifth studio long-player the hard-hitting Scream of the Iron Iconoclast, which saw the trio reuniting with Steve Albini. The adventurous Sacrifice and Bliss arrived in 2009, followed by the Translation Loss-issued 7th Direction in 2012, and Journey to the Underworld in 2017. ~ Charles Spano, Rovi
Younger Than Yesterday is the fourth studio album by the American rock band the Byrds and was released on February 6, 1967 on Columbia Records.
NEIL YOUNG “HARVEST”
Harvest is the fourth studio album by Canadian-American musician Neil Young, released on February 1, 1972, by Reprise Records, catalogue number MS 2032. It featured the London Symphony Orchestra on two tracks and vocals by guests David Crosby, Graham Nash, Linda Ronstadt, Stephen Stills, and James Taylor.
ANNA LUCERO
Anna Lucero is a comedian, actor, & director in Chicago. She created & co-produces Anna Lucero is a comedian, actor, & director in Chicago. She created & co-produces the long-running female/GNC comedy showcase, The Gogo Show, with Sommer Austin. She also founded The Lincoln Loft, an ever-changing labor of love and performance space, with Adam Schulmerich.
After earning her degree in acting from Towson University in Baltimore, Anna moved to Chicago where she diversified her comedy performance and directing education at The Second City, The Annoyance Theater, Green Shirt Studio, Get Riffed with Ever Mainard, and The Feminine Comique with Cameron Esposito & Kelsie Huff. She acted, directed, built, painted, focused lights, produced, and choreographed with Lights Out Theatre Company.
Ruben “Baby Horchata” Ramirez is a Mexican-American Actor, Writer, Director, Stand-up Comedian, and Producer. He was born in Joliet, Illinois on July 6, 1995.
Being known for his funny character in the stand up world, he takes pride in his ability to be a bad guy in front of the cameras. Being an Actor and Director has helped his writing skills in both film and when writing material for his comedy shows. He was born and raised in Joliet until he moved to central Illinois when he was 14. He dropped out of Joliet Central High School before transferring to Pekin Community High School where he found his love for the arts.
During the Pandemic he started his own film company called Starpower Film Company (a sister company of Starpower The Elites) with Mario Canon. 2021 has been a good year as his company won a Best Lighting Award, Best Actor (2x), People’s Choice, and Best Director award. On top of films, he has directed rappers Mario Canon, Montana of 300, and Twista.
Every day, we watch our students grow from beginner musicians to confident and inspiring rock stars in their community. Browse photos, videos, posts and more to find out why School of Rock Mokena is more than just your local music school.
Every day, we watch our students grow from beginner musicians to confident and inspiring rock stars in their community. Browse photos, videos, posts and more to find out why School of Rock Elmhurst is more than just your local music school.
Every day, we watch our students grow from beginner musicians to confident and inspiring rock stars in their community. Browse photos, videos, posts and more to find out why School of Rock Andersonville is more than just your local music school.
With “LAST CHANCE” (Fat Bank Music), Detroit-born songwriter Pat Smillie, has delivered an album built upon his open vision of soul, blues, and American roots music. The album showcases his ability to traverse a variety of genres including rock, blues, and soul, in a manner that is reminiscent of his earliest influences including Joe Cocker, Otis Redding, Delbert McClinton, and Detroit’s iconic soul rocker, Mitch Ryder. In addition, the album contains some of the strongest compositions of Smillie’s career – highlighting his gift for storytelling across an array of musical backdrops, including classic 50s-60s r&b, early Detroit rock & roll, West side Chicago blues, and soul-kissed Americana.
Produced by Motor City Josh (a.k.a. Josh Ford) and Pat Smillie, “LAST CHANCE” is an album whose charms slowly reveal themselves over repeated listenings. A rare document that captures the artist in creative bloom. Written and recorded entirely during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, these songs are the glorious result of time well spent.
Audio Karate comprised childhood friends from Rosemead, CA: vocalist/guitarist Art Barrios, bassist/vocalist Justo Gonzalez, drummer Gabriel Camacho and guitarist Jason Camacho (those last two being cousins). They all bonded over a shared love of both ’80s skatepunk and ’70s metal, and in May 2002, released their debut of furiously catchy SoCal pop-punk via Kung Fu Records titled Space Camp. Tour dates with acts like the Ataris, Tsunami Bomb and the Vandals followed, as did a stretch on the 2004 Warped Tour. Audio Karate’s Warped appearance was well timed, coinciding with the June release of their matured (and very well-received) follow-up, Lady Melody, which was produced by Bill Stevenson (Descendents, ALL, etc). More touring was completed before the guys announced at year’s end that they would be taking a “vacation” for an undisclosed amount of time. Audio Karate resurfaced in the spring of 2006 with the notice that they were working on a new album, in addition to writing the score and soundtrack — music much different than their past efforts — for the Spanish language independent film, Maquillaje. In the meantime, Jason Camacho had also opened his own studio Lady Melody, named after the band’s 2004 album. ~ Corey Apar, Rovi
Every performance showcases Chicago’s finest and seasoned Blues Singers and Musicians. Each one is an established Chicago Blues Artist, and could easily carry a whole show on their own. However, by having them all together on the same stage it becomes a very special musical event.
Inspired by the Classic Blues Reviews of the 1950s & 1960s, The Chicago Blues SuperSession utilizes the same rhythm section (guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums) and then rotates the front singers. By changing styles and different rhythms the audience can enjoy an exciting and diverse performance. It’s like a complete Blues Festival all in one show.
The SuperSession has performed at the Ann Arbor Blues Festival, The Chicago Blues Festival, Milwaukee’s Big Barbeque, the Big Bear Blues Festival, The Chicago History Museum and many other venues all over the Midwest.
CHICAGO BLUES SUPERSESSION:
BOB STROGER
BILLY FLYNN
OSCAR WILSON
DAVE KATZMAN
MELVIN SMITH
JOHN KATTKE
MELVIN “POOKIE” CARLISLE
AMY LOWE
Crosswind under the direction of percussionist GREG PENN, has gained the reputation of a non-stop, crowd-pleasing, patron-building and exceptionally professional talented musical phenomenon.
Mr. Melvin “Pooky Styx” Carlisle. Carlisle has an impeccable drumming reputation with over 25 years of professional experience in the music industry. Carlisle was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago. He has toured the world with musical legends ranging from KoKo Taylor, Toronzo Cannon, Sugar Blue, Carlos Johnson, Jimi Johnson, Chico Banks, Muddy Waters, Demetrius Taylor, and a host of others. In addition to being an internationally recognized drummer, he has endorsements with musical companies such as Ear Piece Technology, Slug, Sabian Cynbals, Vic Fifth Stick, and many more.
ROCKIN’ JOHNNY
The Rockin’ Johnny Band has been one of Chicago’s most loved blues bands since 1995. Their music has been played on WXRT’s “Local Anaesthetic” and “Blues Breakers” radio shows, the band has often been featured at The Chicago Blues Festival, and they regularly work in Chicagoland’s best blues clubs such as Buddy Guy’s Legends. Their CDs and live performances have drawn great reviews in Living Blues, The Chicago Sun Times, Pioneer Press, and National Public Radio’s “848”.
Guitarist Johnny Burgin came to Chicago from South Carolina to attend the University of Chicago, and earned the name “Rockin’ Johnny” as a DJ at the college radio station WHPK. Rockin’ Johnny began playing in the ghetto clubs of Chicago’s West Side with blues singer Taildragger, and then began touring nationally as a sideman with former Howlin’ Wolf drummer Sam Lay and blues piano legend Pinetop Perkins.
After learning from the masters, he put his own band together. Things started happening for the Rockin’ Johnny Band after they took a Monday night residency at The Smoke Daddy in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood. Their original, energetic approach soon made them a strong local draw week after week and year after year, bringing in blues aficionados, every musician in town, and a younger crowd that normally didn’t go to hear blues bands. The atmosphere the band generated was so electric, that Delmark Records offered them a contract after hearing just one set. This was especially exciting because the prestigious Chicago label is revered by blues aficionados as the home of Junior Wells and Johnny’s idol, Magic Sam!
Since those days, they’ve regularly toured Europe, played festivals and headlined clubs all over the Midwest. The Rockin’ Johnny Band has recorded five CDs including “Grim Reaper”, released in April of 2012. A true “musician’s musician”,Rockin’ Johnny has been one of Chicago’s most in-demand blues session men since the 90s, contributing his incisive playing to over a dozen CDs by artists such as Billy Boy Arnold, Jimmy Burns, Tail Dragger, Little Arthur Duncan, Paul DeLay and many more.
The Rockin’ Johnny Band plays vintage Chicago blues, but also is known for a wide repertoire which ventures into Stax style soul, swing, and lots of originals that are harder to classify. On stage, the band performs with spontaneity and fun, always showcasing fantastic guitar playing. Living Blues states: “top notch ensemble work, with power, drive, and a keen sense of dynamics”. The band consists of true veterans: Rick Kreher (rhythm guitar) played rhythm guitar with Muddy Waters for four years; John Sefner (bass) was formerly with Studebaker John and Eddie Kirkland; and Steve Bass (drums) also plays with Chicago blues legend Eddy Clearwater.
Barry Joseph Goldberg (born December 25, 1942, Chicago, Illinois) is a blues and rock keyboardist, songwriter and record producer.As a teenager in Chicago, Goldberg sat in with Muddy Waters, Otis Rush, and Howlin’ Wolf. He played keyboards in the band supporting Bob Dylan during his 1965 newly ‘electrified’ appearance at the Newport Folk Festival. He formed The Electric Flag with Mike Bloomfield in 1967, and later formed the Barry Goldberg Reunion in 1968.Goldberg’s songs (some of which co-written with Gerry Goffin) have been recorded by many musicians including Rod Stewart, Gladys Knight, Joe Cocker, Steve Miller, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Gram Parsons and B. J. Thomas.
Briana Clearly is a director, screenwriter, community curator, and self published author based in Chicago. She is currently an MFA student in Directing at DePaul University. Clearly’s focus as a filmmaker is to tell Black Womxn stories. She believes in Black Womxn and other marginalized people owning their own narratives, in front of, and behind the camera. Clearly was the winner of the Dear White People Film Competition in 2019. She won “Best Chicago Doc” at The Windy City Film Festival in 2019. Clearly’s works have been featured at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago , Gentleman Jack’s Real to Reel Chicago 2018 & 2019, Big Shoulders International Student Film Festival 2019, and more.
Patricia of Chicago is a visionary DJ, pleasure activist, mood healer and marketing & communications manager with a focus on wellness within vulnerable communities. She is dedicated to ushering in a new era of inclusivity and pleasure-oriented communities, using her platform to build experiences around music, lifestyle, wellness and entrepreneurship. With her eclectic blend of house, hip-hop, dance, disco, moombamton, R&B, and a range of other world influences, Patricia’s music style creates an immersive and transformative experience for her audiences. For her, DJing is about healing, pleasure activism, centering joy, fostering connection, and celebrating art and creativity, and as a black woman in a male-dominated industry, she is working to change the narrative and create new opportunities for underrepresented voices. As a marketing & communications manager, Patricia is committed to promoting wellness and empowerment within marginalized communities. She recognizes that individuals within these communities often face systemic barriers and inequalities that can impact their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Through her work, Patricia strives to create opportunities for community members to access the resources and support they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Jasmine A Barber, also known as the rapper J Bambii, is an artist, educator, tarot reader, and cartoon-lover from the Southside of Chicago. She is the founder and creator of The Brown Skin Lady Show and the community healing initiative called “Come Together”, as well as the co-founder of “The FiFi” a party created on the Southside, for the Southside. Jasmine has also released a tape called “RETROGRADE” under her alias. She is currently working on another body of music & more community focused events.
BSA Gold is a flutist and producer from Washington, DC. Inspired by Pharaoh Sanders, Sun Ra, Jimi Tenor, Sade, and the traditional sounds of her Ethiopian ancestry, she explores electronics and the possibilities for composition as a producer and songwriter.
Songwriter, banjo-piano-uke-guitar player, nurturer, seamstress, wearer of aprons, bearer of band-aids, maker of levity, staunch adversary of bullshit…Multi-instrumentalist Rachael Davis is as renown for her expressive–and explosive–voice as she is for uniting the often desperate worlds of folk, blues, country, and pop. Davis grew up not only in a family of musicians, but in an extended village of remarkable musicians and songwriters who nurtured and mentored her from the time she was born. Beginning by jingling ankle bells in perfect time on her months old feet in the middle of old timey jams and song circles, to contributing newly minted songs to Music Sundays, Rachael has always found her own unique part in the music. Her clear tone and uncanny memory for just about every song she’s ever heard came early, and has served her well throughout her career. As a child Davis took to harmony, piano, and ukulele, and at 8, joined the family band Lake Effect, performing regularly at folk festivals throughouther home state of Michigan and around the U.S. By age 12, and continuing each year since, Rachael has brought the Wheatland Music Festival to its knees closing the Sunday morning gospel set with her stunning solo acapella version of Amazing Grace.“I was learning everything I could get my hands on and when I was 17, my father gave me his Bart Reiter banjo and taught me to play clawhammer style,” recalled Davis. “I like to joke that cursed me for life.” At 20, already a professional and deeply moved by traditional mountain music, blues, and ballads, Davis composed and recorded her debut album “Minor League Deities,” then with that, and a heart full of promise Rachael Davis headed to Boston the day after the 911 attack. There she began performing in city subways and the streets of Cambridge. Within months she had made her mark on the Boston music scene winning the prestigious Boston Music Award for Best New Singer/Songwriter.Davis often found sanctuary in the city’s basement level record stores as well as Boston’s premier acoustic music clubs where she made fans and friends of local stage veterans Vance Gilbert, Cheryl Wheeler, Josh Ritter, and indie rock’s parade float princess, Mary Lou Lord.“In a way, they’re all still with me today,” says Davis, “I was part of a real music community there. My story was just like theirs. We all knew we were on a path to find something and for that moment, we were all in the same place.”Because Davis has been swayed by so many different types of music, her style is difficult to file and will not languorously rest amid broader musical genres. “My slant on acoustic music can be explained by a mixed cassette tape that my father played during my early childhood while driving in our family’s Chevy Cavalier station wagon we nicknamed Iggy. On one side of the cassette was the soundtrack for the film The Big Chill. On the other was John Hartford’s “Areoplane”.” Today Davis describes her music as ‘Motown-Banjo’
Bringing together the signature guitar, horn, and drum sound of the Third Wave Ska movement of the late ’80s and early ’90s, Secret Cajun Band formed out of jam sessions in the basements of 3 high schoolers in St. Louis, Missouri. The original trio of Miguel Figueras (guitar), Matt Nichols (trombone, vocals), Eddie O’Neill (trumpet) was soon joined by Erik Rogers (lead vocals, saxophone), Josh Alt (bass, vocals), and Andy O’Neill (drums). They extensively toured the Midwestern United States and beyond after the release of their first two studio albums, “Nightrain to Yiggitty Yiggitty” (1991) and “The Average Joe” (1992), later rounding out their discography with “Big House” (1994) and “Rearranging the Liquid Monkey” (1999).
What if Foo Fighters had a horn section? What if Cheap Trick had a baby with Fishbone? What if Green Day crashed the party at the Crowded House? Why are you asking all of these questions when you could be listening to the new album by Coolidge!
Coolidge began as a power trio vehicle for singer & guitarist Chris Smail to craft and deliver his brilliant pop gems. The original trio was born from the ashes of midwestern fan favorite Johnny Socko and started gaining regional attention for their high-powered performances. The rock was always there, but a delicious cake only gets more decadent & complex with frosting: enter the two piece horn section. All of the combined years of touring and songwriting has made for a very substantial collection of pop infused rock for people that still love music.
Cynic is an American progressive metal band formed in Miami, Florida in 1987 and later re-formed in Los Angeles, California in 2007, where the sole surviving member, Paul Masvidal remains to this day. Cynic incorporates elements of progressive rock, alternative, and metal.
Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, The Rosies are here to bring good vibes – and possibly melt your face off. Delivering authentic and fast-paced punk rock in its truest and most raw form, The Rosies play punk as it’s supposed to be played: electric, loud, and (as they say) “fueled by cheap beer”.
Crawling Vines is the alias of the eccentric, Chicago-based musician, Jack Holston, and now plays live as a 5-piece band~
Trapped in his college apartment, the young artist cooks up kaleidoscopic, retro-inspired tracks. He uses a hodgepodge of recycled analog gear to develop his own unique, DIY sound. Adopting production styles from psychedelic artists like Tame Impala while also maintaining a more homemade, blown out feeling like that of Ty Segall, his music is spacey, crunchy, and dark. The arrangements of his songs are heavily stratified; nearly every section offers thought-provoking, jam-packed productions analogous to the shoegaze mogul Slowdive. Catch his newest release, ‘Coconut,’ and indulge in the EP’s lo-fi, yet explosive energy.
Rotundos stand at the doorstep of a new golden era of underground music. They have many influences & with attention to detail you can spot them all. Formed in fall of 22’, Rotundos has played more than 50 shows across the nation & at iconic Chicago venues alike. (Empty Bottle, Schubas, Beat Kitchen) Rotundos has released 4 singles & 1 EP to date, with a second EP arriving January 12th 2024.
Rotundos is Jacob Padilla-Caldero, Jose Israel, Juan Arango & Henry Speer
Murali Coryell has a story that is unique and has been growing since before he was born. Held by Hendrix, lived with Santana, dinners with Miles Davis, opened for B.B. King , played with Buddy Guy: Murali Coryell is an artist that defies category. Jim Hynes of Elmore Magazine writes in review of “Made In Texas”, “With this, his ninth album, the talented guitarist and soulful vocalist Murali Coryell continues to expand his repertoire, yet his deep soul certainly remains intact.” “ With ‘Made in Texas’, Larry’s son, Murali Coryell offers everything the music lover could wish for: good songs, sufficient variation and an excellent band. More than reason not to doubt his new release!… “ (ESC for Rootstime.be).
Jimmy Webb , Judy Collins, BIll Evans and Joe Louis Walker, or anyone familiar with Murali Coryell has praised his talents. Acclaimed by Billboard, CNN, Rolling Stone, & The New York Times, singer/guitarist/songwriter Murali Coryell is a rising force in contemporary American music. Murali Coryell is the son of jazz guitar legend Larry Coryell and author/actress Julie Coryell and grandson of TV, film and stage actress Carol Bruce. Murali has been dazzling audiences for years with passionate and dynamic live performances that always leave them wanting more.
Murali Coryell has an affinity for languages and culture. He speaks French, Spanish, and Russian which allows him to communicate his music and message to the audience. His musical talent has brought him to places such as Europe, Russia, Lebanon, Panama, South Africa, Australia and the Caribbean.
In addition to performing his own original music, Murali has covered the songs of Sam Cooke, Al Green, Jimi Hendrix, Muddy Waters, Charles Mingus and Marvin Gaye.
The 1999 landmark recording “2120” co-produced by Marshall Chess, paid tribute to the Chess Chicago blues classics. Another milestone CD for Murali was the 2009 release “Sugar Lips” with Grammy winning producer Tom Hambridge. Murali’s voice and guitar has been heard on NBC’s TV show “Crossing Jordan”. Murali Coryell is a fully realized artist in complete control of a voice with soul to burn and the tastiest of guitar chops. Murali Coryell has been inducted into the New York Blues Hall Of Fame and was a 2014 BMA nominee for DVD of the year. Murali Coryell is excited about his latest release “Made In Texas” and can’t wait to see where this record takes him next. Murali Coryell continues to take The Blues forward and not be content to stay in one place. Tour dates, news, music, links and contact info available at http://www.muralicoryell.com/
Blues-rock prodigies are a special breed. They live and breathe the fiery swagger of electric guitars and the irresistible allure of rhythm-soaked sounds. That’s Clay Melton’s musical calling in a nutshell. At only 28, the Louisiana-born and Texas-based blues- rocker has already spent 15 years performing live. His powerfully raspy voice and wicked guitar licks leave no doubt he’s grown up in the school of barroom blues-rock.
Clay’s 2022 release, Live in Texas, which includes ten original songs and one cover, was spun on more than 160 radio stations in the U.S. and abroad. His riveting cover of ZZ Top’s Jesus Just Left Chicago, climbed to the #1 song in the world on the Roots Music Blues Rock chart in June 2022. The album boasts production and engineering credits by 5-time Grammy winner
Malcolm Harper (The Black Keys, Mary J. Blige, Keith Urban and many others) as well as Clay himself.
Live in Texas is Melton’s follow-up to 2021’s critically acclaimed release, Back to Blue, where the title track also climbed to the # 1 song in the world on Roots Music Blues Rock chart, and the album climbed to #9.
Clay Melton is quickly establishing himself as a rising star, having played world-famous venues such as Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood, opening for Grand Funk Railroad on the Chevrolet Main Stage at the State Fair of Texas, and sharing the stage with Sir Earl Toon, of Kool & The Gang fame. Past credits also include opening for blues-legend Robert Cray and platinum-selling artists Chris Daughtry and Night Ranger.
Julia graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Acting for Puppet Theatre from the National Academy of Theater & Film Arts in Sofia, Bulgaria, the most prestigious theatre college in Bulgaria and the Balkans. She has been in numerous drama and puppet plays in her native country. In 2016, Julia moved to the US and began her journey as an actress, improviser, and stand-up comedian. She is also an improv and sketch comedy teacher for children and adults. Julia recently graduated from The Conservatory of Second City and became a proud member of Rose Valley Theater Group.
Kieron Harrell is a Chicago comedian and Ohio native, but like anyone trying to succeed in life, he first had to leave Ohio. Once in Chicago, he quickly found his footing in the scene.
Kieron is a storyteller, and he pairs his stories with intricate observations that only he could see through his concerningly high prescription glasses. His quick witted punch lines keep the laughs coming, while his physicality places you inside each joke.
Kieron has performed at The Comedy Store, The Laugh Factory, Summit City Comedy Club, and Zanies just to name a few! He’s hosted weekends at The Laugh Factory, Skyline Comedy Club, The Comedy Vault, and the Lincoln Lodge. He’s opened for Rachel Mac, Michael Winslow, Lisa Beasley, Geoff Asmus, and Rodney Laney. As well as feature for Jake Iannarino, Joe Fernandez, and Adam Burke. He travels all throughout the Midwest, and captures it on his Instagram at ki_almighty!
This isn’t a teen garage band – it’s seven young stars in the making! They are all seasoned performers with several years of experience at a leading music school in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago.
Enjoy listening to this rock/funk band as they perform original high-energy songs and cover favorites from Led Zeppelin, Steely Dan, The Allman Brothers, Stevie Wonder, Radiohead and more.
