CHICAGO WOMEN IN THE BLUES FESTIVAL!
A bevy of blues-belting bombshells take center stage in this high-energy blues review, featuring a rotating roster of Chicagoland’s top female blues performers. The show is dedicated to the memories of the original great blues women of Chicago.
Hosted by “Black Cat” Joan Gand on keyboards and the Gand Band
*Lineup subject to additions and changes
THE ROCKIN’ JOHNNY BAND
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.
STUDEBAKER JOHNS’ MAXWELL STREET KINGS
Super rare appearance by critically acclaimed group with one of the top blues CD’s for 2011.
JIMMY BURNS
Singer, guitarist, and songwriter, Jimmy Burns is a contemporary bluesman who combines his Delta roots with R&B and soul to come up with a sound uniquely his own. Burns is a charismatic performer with an expressive, soulful, voice and a melodic guitar style to match.
EDDIE TAYLOR JR’S WESTSIDE GUITAR SHOWCASE
A true Chicago treasure keeping the Chicago blues tradition alive.
LURING THIEVES
A guitarist, a bassist, and a percussionist
SPENZO
ALEX WILEY
Alex Wiley is a 19 year old MC from the South side of Chicago. He has been building a steady buzz releasing songs like “#MoPurp” leading up to the release of his debut project, #ClubWiley, in the very near future. With the release last year of the Can I Borrow a Dollar EP w/ Village cohort Kembe X. Alex Wiley dropped #MoPurp featuring Chance the Rapper and Kembe X racking up nearly 100K views he has proven a force to be reckoned with on the Chicago music scene. He has opened for a number of sold out shows at venues across the country and is finally prepared to headline his own in his hometown and will be giving a preview of the highly anticipated #ClubWiley mixtape which will be released via Closed Sessions.
YOUNG GIFTZ
2 OF DIAMONDS
The 2 of Diamonds is a fast rising hip-hop duo from Chicago, IL. The group consists of Dee Rush (Darrias Taylor) and Myke Boogie (Dorian Cornelius). The two met at the age of nine, forged a strong friendship, and originally formed an r&b group, but as their voices changed so did their ambitions. Myke began writing rhymes at the age of 13 and convinced Dee to join him in this new endeavor. Their talents clicked and they decided to join forces. Dee Rush suggested the name The 2 of Diamonds after unsuccessfully performing a magic trick for Myke in which Dee attempted to pull Myke’s original card from a deck only to continuously pull the 2 of diamonds. This card was never the card Myke Boogie started out with, so Dee Rush felt as if this symbolized something, and around this time and the name stuck. By the age of 15, The 2 of Diamonds began recording their material on a home tape recorder. Writing and recording became their favorite pastime, and they spent as much time as they could honing their craft. They both attended Southern Illinois University where the two began to take their craft even more seriously. They met a fellow student and producer, who called himself simply ‘P’, who had a studio set up in his dorm room, and began to work diligently on a project that they eventually released to SIUC students during their freshman year. They also entered a talent show that same year after a fellow student in charge of the event convinced them to do so. The crowd displayed overwhelming interest and The 2 of Diamonds won the first talent show they had ever entered. The amount of positive feedback they received let them know they were onto something. After finishing up their college careers they decided to pursue their craft professionally and began recording on the Hip Hop label Gang Green Music Group. The duo is currently finishing up their first official full length cd, scheduled for spring release. Their cuts ‘You Already Know’ and ‘Aaliyah’ have received multiple spins on both Power 92.3 and 107.5 WGCI, the two most popular urban stations in the Chicago area.
EBONE HOODRICH
BAG MONEY BOYS
“DEFINITION OF CASH” N DA STREETS NOW
EBONE HOODRICH
DEFINITION OF CASH VOLUME 2 CUMMIN SOON
STUK N DA TRAP CUMMIN SOON
J. CLARK
XXTRA
DJ OZONE
DJ 20 MINUTES
URIZEN
The balls of Rammstein strapped to the bodies of DEVO with the brains of Type O Negative performing the live show of GWAR… with a robot!
WINTERHYMN
On distant, misty plains, echoes the sound of steel clanking on steel–the gallop of a thousand frenzied horses–the swollen beat of war drums. Scores of warriors bellow their anthems of victory, while others cry out in pain as their last breaths are viciously forced from their lungs. These are the sounds of Winterhymn.
With the fantasy and escapism of power metal and brutal bludgeoning of modern death and black metal comes Winterhymn, a natural force intent on musical conquest. Raise your swords and cheer with us, or ready your knees and fall before us. The invasion has begun.
LORDS OF THE TRIDENT
Who are the LORDS OF THE TRIDENT? Hahaha…FOOL! You are not worthy to gaze upon their might!
Their metal’s so pure that only diamonds can scratch it, and usually the diamonds are the ones that end up getting hurt in the end. Their amps are so loud, Manowar knocked on their door and asked them to “please turn down”. You think you’re bad? While you’re watching their sweep picking wondering how they bend space-time to fit all the notes in, they’ll punch you right in the face without missing a beat. If you like battle, bloodshed, axes, fire, and losing limbs, then mosh your way to the front row and receive your free ticket to Valhalla. If you don’t like these things – too bad. They’re playing anyway, and they’ll make sure to steal your girlfriend in the process.
ALL HAIL THE LORDS!
GAMMA GULP
Gamma Gulp is the radioactive offspring of a frosty brew found untouched in the forgotten refrigerators of the wasteland.We glow under black lights and are only harmful if swallowed. We bring metal to the fine denizens of the wastelands through classic heavy metal covers as well as our own original sounds of the apocalypse.
EXOTIC ANIMAL PETTING ZOO
Exotic Animal Petting Zoo is an experimental/prog/rock band from Crown Point, Indiana that was formed in 2004 by brothers Brandon and Stephen Carr. Their initial sound combines the likes of The Dillinger Escape Plan, The Smashing Pumpkins, Deftones, and Sigur Rós.
EVERGREEN
Evergreen is a high energy jam band out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, blending the styles of rock, jazz, funk, bluegrass,ambient, and many more, through extensive live improvisation, for a totally unique sound.
THE VOODOO FIX
Originally from Perth, WA, Australia, The Voodoo Fix is on their fourth national tour. Since 2007, the band has been constantly playing clubs, festivals, and college campuses, growing their fan base from coast to coast in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and New England. They are currently touring the East Coast full time and are recording songs for their fourth record. The Voodoo Fip spent the Winter of 2011 in a remote mountain cabin, producing their debut LP, Not For Nothing. Recorded live and in three days, the album is a reflection of intense musical exploration with elements of rock, funk, and folk. To promote the release of Not For Nothing, The Voodoo Fix toured across the country playing free shows on organic farms to raise money for independent farmers in what became known as ‘Tour-Ganic’. With dates throughout the East Coast and new releases soon to be announced, the Voodoo crew is busier than ever, delivering a fix everywhere they go.
THE WHO “QUADROPHENIA”
Quadrophenia is the sixth studio album by English rock band The Who.
THE REPLACEMENTS “TIM”
SHILOH
A six and sometimes seven piece of people who enjoy playing American music. Midwestern boys making midwestern noise.
HOT NERDS
Music for DORKS made by DORKS (members of Some Girls, All Leather)
MANIC ZAMBONI
Manic Zamboni offers further evidence that there’s some malevolent nerdiness lurking in the practice spaces of Wisconsin, building songs as much on deviously timed noise squiggles as on deviously timed psych-metal riffs. For all the meetings of dub and math-rock that go on in the band’s songs, a ballsy rhythm section makes it all pretty damn gratifying even for those who like their rock a little less convoluted.
PERFECTION
Every Girl Wants Aa bad boy that sounds like this.. PERFECTION
SNAKEPARTY
AL & THE BLACK CATS
Al & the Black Cats is an American Rock n Roll band that combines much of the flare and musicianship of 50’s Rockabilly music with the speed and attitude of Punk Rock.
ANNA RAE
Raised in California, Anna has also lived in North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Australia, and now Boston. With a penchant for formulating story-line, Anna shapes her songs around characters which listeners recognize as themselves, and people they’ve encountered.
Known for lilting melodies and gut-wrenching lyricism, Anna’s debut album Peddler’s Wares nods to her folk roots, and features her emergence in the Boston indie scene. It highlights her signature style of combining melodic bass guitar with soaring vocals: pleading, spare, offering comfort and an honest appraisal. The album features multi-instrumentalists from the Boston music scene and demonstrates the influence of Mason Jennings, Townes Van Zandt, Patty Griffin, AA Bondy, and Radiohead. Songs range in style from folk-rock to indie-pop, their themes at once self-reflective and universal, expressing the tension between wilderness and city living, seeking forgiveness and accepting blame, deisre and loss, love and distance.
MATTHEW WYLDER
MARK GILL
Chicago Based acousti-electro pop
BLAYER POINT-DU-JOUR & THE ROCKERS GALORE
After establishing himself as a supporting player in the Philadelphia music scene, playing with artists such as Phil Moore Browne and Miss Argentina, multi-instrumentalist and lead vocalist Blayer Pointdujourstepped out on his own in 2008. Bringing together Dan Peterson (drums), Charles Duquesne (percussion), Tyler Hayduk (keyboards), Ian Nauroth (guitar) and Camico (vocal stylist), Pointdujour created TheRockers Galore.
After a few years spent making booties shake in Philadelphia clubs,Blayer Pointdujour and The Rockers Galore released their debut EP, Port Au Prince, on Philebrity records in the summer of 2011. That effort got them noticed by media outlets such as XPN, who crowned them with a best new music award and also profiled the band on The Key.
Now, the band is gearing up to release their first full length album, The Bull, on September 18th, 2012. As with his previous releases,Pointdujour oscilates from nightclub anthems to social treatises with his signature mix of reggae and hip-hop. Influenced by 1970’s sounds, as well as classics like Buddy Rich and Buddy guy, with some modern flavors such as Kanye West, Pointdujour strives for big, quality sounds in the studio. He says, “I’m trying to bring back old music but make it bang like it’s 2012.”
This fusion of old-school funk and brand new spunk, rooted in Hatian kompa music, reggae and punk create a sound impossible to resist. The Bull is slated to drop on 9/4/12.
BBB
Better Bidness Bureau returns with their second album, “BBBoom!” available April 24. Their Medeski, Martin, and Wood style free-groove jazz meets Lettuce-esque horn driven funk is further established on this follow up to 2010’s “Is An Element.” The trio of Brett Holcomb, Stephen Harms, and Evan Krause are joined by saxophonist Drew Carlstrom, trumpeter Keith Karns, and trombonist Jonathan Elmer for much of the record. Starting in early 2009, the group began honing their increasingly elaborate songwriting simultaneously with their live improvisation (sometimes of entire sets) through numerous tours and residencies throughout the Midwest. In late summer of 2011, the group spent 7 days tracking 5 albums of both new and road-tested material before relocating from Indiana to the East Coast. “BBBoom!” represents the first in a series of albums to be released from these prolific sessions. It includes fan favorites from the band’s more recent live sets, including the hard funk of “Dang All,” the silky alto saxophone driven “Pastel Porn,” the broken-bop “Skywalkin Batman,” and the brand new track “Thicker.”
IMPOLITE SOCIETY
ImpoliteSociety is a Freeform Hip-Hop group, comprised of Westley J. Parker & ELEE and DJ Fess Grandiose. The triad has been circulating throughout the bubbling indie Hip-Hop scene of the Mid-West; building a brand based on work instead of the usual hype. For over a year they’ve been rocking Chicago’s premiere venues and the party circuits alike, moving crowds with their in-your-face live performances and clever yet straightforward lyrics reminiscent of golden era MCing with a Punk ethos.
ATBMDMFoo
ATBMDMFoo is a collection of artist that have naturally come together to chase one dream. All coming from the same high school of Oak Park and River Forest, the team wasted no time when it came to putting together top notch, high level music. Whether it be mix tape tracks of the team killing the industry beats everyone loves to completely original music produced and born exclusively from within the growing circle of pure talent. ATBMDMFoo members are completely independent artists that plan on capturing the attention of all through the ears of the people and the knowledge of how to construct good music. The “New Era” trilogy is the beginning of this process. It showcases production and lyrics from the teams own producers and rappers alike. The cover arts and all associated pictures are brought to life by the same people who make the music and all videos are shot and edited by Ross (The Boss) Constable. With all major fields acquired, ATBMDM are clearly motivated, dedicated, and medicated (by the smell of things) to be the next big consistent group of young hardworking artists. With each and every individual member prompt with what it takes to make it in this industry, ATBMDM have more of a memorable agenda in front of them by changing the industry and becoming the future of it.
D.SON
You can say that his start came Spring of 09 when tossing around the idea of becoming an Emcee transformed from a hobby into a real passion, love, and dream. D.Son, real name Daniel Moore, was born October 24, 1987 in Chicago, Illinois. Musically, his influences include Rakim, Krs-One, Eminem, and Jay-Z just to name a few. Containing an incredible stage presence and knack for creating what his peers describe as “Feel good music”, D.Son has shown in just three shorts years on the scene that he is one of the elite Chicago Emcees. In three years, he has amassed a library of underground gems which have produced 3 mixtapes and the highly anticipated EP “Only an EP” which was released New Years Day of 2011. With each song and project released, D.Son continues to show and prove that he is worth a mention when asked about not only up and coming emcees locally, but also nationally. Described has the ideal up and coming emcee and “a breath of fresh air in Chicago music”, D.Son is driven by his love for the art. His captivating, yet easy on the ears flow, showcases his versatility on tracks which exemplifies what makes him a unique listen. “I like to consider myself the perfect blend. I stand out because I’ve molded my own style which I feel enables me to reach out to any and all listeners regardless of age, race, or gender”. D.Son’s work ethic and grind has landed him shows in some of the most prestigious Hip Hop venues in up North Chicago, as well as shows such as the African Fest, Elite 8 showcase and two shows that have been hosted by Chicago radio personality Bionce Foxx. He has also been a featured artist is the teen magazine “TrueStar” (Summer issue with Hip Hop, Chicago mogul Common on the cover), as well as various radio interviews. The name D.Son is beginning to ring bells in Chicago Hip Hop and it looks to stay that way well into the future.
DINERO DYNASTY
In a time where hip-hop groups seem outdated, Chicago rap duo Dinero Dynasty has found it to be something that is needed. Coming from Chicago, a city that has talent but struggle to find a music identity, musicians become influenced by all different types of music and mesh them into their works. Members Shazey and Runna Garcia have known each other most of their lives but until a few years ago decided to take a shot at a rap career. Shazey and Runna both belonged to seperate crews before they decided to come together. The music flowed very well and they decided to make Dinero Dynasty.
CADILLAC DUKE
From the arson stroked streets of Flint, Michigan, Cadillac Duke paints a picture of a deteriorated past with his mix of urban street flavor over an eclectic mix of organically, raw and digestible beats. Lyrically the content is harshly literal except for a few, subtle metaphorical phrases sprung in between emotionally thick lyrics that not only provoke emotion, but also give insight into his vivid imagination. At 21 this young Mc is new to the Chicago hip-hop scene, usually found clad in athrow -back basketball jersey and a snap-back, Cadillac Duke is sure break the mold and re-enter with a characteristically unique style of hip-hop
SUPREME REGIME
We’re a collective of progressive Hip-Hop artists reigning from the streets of Chicago!
ENRICO X
DJ RAMBO LANZO
IN THE WINTER
RACES
RACES exists as a result of artistic rebirth and personal rediscovery, but it all starts at a point in Wade Ryff’s life where motivation was at its most scarce. Disillusioned with music, beset with the bitter ending of a relationship with a real life witch and faced with the overwhelming stagnation of being a 23-year old in the sleepy suburban outpost of Van Nuys, during that time, Ryff wrote the pleading lyrics of “Big Broom” in the bathroom of his parents house. He explains the song’s message as “accepting that every ending is a new beginning, and even if we may have no control over when things are given or taken from us, we can always choose how to respond.” Whether he realized it or not at the time, it would serve as a mission statement for a handful of musicians in the area who were also idling through their 20’s and desperate for a new beginning. Breanna Wood, Lucas Ventura, Devon Lee and Oliver Hild knew each other prior to RACES’ first show, played in bands together, and oh yeah, either had dated or were currently dating each other. Still, nothing could anticipate it all coming together for Year Of The Witch, a life-affirming document forged from the pain of a time when life feels most uncertain and coming out of it renewed. In a mad dash, Ryff and Herberg got in touch with some of their old friends and bandmates and assembled a “dream team,” five additional musicians from around the area he admired, including Hild on bass, Herberg on guitar, Wood on keyboards, and Lee on vocals and percussion. Ventura would play drums for the second RACES show and they’d lose a backup vocalist who went to focus on her solo project (Ryff empathizes), but otherwise, RACES has remained exactly the same since that very first gig. At its core, there are plenty of sad songs and waltzes – “The Knife,” “Walk Through The Fire” and “All For You” all have a melodic and lyrical directness befitting their origins as Ryff’s solo work. But as Ryff admits, “I didn’t want to play music that’s just a sappy guy on an acoustic guitar,” and RACES flesh them out to swoon with dramatic grandeur and earthen rusticity behind Ryff’s plaintive words. It’s a startling show of sophistication from a band who has only been together for less than two years. The ornate orchestration and vocal arrangements on the female-led counterpoint “Don’t Be Cruel” in particular owe their origins to Herberg’s background as a composer – he’s the one who brings Ryff’s Leonard Cohen fantasies to fruition. Quoth Ryff, “he’s our Brian Jones.” But even with the speed at which RACES are going forward, they haven’t gotten complacent in the slightest – they’re already working out new material for their next album, which they hope will integrate more of the electronic textures they’ve been experimenting with and won’t be so much “about a girl,” as Ryff jokes. But their goals are still modest – maybe playing the Bowery Ballroom in New York, getting better as musicians, the sort of things deemed worthy to a band that isn’t looking to piggyback on any sort of hype cycle. But what do they hope for most of all? Ryff puts it best: “I’d rather get dropped and start back at the beginning than not have fun with these guys.” It’s a fitting mission statement for a band for whom every show feels as exciting as that very first one.
COLD COUNTRY
BILLY DON BURNS
Billy Don Burns has been around the honky tonk for a lot of years. The Arkansas Native has been through the darkest forest that life could put in front of them and has emerged rougher, leaner and possessed of a talent so enormous it’s a wonder a single body could posses it. With “Heros, Friends and other Troubled Souls”. Burns pays solid tribute not only to his own hard road but to other heart sore folks who traveled it before him. Every song is a tremendous work of art aimed at those troubled souls he writes for. It’s honest and often harsh but so brillantly constructed and performed, it’ll blow you completely away.
GANELLE & DONNY RAY
Ganelle Djarlo is a Country/Americana Singer/Songwriter who has performed and worked with music in many places all over the world from Nashville to New Zealand. Ganelle has been performing since the age of 3, and began songwriting at the young age of 14. Ganelle’s songs are real and come straight from a woman’s soul. Donny Ray Reed is a Country Soul songwriter. Donny Ray has lived, traveled, and toured throughout Europe and the United States, and writes about the many unique experiences and people that he has come across on his path. Ganelle and Donny Ray offer a truly unique and talent filled show by combining Ganelle’s original Americana/Country songs, Donny Ray’s original Country Soul songs, along with traditional country and soul covers from Patsy Cline to Willie Nelson to Dottie West to Ray Charles.
SHOCKING TRUTH
Bringing the sound on real music back… Presenting to some and introducing to the world SHOCKING TRUTH!!! S.T. is a Chicago-based band of musicians formed in 2007 by a group of guys with great talent and a deep love for music. Each member of the band has had their own individual success recording for and touring with a wide variety of artists such as: Mary J. Blige, Nicki Minaj, Fred Hammond, Keri Hilson, J Moss, The Dream, and Smokie Norful… just to name a few. Shocking Truth has 13 members each with their own style but when brought together gives off simple greatness! They have a variety musical influences ranging from the Beatles to Earth, Wind, and Fire to Mint Condition. From these influences and a background of gospel music that the entire band shares, they have created a unique brand of inspirational music. This group takes music and gives it a universal a sound that fans of real music will love for generations! With groundbreaking production and world class musicianship they are changing the face of urban/inspirational music in one of the nation’s largest markets. This brand of music speaks to all areas of life. It inspires and challenges those who listen to be better human beings. The band’s first single, “Fact of the Matter”, is currently on the radio and the band’s self titled album will be released the summer of 2010
BRITTANY BOSCO
Bosco has been hard at work prepping a new EP, which is entitled Let Go of Me, for release on 3/6/2012. This labor of love is a mixture of plush, warm synths, glimmering guitar, and tribal rhythms, all carried by the wonderful vocal stylings of Brittany Bosco. Brittany has been delving into many different genres of art since her 2-year hiatus from music. Her emotional and artistic exploration led her to a few Atlanta musicians who seemingly had very different musical influences: Ira G. (a dj/hip-hop/r&b producer who produced two tracks on Bosco’s Pacer EP), Shane Orange, Jonathan Merenivitch, and Carlton Knight (three members of Atlanta post punk/soul quartet Tendaberry). After playing a few fantastic shows together, Brittany asked the four other gents to join her on a new musical venture. Bosco was formed. Building on her unique genre-bending trademark, Bosco melds together trip-hop, experimental soul, indie pop, and post punk into a delectable treat for any listener. Bosco’s first single “Joker” is a prime example of their ability to trigger emotion, building intensity to its apex, then surprising the listener with an unexpected, yet totally fulfilling release. The band is preparing to set out on the road to introduce their brand of expression to the masses.
YO GOTTI
ZED ZILLA
BEN RIPANI MUSIC CO.
Upon Ben’s return to Chicago, the “Ben Ripani Music Co.” was formed. Blending the sounds of Indie, Folk, Alt.Country & Americana, with lyric based songs and involved texture and sound, it’s hard not to engage in the honesty, moments of vulnerability and truth that is laid on the stage during their live shows. This 5-piece band is comprised of Ben Ripani (guitar, vocals), Patrick Benson (percussion, vocals), Dave Marshall (bass, vocals), Chris Nakielski (keyboards, vocals), and Chris Lambert (guitar).
SWIFT TECHNIQUE
Founded in 2007, Swift Technique hails from the musically rich city of Philadelphia. Over the last four years, the six piece Funk Ensemble has relentlessly toured, performed and recorded throughout the US. The extremely positive chemistry shared by the band is translated when performing live. Swift Technique brings an electric energy and party style atmosphere on stage. Although the group draws from many world influences, their genre is uniquely Philadelphia.
POCKETFULOFSCOUNDREL
Pocketfulofscoundrel’s Josh Rowe is a Chicago based singer-songwriter. Growing up in Lowell, Indiana, Josh became interested in playing music after being inspired by Paul McCartney’s bassline in the song Hey Bulldog, by the Beatles. After playing the bass guitar for years, Josh picked up his dad’s old, beat-up Harmony acoustic guitar, and began to learn that instrument. Throughout the years, Josh has written quite a number of songs, from cute and quirky (The Mustache Song) to deep and heartfelt (Chicago, Make Me Weep). Josh has been influenced greatly by Bob Dylan, Elliott Smith, and Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s, just to name a few. His music is very lyrically driven and comes from the heart (and the half empty bottle of Walgreens brand wine sitting in front of him).
BUSDRIVER
As a certified grade-A byproduct of the Goodlife Cafe’s tail-end and the humble beginnings of Project Blowed, Busdriver has built an ironclad rep for being a chop-maestro and style monster.
ACIDIC
The hardest-working, hottest young rock band in Southern California – ACIDIC – is at it again! They’ve been added to Vans Warped Tour ’14 – officially confirming 2014 as their biggest year yet!! The boys kicked it off with their first-ever headlining run, the “Electric Cool-aid ACIDIC Tour,” that rocked the Rockies and Pacific Northwest in January and February with superlatives: “BEST Wednesday night in a year” – Herman’s Hideaway, Denver; and “BEST Monday night EVER” – Machinery Row, Great Falls MT. There are more tours ahead, including a return to KHTQ-FM Spokane’s “2Broke 2Rock”, and sponsored shows by KJML-FM in Joplin MO and Q106 in Great Falls MT!
ACIDIC concluded an intense 2013 with WJJO-FM’s Acoustic New Year’s Eve, a third round of special events with that station this year. The boys completed their longest-ever coast-to-coast tour, with Smile Empty Soul last fall. Other 2013 highlights included three tours with Hinder, two tours with Trapt, a sold-out summer Viper Room show and a star turn at Sunset Sessions Rock 2013!, as they promoted their most successful album yet, “Copper Man”, convincing the industry crowd they were the buzz band of the night! “Copper Man,” produced by multi-platinum award-winner John Ryan of Chicago Kid Productions (Styx, Santana, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Brothers), earned ACIDIC a distribution deal with SONY/RED via MegaForce Records. Motley Crue’s Nikki Sixx named both the title track and “Drive Thru” “Sixx Picks of the Week” on his syndicated radio “Side Show.” Meanwhile, the hilarious, jawdroppingly-insane “Copper Man” video is nearing 1,000,000 views on Youtube! ( http://www.youtube.com/theacidicband )
Critical raves continue to pour in for ACIDIC on CD and onstage! BLUERAIL.com: “Frontman Michael Gossard is a force of nature, connecting to his audience and his band mates in ways that make an ACIDIC show highly electrifying.” RUKUS magazine: “These guys aren’t afraid to rock out. Gossard can really wail with his vocal at times and the band is full of energy. They move all over the stage, enjoying every minute of every song they play.” PERFORMER magazine: “Straight from the get go, ACIDIC brings forth its frenetic energy and passionate sound in waves of indie alternative delight. This band brings the goods, with personality and flair unmatched in many West Coast bands.“
ACIDIC’s tour history includes Candlebox, Fuel, Alien Ant Farm, Hawthorne Heights, Filter, Marcy Playground, and Armed Forces Entertainment for US troops in Kosovo and Germany; plus the 2012 Winter NAMM Show at the Anaheim Convention Center, SXSW, Florida Music Festival, Sunset Strip Music Festival, and Bamboozle Left. ACIDIC’s power rocker “Strata Red” won the Alternative category in the 18th Billboard WorldWide Song Contest.
ACIDIC consists of lead singer/guitarist Michael Gossard, drummer Matt Whitaker, guitarist Josh Bennett, and bassist Max Myrick.
ARC IMPULSE
Arc Impulse combines its members’ eclectic musical backgrounds to create a force of orchestra and synth video game rock. If you think you’ve seen them before, you probably have. From 2004-2010, they played throughout the United States as the Spoony Bards, sharing billboard space with the likes of The Protomen, Steve Conte, Super 8 Bit Brothers, Peelander Z, Lemon Demon, and Video Games Live. But it was time for a change. You may have seen them before, but you haven’t heard them before. Prepare for battle.
ALAR WAVE
Chicago-land natives Gerard Pannekoek and Alex Sisto have been friends since elementary school, but it took them until after college to decide they wanted to pursue music together. Looking around at the current state of affairs and seeing a world simultaneously expanding and contrasting, perhaps it was who Mick Jagger said it best, when he sang, “What can a poor boy do, except to sing for a rock’n’roll band?” And so in 2012, the two of them, bound by a similar taste in music and a strong desire to promote social change, started writing music. By the end of the winter, having spent most of it holed up in their Wicker Park apartment, they emerged with an album’s worth of material and no intention of stopping there.
At its core, the music is most closely related to rock, but elements of pop, folk, and indie are undeniably prevalent as well, giving them a sound one might describe as unexpectedly familiar. The two share lead vocals, and their progressive-minded lyrics more often than not find themselves supported by a backing voice or harmony, keeping the music melodic, upbeat, and full. Despite the absence of a drummer (for now, anyway), their music suffers no lack of energy, and in fact, relies heavily on rhythm to carry the songs and keep the listeners engaged. But, as with all music, you really just have to listen to it.
THE CUTTHROAT DRIFTERS
The Cutthroat Drifters are quickly building a grassroots following with their own brand of classic rock and roll. Look for their first recordings in April, and catch one of their upcoming shows.
THE HEARD
The Heard is a Chicago-based band venerated for its deep pocket and reverence for legendary funk. The group is known for turning out hot, sweat-drenched sets that stretch into the wee hours every Thursday night at live music Mecca aliveOne.
The Heard has delivered hard hitting performances at some of Chicago’s top venues, including Metro Chicago, Lincoln Hall, Congress Theater and Concord Music Hall. The group has backed former Galactic vocalist Theryl “Houseman” DeClouet and has shared the stage with national acts Dumpstaphunk, Lettuce, Slightly Stoopid, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Passafire, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Dragon Smoke, The Nth Power, The Motet, The Mike Dillon Band, Alan Evans’ Playonbrother, and The M&M’s.
2013 saw The Heard break onto the national festival scene with sets at Chicago’s Northcoast Music Festival and String Cheese’s Incident’s Suwanee Hulaween festival in Florida. The band also performed at two of Chicago’s largest neighborhood festivals, Taste of Randolph Street and Boulevard Fest.
The Heard’s music features powerful horn melodies delivered with precision and swagger by Adam Gross (trombone), Lucas Ellman (saxophone), and Parris Fleming (trumpet), the driving rhythm guitar playing of Taras Horalewskyj, tasteful keyboard work by Neal O’Hara, and a slamming foundation provided by bassist Mike Starr and drummer PJ Howard.
TURBO VAMPS!
Turbo Vamps are a Punk Band from Chicago Illinois that formed in 2005 and have been writing, playing shows, and rocking out ever since. They released their debut album in the fall of 2009 with their first tour to promote it the same time. They are heading back in the studio this spring/summer to start work on their second album. The band has grown so much as musicians and as people. There are no signs of stopping for Turbo Vamps so make sure to check for frequent updates on facebook and twitter.
GIRAFFES EATING LIONS
“Giraffes Eating Lions = Charlie Brown dancing meets punches to the face. Like Pig Pen having a panic attack.”- Postive Artichoke
“How do you know the world is coming to an end? I can almost guarantee you when that day comes the Giraffes soundtrack will be playing.”- IndyConcerts.com
” Their songs are furious and short clips of sheer noise…………The whole band acts as if they are Ritalin deprived teenagers with a serious case of ADD.”- IndyConcerts.com
APOLLO HOUSE
Formed in 2011, at Columbia College, Chicago rock band Apollo House has been compared to the Black Keys, Led Zepplin, the Black Crowes, Rival Sons, and numerous other bands that can be described as “old fashioned rock ‘n roll.” Though the band has embraced every single one of these acts, Apollo House focuses their attention on three things: heavy riffs, heavy soul, and heavy rock n’ roll.
According to singer Joe Korbee, “The band was formed to be true to the classic idea of rock n roll…” This includes blues laden guitars, heavy drums, and “honest lyrics through a soulful voice.” It’s this take on classic rock that will often take audiences by surprise, not expecting to witness such a true tribute to classic blues and rock music. It’s with this that the band hopes to give back to music what went missing in an industry where numbers always seem to overshadow talent. However, Apollo House has still managed to create and play music that exceeds traditional rock n’ roll standards. It’s the homage to classic rock music that intrigues people to Apollo House, but the modern distinction is what makes people stay.
This past August, Apollo House recorded and released their self titled EP and continues to tour and perform as much as possible. They continue to perform the show and festival circuit this upcoming spring and summer. Most recently, Apollo House recorded a release show with JBTV which will be released/aired in the coming months.
TINY MILES AND THE BIG KIDS
Dedicated to his craft, the originality and prowess of Tiny Miles is sure to impress even the most critical of skilled technicians. Tiny Miles casts a spell over the audience with the soul and passion of 1950’s Chicago blues and Memphis rockabilly music.
At a Tiny Miles showcase – one can expect a soul-stirring, energetic performance of roots music soaked in retro vibes, coupled with a level of professional musicality that must be witnessed first hand.
MANNY DUKE
This 25 year Chicago based artist, producer and engineer has been on the music seen for four pivotal years. Sharing the stage with such acts as Big Sean, GLC, Rymefest, Really Doe of Good Music, Crucial Conflict, Jargon, Hot2Def, Rockie Fresh, DMeeks and Mikey Streets to name a few has made a regional name for himself with his unique style of music.
His highly anticipated sophomore album “Love, Sex & Hip-Hop” was released for release October 25th, 2009. Opened the imagination of how versatile this lyricist is as he showed he can also compose the instrumental he uses. February 25th 2010 came the release of his third album entitled “The Doppler Effect”. The tittle comes from an astronomy term which means lights and sounds from the universe that’s visible from earth. This album brings heavy drums with a jazzy tune toppled by a fresh batch of Chi-town bred lyrics. “The Doppler Effect” happens to be his most successful album yet after seeing success numerous online sales worldwide.
July 16, 2011 Manny Duke released his forth album “Proper Gander” with singles “No Gravity,” “Dial Me Up” “Red Lights” and “Perfect” including a De La Soul sample of “Buddy.” find out more @ www.mannyduke.com