ALEX THOMAS DUO
BORGATA MOB: FRESCO X BLACK LUNG
Borgata MOB: Fresco x Black Lung: Based in Rockford, IL but now relocated to Los Angeles California. Fresco Clean, the world known battle rapper, ladies man, and internet sensation along with Hip Hop Trap Star/Bad Boy rapper Black Lung, are now promoting the WHITEBOY WASTED LP produced by entirely by Billboard Super Producer Soleternity that will be released through Borgata Entertainment Group/Hoopla Worldwide on INgrooves|Fontana Distribution early next year. The duo has released a slew of videos over the year, and have finally stepped up it working with major labels and other smaller labels and have plans for many future projects next year.
ILL LEGIT
TIMMY GRINS
ION
DJ IMAGE
GITCHAGUMI
The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down of the band that loves fusion and loud jazz. Gitchagumi plays jazz of every era, from the early days of be-bop, to post bop, to latin, to soul and funk, to more contemporary artists. If you like jazz at all, this band has something for you. Featuring alumni of such Chicago bands as Family Lifted, The East Village Project, Pala, Fat Time, Starcandy, P-1, Smittyvision, The F-Word, and the Powers that Be, Gitchagumi is a tree with many branches and deep roots.
ORGANIC FLOW
Known for their innovative style, Organic Flow create cultural dialogue through their music. They are known in the Chicagoland area for their process of respectfully combining elements of jazz and hip hop music. The band is a quartet composed of Zane Ranney (drums), Michael Cantafio (guitar), Liam Bird (vocals) and David Gilman (bass), but also calls on many feature members and guest artists.
SOUNDGARDEN “SUPERUNKNOWN”
PEARL JAM “10”
Ten is the debut studio album by the American rock band Pearl Jam, released on August 27, 1991 through Epic Records. Following the disbanding of bassist Jeff Ament and guitarist Stone Gossard’s previous group Mother Love Bone, the two recruited vocalist Eddie Vedder, guitarist Mike McCready, and drummer Dave Krusen to form Pearl Jam in 1990. Most of the songs began as instrumental jams, to which Vedder added lyrics about topics such as depression, homelessness, and abuse.
FAITH NO MORE “THE REAL THING”
THE ROSS ORIGINALS
JOSH CATALANO &THE DIRTY THOUGHTS
ON YOUR MARX
Founding members of the original lineup; Roger Chavez, Kevin Lustrup, Steve Katz and Tim Schuett are anything but ellusive in projecting what has been their love for years.
Bringing Ska to the people.
Lailah Reich on Vox, Kathleen Irion on vocals and keys, Bill Stulgin on sax and Tim Williams on Trombone and NOW : Dee Isler on Drums !!! 🙂
RESOUND:
With a little help from some old friends, while making new ones along the way, OYM
spent the months between January 2009 and September 2010 recording a new album which they hope will be their crowning achievement in an attempt to write the next great Ska classic.
With more than 15 musicians featured on the album, OYM has strived to grab what’s
great from every genre of ska, reggae, 2 tone, dub, and ska-core to make the most diverse ska record to date.
With content ranging from the most personal inside jokes, to the universal feelings
toward hate, fear, violence, love, and lament, OYM labors to speak to all of us on one level or another.
WILSON’S ALL STARS
DESTROYER OR LIBERATOR
THE Z BAND
THAT’S NO MOON
Since their inception in late 2010, That’s No Moon has been busy destroying dance floors across the Midwest. The band’s infectious brand of indie-rock, which includes elements of pop and electronica, can transform even the most apathetic of crowds into a raucous dance party. With the release of their self titled debut LP in September of 2011, That’s No Moon proved that they are much more than just an energetic live act. While still retaining the excitement of their live performance, the 12 track album showcases the band’s ability to meld pop sensibility with musical integrity. With a full US tour set for the Spring of 2012, That’s No Moon is setting out to conquer the indie-rock scene, destroying one dance floor at a time.
*That’s No Moon is: Ben Wilson (Vocals/Synth), Hayden Cler (Guitar/Vocals), Paul Little (Bass), Kyle Prillaman (Drums, 808s)
**Hometown: Champaign-Urbana, Illinois
SKAPONE
Chicago: YOU KNOW US! We have been playing ska on Chicago’s scene for over 20 years now! Performing mostly original compositions, Skapone’s driving rhythm section is complimented by outstanding vocals and horns. The band appears at at many clubs and venues, as well as corporate and charity events throughout the Chicago area and mid-west. The band hit the studio hard in 2007, recording tracks for a new CD. Mixing completed in 2008 and the CD was released to an outstanding and receptive crowd at Abbey Pub – Chicago, on August 16th, 2008. Band History: Mark Callahan was relegated to the bench on his Los Angeles high school basketball team. He had been a starter (as well as the team’s only white player). After the benching, he became despondent and quit the team to play music. He was then uprooted to the suburbs of Chicago. Some friends that helped out in the fine arts department at Main East H.S. borrowed an upright bass. Using that bass, Mark learned two Buddy Holly tunes for the school variety show. Amongst the crotch rocking wanna-be’s, they played two rockabilly tunes and from that humble beginning, Mark decided to form a SKA band. His girlfriend’s sister told him about a drummer named Mitch. Little did Mark know that he was the same Mitch who not only lived a block away from him, but had also attended the same kindergarten with him. The two got together with some other people who were somewhat capable of playing music and formed a SKA band, The Skatones. The band originated in 1984 and died in May 1985 when Mark (again uprooted) returned to Los Angeles. State Of Emergency (1985) State Of Emergency was created in September 1985 after Mark moved back from L.A. Mitch was still on drums, Mark on bass, and the seventh grade Chris Dorff on guitar. Mitch moved on to play with another Ska band and other types of music. Mitch’s departure ushered in Jim Strezewski. From 1987 until 1989, State of Emergency was probably one of the few 3-piece SKA bands to have ever existed. Al Goldman on trombone (Mitch’s brother) and Mitch on trumpet were added for a record release show in 1989 at Medusa’s. Both stayed on for the next 19 years. State of Emergency released a four song EP (self titled) in 1988 and an album titled Skaterbrain in 1991. Jim and Chris took off in 1992 and the band State of Emergency died. Out of those ashes, SKAPONE was born. SKAPONE (1992) SKAPONE took shape in 1992. Mark was on bass with Mitch and Al as the horn section. Lincoln (Link) Seabrooks was the new guitarist. Marie (Mark’s ex-wife), was the drummer. Various horns were added and subtracted. Eventually Skapone discovered Jason Duerr in the produce section of Jewel one Saturday afternoon. Jason joined the band in his senior year of high school and 15 years later, looks pretty much the same. 1996 brought back Jim Strezewski on drums. In 1998 Skapone release the full length CD, Bold New Flavor. Chris Dorff rejoined the band in 2000. Kurt Anderson filled out the horn section on tenor sax in 2001. Tony Dale joined for a stint and recording and has moved on to other projects. Jim Strezewski is back for his 3rd stint with Skapone and we love him!
DOC MINTZ’S VAT OF CHOCOLATE
BAMBIRAPTOR
BambiRaptor is a five piece postcore/dreamo band formed in Chicago 2009. Our music is focused on catchy hooks, guitar riffs and vocal melodies. The group comprises Roger Remillard (lead vocals), Doug Moore (lead guitar, backing vocals), Gary Farr (guitar), Kenneth Kruse (bass guitar, vocals), and Nick Emrich (drums, backing vocals, other instruments). …. BambiRaptor’s material can be compared to acts such as The Killers, Jet, All American Rejects and Taking Back Sunday. The band’s music has been called “Dance Rock”, “Screamo” and even “Reggae” (Greenology).
LEAH DRUZINSKY
FORT WILSON RIOT
As they tumble out of the back of a maroon minivan into clubs, bars, living rooms and festivals across America, Fort Wilson Riot are liable to become a favorite local band, no matter where you live. Splitting their time between unstoppable touring and incessant recording, the Minneapolis-based duo of Amy Hager and Jacob Mullis have no shortness of ambition. In their time as a band they have recorded an indie-rock opera, Idigaragua, and performed it with a full cast of actors and dancers, produced and recorded their full length follow-up, Predator/Prey, and dropped singles, remixes and compilations.
Their ambition doesn’t just include themselves, they actively work to promote other bands who become friends and collaborators on the road. Amy & Jacob will often go out with bands who are perhaps making their first attempts at a tour and Fort Wilson Riot has released several of the Wild-Eyed Scientist mixes to spread the word about the great music and musicians they find all across the country and the world!
In their own music, Fort Wilson Riot isn’t just happy to let it stay the same either. Yes, they make great harmonies, with Amy’s soprano lifting and floating over Jacob’s growl and yelp, but there is nothing easily classifiable about the rest of their sound. From the crashing guitars and keys, to the blasting uplift of trumpet and harmonica lines to the dancing thump of electronic drums, Fort Wilson Riot are an energy that grabs a hold of you and takes you on a journey. The music doesn’t let up, and wherever they are, neither do Fort Wilson Riot.
CHANDELIER BALLROOM
PEEP
FORTY PIECE CHOIR
Forty Piece Choir reunites for a 21st anniversary show playing their entire 1999 debut album Salud, which Jim DeRogatis described as “a smart and sophisticated effort with 10 lilting, atmospheric songs full of sly melodies and enigmatic energy.” Knowing no boundaries with their music, Forty Piece Choir mixes 60’s influences like The Beatles and 13th Floor Elevators with modern day alterno bands such as the Jesus & Mary Chain and The Flaming Lips. While pushing this mixture of musical artistry, Forty Piece Choir’s words evoke positive ideals, spirituality, and the gift of life.
THE LAST DARK SHOW
BAD FORUM
The world’s greatest rhythm section playing with the world’s wrongest guitarist!
BUCKSHOT BULLY
THE CARS “THE CARS”
NO DOUBT “TRAGIC KINGDOM”
FOO FIGHTERS “THE COLOUR & THE SHAPE”
ANIMAL HOUZE BAND
Darryl “Animal” Williams (Producer, Musical Director, Studio Musician, Arranger, Actor, Bass Player, Pianist, Percussionist and Entertainer):
Darryl received a Bachelor of Arts, Music from Chicago State University and an Associates of Science, Electronics from Wilbur Wright Junior College.
Darryl has over 20 years experience in the field of live entertainment. He has played with Chaka Khan, Shante Savage, Bunky Green, Rick James, Prince’s group Mozaratti, Willie Clayton, the late great Junior Wells, Otis Clay, and many others. He has also acted as musical director and arranger working with M-Doc and Smash/Polygram Records. Other artists he has worked with include Brandy, Kelli Williams, McLyte, Vanilla Ice, and the late great Gerald Levert.
Animal Houze’s musical repertoire is very extensive and their musical ability is phenomenal. Animal Houze is comprised of some of the best musicians and vocalists in the music business. Whatever your musical taste, this group is able to provide whatever you need to make your event a success.
Darryl “Animal” Williams has also been involved with many special products, including but not limited to jingles for national commercials for McDonald’s and Push Expo, political jingles, writing and producing radio spots for Project Vote, David Orr, Cook County Clerk and “Say Yes.”
ROSA’S CANTINA
MC
FREELIFE
THE FREE LIFE
WAVVY HANDS
POLAR ISLAND
Polar Island is a musical writing and performing duo. Fusing Rock and Pop melody and structure with Trip/Hip-Hop and Dance backbeats, dark brooding basslines and just the right amount sparkly noise sprinkled on top. Creating thick, loose-yourself kind of soundscapes that are as auraly exciting live as they are in you headphones.
ZVOOV
TO DESTROY A CITY
BETHESDA
After recently releasing their 2011 EP, “Dreamtiger & Other Tails,” Bethesda has been slated for thirteen shows on Showtime, MTV, Oxygen, VH1, and E! Their music can be heard on over 200 independent and college radio stations nationwide, where they have reached “Top 5 Add” status and have been charted in numerous college markets.
Over the past year, Bethesda has had the privilege to play with bands such as Eisley, Azure Ray, Margot and the Nuclear So & So’s, Jessica Lea Mayfield, First Aid Kit, River City Extension, Frontier Ruckus, Suckers, and more. Bethesda has used their energetic live shows and carefully crafted songs to elevate themselves into the same conversation as some of indie rocks best.
These five friends, in hopes of satisfying their snow laden angst, came together in the interest of channeling their desires for meaningful living into the artistic expression of music. The result? Bethesda, an indie rock group that brings together folk roots, indie beats, crafty guitars, and soaring vocals with meaningful lyrics to build songs that move your heart and feet in equal measures.
Blending influences from seemingly unblendable musical genres, these folks paint pictures of human drama, the struggles of life, the beauty of nature, and the few truths they know to be true with poignant lyrics and musical movements that can rip you from your apathetic state and send you whirling. This vibrant combination has aided Bethesda in developing a loyal following.
Bethesda followed up the 2008 release of their self-titled EP with the release of their debut full-length album, “Love in a Time of Tra La La,” in January of 2010. Their new EP, “Dreamtiger & Other Tails,” was recently release in May 2011.
NORTHLAND GHOST
Northland Ghost is a new band out of Chicago playing a blend of original folk rock americana tunes. The band consists of Brian on vocals and guitars, Jeff on drums, and Joshua on bass. The band formed in fall of 2011 to start playing out the songs Brian had written and recorded over the previous year or so. They are currently playing Chicago in support of their new EP “The Trees Are Burning.”
PLACEHOLDER
DAVID PRUSINA
David Prusina is an old, old man who cares a great deal for his family, friends, and music. During his life, he has encountered many styles of music, and he has enjoyed most of them. David seeks to write songs reflecting that wide variety of genres while trying to state simple feelings in a way that all can understand. He is really old….. much older than he seems.
LOU SHIELDS
Lou Shields is an Artist, Musician, Teacher and Skateboarder who has been living and working in the Chicago area his entire life. He has also traveled extensively and draws on life experiences when making his work. His music is rooted in pre and post war 20th century America with a 21st century perspective. He has a deep appreciation for Delta Blues, Country Blues, early Country and beyond. Shields continues that tradition with respect in the 21st century and transcends any specific genre. He released his first EP in the Spring of 2011 but has been making music for over 20 years.
SAMADHI VIBE
Samadhi (Sa-mah-dee) is complete liberation, bliss, concentration, and all that yummy goodness… Samadhi Vibe is a Rock, Funk, Soul and Blues band that: *Explores various music styles, *Strives off that live sound, *Loves the art of writing songs/arranging covers/jammin’ improv, *And playing music for the BENEFIT OF MUSIC AS A WHOLE Samadhi Vibe is more then just a band, we are a family. A family of friends that love to have ourselves a great time, hopefully helping others to do the same. We have all been playing together for more than 7 years, recording, playing shows, open for gigs, and still going strong. All of us are vibrations to make these “Samadhi Vibes”. So lets funk them up and dig our Samadhi Vibe Funk for some fun. Join us in these goal
OWEN MAYS & THE 80 PROOF BOYS
Hailing from rural Wisconsin, Farmageddon Records artist Owen Mays adds his own touch to American music, while working hard to preserve it’s traditions. Playing classic, honest, simple songs about heartache, hard luck, and hard living, inspired by the likes of Hank Williams, and Molly O’Day, Owen delivers with a sincerity that can’t be faked. Whether appearing solo, or with his backing band, The 80 Proof Boys, Owen can almost always be found on a stage somewhere, doing what he does
BANJER DAN
THE PEOPLE BROTHERS BAND
From humble beginnings at late-night open jams in a downtown Madison bar, The People Brothers Band have solidified over the past three years into an eight-piece Rhythm and Soul powerhouse. Their eclectic blend of original grooves, conscientious lyrics, soulfully mastered vocal and instrumental work, along with diverse self-tailored covers, holds the crowd on the dance floor and keeps them begging for more. From Funk to Soul, Rock to Reggae, Folk to R & B, they’re guaranteed keep the audience on their feet.
COCHINO Y LOS PISTOLEROS
Back in the marshes of the Carolinas came an ooozzze of country pickin’ stank the likes of which had never been seen before. Cochino needed a posse and slunk his way westward to Chicago and found The Pistoleros – a crazed bunch of lowdown scallywags and car theives. The rest is history.
Hide yer wimmen.
REVERSE COWGIRL
everse Cowgirl have been on the grind for over a 4 years now, and the disc is just another milestone from the multifaceted band. Amongst the group’s four members (Kari, Al, Dave and Julia), they’ve released other solo and side projects. They have collaborated with some of the finest talents in Rock, and blessed stages alongside a long list of luminaries including: The Cramps, Dale Watson, Lee Rocker of the Stray Cats. …. 2007 is poised to be a great year for the group, as they take their raunchy live show on the road, with road trips up & down 35W!! …. The girls are Kari Shaff on vocals and Julia Williams on drums. Kari has long been enthralling Midwestern audiences with her sass and formidable voice. Equal parts pout, purr & growl, she has a hell of a voice and an attitude to match. Julia, laying down a solid musical foundation, has a great ear for playing just the right part when needed. …. The guys are Dave Wolfe on slap bass & Alan Subola on guitar. Dave was a mover & shaker on the Minneapolis music scene, wearing the hats of musician, record label chief, radio host, DJ and booking impresario. Now living in Austin, Texas. Previously nominated as Minnesotas best guitarist, Alan has sung, composed and performed for a bevy of bands, on radio and on record. Both are from Minneapolis’ own Vibro Champs, a Midwestern rockabilly institution and stars of stage and screen… ……
BOREAL HILLS
Boreal Hills is a duo rock band that originates from Columbia, MO. Karl Frank picks up the guitar and vocals, while Tom O’Connor hits the drums. With only two members, their sound is tight, thick, and fuzzy, using multiple amplifiers to transfer the energy that both members emit on stage. Live shows carry the crowd through alternating levels of tangible light to enigmatic darkness. Karl and Tom have been playing together for roughly four years, which becomes apparent with the level of improvisation and maturity of their material. The band recently recorded their second full-length album, Trinkets, in August of 2011. Compared to their first self-titled debut, which was recorded and produced by the band itself via 4-track cassette, Trinkets delivers a more clear and full sound made possible by studio recording.