Goodmorning Valentine is the moniker for songwriter Joseph Allen Beltram. Joseph is a national touring musician and recording artist who has been playing shows and releasing records for the last 20+ years. His non-genre specific appreciation for all things songwriting, has led to many adventures in the craft and garnered hundreds of songs. From the more esoteric musing of the indie world, both new and old, to the classic sounds of the 60s and 70s.
ONE WOMAN SLAMMING BRUTAL DEATH METAL HAILING FROM THE INTERGALACTIC DEPTHS OF A BASEMENT IN CARY, IL
Brian Miklas is comedian who buys the ticket and takes the ride. Known for his dark style of comedy, he has performed all over Chicago including places like Zanies, Comedy Bar, and Lincoln Lodge.
Slumbering Sun is a powerful new melodic doom entity formed by members of underground mainstays Temptress, Destroyer of Light and Monte Luna. Their resulting sound explores broader melodies and sonics than their other bands, inspired as much by Celtic folk standards as by doom in the vein of Warning, even with hints of the classic 90s heft of Soundgarden and Alice In Chains.
After the breakup of their previous band, James Clarke & Keegan Kjeldsen resolved to forget the pain of an album that would never be released by creating something new. They resolved to launch a new band, with an album Keegan composed between work on other projects. They began one afternoon at the rehearsal space during the warm spring of Austin, with a few songs strummed on a clean, electric guitar. James began to write melodies, the two of them finished the lyrical content, and the idea began to evolve.
The band was assembled with other friends in the Texas metal scene, who’ve known each other from years of shows together. Kelsey Wilson of Temptress joined as lead guitarist and sojourned back and forth from Dallas. Garth Condit and Penny Turner – both in other bands with James & Keegan respectively – formed the rhythm section. Slumbering Sun was born. On a blisteringly hot week in the summer of 2022, the group recorded The Ever-Living Fire, the culmination of months of rehearsing and revising. All veterans of the road, the band plans on touring in the coming year.
of Smoking Popes
Monte A. Melnick is best known as the longtime tour manager for the legendary punk rock band Ramones. He worked with the band from their early days in the 1970s all the way through their retirement in 1996. Over the course of more than two decades, he tour managed the Ramones over 2,200 shows in more than 30 countries, becoming a key behind-the-scenes figure in the band’s history. There is no one in the world that has spent more time with the Ramones! Come on out and hear what he has to say about one of rock and roll’s greatest and most loved bands.
turn it up brother
The Dynamo Theorem is D. Foote, V. Vetri, and J. Sarmiento. Established 2001. Chicago, IL USA.
Formed in 2010, Condition Critical delivers high-intensity, no-bullshit thrash metal in the tradition of the genre’s most violent pioneers. Described as “a literal war of sound that attacks you with deadly perfection” (New Wave of Thrash Zine), they’ve built a reputation on relentless riffage, vicious stage presence, and tours across the U.S., Europe, and Russia.
Zero Place was formed in 2019 by Zander Ness in Fargo, ND under the original name Enditall.
The debut album “Never Feel Again” was recorded November 2019 – May 2020 by Neal Stein and Zander Ness and was released by Royalty Holding Company on May 23, 2020.
The live band was assembled in early 2020 and has performed numerous live concerts since April of that year.
Other releases include “Over Me Bright” (2020) recorded by Cameron Dewald and Zander Ness, “Toska” (2021), and “Fearland” (2021), both recorded by Neal Stein. The single “Toska” is also featured on Midwest Mixtapes Vol. III released by See You Never Records in September of 2021.
Two music videos were released in 2021 for the songs “Give Me Nothing” and “Toska”, both filmed and edited by Minneapolis based Kowala Media and produced by Royalty Holding Company.
The group has been featured in Decibel Magazine and High Plains Reader as well as online features including Issues Magazine and Unsigned Showcase.
The single “February Song” was released on February 4, 2024. Recorded by Max Johnk, Andrew Wallin, and Zander Ness and mixed/mastered by Neal Stein. A lyric visualizer video can be viewed here.
“Shadowbox” was released on October 1, 2024 as the first single from the album “Darko” and features additional vocals by Ryan Hoffart of Baltic To Boardwalk.
“Darko” was released on November 16, 2024.
A psychedelic punk quartet whose Latin soul resonates through every song.
An acoustic duo feat. Stephan Cook (Violin) Ian Gill (Guitar) Each performance = a fine mixture of catchy originals & fun covers!
A Chicago band featuring the beats of Dana Thompson and multi instrumental talents of Darin Nicholson and Connor Bernhard
SMFC is the solo work of Chicago guitarist, Steev Custer. Known from Chicago bands Death and Memphis, Space Age Zeros and My Big Beautiful.
Drummer fronted, Illinois based, Steve’s in the Band (SITB) is the brainchild child of Jim Holmen, RT Zelm, and Steve Grossinger, which was birthed from a drunken challenge to learn to play guitars by Jim to his 2 non-musical friends. With nothing but time over COVID, it didn’t take long before the dream became a reality, for better or worse.
Embodying the punk rock spirit of the music these 3 grew up on, their musical abilities crawled out of the garage and grew legs as their 90s-injected sound established themselves as an upcoming power trio in the scene. SITB has been drawing in a diverse and growing fanbase locally, regionally, and beyond through fast, loud, and melodic live performances.
With one major achievement already under their belt, starting a 3-piece, touring-ready outfit with 2 members who’d never played an instrument, Steve’s in the Band went on to record their first full length album at punk rock institution, The Blasting Room, and play a slew of regional shows, while ambitions to tour the world brew behind the scenes.
Young(In) is a rapper from the South Side of Chicago who knows little limits when it comes to his pen. He uses writing as an outlet for escape, creating different worlds to get lost in, telling stories he didn’t have the courage to share years ago, and simply letting go of the words he’s been holding onto.
Through his writing, he was fortunate enough to become an Apprentice and Fellow to the John Walt Foundation.
Not only was he spotlighted by SocialWorks Chicago, and also had the honor of performing at ShapesFEST at Navy Pier, he was also a featured artist at the Chicago’s Got Next Pop up Stage at Lollapalooza 2025.
In short, Young(In) writes. Like actually.
K.XXIV (aka GREYISHERE) is a versatile recording artist and producer creating music that’s synonymous with the genres of Alternative Hip-Hop and Lo-Fi Rap. Throughout his discography, KX continues to push his message about mental health awareness and creative expression by matching thought-provoking and emotionally fueled bars with energetic and hard hitting beats. Most recently, KX has began a new era in his career through the release of his latest song, TWO GLOCK SHORTY, which is the first breakout single for his upcoming album set to release this Fall.
Casino Trell is a versatile musical artist from Chicago,IL. His compelling yet charming demeanor speaks for itself. Coming from a musical family he understands the beauty behind the art of music. Whether it is R&B, Soul Samples, Boom-Bap or Heavy 808s behind an instrumental Casino Trell delivers like no other.
Milita’s First Lady, Ms.Sharpen A N*gga Sword, Head Spiita In Charge from the Westside of Chicago. With a voice like a warning shot and a pen that doesn’t flinch, Tre’s sound is hard-bodied, head-bobbing, and undeniable. Her debut project, Rabbit Season, marks the start of her hunt—gritty, raw, and full of lived truth.
Mike DFG is a powerhouse from Chicago’s West$ide, blending raw storytelling with anthemic energy to become one of the city’s most versatile and slept-on underground artists. Known for his distinctive voice, genre-spanning catalog, and captivating stage presence, he’s carved a lane that’s as dynamic as the city that raised him. His music reflects both the struggle and the soul of Chicago — unfiltered, unapologetic, and unforgettable.
He solidified his sound with two of his most ambitious releases to date: the self-mixed & mastered Line Of Fire EP and his debut mixtape Love Letter To The West, which dropped in October and turned heads across the city. From packed sets at venues like Metro, Reggie’s, Subterranean, and SXSW in Texas, Mike’s live show proves he’s not just next up — he’s here.
Outside the booth, Mike DFG is deeply rooted in community work. He serves on the Chicago Chapter Grammy Board, is a proud member of the John Walt Foundation, and runs his own nonprofit, Bigger Than The City, a platform dedicated to uplifting local creatives and giving them real opportunities to be seen and heard. His impact goes beyond music, proving he’s not just building a career, he’s building a legacy in real time.
Born in the belly of Barstool Sports rat infested second headquarters, Pup Punk is playing your favorite pop punk party playlist live. We’re coming to your city. Tell your friends. We’ll tell your mom.
Vocals: Rone & Caroline Baniewicz Lead Guitar: PFT Commenter Bass Guitar: Robbie Fox Drums: Frankie Borrelli Rhythm Guitar & Keys: Nick Hamilton
Goddess Embodiment | Evolving Unapologetically Through Rhythm & Melody.
Members of Kiss It Goodbye, Playing Enemy, Gaytheist and Bastard Feast.
‘Objects Without Pain’ out on Neurot Recordings.
Man with guitar lives here.
America’s favorite Bluesman.
29. Chicago-based artist and musician.
DEPRESSIVE HOMICIDAL DEATH METAL
Story-rock band from Milwaukee, WI
Keys, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vox3
Myths & Magic is an anthological collection of songs from different perspectives scattered through the world.
Mike Chase’s journey into the world of comedy is as unique as his style on stage. Born out of a serendipitous moment just a day before his 30th birthday, Mike’s transition from an eight-year career in HR to a rising star in the comedy scene was anything but conventional.
The rush of being on stage ignited a fire within him, reaffirming his lifelong dream of pursuing stand-up comedy. With influences by comedic greats like Martin Lawrence, Marlon Wayans, Jim Carrey, and Dave Chappelle, Mike’s comedic style is a perfect blend of relatability, energy, and quick wit. He effortlessly connects with audiences through his personable demeanor and ability to find humor in everyday situations.
As Mike Chase continues to make his mark in the world of comedy, one thing is certain—he’s not just here to tell jokes; he’s here to build a legacy. With his unique blend of humor and infectious high energy, Mike is poised to leave an indelible impression on the comedy landscape for years to come. So buckle up and get ready to laugh your way into the future with Mike Chase!
Detroit comic, Mississippi born and raised
Stand-Up Comedian and Teacher from Chicago.
Kobe Crawford a stand up comedian from Chicago, IL. He been a background Actor for Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, Power Force and The Bear also performed for the Kenan Thomson Experience in 2022. Now Kobe made his debut in 2023 new TV show called Horrific will be out on TUBI and will be in a short film SOLEMATES in 2024.
Three Wisconsin guys thrive on their differences. Cousins Nate Uhrich (lead vocals) and Jeremiah Lunde (drums) had long been passerby in each other’s lives. In 2018, the pair re-discovered their musical connection at a family gathering. Soon after, Josh Janiak (bass) joined and they decided to name the band “Lunde” (a family name).
2025 brings Lunde’s newest record which they call, in tongue in cheek fashion, “Wisconsin’s First Band”. On this record, the band confronts some of the feelings that make us most human: happiness, anger, loneliness and everything in between.
Combine Findlay Avenue sewer stench with the feeling of your Grandmother’s vintage porcelain dinnerware meticulously placed in a victorian china cabinet…and you get Sylmar, which like Korean cuisine, is best enjoyed live.
Originating in 2019, Pleaser was founded by Collin Bennett and Graham Dickson, with the additions of Christian Olds on drums, Zek Morris on bass and Rohan Nair on keys/auxiliary guitar.
In October of 2020, the band enlisted the expertise of producer Cole Clark to record their first, five song EP, entitled, Why Aren’t You Any Fun? released in March of 2021 featuring the tracks Away From You and Ocean of Fire
In May of 2024 the band released their debut album Read the Room garnering over 150,000 streams in its first week with tracks Always Lookin In and Degrade.
Consisting of 4 old time pals who are no strangers to the Chicago music scene (Members of Mystery Actions, Bleach Party, Heart Shaped Hate, Absolutely Not, Youth Dekay), they decided to whip up some raucous tunes of their own and hit the ground running.
VANG!’s music is a hodge podge of genres and influences spanning across this diverse lineup’s previous musical ventures.
“Foot-stomping rhythm, sing-along harmonies, and infectious mandolin and banjo picking” – Milwaukee Record
“These guys are like the bluegrass equivalent of the “Dogs Playing Poker” painting. It’s casual, but still professional, and friendly, but also very metal.” – Milwaukee Record
“They’re the Marshall Tucker Band with Johnny Cash as the front man, tossed with a Charlie Parr truth about them” – Minocqua Brewing Company
Formed in 2015 in the dead center of the thriving Midwest roots music scene in Stevens Point, WI, the four members of Dig Deep drew inspiration from their shared appreciation for traditional bluegrass and country music, their love of rock and roll, and their combined decades of hard gigging in the punk/metal scenes, local bars and roadhouses, and regional festivals. Three releases and 600+ shows later, they have firmly established themselves as an utterly unique and powerful force in the roots world.
With a body of work that showcases their vision, craft, heart, and clout as songwriters and instrumentalists, Dig Deep has earned a reputation for their well-honed and hard-edged sound that goes far beyond bluegrass, as well as their blistering and boisterous live performances that give audiences much more than a string band show.
The Maxines is an all-female grunge band hailing from Savannah, Georgia. AJ Grey leads on vocals, twins Coco and Maddie Oke kill it on drums and guitar, and Emma Faith Smith hammers the bass. Their sound combines fuzzy tones, swoon-worthy riffs, moody vocals, and angsty rhythms for a gritty nostalgic punch. The group has gained a reputation for their high-energy and commanding live shows. Their debut album, “Skin Tight,” is unapologetic, and solidifies the group as a mainstay in the underground rock scene.
The Maxines have been awarded Best Local Metal Band, Best Local Punk Band, and were finalists for Best Local Concert of 2023, Best Local Album, and Best Local Rock Band in Savannah, GA.
Bonnie Trash is the project of twin sisters Emmalia and Sarafina Bortolon-Vettor, wedding post-punk’s steeley-eyed austerity to goth rock’s brooding grandeur. Rather than fashioning nightmares into reality, the band paints reality as a nightmare; rife with pain, suffering, and gothic theatre.
Like their forebears Joy Division, Black Sabbath, or John Carpenter, Bonnie Trash understands that everyday atrocities haunt the periphery of our lives. A black cloud looming on the edge of our vision. Curses abound. You can’t ward them off. You’d best make an unholy racket.
Where their first full length, Malocchio (2022), shrouded Bonnie Trash’s nightmares in dusky dreamlike reverb, Mourning You (2025) is vivid and immediate. Mourning You is less a post-mortem fantasia than a sudden, swift dagger to the heart. This is sorrow not as a lingering bruise, but a gushing wound.
Bonnie Trash has performed at renowned festivals across Canada, made their U.S. debut at The New Colossus Festival in New York City (2023), and has shared the stage with TRAITRS, Chastity, Dilly Dally, Bria Salmena, and The OBGMs. They have been featured in Guitar World, Metal Hammer, Classic Rock Magazine, Exclaim!, BrooklynVegan, and The Line of Best Fit.
Step into the golden era of soul with Kings of Motown, a powerhouse live show that celebrates the legends who defined a generation. From Stevie Wonder’s electrifying grooves to Luther Vandross’ timeless ballads, this performance delivers the magic, passion, and smooth harmony that made Motown the heartbeat of music history.
Led by vocalist Brandon Foster, backed by dynamic musicians and rich vocal arrangements, Kings of Motown isn’t just a concert—it’s a journey through the soundtrack of love, rhythm, and soul. Every note pays homage to the greats while adding a fresh, modern energy that keeps audiences singing, dancing, and reliving the classics.
Whether you grew up on Motown or are discovering it for the first time, this show guarantees an unforgettable night of music that proves why soul never goes out of style.
Rock band feat members of @wearesoftlies @thehallowband @johnnyrev1 @myopiasouthside
Chicago local duo with a throwback 90s industrial alternative sound
Sincerity Can Undermine Fascism
Indie rock band from Chicago
This isn’t nostalgia. This is a reckoning.
Jared Petteys channels the raw spirit of American rebellion through the firepower of modern rock energy. Based in Charleston, SC and built for the road, this band doesn’t ask for attention—they take it. With thunderous riffs, soul-soaked lyrics, and a stage presence that burns like an oil fire, they deliver a sound that hits like Elvis on a motorcycle crashing into Nevermind.
It’s blues with dirt under its nails. It’s punk with purpose. It’s storytelling soaked in the outlaw grit of Johnny Cash, the danger of The Clash, and the restless weight of ’90s alt rock. Every song feels like a midnight drive with the windows down—unfiltered, and impossible to ignore.
Frontman Jared Petteys leads with ferocity and heart, writing from scars and truth. Together with his band, they’ve earned a reputation for explosive live shows, a growing international following, and music that connects with the restless, the wild-hearted, and the ones who carve their own path—always moving forward, never looking back.
If you’re looking for mediocre, keep moving. If you want something real—raw, loud, and alive—welcome to the revolution.
Brian “Sye K” Ford is a multifaceted music artist, producer, engineer, songwriter, and dancer specializing in R&B/Pop with a versatile and dynamic style. His musical journey began at the age of six when he began singing in church and continued with learning the piano at eight years old, where his passion for music was deeply rooted. During high school, he discovered music production through FL Studio, which set the stage for his career.
Sye K refined his craft at Columbia College Chicago, launching his professional career and earning a B.A. in Audio Design & Production in 2018. His artistry is a fusion of R&B, Soul, Pop, and Rap music influenced by iconic artists such as Beyoncé, Usher, Chris Brown, Brandy, and T-Pain.
With three EPs and numerous music videos currently available, Sye K has also made a mark in the industry by writing, producing, and engineering for other artists. He reached a major milestone with the release of his debut album KING SYE on February 4th, 2025. With this album, Sye K continues to push boundaries, delivering authentic, exceptional music that connects with audiences worldwide.
R&b,Pop,Soul-Chicago Band
I just came to sing for y’all, that’s all
Singer | Recording Artist | Penzell Washington
God’s Child|Singer-Songwriter|Vocal Producer & Arranger
William Covert has been immersed in Chicago’s experimental music scene for over 15+ years, playing drums in math rock, post-rock, and post-hardcore punk bands such as Space Blood, Droughts, The Eradicator, Rust Ring, Wet Tropics, and Tum. Heavily influenced by the innovative and forward-thinking experimental rock and jazz underground communities rooted in Chicago since the 80’s, Covert started experimenting with combining live-looped synths with acoustic and electronic drums resulting in a solo project venture of the past several years. Inspired by the raw energy and dazzling technicality of bands like Don Caballero, Zombi, and the Mahavishnu Orchestra as well as the cinematic compositional prowess of John Carpenter and John Zorn, Covert began recording and performing full-band post-rock synth and drums pieces as an experimental solo artist.
With the release of Covert’s 3rd solo album, Dream Vessel, released on October 17th, he has taken the music in a more avant-garde rock direction with the addition of Jack McKevitt on guitar, and Nathan Schenck on bass along with Covert on drums for half of the tracks on the album as an expanded William Covert Trio. The tracks on Dream Vessel featuring the trio lean heavily into improvised minimalist noise-jazz incorporating elements of slowcore, noise rock, and free jazz.
Balls Out Blackened Speed Metal Assault from Austin, TX