LEGENDS IN SESSION
Hosted by Horace Grant. Launching in 2026 with Legendary Guests, Iconic Stories, and unforgettable moments from Horace’s 17 NBA seasons. Sign up free at LegendsinSession.com for bonus clips and exclusives.
Hosted by Horace Grant. Launching in 2026 with Legendary Guests, Iconic Stories, and unforgettable moments from Horace’s 17 NBA seasons. Sign up free at LegendsinSession.com for bonus clips and exclusives.
Emma and the Dilemma is a musical and creative arts project featuring the amazing vocalist & performer Emma Cismesia! In a short timeframe, EATD has quickly become one of the hottest bands in the Chicagoland area! EATD features high-energy diva pop, rock & soul that is guaranteed to impress! EATD performs as a full band, but is also able to play smaller shows as a duo or trio, depending on the needs of the venue or event!
Emma and the Dilemma performs both covers and originals depending on the venue and the show! Our setlist covers artists such as Adele, Amy Winehouse, Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Dusty Springfield, Olivia Rodrigo, The Cranberries, Alanis Morisette, and more.
EATD released our first EP of original music on Feb. 22, 2025 at Ballydoyle‘s in Downers Grove. Check it out on Spotify. The “Lovesick” video is posted on YouTube.
ABC Castaway. Rock Chick. Country Singer. Wears heart on sleeve.
Pop Rock Artist, Abby K, hails from Nashville TN slaying the bass guitar and writing catchy, empowering records. Between rocking in over 30 US states and releasing 15 original songs, she has quickly become a force that cannot be tamed Abby K gained sight of the public eye in 2018 when she began her professional career. Shortly after, she toured with Nita Strauss (Alice Cooper, Demi Lovato) and opened for artists such as Dorothy, The Iron Maidens, Danny Worsnop (Asking Alexandria), Hinder, Soulfly, and more. In just a few short years, Abby K has acquired over 400,000 Spotify streams and over 250,000 YouTube views. Recently, Abby K has become a star on TikTok collecting hundreds of thousands of views weekly.
In the limited time that Abby K spends away from touring, she resides on Broadway in Nashville TN, playing four to five nights a week and writing songs for other artists. Outside of the music industry, Abby has launched Girls Rock Nashville, a clothing brand by strong women, for strong women. Abby also hosts biannual Charity Concerts at The Basement giving female artists a platform to perform their original music to a welcoming audience.
Abby K is an independent artist who handles her own management, booking, PR and recording. Abby K is thrilled to be working as an Artist with Laney Amplification, Spectraflex Cables, Bartolini Pickups, OnSong, Vocal Mist, WB Gear, and The Orchard! Join Abby on this journey of hers by following @abbykrocks on all social media.
Alt-country & blues band based in Chicago
BTFMR is a Gut Rock group from Minneapolis, MN. Blending influences of punk, guts, and mystery.
Emasculating Old School Death Metal
Mel Senese is an alt-rock artist whose sound captures the fiery energy of Paramore and dynamic edge of No Doubt. Her music delves into life’s struggles, offering an inspiring and empowering perspective delivered with confidence. Mel’s honesty and electrifying performances resonate with listeners seeking both catharsis and motivation.
Beyond her music, Mel is a devoted bird enthusiast. Her conure, Benji, frequently makes appearances on her social media, charming fans with his playful antics. This love for parrots even influences her branding, with a bird-inspired logo that reflects her personality and creative free spirit.
Mel has performed extensively across the Midwest, earning recognition as Chicago Big Break Champion in 2017 and opening for national acts like Dorothy and The Veronicas. When not releasing music, she continues to perform regularly throughout the region.
In 2020, Mel embraced live streaming to connect with fans during the pandemic. Her engaging weekly streams garnered a dedicated following, earning her features in the Chicago Tribune and a TV appearance on ABC7. That same year, she collaborated with Bliss Skincare on a TikTok campaign, co-writing the song “This Is Bliss.” The campaign achieved over 7 billion views, driving massive success for the brand.
Coming back from a 2 year song release hiatus, Mel dropped a handful of singles in 2024, ending with the 5 song EP Called Main Character. It’s a celebration of self-confidence, resilience, and creative rebirth. The EP concludes with its namesake, Main Character, a powerful track that ties everything together. This song is about prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and owning your story. With its strong message of self-respect and empowerment, it’s the perfect closing note to a transformative journey in preparation for what’s to come next for Mel.
Valories is a Nashville-based pop artist looking to defy the rules of the genre. Her unique soundscapes and new age-relatable lyrics paint the perfect picture of mystery, chaos, and fun. Valories came from a place of wanting to be free to push the boundaries, both thematically and sonically, and continues to explore the world of atmospheric synth pop while taking inspiration from both modern and time-honored artists of various genres.
Tim Dahl is a professional electric and double bass player, vocalist, keyboardist and composer living in New York City. He is best known as the bass player of the noise-rock band Child Abuse and Lydia Lunch Retrovirus. He also writes and performs for the jazz ensemble Pulverize The Sound.
In a decade plus of songwriting as Euphoria Again, Johnny Klein has explored everything from lo-fi bedroom pop, to Nashville recorded alt-country, and even stands as one of the earliest contributors to the now exploding shoegaze revival. Beside this ever-evolving project, Klein has also split his time as hired studio guitarist, member of Philadelphia Grateful Dead cover band Friends Of Jerry, and now long-time member of Philadelphia’s moody slow-core favorites Knifeplay. Heard through all of this work, is Klein’s unique brand of earthy, spectral authenticity, a quality which has earned him a cult fanbase with Euphoria Again, and which shines powerfully on his newest record Waiting on Time to Fly (Born Losers 2024).
Adam Kelly (born October 13, 1996), better known by his stage name Adamn Killa, is an American rapper from Chicago, Illinois. Adamn initially started making music at the age of 14, joining the group 197 O$G with fellow Chicago-rapper LUCKI.
Adamn would start to build a real name for himself throughout 2016 when he started working with Swedish rappers Yung Lean, Bladee and Thaiboy Digital, creating popular songs like “Psycho,” “Ten” and “Cashin.” He would later drop out from college to join them throughout Europe for the Warlord Tour, leaving his baseball career behind and pursuing music full time from there on.
He would briefly step away from music in 2021 as it was no longer a reliable source of income. He focused his efforts into other ventures, such as investing into various crypto currencies and doing Uber/Uber Eats. He eventually returned to music as he wasn’t as happy while not creating.
Adamn started to see a resurgence in popularity throughout 2024 with songs like “Prada at 13,” “Torta Pounder” and “A.D.H.D Rant 1.” He would capitalize off this buzz by releasing his February 2025 mixtape A.D.H.D Rant Vol. 1.
On June 20, 2025, Adamn released his highly anticipated mixtape, Generation Run.
Solo project of Alex Haddad.
Goresoaked Death Grind from San Francisco, CA.
The Downhill Jam is a tribute to the music of the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater video game series. Based in LA, the group plays all those iconic punk, ska, and hip hop tracks you heard over and over while playing the games in your youth. At some shows, you’ll see them joined on stage by the World’s #1 THPS gamer, AndyTHPS, providing an immersive visual to add to the already iconic soundtrack. Better yet, they’re Tony Hawk approved. They played ramp-side while Tony skated at Wonderfont Fest 2019 in San Diego and has since joined them as a guest vocalist multiple times. Once for “Police Truck” by Dead Kennedy’s in front of a packed house at The Casbah San Diego in December 2022 and twice on “Blitzkrieg Bop” at two separate shows in 2023. They’ve toured up and down the west coast and are ready to bring their unique but familiar brand of nostalgia to your next event!
Where else does it make sense to hear Goldfinger, Lagwagon, Dead Kennedys, Public Enemy, Dub Pistols, Motorhead, and Millencolin all in one place? When you’re flying through the air on a skateboard, avoiding evil Taxi drivers, looking for the secret tape…or at The Downhill Jam show! Come drop in with us!
Glōstik is a force to be reckoned with. This alt-rock trio, featuring brothers Jay Moe & Ralf Mowf alongside Buddha Aguilar, transcends genres with their electrifying live shows and powerful studio releases. Years of refinement has resulted in a unique blend of alternative rock, post-grunge grit, powerful vocals and virtuoso instrumentals that leave their audience breathless.
Glōstik is no stranger to performing, having spent most of their time touring nationally in the US from 2015-2019, and appearing on more than 200 music festival lineups.
Between 2020-2024, Glōstik set the bar high for live streaming music and online content creation. When live shows went virtual, they seamlessly transitioned to streaming. Glōstik amassed over 4,000 hours on Twitch, while building the largest independent live streaming setup globally and garnering millions of views. Glōstik is pushing the boundaries, challenging the “norm”, and creating a new format for the future of live music.
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