Williams traveling through time and having a beer with Joe Strummer. Then imagine that they decide to rent a Pinto and drive cross-country, and along the way they pick up Keith Richards and Robbie Robertson. Somewhere outside of Wichita, they run into Aretha Franklin, and she decides to come along for the ride too, but since it’s only a 4-seater, they have to strap her to the roof. None of that describes Divebar in the least, but it’s hilarious to picture two dead guys driving a Pinto while the Queen of Soul rides on the roof like Teen Wolf. Also, she’s wearing a halter top.

Actually, Divebar is an alt-country band out of Chicago, similar in style to Wilco and Lucinda Williams. Since their formation in 2003, Divebar has built an impressive following with their crafty songwriting, rich vocal harmonies, and energetic stage presence. Their unique sound is influenced by each of the band members’ diverse upbringings – the music conjures up images of the vast plains of Kelly’s Texas, the rich farmland of Chris’ Iowa, the carefree charm of Matt and Dan’s small-town Wisconsin, and the ample parking of Aric’s Evanston.

The Steel Chops are bringing rock back to the people. Real music from the heart without prejudice. We are part of the new revolution to regrow the roots and give the ears of the world something to talk about.

Northside Ruckus is a gun slinging, garage rock trio from Chicago. Whether they are creating a wall of overdriven guitar and break-neck drumming or slow waltzes that tug at your heart strings, their affinity for power chord riffs and honky-tonk licks make these outlaws a must see.

Chicago based country folk and bluegrass band that performs their own original songs mixed with traditional covers.

Rivals layer lush harmonies and foot stomping energy with a head for lyrics and a nod to their outlaw country heroes. Walking the line between unabashedly old school and eclectic, Rivals of the Peacemaker are all about their roots, loving Emmylou Harris and Motorhead in the same breath and playing shows that take you from the dance floor to the heart, and back again.
Rivals show their love for a wide range of music with influences from country, rock, blues, Americana – The band drifts between genres weaving stories of rebels and sweethearts, heartbreaks and revenge.
Fronted by Alex Watson and Billy Watson, the two personify rowdy and romantic. Taking turns on lead vocals, The Watsons play off each other and take you for a ride. Rivals usually play as a six piece, with a tight knit band behind them – veteran players of the Chicago music scene on guitar, lap steel, and rhythm, and bringing in friends on mandolin, violin, harmonica, banjo and more. They play as an acoustic duo in select venues with Billy Watson on guitar and Alex Watson dividing time between guitar and washboard.
Rivals of the peacemaker has built a solid foundation on original music, a few choice covers and a rip roarin’ live show. Rivals have been featured artists on the Shure Give it Voice Tour, Do312, Rukus Radio, Taste of Madison, Q106 Country Showdown, and WLUW, and are currently completing their debut album to be released in the Winter 2011