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.

Dumptruck Butterlips is a quartet hailing from Lawrence, Kansas that blends a number of genres ranging from bluegrass, soul, country, and folk. The proof of their flexible sound is made apparent when reviewing their touring history: DTBL has opened for a wide array of heavy-hitters in live music, ranging from Keller Williams to Railroad Earth, Beats Antique to Split Lip Rayfield. Few bands could adequately share stages with any of those powerhouses—let alone all of those acts—yet Mustard (guitar, vocals), Ziggy (accordion, keyboard, vocals), Megan (upright bass, vocals) and Surka (washboard, vocals) all securely execute their performances and still draw the audience in towards the great time they are having on stage. In addition to their easy-going stage presence, they are visually stunning. The blend of music, custom-made outfits, and undeniably impressive hula-hooping skills of Surka and Ziggy make them a specifically incredible live band. However; regardless of this attractive display of style, Dumptruck Butterlips still radiates a commendable amount of substance. The band manages to find a niche in their live performances no matter what the crowd, venue, or other artists.

DTBL’s ability to captivate anyone within an earshot is a testament to their musicianship and repertoire of original music. A number of the songs dwell on drinking, gritty passion in the bedroom, and the everyday shenanigans of being a “gypsy hippie.” Their sound effortlessly changes from bright, funky acoustic to unhurried, deep soul. But no matter what the tempo or message, they give it their all and are utterly devoted entertainers. Dumptruck Butterlips is a lighthearted band that keeps its music fun and sexy. Mustard, Ziggy and Megan are serious musicians who do not take themselves too seriously. They are a talented and comfortable group that has a fast-growing and well-deserved audience.

“Now, here is a band I can get behind. Chicago-based Tim Larson & the Owner Operators recently dropped A New Deal, a record lands on the spectrum somewhere between Nebraska and The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place, depending upon how much you goose the volume pot. Clearly influenced by the stark lyricism of both Cave and Cash, Larson and his boys fill their bag o’tricks with layers of guitar that will send the meeker Americana stock running for the hills.” – Dodge, My Old Kentucky Blog