MIDNIGHT IN HARLEM
A Tribute to Tedeschi Trucks Band
THE MASTERS COLLECTION
The Masters Collection is a network of independent artists that come together under one umbrella for the purpose of musical production and performance.
SARMAT
Sci-fI / jazz influenced metal
VIANO AND THE WAVE
Viano is a Chicago based singer songwriter guitarist with a self described Neo-Blues style.
ABEL
RABID WRECK
Punk rock outta Milwaukee, Wisconsin
JASON VEST
Jason Vest, a retired veteran who traded his boots for a microphone, brings a unique perspective to comedy. As a multi-platform viral content creator, he’s amassed 150,000 followers in the last three years, using his digital platform not only for laughs but also as a mental health advocate. His brand of humor is a bizarre mix of the unexpected and the insightful, tackling everything from the silly to the absurdly profound. Jason has graced stages at comedy clubs like the Chicago Laugh Factory, Chicago Comedy Bar, Kenosha Comedy Club, and Comic Strip Live. He’s also a former regular host of the “Future of Comedy Show,” Michigan’s longest-running comedy production. His voice has hit the airwaves on KROQ’s Loveline, where he delves into the weird world of feet. Plus, he’s shown his hosting chops with the ’90s band Lit. Jason has made a name for himself on the “Kill Tony” show, the largest live online podcast recorded at the Comedy Mothership in Austin, Texas, where he’s appeared twice and won the Big Joke Book award, proving he can find comedy in the silliest places. His humor doesn’t just reflect society; it holds up a funhouse mirror to it, making us laugh at our own ridiculousness.
SOUTH LOOP STANDUP
A brand new standup comedy showcase in Chicago’s South Loop! Every Monday at Reggies!
VINTO VAN GO
THE CYNZ
The Cynz are a full-throttle rock band formed around the songwriting talents of Cyndi Dawson and Henry Seiz. The band has been called “the closest thing to the 1970s CBGB’s you will get from a band that formed in 2011.” Their songs are hard-rocking tales of pain, heartbreak, survival, determination, redemption, and unbridled joy at 120 mph! They are a fixture on the Lower East Side, NYC.
LOEWY
LOEWY is a collection of music makers hailing from Berwyn, IL. Their music is born out of an appreciation for many different generes; their creations have undercurrents rooted in rock and alternative sounds spanning across time and states of mind. Collectively they have decades of experience making and sharing music.
Their live performances are energetic, electric, and fresh. Each time they take the stage offers something new for their audience.
BAYWAY
New Jersey’s underdogs Bayway have been in the hardcore scene since the early 2000’s when long t-shirts reigned and crowd killing was more than a trend, it was a fucking lifestyle.
In a world where poverty is curren$y, members of Bayway come from Elizabeth, Linden and Newark bringing you a street sound that is real and authentic. Not one fabricated by trust funds and stipends.
Bayway lives for New Jersey Hardcore and God has entrusted Bayway with the New Jersey Hardcore Scene. Bayway believes we must protect our great freedoms to jump off the stage, take the mic and punch the air.
For too long men on the internet have said, “that wouldn’t happen if I was there” or “try that with me and see what happens” well they’re not here. This is our scene and we intend to keep it that way!
Under Bayway’s great leadership-we will defeat the evil forces dedicated to destroying our scene.
SNUFFED ON SIGHT
BAY AREA DUMMY DEATH
SPLIT CHAIN
There’s a phrase you’ll hear repeatedly when in the company of Split Chain: “The Chain does what it wants”. As mantras go, it’s used by the Bristol, UK quintet as a means of encapsulating the broad-minded, unconstrained creative freedom with which they approach their art, as well as a means through which to try to make sense of the sky-rocketing trajectory the band have found themselves on.
Call it instinct, fate, divine intervention, whatever – the whims of ‘The Chain’ have led to a moment where one thing is abundantly clear: Split Chain are one of the hottest, zeitgeist-capturing new bands in the world.
“Split Chain is something that none of us feel like we have any control of,” says frontman Bert Martinez-Cowles. “Split Chain simply does what it wants and what it needs.”
It is at this juncture in Split Chain’s journey that debut album motionblur arrives. Described by Bert as “a coming of age story”, the album channels the conflicting and contradictory angst, excitement, joy and pain of growing up and discovering your true sense of self. motionblur presents a story that speaks to both Split Chain’s members’ personal experiences and those shared together in the past few dizzying years; a visceral, kaleidoscopic wall of sound where unsettling, disorientating confusion meets a fevered adrenaline-rush. motionblur is an album to experience, to feel, to engulf; it’s the blissful sense of euphoria that comes with drowning in its waves.
DREAM FATIGUE
dreamin’ endlessly
DOWNWARD
Tulsa, Oklahoma
SOUL BLIND
“We’re Soul Blind, from the Hudson Valley,” is how the set starts. And the band makes good on that threat from the first note. Thick, pedal-drenched, and aggressive, Soul Blind take the heaviest elements of their hardcore roots and cut it with Modern Rock. The songs you heard in your dad’s truck are run through the unforgiving filter of the music that drew you to punk and metal. Crowbar and Stone Temple Pilots. All Out War into Tad. It’s all there, because Soul Blind doesn’t try to hide what shaped them. The result is music for the freaks. Non-denominational subculture weirdo tracks. It’s the sound of living in the shadow of NYC and never feeling jealous. The sound of proudly standing on the shoulders of local giants who never got their due. The sound of being four reprobates with nothing to offer the world but music. In other words, a real band.
ERIC JOHANSON
Eric Johanson’s music blends raw blues, gritty rock, and heavy grooves with a modern twist. His guitar work ranges from soulful and smooth to distorted and aggressive, creating a unique mix of sharp riffs and deep, atmospheric rhythms. There’s an intensity to the sound—sometimes raw and stripped-down, other times thick and heavy—but always with a balance of emotion and attitude. It’s rock that’s rooted in blues but isn’t afraid to push boundaries, mixing vintage vibes with a darker, modern energy.
His newest album, The Deep And The Dirty (2023), continues to make waves, debuting at #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart. Since its release, Johanson has been on a whirlwind tour, hitting stages across the US and Europe in over ten countries. The buzz around him is real—he was named one of Guitar Player magazine’s 25 best new blues guitarists and earned a spot in Total Guitar magazine’s Top 50 blues guitarists of all time.
SUSAN CAROL
Susan Carol combines poetic songwriting and a deep gospel background to make rich and emotive contemporary R&B. The native Texan appeared in 2016 with her self-produced Alchemy, and around the turn of the following decade gained more ground as she continued to record independently and collaborate with the likes of Full Crate and PJ Morton. Carol truly broke through in 2023 as the featured vocalist on Morton’s Grammy-winning “Good Morning,” and subsequently landed a contract with Def Jam. “Karma,” a confrontational post-breakup ballad with throwback production from Harmony Samuels, was released in 2024 as Carol’s major-label debut.
LEO MIDDEA
Leo Middea was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1995 and currently resides in Barcelona. He is a singer, composer, and instrumentalist. Over his 10-year career, Leo has released five studio albums, each reflecting different phases of his life and career: Dois (2014), A Dança do Mundo (2016), Vicentina (2020), Beleza Isolar (2020), and Gente (2023), and has given over 300 performances in 16 countries – with 100 of them taking place in 2024 alone.
Leo is reinventing Brazilian music by blending traditional genres with influences from diverse cultures. His music has garnered over 10 million plays on Spotify. Leo’s captivating performances have sold out concert halls across Europe and Brazil. In 2024, he achieved second place in the traditional Portuguese Song Festival, becoming the first Brazilian to reach the final. Leo is currently working on his sixth album, featuring songs recorded live in different parts of the world.
YEAR 2087
Welcome to the futuristic sounds of YEAR 2087! From full projects like “IN-VISION PLAYLIST” to fire singles like “DONT BE SCARED” and “See Through”, Year 2087’s sound bends genres, styles, moods and aesthetics! With being a producer and artist , every songs arrangements, texters and soundscapes create a style you recognize as his! Make sure to follow Year 2087 on all socials and stay tuned into all new music to come.
SLOMOSA
Hailing from the rugged landscapes of western Norway, Slomosa has emerged as a powerhouse in modern rock, developing their signature Tundra Rock sound. Comprising Benjamin Berdous (guitar, vocals), Marie Moe (bass, vocals), Tor Erik Bye (guitar), and Jard Hole (drums), and drawing inspiration from , and , the band fuses the heavy, groove-laden riffs of stoner rock with raw, melodic vocals and thunderous guitars.
Since the release of their self-titled debut album in 2020, Slomosa has become synonymous with raw power and electrifying performances. They’ve conquered major festival stages at Hell Fest, Freak Valley, and Bergen Fest, earning accolades for their ability to ignite crowds with their relentless energy and infectious sound. In July 2023, the band released Cabin Fever, a thunderous single from their highly anticipated sophomore album, showcasing their knack for gritty storytelling and soaring riffs.
In 2024, Slomosa plus brought their massive sound stateside, joining Alkaline Trio on a U.S. tour and further solidifying their reputation as a global force. They’re set to return in 2025 as direct support for Helmet, continuing their relentless march across international stages.
Whether on record or live, Slomosa delivers a visceral, unrelenting sonic experience that lingers long after the final chord. With their sights set high and their sound louder than ever, the band is carving out a legacy as the torchbearers of modern heavy rock.
iGOBYLC
I am an artist that cannot be placed inside of a box. From art to music, I have expanded my reach well into graphic design in all aspects as I provide an artistic approach to multiple mediums, including (but not limited to) audio engineering, videography, photography, and media development. These mediums have allowed me to work with a number of successful individuals and companies across the country to further equip myself with resources to build my own brand within myself as a musician within the Chicagoland area.
The artist known as iGoByLC, incorporates melodic elements with introspective lyrics as an MC. Some musical works have been featured on numerous platforms, including Shade45, Vocalo, Illanoize Radio, and UIC Radio. With over 6 music projects, my versatility is sure to stand out as I encompass as much knowledge as possible to shape each project into masterpieces.
5ONNY
Sonny Trill, born Cory Medlock, is a hip hop recording artist hailing from the south suburbs of Chicago. He began writing music at the age of 11. At 16 he decided to forgo music to pursue basketball and focus on academics. Unfortunately his love and desire for a career in music became too strong to deny. He left college and decided to do just that. Since then Trill has begun to create quite a buzz from his energetic, rockstar style performances. His melodic delivery and rapid style flow over trap beats can most be described as “lyrical trap”, much different from the typical “drill” style music most are accustomed to from Chicago artists. Aside from performing all over Chicago, Sonny’s latest EP “Trill Smith” has caught the attention of many across the city and looks to follow up that success with his latest project “Heartbreak Trill” slated to drop later on this year.
WAN00
Born and raised on the westside of Chicago, rapper, songwriter, and creative, Wan00 uses his lyricism to put you right into his life experiences and the knowledge he’s gained from them. Every song comes with its own bit of advice and motivation from the emcee. The love Wan00 has for making music and displaying his creativity is very evident in the content he gives fans. Listen closely and you can hear the hunger and drive he has to improve and become the best yet. But don’t take my word for it, listen for yourself by clicking any of the tracks you see here!
WILL IS CHILLIN’
Aspiring Musical Genius
1/7th of Tiny Chain Gang
MIC LOGIK
Mic Logik is a veteran emcee from the Chicagoland area(Des Plaines,IL) Mic dropped his buzz worthy first LP in 2018 “Overdue” then followed that up with the collaborative album Chi-Native (Mic Logik, I.Deal, WRDS) “Passports” Now he has now also released his second solo LP “As I Was Saying” 11/26/2021 & “Too Much To Text” Vol 1 with Joey Childz
02/10/2023
CHRIS RUBEN
Lower West Side, Chicago.
Chris Ruben caters underground production in this Renaissance era of Hip-Hop. From working with Chicago artists such as Daze, Novatore, MoeCyrus & more, to New York’s very own ELCAMINO, Meyhem Lauren, & Los Angeles artist XP The Marxman.
AZTHMATIX
Novatore
Hardcore hip-hop from the south side of Chicago.
TERMANOLOGY
Ology. Rapper. Producer. Radio Host @ Shade 45 (Sirius XM). Monster Energy. Good Dad Gang (CEO).
JOSHUA QUIMBY
Alternative-Country music singer, songwriter, and guitar picker Joshua Quimby has one of those special voices that demands any listener’s immediate attention. His unique, bellowing rasp cuts through each song he sings, no matter the context – whether delivering a slow Folk ballad, a Blues-Rock uptempo number, a Honky Tonk classic, a 90’s Grunge tune, or really anything else, you’ll believe Quimby the moment he opens his mouth.
Born in Pawtucket, RI and raised in quaint small-town CT, the New England native established home base in Nashville, TN in 2019 when he was just 18 and began cutting his teeth playing small clubs around the city by late 2020. The release of his 2022 self-titled debut record established Quimby as an underground/indie Country music name-to-know.
Nowadays, having achieved millions of streams and hundreds of thousands of social media followers, Quimby continues to develop and hone his sound and to push the limits of Country music forward, one song at a time. His genre-bending third album, “Something Like Country,” is out now.
HAWK AND THE TALONS
Chicago grown, country fried soul
Hawk Coleman, Lead Vocals
Goldy Goldstein, Guitar, Backing Vocals
Steve Stoll, Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Luke Kahun, Bass Guitar
Joey Werner, Drums
THE FABULOUS COWBOYS
SAVIOR
We are Chicagoland’s Tribute to Rise Against! Keep an eye out for show announcements.
SEVEN TELLER
Seven Teller is the art-rock brainchild of Baltimore musician and songwriter Sam Cochran, who started the project in 2020. A blend of post-punk, dance, and psych-rock music nourishes the band’s unique, immersive sound. After several big releases and national tours, Sam has sought to re-imagine the band’s sound with steady releases throughout 2025 and a full-length expected in 2026. Seven Teller is expanding the norms by creating music that’s reminiscent of acts like LCD Soundsystem, Talking Heads, and CAN, while still performing live shows that showcase deep improvisation, referencing their roots in the jam scene and early influences like Phish and Lotus. Seven Teller has featured sit-ins from Cotter Ellis (Goose), Jake Brownstein (Eggy), and Eli Winderman (Dopapod).
CLIFF-E
For the Love of Elvis
Cliff E is the Elvis tribute artist whose performances excite his audiences as he brings the sound, the moves and the look of Elvis Presley alive with the care and attention to detail that truly makes for a most worthy tribute to the King of Rock n’ Roll!
Bring Cliff E’s “For the Love of Elvis” tribute to your next anniversary, birthday, corporate event, fundraiser, private event or reunion. Your guests will be moved, energized and sure to have fun as Cliff E sings and moves as he captures the essence of Elvis at his peak with authentic costumes from the That’s the Way It Is and his many Concert Performances.
BREAKKER
Philly Heavy Metal
REGIMENT
Thrash N’ Roll from Los Angeles, CA
BATTLE CHAPEL
Battle Chapel is an American heavy metal band with songs about battles, legends, and tales of glory.
SONIC MOTEL
Hailing from the heart of Chicago’s vibrant music scene, Sonic Motel is a high-voltage alternative rock outfit with a sound as infectious as it is unrelenting. Fronted by vocalist Trace Hamilton, with Aidan Cramer on guitar, Sam Frederickson on bass, and Isaiah Stieger on drums, the band channels the spirit of acts like Foo Fighters, Weezer, and Green Day—while carving out a sound that’s entirely their own.
Fusing raw energy, punchy melodies, and a no-holds-barred stage presence, Sonic Motel has built a loyal following that regularly fills Chicago venues to capacity. Their ability to connect live, loud, and unapologetically makes them one of the city’s standout rock acts.
Stream their newest single “Won’t Go Easy” where ever you get your music!
Follow their journey @sonicmotelmusic and witness the rise of a band hellbent on leaving its mark—one packed room at a time.
ISLES
The Isles band from Chicago is a rising emo/post-hardcore group known for their energetic live shows and recent EP Let Yourself Feel, featuring members with local ties and recent East Coast tours, including a headlining show at Schubas Tavern in late 2025. They blend pop-punk vibes with emotional depth, gaining traction in the Chicago music scene with support from bands like Gold Steps and Long Gone.
ANTI-EVERYTHING
TONGAN DEATH GRIP
JANEFF THE POET
Conscious. Passionate. Purposeful. Janeff the Poet is a spoken word artist whose lyrical mission is rooted in truth, justice, and personal evolution. With his latest EP “Peaceful Journey”, he merges poetic storytelling with genres like house, jazz, and hip-hop to move minds and bodies alike.
THE SIDEPIECES
The Sidepieces is a country band with a rotating cast of Chicago singers and players revisiting a range of mostly sad songs, some recent/some old, some familiar/some hidden gems, some traditional/some unorthodox. Led by Jordan Martins on pedal steel, The Sidepieces play these songs in order to listen to each other, improvise, find the form, invite surprises, and stretch the sounds that inhabit the song. Current members include Angela James, Sam Cantor, Elizabeth Moen, Matt Gold, Ryan Norris, Kelsey Wild, Raul Cotaquispe, Nolan Chin, Gus Martini, and Chris Salveter (Judson Claiborne) among others
Listening, talking, weeping, dancing, and laughing are all encouraged from the audience
SURF COWBOY
chi indy rock
CAT MERKLE
Cat Merkle is a pop singer-songwriter based in Chicago, IL. Drawing inspiration from artists like Amy Winehouse, Lizzy McAlpine, and Lake Street Dive, Cat’s musical style ranges from loud and dramatic to intimate and heartfelt. She developed as a vocalist largely through musical theater. Although she entered college as a well-developed singer, she made a conscious effort to redevelop her singing style. She spent all of her college years singing in bands, writing songs, and finding a voice that could best deliver the songs she wanted to create as a musical artist.
The band has been gigging since the fall of 2024 at classic Chicago venues such as Martyrs’, Cubby Bear, Burlington Bar, Reggies Chicago, Underground Lounge, Lilly’s, and Cafe Mustache.
Brian Kaiser, is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist from the Chicagoland area and one of the recording producers of the group. He has played the bass since the second grade and has been in bands since the age of 11. Attending Northwestern University to study Learning and Organizational Change and to play tight end on the football team, Brian graduated in 2022 while also winning Mayfest’s Battle of the Bands to play on the main stage for Dillo Day. He also produces his own music and is a mixing/mastering engineer for various Chicago artists. Brian met Cat through a mutual friend and it was musical chemistry at first sight! Brian co-wrote and produced Cat’s second single, ‘feeling you’ which solidified their musical partnership.
Scott has played music his whole life, participating in jazz ensembles, quartets, acapella groups (with Cat), rock bands, and all other musical endeavors he can find. He’s a drummer at heart but has played guitar, bass, and keyboard in past musical projects. Scott grew up in Boston before moving to Seattle after college, and recently moved to Chicago in 2024.
IRIS BLUE
Iris Blue is an Indie Rock band based out of Chicago IL. Iris Blue combines catchy riffs, tasty drums, and melancholic melodies to create the perfect blend between a fun and pessimistic sonic.
ELAINE GOLDEN
Elaine Golden is a Chicago based stand-up comedian and writer, known for her mix of bubbly charm, quick wit, and storytelling. She performs around the country and notable Chicago venues, including Zanies, the Laugh Factory, and the Lincoln Lodge.
Since starting stand up in 2017, Elaine has become a well-loved and trusted performer. She’s headlined shows around the country, performed with Don’t Tell, and opened for headliners Dan Donohue and Hannah Jones, at their invitation.
As a writer, Elaine created and co-wrote the comedy musical Rat City, which was voted second runner up for best musical in the Chicago Reader in 2023. She debuted her first solo show, Golden Girls: Intergenerational House Party at the 2024 Fillet of Solo Festival.
Prior to her comedy career, Elaine completed a fellowship in economics at Princeton. She’s now traded spreadsheets for the stage and uses her sharp, analytical mind and endearing personality to make people laugh.
Currently, Elaine produces Lavender Laugh Lounge, a monthly show in Chicago featuring women and LGBTQ comedians.
SCHOOL OF ROCK LEMONT
School of Rock Lemont is the community hub for music education, proudly serving kids and adults across Lemont and surrounding areas like Lockport, Bolingbrook, and Darien. As a convenient after-school destination for students in the 113A District, including those from Lemont High school and Old Quarry Middle School, we make it easy to fit music into a busy schedule. Our commitment to performance means you’ll see our student bands rocking on stage at local venues like Heroes West Lemont, Tailgaters Bolingbrook, Embers in Lockport, The Forge, and others. Our students also perform at community-based events, including Taste of Bolingbrook, various parades, Fall festivals, Taste of Lockport, and many more.
DISTANT VIOLENCE
The Next Generation Punk
ACTONS DICTUM
ACTON’S DICTUM = an old school, prog-core, wobbly, stoner, Anarcho punk fiasco
THE FUN PARENT
ft. Mike Redmond and other Chicago Stars
COCO CAROL
Woman of whimsy. Music maker based in Chicago.
DAN VALLEJO
Dan Vallejo is a Chicago-based artist who thrives on bending genres and reshaping familiar sounds into something fresh, fluid, and emotionally grounded. His music blends styles naturally, creating songs that feel lived-in rather than forced, where melody and meaning move together with intention. Rooted in real-life experiences, Dan writes openly about love, loss, life’s frustrations, and the quiet hope of future dreams, allowing listeners to find pieces of their own stories in his words. With raw, honest lyrics and a focus on genuine expression, his work is driven by one goal: building a real human connection through the power of music.
NAHAAR & CHAR
Songwriters Nahaar & Char channel nostalgia through their arrangements that combine midwest folk with a west coast spirit, leaving you with feelings of love and longing that echo the vault of memories. Their friendship has inspired their joint passion for poignant lyricism, developed harmonies, and ambient, raw instrumentation. Hailing from Los Angeles, CA and Milwaukee, WI, the pair aim to build a space in which emotional honesty becomes the standard. Instagrams: @nahaaaarrrrr and @ch4rcl
ALICIA MAKA
Alicia Maka is a Chicago based singer songwriter and multi instrumentalist whose music blends the warmth of folk with the soul of country. Guided by a deep love for storytelling and transparent lyricism. Transforming universal experiences into lyrical narratives that connect with listeners on a personal level.
THUNDERFORGE
Melodic, epic, and riffy power metal originally from western Massachusetts.
HIGH CASTLE
GREENBRIAR
Greenbriar hails from the woods of Maine, pulling together to create some good old honest sleazy rock kissed by the ancient magic of the 43rd parallel. That noise you thought you heard behind the shed that sent you running for the light of the dooryard? That was us.
Featuring members and alumni from Maine acts Hessian, Apollyon, Thems That Wait, The Keeper Class and Fat Knuckle Freddy.
1ONEAM
Zenon “Zen” Castillo (born August 10, 2004), known professionally as 1oneam, is an American recording artist and record producer from Greendale, Wisconsin, located in Milwaukee County.
Rising to fame through platforms like SoundCloud, 1oneam is an emerging artist in the underground music scene, known for having dreamlike melodies with self-reflective lyrics. His sound often incorporates sounds of pluggnb and ethereal production, creating a unique, emotional vibe.
DEF LEPPARD “PYROMANIA”
Pyromania is the third studio album by English rock band Def Leppard, released on 20 January 1983
LAND OF LINKIN
We are a Linkin Park tribute band based in Northern Illinois. We have an authentic tribute with all the Electronic sounds blended with the Dual Rap.
LA POBRESKA
La Pobreska was formed in 2004. With a mix of Hardcore/Ska and many more influences.
SEAN CHAMBERS & SAVOY BROWN RHYTHM SECTION
Sean Chambers and the members from Savoy Brown all became friends after playing a festival together in 2019.
In 2023, shortly after the unfortunate passing of Savoy Brown’s founder & leader, Kim Simmonds, renowned guitarist and songwriter Sean Chambers teamed up with the Savoy Brown Rhythm Section consisting of Pat De Salvo on Bass, and Garnet Grimm on drums. Being that Savoy Brown and Chambers are on the same record label together, Quarto Valley Records, this change made sense and felt right to all three musicians. Kim Simmonds was in full support and gave the three his blessings shortly before his passing on December 13th, 2022.
These three accomplished musicians have come together to create what is undeniably one of the most entertaining, and powerful musical trio’s on the scene today!
EXPOETIX
Tributo a Pxndx 🎸
Nostalgia y pura energia 🎶🔥
VINNY KABAT
Vinny Kabat graduated from Elmhurst College with a degree in JazzStudies. He finds himself very busy around the Chicagoland area as afreelance bassist and private lesson teacher. In addition to frequentlyperforming at many private events such as weddings and banquetsthroughout the Midwest, publicly he can frequently be found performing withsaxophonist Anthony Bruno, blues artist Demetria Taylor and steel pan fusiongroup Callaloo. He also works with vocalist Ellie Banke and will be opening,with her band, for Ed Sheeran this coming summer at Soldier Field and U.S.Bank Stadium. Vinny recently celebrated his debut record, “Introducing theVinny Kabat Trio” which features all original jazz-fusion instrumentals and two solo bass tracks.
JOHN FERRARA
From a creative New York upbringing to the forefront of modern bass innovation, John Ferrara has carved a distinct musical path. Ferrara is best known for his two-handed tapping technique and genre-defying work with the acclaimed world fusion group Consider the Source , his work as a Solo Artist and as founding member of the psychedelic prog band Mono Means One . John’s third solo studio album, Skinned Knees and Make Believe, arrived September 6, 2025, on all streaming platforms, digital download, and vinyl. Recorded near Costa Rica’s Corcovado National Park, where the jungle meets the sea, the album features natural jungle and ocean sounds that inspired its performances Listen to and order “Skinned Knees and Make Believe” here. Ferrara has gained worldwide recognition for his unorthodox approach to writing and performing which he accomplishes largely by utilizing the “two handed tapping technique”. John has gained overwhelming praise in the bass community by prominent figures like “Charles Berthoud” who labeled him the “Unsung Genius of Bass Tapping”. His approach alters the instrument’s role into something more akin to a piano or classical guitar. Where Ferrara’s take on the bass guitar showcases his technical proficiency, his ethos as an artist is strictly to serve an emotional end, making his compositions both comprehensible and palatable to wider audiences. Bob Boilen, the founder and former host of NPR’s Tiny Desk concert, considered his performance “Jaw dropping” during NPR’s “Top Shelf Pick” nomination in 2022. Ferrara’s music is a mixture between classical, jazz, rock, folk, and minimalism and falls somewhere between the brooding moodiness of Phillip Glass, the improvisational exploration of Chick Corea, and the melancholic spirit of Radiohead. He is inspired by classical composers and jazz pianists equally. The music paints many different scenes with shifts in mood and dynamics often occurring multiple times within each song. John proudly endorses Fodera basses, Bergantino Amplifiers, LKStraps and Gator cases.
MICHAEL MANRING
Hailed by many as the world’s leading solo bassist, Michael Manring has been pushing back the boundaries of what’s possible on the bass guitar for decades. While his technical skill and innovations always make an impression, it is his ability to communicate on a profound emotional level that most touches listeners. As editor Tom Darter wrote in Keyboard magazine after seeing one of Michael’s solo concerts, “Forget his astounding technique and musicality; forget his absolute command of his instruments; forget how seamlessly the musical ideas and the performance of them were wedded together…The enlightenment came most from feeling (seeing, hearing) the joy Michael felt to be playing…his brand of transcendental chops and musical understanding…was all in the service of the final outcome, the joy of making music.”
Building on the conceptions of his teacher, the late bass legend Jaco Pastorius, Michael has developed an approach to the instrument that includes unorthodox tunings, techniques and methodologies. He has honed his skills on hundreds of recordings as a session musician and thousands of concerts throughout the world in venues including Carnegie Hall in New York, Yamaha Hall in Tokyo and Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco. Michael has worked with a diverse collection of musicians from New Age keyboardist Suzanne Ciani to avant-improv guitar innovator Henry Kaiser to celebrated folk troubadour John Gorka to experimental post-metal rockers Tim Alexander (Primus) and Alex Skolnick (Testament) to electro-pop pioneer Thomas Dolby. His long-term collaboration and close friendship with the late acoustic guitar genius Michael Hedges led to a lengthy stint as house bassist for Windham Hill Records; a label for whom he also worked as a solo artist, releasing four recordings under his own name: Unusual Weather (1986), Toward the Center of the Night (1989), Drastic Measures (1991) and Thonk (1994). These, along with his 1998 release The Book of Flame on the Alchemy record label earned him an international reputation as “a master of the fretless bass without rival.” (Guitar Club Magazine, Italy). His two solo bass recordings, Soliloquy (2006) and Small Moments (2020) showcase the approach to the bass that led one writer to conclude, “Manring can do more with a bass than even the most creative individual could imagine” (L. Pierce Carson, Napa Valley Register). He has garnered three gold records, Grammy and Bammie nominations, a Berklee School of Music Distinguished Alumni Award, three Just Plain Folks Awards and numerous Bass Player Magazine Readers’ Poll awards including 1994 Bassist of the Year. He was also the subject of a PBS TV documentary, “The Artist’s Profile: Michael Manring” and a Youtube video of him playing his iconic solo piece “Selene” has well over 1.5 million views. We hope you’ll follow the advice of France’s Musicien magazine: “Do not miss your next opportunity to discover the bassist with the most fresh and inventive playing today.”
EMELINE
With 1 billion global streams, EMELINE has quickly emerged as one of pop’s most provocative and powerful new voices. Known for her spellbinding vocals and fearless, feminist perspective, she first turned heads performing at the Women’s March—and hasn’t stopped since. A self-taught multi-instrumentalist and storyteller with roots in theater, EMELINE writes, produces, and directs every aspect of her artistic universe—from her razor-sharp songs and cinematic music videos to her high-impact social media presence.
Her sound blends the glamour and drama of ABBA, Queen, and Madonna with raw, modern-day honesty, creating a pop experience that’s as defiant as it is infectious. With sold-out shows built around female empowerment and a growing legion of fans who find freedom in her message, EMELINE isn’t just making music—she’s starting a movement.
Her highly anticipated debut EP, the devil on my bra strap, released early May 2025 and was intensely supported across DSP editorial playlists, cosigned by Elton John on Rocket Hour on Apple Music, and landed her upcoming support as a featured artist for YouTube Music PRIDE. Her debut album is following quickly thereafter, set to release early 2026.
ACT CASUAL
Act Casual, a dynamic fusion band hailing from Detroit, has garnered attention for their electrifying performances, haunting harmonies, and innovative improvisational style. Merging elements of blues, funk, extended instrumentals, and catchy pop melodies, the band has become a vibrant force within the Midwest music scene. Their rise from intimate basement jam sessions to sold-out performances at renowned venues such as Detroit’s Magic Stick, Ann Arbor’s Blind Pig, and Columbus’s Woodlands Tavern reflects their growing popularity and dedicated fanbase.
In addition to their local engagements, Act Casual has made significant strides in the festival circuit, performing at prominent events such as Summer Camp Music Festival, Hookahville, Weekend at the Cave, Solshine Reverie, Summer’s End Smokeout, Ann Arbor Hash Bash, and Arts Beats & Eats. The band was invited to perform at a Bernie Sanders campaign rally and has also opened for notable national acts including Bootsy Collins, Wishbone Ash, Larry McCray, Laith al-Saadi, Brendan Bayliss and Ryan Stasik of Umphrey’s McGee, The New Mastersounds, Ekoostik Hookah, Spafford, Dopapod, Ben Carrey of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Moon Hooch, Muruga Booker and Gabe Gonzalez of Parliament Funkadelic, The Werks, Mihali, Magic Beans, Dixon’s Violin, and The Nth Power.
Act Casual’s palpable stage presence and energetic performances have attracted media attention, leading to features in publications such as Rolling Stone, Detroit Metro Times, Music Connection Magazine, Local Spins, and The Stratton Setlist. Their latest album “Livin’ a Lie”, which has surpassed 50,000 streams on Spotify and received airplay on 101 WRIF and 101.9 WDET, has solidified their status in the independent music scene. Act Casual recently completed their 35+ date summer tour and a recording session at Third Coast Recording Co., looking ahead the band plans on releasing new music at the end of 2025.