TRAVIS LARSON
solo, not full band
PROGJECT
ALESSANDRO DEL VECCHIO (Hardline) – Lead Vocals
RYO OKUMOTO (Spock’s Beard, Asia, Chris Squire) Keyboards
MIKE KENEALLY (Frank Zappa, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani) – Guitar & Vocals
PETE GRIFFIN(Zappa Plays Zappa, Edgar Winter) – Bass, Pedals, Guitar, Keys & Vocals
JONATHAN MOVER (GTR, Marillion, Satriani, The Tubes) – Drums, Percussion, Samples & Vocals
Look for ProgJect to perform a two-plus hour set of Prog classics & epics such as “The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway”, “The Cinema Show,” “Karn Evil 9”, “Roundabout,” “Long Distance Runaround,” “21st Century Schizoid Man,” “Lark’s Tongues In Aspic”, “Hell’s Bells”, “Xanadu,” “Red Barchetta,”“Have A Cigar,” “Wish You Were Here,” “Solsbury Hill” and “Living In The Past,” to name only a few.
ProgJect – The Ultimate Prog Rock Expereience is the brainchild of drummer Jonathan Mover and came to fruition out of his childhood love of Prog. “Prog Rock is the reason I play drums,” Mover explains, “but by the time I turned pro, Prog in the classic sense was over. And, although I got to work with some Prog-associated artists–GTR (Steve Hackett and Steve Howe) and Marillion–my career took a decidedly different, though incredibly fortunate path, with artists such as Alice Cooper, Joe Satriani, Aretha Franklin, The Tubes, Shakira, Julian Lennon and others. That being said, I never lost my desire to play the Prog I grew up listening to.”
He adds: “The idea and inspiration came in 2019 from my getting a last-minute rescue call to play with the Genesis tribute band, The Musical Box. That not only relit my childhood fire and desire, but made me realize: in the tribute world, if there’s an audience for Genesis, and an audience for Pink Floyd, and YES, and Rush, there must be an audience for King Crimson, Gentle Giant, U.K., Bruford, and Jethro Tull, too. So, why not play them all, since I love them all, and assemble a team of extraordinary musicians that feel the same as I? So I did. And they, like me, wanted to play a wide variety of Prog from all our favorite bands, and therefore thought more of the concept of a legacy ‘homage band’, instead of a tribute band.”
Mover says that “the chemistry and dynamics of ProgJect are amazing” and “we’re all very excited to hit the road again, especially now with Alessandro singing; with his four-and-a-half octave range, there are no limits to what we can cover. We love playing this music so much and know how much prog fans love it too, and now more than ever, since most of our prog heros are either gone, or simply not touring anymore.”
What is the enduring appeal of Prog? “It’s music that you really listen to, and in some ways, live in,” says Mover. “It’s not music to be played in the background. When you’re into Prog, you’re not only really into listening, but often times, attached to it as well. It’s the same for seeing it played live. It’s more than just a music performance–it’s an experience.”
DAVID TEPPER “CHICAGO BLUES PORTRAITS”
A very special photo exhibition by David Tepper. Over 50 portraits of Chicago’s Blues Artists and Icons. Portraits will be on display on both floors.
GERRY HUNT’S LEGENDARY ONE-MAN BAND
Gerry Hundt is a wunderkind of a blues and old-timey music multi-instrumentalist who plays as many roles as he does instruments, performing as a bandleader as well as a sideman, in full bands, quartets, trios, duos and solo.
But his “Legendary One-Man Band” has become Hundt’s alter ego, just as, say, Spiderman is Peter Parker’s. And to see him in action on his guitar/harmonica/bass drum/snare rig one wonders if Hundt was bitten by a radioactive boll weevil in his youth, enabling him to tear it up on his own terms, transforming from merely Gerry Hundt, musician, into “Gerry Hundt the Legendary One-Man Band,” sprouting stringed instruments, rack attachments and foot devices, and bursting into a set of hot, rag-time blues. I mean, I don’t know, but then there was that time he “went to Colorado,” and came back a full-fledged one-man-band-kind-of a musician. I’m just sayin’.
STEPHEN HULL EXPERIENCE
25 Year Old International Blues Musician. IBC 2nd Place Winner & Best Guitarist Award Winner 2024
KATIE TOUPIN
Katie Toupin has found home in her role as a solo artist after leaving the critically acclaimed alt-country band, Houndmouth, in 2016. Toupin had enormous success with Houndmouth after releasing their sophomore album, “Little Neon Limelight”. The single, “Sedona”, reached #1 on Billboard’s Triple A Chart. Toupin made multiple appearances on David Letterman and Conan as well as toured internationally during her time with the band.
Toupin has since released a live EP, “Moroccan Ballroom”, a self produced album “Magnetic Moves, and her newest creation, a mini-album, “Little Heart”, releases July 9th, 2021. She has spent time touring nationally gaining her praise from outlets like Paste, Pop Matters, American Songwriter, and more. Her solo collaborators have also been noteworthy, including Grammy winning engineer for Cage The Elephant, Jeremy Ferguson, who co-produced her newest release, “Little Heart”.
Toupin’s solo live show does not disappoint as she blends her entire discography into an energetic, full band experience. It appears that after a thirteen year career, Toupin is just getting started.
HELLO DARLING
Hello Darling is a Nashville Alternative Folk outfit led by Grace Russell and Patrick Armould. The band met in 2020 at Lipscomb University. The profound complement of Russell and Armould voices and songwriting style segued into the recording of their self titled debut EP in 2021. Taking influence from artists like The Avett Brothers, Lord Huron, The National, and Gregory Alan Isakov, Hello Darling has painted a diverse landscape creatively that exists in between Alternative Folk and Indie Rock.
The band has toured with acts such as The 502s, Magic Giant, The Arcadian Wild, Vista Kicks, Brother Brothers, Dylan Leblanc etc. As they embark on their second EP with producers Zack Green and Louis Johnson, Hello Darling will continue to forge their trail as one of the most exciting young bands to watch. “In a time when many critics agonize over the state of music, Hello Darling serves as a comforting reminder — the kids are going to be alright.” – Nashville Scene
Hello Darling is Patrick James Armould, Grace Russell, Riley O’Donnell, and Amber Sawyer.
ILLINOIS JOY
Brothers Matt & Kyle, brothers-in-law Victor & Drew and brother from another mother, Tom, form Illinois Joy, an American rock & roll band.
“Chicago-based Illinois Joy have just released their new, self-titled EP. From it, we have received “Yours To Lose,” the first track you’ll hear once you dive into this fresh body of work. And friends, you really want to hear this thing. The vocals enter, full of rasp and grit and perfectly reminiscent of Caamp or The Lumineers– a style which cannot be learned, but solely granted by the gods of folk music.
We loved “Yours To Lose” so much that we had to keep listening. The EP’s closer, “Cincinnati Rain,” is an upbeat anthem for dusty roads. You’ll find many of the same elements in this one that we heard in the previous, and it is a fine piece of good-old Americana. The vocals, again, completely hit and are delivered via over-driven tubes, providing so much vintage flavor that you will taste it in your coffee. Ladies and gentlemen, as the evidence suggests, Illinois Joy are the real deal.” – Up To Hear Music
KERRY KING
Slayer’s co-founding guitarist Kerry King’s debut single “Idle Hands” out now
Highly anticipated debut solo album ‘From Hell I Rise’ out 5/17 via RPM
KOMMUNA LUX
Come fall in love with Odesa, Ukraine, the Pearl of the Black Sea! Kommuna Lux brings you the heritage music of their beloved hometown. Klezmer, Balkan, and Urban Chanson, with a dash of Ukrainian Folk and powered by rocket fuel, Kommuna Lux impacts the crowd with a nostalgic, high-energy Big Band sound from the bygone days of speakeasies and rum runners. When Volodymyr Gitin raises that clarinet to his lips, he becomes the only man in the room—you can’t help but utterly fall into his virtuoso arms. “Heavyweight Champion” Oleg Vasianovich holds his accordion like it’s light as a feather, while he develops the foundation of each melody. Layers of complexity are added by the bold, bright trumpet of Andrei Okhramovich and the sassy, playful trombone of Yaroslav Besh. Viktor Kirilov never stops dancing as he plays his acoustic guitar, and you never know when Sergei Poltorak will pause on the percussion to punk the rest of the band with a sly prank. At center stage is sultry powerhouse Bagrat Tsurkan, whose hot buttered voice and nonstop energy compel everyone to the dance floor.
These conservatory-trained musicians started out playing flash mobs in the markets, piers, and streets of Odesa, and quickly moved up to local and national stages. After winning Germany’s “Iron Eversteiner” prize for folk music, they began touring the world, but had a falling-out with their vocalist. They soon discovered “Baggi” singing background for another band, and knew they’d found the perfect front man. When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the band went into shock along with the rest of their countrymen. One musician even left to join the army. But the others soon decided that they could do more good with their instruments than guns, and began touring Europe in earnest to raise money and support for Ukraine. They raised thousands of dollars that summer, and became the “go to band” for Klezmer music in both Germany and Poland. Their first USA tour in Fall 2023 was so successful, they founded a 501-c3 nonprofit to make it even easier to support Ukraine. People don’t just listen to Kommuna Lux. They fall in love! No one can resist these playful, passionate Ukrainian musicians, who have so much fun on stage that you get caught up in their joy.
SOUR TOOTH
breakfast is the most important meal of the day
nashville alt rock
PLUS PLUS
Introducing ++, a female-fronted doom-gaze band from Chicago, formed in 2022. The group features Abigail (bass and vocals), Dove (guitar), Ethan (drums), and Hunter (synth). The ++ sonic palette is a fusion of doom metal, post-punk, and shoegaze, a unique blend that sets them apart in the musical landscape.
At the core of ++ is Abigail, whose gripping bass lines and heart-wrenching vocals serve as the emotional anchor of the band. Paired with Dove’s low fuzzy guitars, Ethan’s thunderous drumming, and Hunter’s ethereal OP-1 synth textures, the collective energy of ++ delivers a visceral punch that leaves listeners immersed in a realm of intensely beautiful melancholy.
KURNUGIA
KURNUGIA is an old-school Death Metal band from Ohio that is heavily influenced by Death Metal bands from the early ’90s. Founded by ex-and current members of Decrepit, Embalmer,NunSlaughter, December Wolves, & Delusion.
HEMORRHOID
SHED THE SKIN
FUGITIVE
Fugitive is a new crossover-thrash band that features members of Power Trip and Creeping Death.
SIGNIFY
Chicago-based ensemble that plays the music of Porcupine Tree.
ADVENT HORIZON
Advent Horizon is a project of pure creative passion. The brainchild of artist/producer Rylee McDonald and drummer Mike Lofgreen, Advent’s goal is to bring a new, fresh sound to the Progressive Rock/Metal world.
Advent Horizon’s third full length studio album “A Cell To Call Home” is now streaming!
DJ BUMBAC JOE
Bumbac Joe, is a Chicago based DJ/producer whose beats and grooves summon listeners into the fire of Latin American dance…
DJ PLASTIC CRIMEWAVE
Plastic Crimewave (Steve Krakow) is a Chicago-based illustrator, writer, avant-garde musician and music historian. He is the editor of Drag City-published magazine Galactic Zoo Dossier, eponymous front man for Plastic Crimewave Syndicate, founder of the Million Tongues Festival, and Vision Celestial Guitarkestra. He writes and illustrates the “Secret History of Chicago Music” comic in the Chicago Reader and co-hosts WGN-AM’s Secret History of Chicago Music series. He runs the Drag City imprint label, Galactic Zoo Disk.
GUSTAVO CORTINAS QUARTET
Embracing a multicultural language, while investing in a variety of disciplines within the music itself, Mexican born, and Chicago based composer, bandleader, drummer and lyricist Gustavo Cortiñas continues to surpass himself in the breadth of his work. “Cortiñas’ music is uplifting, robust, melodic, and gets your body moving; it’s an exciting blend of the artist’s musical influences from jazz and Latin America, including his native Mexico” (DOWNBEAT). This can be heard on his four records as a leader, “Snapshot” (2013), “ESSE” (2017) “Desafío Candente” (2021), “Kind Regards / Saludos Afectuosos” (2022) and “Live in Chicago” (2024), “the culmination of a decades worth of music” (The Arts Fuse). “Cortiñas and band revel in a live setting. They not only demonstrate their intimate knowledge of the compositions, but express their evident joy at melding their musical skills with Cortiñas’s continuing commitment to encouraging social change through music.” Cortiñas gives life to music that attempts to build bridges and understanding in times of borders and ignorance; words that focus on our feet and the dust on which they walk, instead of the stars under which they dream. Through his participation in more than 30 discographic productions, “Cortiñas’s deft touch reaffirms his status as one of the great drummers in the City’s new guard.” (ChicagoReader).
A graduate of Loyola University New Orleans (BM Jazz, Minor in Philosophy), and Northwestern University (MM Jazz), Gustavo Cortiñas has developed a successful career in the US for over a decade, leading and accompanying ensembles in renowned stages and festivals in North America, South America, Asia, Oceania, and Europe. During his time in Chicago, Gustavo has become one of the most sought out drummers, performing and recording with Javier Red’s Imagery Converter, Matt Peterson, Kitt Lyles, Erik Skov, Emily Kuhn, Michael Hudson-Casanova, Chuchito Valdés Trio, Roy McGrath, Kyle Madsen, and the Carla Campopiano Trio, among other ensembles. Cortiñas is a member of the Chicago Jazz Composer’s Collective, performing regularly for their monthly residency at Chicago’s very own Green Mill. Gustavo Cortiñas is a proud endorser of Canopus Drums & Bosphorus Cymbals, and has been recipient of grants from the Mexican National Endowment of the Arts (FONCA), the Illinois Arts Council (IACA), the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), and Pathways To Jazz. His album Desafío Candente, a sprawling meditation on Latin American life and struggles, earned a well-deserved spot in Jazziz Magazine’s list of the 2021’s Best Releases, and was listed among the Jazz Journalist’s Association Top Latin Jazz Albums of 2021, among other critical praise.
Born and raised in Mexico, son to a Uruguayan university professor and a Mexican elementary school teacher, Cortiñas grew up surrounded by books of all kinds, ranging from religion and philosophy, to history, economics and art. Music was just as diverse: be it through voice of Chavela Vargas, Wagner’s operas, the revolutionary cry of Rock en Español, or the soothing songs of Edith Piaf, music of all kinds was always there. At age 10, he fell in love with the drums, and was soon seduced by the syncopated and improvised beat of Jazz. This love inspired a journey far from home. First traveling to New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, and later Chicago, the place he now calls home. This journey set the foundation for his work: Latin American folklore, classical music, and jazz; philosophy, religion and the Latin American cry for justice. These experiences and streams of inspiration forge the unique voice of an expansive artist who will continue to defy categorization in many years to come.
Cortiñas has relased four albums as a leader, in which he acts as drummer, composer, arranger, bandleader and producer. “Snapshot” (2013), “a Smörgåsbord of the moods and nuances that make up the human experience,” (Jazziz); “ESSE” (2017) “a fascinating musical realization, exploration, and distillation of the works of Hegel, Aristotle, Descartes, Plato, and other brilliant minds” (AllAboutJazz); and “Desafío Candente” (2021), “a musical palimpsest that carries the weight of the history of colonialism and neocolonialism of the entire southern part of the Americas” (LatinJazzNet). On his latest release, “Kind Regards / Saludos Afectuosos”, Cortiñas takes on the role of lyricist in a bilingual song set that focuses on building bridges of empathy and understanding, in times of border walls and ignorance. “Kind Regards triumphs both as a bearer of a message that can’t be heard enough and as purveyor sophisticated acoustic pop of arresting beauty” (LATINO MAGAZINE).
Gustavo is extremely thankful of all the great musicians, mentors, and human beings he has been privileged enough to learn from along the way. Some that stand out are Gabriela Fouilloux, León Cortiñas, Andrés Cortiñas, Andrés Suárez, Agustín Yela, Anne-Marie Garas, Santiago Fortson, Rodrigo Jiménez, Hernán Hecht, Wayne Maureau, Johnny Vidacovich, John Mahoney, Tony Dagradi, Janna Saslaw, William Horne, Victor Goines and Willie Jones III.
Cortiñas is invested in giving this back and sharing what he has learned. He started as the drum set instructor at the Edron Academy in Mexico City in 2004. Since then, Gustavo has had an extensive private studio, and also taught master classes in Mexico, Puerto Rico, China, Ecuador, Argentina, and around the US. He has been teaching at Flatts & Sharpe Music Academy since 2014, and has been a guest artist with the jazz small ensembles at Northwestern University. From 2019-21 Cortiñas worked as a Jazz Director at the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory. Since 2018 Gustavo has been an assistant conductor of the jazz combos and jazz orchestras at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire. IL and currently teaches drums at the prestigious Chicago High School for the Arts.
OBSIDIAN SPINE
Chicago Black Metal
LOCKJAW
LOCKJAW™ Industrial Goth Rock legends from Milwaukee, Wisconsin since 1994. The “Annihilove EP” picked as a Top 20 Ep of 2023 by ReGen Magazine.
HAROLD PATRICK
Born and raised in Chicago, Harold started doing Comedy in 2022. Co-hosts a weekly open mic on Tuesdays where the audience members can write roasts about the comics on-stage. He performs all over Chicago and surrounding suburbs and has done stand-up in Austin and Memphis with those good ole folk.
COURTNEY ALBERS
Courtney is a local Chicago Comedian and co-host for Chicago’s longest running open mic: Power Hour! Her highlights include opening for Maria Bamford and Andrew Santino. She’s been seen at Zanies, Laugh Factory, and Roast Battle.
SOL CHYLD
Camden, New Jersey’s own Sol ChYld, may be relatively new to the game but is already making her mark on hip-hop through inventive rhymes, throwback beats, and all the remarkable determination of the greats.
Blazing her path, Sol moves with a razor-sharp tact and intelligence well beyond her years, following in the footsteps of fellow Garden State rap icons like Rah Digga, Queen Latifah, and Lauryn Hill; after releasing her debut album, “For the Sol,” in 2019, Sol took the road to promote the release – independently routing a series of shows and open mics throughout the East Coast. After 2022’s sophomore effort, “Eyes Toward The Sun,” with a 14-city, 24-show tour to reach thousands of new fans in person, she continued on this highly ambitious independent musical crusade.
Spending her time in 2023 focused back on content creation, Sol saw massive online growth due to a series of viral TikToks that helped take her budding career to the next level. Proving that good music can indeed go viral, 2023’s “NBC” launched her third album effort, “Something Came To Me,” one of the best underground releases of the year – garnering support from Dissect Podcast, Annabelle Kline, Team Dreamville, and many more for carrying on the mantle of elite, lyrical female hip-hop. This meteoric rise was hardly overnight but certainly will not be the last you hear of the flows of New Jersey’s Sol ChYld.
ALENIA
“Cinematic metal from the Depths of Chicago, Illinois. Incorporating progressive styles, Nu-Metal, Metalcore, Black Metal, and many other infused elements. Creating a unique sound with no boundaries, no limitations, and a one-of-a-kind exhibition. Alenia, fighting against all odds and defying the laws of nature with a raw and merciless energy. Delivering a powerful message of brutality, empowerment, and survival through the sounds of metal from an ethereal point of view. Made from something different, and made from something real”
H1Z1
“H1Z1 is a Milwaukee-based nu-metal band with a wide range of influences, incorporating early 2000’s nu-metal, thrash, groove, and rap to create an exciting, high energy sound that is a creation all their own. H1Z1 is: Marq Pointer on lead vocals, Patrick Gunderson playing guitar, Jake Fromkin on drums, and Leaf Wruk on bass.”
SUPER TEASE
Introducing Super Tease–a funk-inspired pop band spreading groovy melodies and great vibes all over the Midwest. From classic crowd favorites, like Stevie Wonder and Beyonce, to catchy original tunes, Super Tease brings a captivating experience to every audience looking for a great time.
Based in Chicago, Super Tease comprises Alora Rose on lead vocals and keyboard, Brandon Marshall on guitar, Christian George on bass, and Miro Hernandez on drums.
JED HARRELSON
Nashville based soul singer-songwriter Jed Harrelson has found a way to fuse sounds of Soul, Rock and R&B. Music connects and he carries that into the center of his work, leaving both a euphoric and familiar presence. While he’s independently released 10 songs in the last two years, he is working on a debut project right now. All of his music is recorded in house with his brother Hank as the audio engineer.
Being from Texarkana, Arkansas instilled a drive to hone in on his craft though the lack of music scene caused him to move where he could really express his artistic message which took him to Fayetteville, Arkansas. This is where he cut his teeth in the Northwest Arkansas music scene. Now living in Nashville since January 2020, Jed is independently touring the country with his band in a gold van called ‘The Loaf”.
By achieving and producing what feels good in his art, Jed just might help listeners do the same.
DANG!T
The Ska-punk nom de plume of audio engineer/multi-instrumentalist Joey Weisenritter, Dang!t calls on their listeners to live with empathy and compassion, fueled by skanky guitars, walking bass, synthesizers, and gang vocals.
Joey releases all of Dang!t’s music DIY, Writing, arranging & recording everything himself. To hear what he’s released so far, check out a streaming service, youtube, or “The Shape of Ska Punk to Come Vol. II” by Bad Time Records (featuring the track “Kind of Life”).
ROBOT CIVIL WAR
🤖 Mech 🤖 Dan 🤖 Brian 🤖
punk band from Chicago, IL
we stand with the robots
STACKED LIKE PANCAKES
Stacked Like Pancakes (SLP) is a hugely energetic ska-punk/rock band.
Beginning in 2007, Stacked Like Pancakes was founded on an idolization of artists like Reel Big Fish, Streetlight Manifesto, and Less Than Jake. Following the 2011 debut ska album We’re Not Insane, SLP has since proven to maintain a thick sonic texture through a synthesis of inspirations including Reel Big Fish, Blink-182, Green Day, Foo Fighters, Cage the Elephant, twenty one pilots, and Less Than Jake.
Stacked Like Pancakes found their niche in music festivals beginning with a supporting role opening for Kid Cudi at Towson University’s Tigerfest in 2012. In 2014, SLP won the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands competition, earning their first appearance on the Vans Warped Tour. The following year began with a sold out Baltimore show for their fan-funded 2015 sophomore album entitled This Is Us. In 2016 SLP hit the road on their first official nation-wide tour with ska idols Reel Big Fish.
The Pancake Nation community fanbase is hungry for their band to grow. Their unwavering support includes three successful crowdfunded albums. The most recent of which raised over $100,000 to work with multi-platinum record producer Matt Squire for the release of Strange Creatures in 2019.
Stacked Like Pancakes epitomizes a tough DIY band despite a meaningless band name, and are rightfully on the rise to claim an international stage of their own.
MARSVENUSMOON
Sometimes planets align. Sometimes planets collide…
MarsVenusMoon proves that both are true with an explosive union of seasoned Chicago music scene veterans. Comprising Dan “The Fox” Edwards (The Krinkles, The Millions) on lead vocals and guitar, Matt “Sal” Favazza (The Krinkles, The Bama Lamas, The Goldstars) on drums and backing vocals, and Johnny Million (Big Hello, The Millions, Convoy) on bass guitar and backing vocals, this trio showcases a profound dedication to their craft.
MarsVenusMoon unites the future and past of Rock and Roll into a magnetic blend of hard rock, power pop, glam, and garage. Their music is a fusion of raw emotion, infectious melodies, and energetic stage chemistry.
As they continue to explore the uncharted territories of their musical universe, MarsVenusMoon invites you to join them on their journey. Prepare to be moved by the sonic mastery of a band that takes their art seriously and leaves an indelible mark on the world of rock.
THE TRACIES
The Tracies bring a storm of Latin-Rock-Psychedelia everywhere they go. Hailing from the suburbs of Chicago, the four lifelong friends keep things fresh and nuanced while still remaining familiar to the ears of all lovers of everything heavy, dirty, funky and melodic.
CELLAR DWELLAR
Cellar Dwellar is an art-rock band from Columbus, Ohio. Born and bred out of the DIY house show scene, the band is now expanding into new sonic territory having just released their sophomore LP, “In the Shape of a Swan” which takes inspiration from classic sci-fi and various accounts of esoteric “high-strangeness” The sextet aims to play with as much conviction as possible, spreading their message through ritualistic performance to both shock, awe & inspire their audience.
CONSTANT HEADACHE
Hey, howdy! We’re Constant Headache, a Folk Punk band from Chicago! We released our first official EP ‘Greetings From’ back in September of 2022, and since then this project has grown beyond what anyone could have imagined. Now bolstered by a roster of seven musicians, performers, and friends, we pride ourselves in our ability to always put on an energetic show brimming with emotion! We can’t wait to meet you and scream and dance and party together!!!
THEO BROMA
Cold pressed, fresh squeezed, sweet as a mango.
If you love jazz, soul, hip hop, funk, latin music,
CECIL JONES
No one can see your dreams better than you can
FRANK BANG
Willie Dixon once said, “The blues are the roots and the other musics are the fruits.” As true as that is, it still doesn’t explain the blues, because the blues cannot be explained.
When one thinks of the blues it’s easy to think of Robert Johnson, B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, or Muddy Waters. Connoisseurs of the genre will mention Son House, Blind Lemon Jefferson, and Leadbelly. Others will mention Keith Richards, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Paul Butterfield, and Eric Clapton. All would be correct.
The blues is raw. It knows no culture. Its brutally honest and uncompromising. It’s your worst feelings and your best moments all at once.
The blues will never apologize.
Nor will Frank Bang. And he doesn’t need to. He is the nicest guy you’ll ever meet, but when he picks up a guitar, he’ll slice your throat, woo your woman, make you cry, and might even make you dance. Ultimately, he will just make you feel. Something or everything. The real shit.
Born with the Bohemian Irish name of Frank Blinkal into two generations of Chicago police officers and a mother that often worked three jobs, Frank learned at an early age about the grit and sometimes stark reality of the world he was born into and turned that into his own brand of the blues – weaned from years of trying to learn everything he could by putting himself into the middle of everything that the Chicago music scene had to offer. And it paid off.
In his twenties, Frank found himself working at Buddy Guy’s Legends club, while making a name for himself fronting bands of his own. He was soaking up invaluable knowledge from the clientele and getting an education that not many have a chance to experience. Numerous touring bands came through the club, but amongst the club’s regulars were Junior Wells, Otis Rush, and Lonnie Brooks.
And then he became Buddy Guy’s touring guitar player for five years. No late night conversations with your heroes will prepare you for that, if you don’t have the chops to pull off the gig. You have to work your ass off, which Frank did as an employee of Legends, while working through the ranks.
As Buddy’s guitar player, his work ethic paid off. Hard work is a big part of what makes up Frank Bang, He never stops playing. He never stops honing his craft. And he never takes any bullshit. Some of that was learned from his environment at Legends, but most of it has been ingrained in him since he was born.
With Buddy, he toured the world and shared the stage with the likes of Robert Plant, The Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton, but that’s only semantics that make up pieces of a scene.
As a solo artist, Frank has released four critically acclaimed albums under the names Frank Bang and the Secret Stash and Frank Bang and the Cook County Kings. He currently has 14 songs in regular rotation on B.B. King’s Bluesville Station on Sirius/XM.
Whether it be dirty blues that sounds like Led Zeppelin through a beautifully blown speaker or the faithful tribute to his hometown Chicago blues, Frank Bang knows how to read a room.
And there’s a good chance that on any given night in America, you might find yourself in a room where Frank Bang is making you feel something. Or everything.
It’s the roots and the fruits. It’s rock and roll. And it’s definitely the blues.
However you define it.
THE CHILDREN’S CRUSADE
The Children’s Crusade is an electronic/industrial rock band based in Chicago, Illinois that takes influence from bands like Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, Bjork, and Prince. Show-goers have called us “Goth Pop” or “Black Leather Pop.” The Children’s Crusade is a one man project in the studio and a full band in live settings. We have played four shows so far, one at Concept Saves in Humboldt Park, twice at Rat’s Pizza Records’ “Abnormal House” in Bridgeport, and once at The Fallen Log at Kictchen 17 .
DAWN DIVISION
// MIDWEST AGITATOR DIGITAL HARDCORE //
< REFUGE IN PLAINTEXT; THE FUTURE IS UNDEAD ; DEATH TO FASCISM — HARDCORE FOREVER >
PYROMANCER
Black/Death project from members of Tombstalker and Apochryphal Revelation.Fiery bestial hell.
MEATBODIES
Meatbodies is a band born from the mind of Los Angeles rocker Chad Ubovich, a long time fixture on the California garage punk and neo – psychedelic scene. Meatbodies’ guitar-heavy sound is as hard-hitting as the best punk while also brimming with bent, pop-friendly melodies. 2014’s Meatbodies, self titled, is an undying timeless rock ’n roll mosh pit, a sonic experience truly evocative of its creator: unabashed, unrestrained, beautiful and strange. 2017’s Alice is an underrated concept album that vaulted Ubovich into the same realm as his predecessors, and 2021’s 333 expands the group’s reach into new sonic realms while retaining all the punky punch of earlier works. We now reach 2024’s Flora Ocean Tiger Bloom, an album completed by an ironclad will and steely determination. It’s also Meatbodies’ most ambitious, varied, and realized record to date—and possibly their finest hour.
RANI
Just a pretty girl making music✨ ✨Singer ✨ ✨Columbia College Chi ‘24
THE MOON MACHINE
The Moon Machine is an original four-piece band from Chicago blending melodic hard rock with folk.
TACO & NEW ERA BAND
Passion. Hunger. Determined. Consistent. Just a few words that might come to mind when you hear Chicago Rapper “Taco”. Hailing from Chicago’s now defunct LeClaire Courts housing projects, Taco realized his love for music early on. After receiving inspirational feedback, from an open mic performance, Taco began his rapping career at the age of 14. Influenced by a variety of hip hop artists in the game such as J.Cole, T.I, Meek Mill, Kendrick Lamar and more. He started Battle rapping during lunch period in high school and never losing made him want to compete in other areas of music such as creating full length songs.
Pouring out personal thoughts and feelings that many fans can relate to, Taco released his first mixtape “The Truth” January 27, 2015 on datpiff.com for free. After receiving positive feedback with over 60,000 views from his first mixtape he began working on his next project “The Truth 2” released May 16, 2016 which also was a great success he decided to put this project on a variety of digital streaming outlets such as iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Google play and More!
“Taco” has been on a mission to share his craft with the world. With a hunger for music, unique style, and versatility in hip-hop, he released his 2017 Album titled “Hot Winter”, which was both captivating and relatable. Highlighting issues plaguing the city of Chicago, such as gun violence and growing up with no father in a poverty environment. You can also grab his other projects which are an EP titled “Never Doubt Me” released November of 2018 and a Joint Album with another Chicago artist G.S titled “Masterpiece” released in December of 2019 on those outlets as well.
Taco had a successful 2018/2019 having 11 consecutive Sold Out Concerts in Chicago in which he Headlined at major venues such as Wire, Bottom Lounge, Reggies, Subterranean, Bourbon on Division ,Club Red , JC Martini Club and even having a concert on the “Summers of George” Boat. Taco also Sold Out his dream venue “House Of Blues” (Chicago) in 2019 with 1300 in attendance. Taco is also set to release a New Album titled “Underrated” New Years Day 2021 exclusively on TacoMusicOfficial.com with the partnership deal he inked with Sony (The Orchard) in late 2020 you can expect some BIG things to come in the future!
COVINGTON GROOVE
An original dynamic blues rock fusion guitar & keys lead jam-band w/a solid funk rock rhythm section
JULIA MORRISON
Julia Morrison (they/she) is a singer, songwriter, painter who writes approximately a song a week, usually of the folk or psychedelic rock genres. They came out with a second album, Venus this past summer, and are finishing a new album this spring.
FINAL GASP
Boston based deathrock dealers. A harrowing journey through all things Hardcore, Metal, and Goth, Mourning Moon drags the listener through the dark in 12 thrilling tracks, and drives a stake right into the heart of 2023’s most compelling releases.
JENNY SCARA
24-year-old Indie Pop artist Jenny Scara, originates from Batavia, Illinois while having strong roots in the Bloomington/Normal area of Illinois after attending school at Illinois State University. During Jenny’s time there, she honed in on her sound and began writing and recording her own music. Following her graduation in the spring of 2023, Jenny dove head first into the Chicagoland music scene releasing notable singles, “Bottom of the Ocean” and “Not Again!”, while playing at prominent venues such as The Raven Room, The Bookclub, and The Burlington. Jenny’s debut EP, “Love You Always” was released in February garnering over 3,000 streams in just one month. Following the release, Jenny went on to sell out her next two shows at The Coffeehouse in Normal and Montrose Saloon. Jenny has been able to share the stage with other great talents, such as Parijita (The Voice – Top 8 Finalist) and Bryce Bishop (137k monthly listeners), showcasing her star power and stage presence among more established artists. Jenny has also earned press recognition (Wavy Magazine, Buzzslayers) along with her recent performances and releases.
MIKEY HARMS
Mikey Harms is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from the Southside of Chicago.He plays Indie folk and alt rock. To keep it short, you don’t wanna miss this.
VOX MARIS
Listen to a Transylvanian Rock sound born on the streets of Chicago! Experience a different musical perspective about life through the eyes of a faraway mysterious land overlooking Carpathian Mountains of Romania, where legend, mystery and reality are often found to be part of a daily routine.
CLOUD FARMERS
Alternative music with lyrical guitars, progressive beats and cinematic poetry rooted in Balkan, Chicago and improvised sound cultures.
FUGU DUGU
Fugu Dugu is a female-led Eastern European gypsy punk rock band inspired by the fields of Moldova, the mountains of Romania, railroads of Ukraine and Russia, with a touch of Klezmer and Americana. Born in Chicago in 2017 and conceptualized by Grammy-winning violinist and lead singer Olya Prohorova and Chicago singer-songwriter Mark Adkison, Fugu Dugu has been performing a combination of original and timeless Eastern European songs across the Midwest. With its style deeply rooted in the folk traditions of Eastern European melodies, Fugu Dugu songs are sung in three languages – Romanian, Russian, Ukrainian and English. Fugu Dugu is often referred to as “female Gogol Bordello.” Originally a duo, in2021 Olya Prohorova and Mark Adkison expanded the band by adding bass and drums. In 2023 the band performed together with the “GodFather of Ukrainian rock and folk-rock music” Oleg Skrypka and he called Olya “a genius violin player”. First band album “Last Lunatic” is released in May 2024
MIKE SCHARF
Playing locally and internationally since 1988, it is safe to say, Mike Scharf is a veteran of the Chicago Blues scene.
Mike has backed many of the premier talents in blues. He has recorded or shared the stage with artists such as Lefty Dizz, Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials, Sam Lay, Barkin Bill, John Edelmann, Tom Holland, Son Seals, Pinetop Perkins, Jools Holland, Mississippi Heat, Lynwood Slim, Johnny Sansone, Morry Sochat, Mud Morganfield, Mark Wydra, Keith Scott, Dave Weld, The Big Swing, Hubert Sumlin, Shawn Pittman, Johnny Adams, Dave Specter, John Primer, Nick Moss, Bill Lupkin, Jon McDonald, Rick Kreher, Little Mike and the Tornadoes, Studebaker John, Rockin Johnny and other Chicago Blues artists.
In addition to performing at top blues venues throughout the US, Mike regularly tours the globe; playing music in Canada, Brazil, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, France, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Spain, Italy, and India
Mike Has recorded for Blues Boulevard, Delmark, Johann’s Face and Parsiful Records
HELLWITCH
HELLWITCH arose from the depths of HELL in October 1984. Formed by guitarist Patrick Ranieri and drummer/vocalist, Harry Tiyler. The project expanded into a full band set up in February of 1985 with the introduction of current PRECIPICE drummer Dave Silverthrash (Silverstein), replacing Tiyler, and Andy Adcock on bass/guitar. HELLWITCH shared the stage with such heavies as CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, G.B.H., CORONER, DARK ANGEL, KREATOR, DEICIDE, DEATH, MORBID ANGEL, ATHEIST, AGNOSTIC FRONT, D.R.I., ANTHRAX, NUCLEAR ASSAULT and many others.
October of 1989 brought about a contract with Wild Rags Rec. for the debut album ‘Syzygial Miscreancy’, recorded at the renown Morrisound Studios with veteran Thrash producer Scott Burns. In August of 1991 HELLWITCH entered Morrisound Studios once again to cut the three track EP ‘Terraasymmetry’ for Lethal Records.
2009 saw the release of their long awaited sophomore album ‘Omnipotent Convocation’. With the existing line up from 2005’s ‘Epitome of Disgrace’ promo. The second full length CD, ‘Omnipotent Convocation’ , came out in August 2009 on Xtreem Music. This album marked the second coming of HELLWITCH.
The release of the 30th Anniversary, 10-LP (!) box set on Germany’s IRON BONEHEAD Records came in 2016. Currently, the release of the NEW HELLWITCH album on Listenable Records titled,”Annihilational Intercention” is slated for June 2023. The band will tour in June as well as do several festival appearances later in 2023!