ROOSEVELT THE TITAN
ULTIMATE GOAL: revolutionize the perceptions of RAP and mold it with a new generation of ART. TAKE THE JOURNEY WITH ME!!
STERLING HAYES
ROY FRENCH
DANNY JOHN TRIO
From Australia comes The Danny John Trio. This three-piece instrumental rock band is lead by the high octane shredding of Danny John along with the rhythm section of Marcos Gil on bass and James Dennett on drums. Their sound may be considered progressive hard rock/jazz, their skills are nothing to question.
Virtuoso musicians, Danny John (guitar), Marcos Gil (bassist) and drummer James Dennett – The Danny John Trio – have created a strange brew of Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Van Halen and jazz fusion. Their album Mr. Twister lives up to its name. It is full of sonic highs and euphoric squelching, the subtle change ups and keen storytelling evoke an array of images.
It’s fusion, Jim, but not as we know it. Mind altering jazz-metal for the thinking music aficionado.
This is a band that ventures into the unusual, the experimental, and on occasion the downright bonkers. A goldmine for anyone with a musically open mind, who will no doubt relish the metal-jazz-funk fusion that’s on offer here.
http://www.dannyjohn.net
By Chris Marsh
Many instrumental guitar trios capably blend jazz, rock and blues elements,but the one led by Australian guitarist Danny John takes a harder stance. With feet firmly planted on the metallic side of the fence, John, bassist Marcos Gil and drummer James Dennett occasionally dip a toe into other genres through tempo shifts, key changes and dynamics to create a compelling Down Under variation of instrumental rock that’s suitably bottom-heavy.
Three years of studying at the Musicians Institute of Technology in Hollywood, CA, and rubbing elbows with Tribal Tech’s co-founding guitarist Scott Henderson and bassist Gary Willis, trained John to think further outside the box.John’s playing and compositional prowess collectively echo guitarists from rocker Steve Vai to fellow Aussie fusion artist Frank Gambale, and bands from Rush to Georgia instrumental rock icons the Dixie Dregs. Clearly, there’s a new thunder Down Under.
Bill Meredith Abstractlogix
LAKE EFFECT
Elegant compositions with attention to melodic detail, and compelling liquid grooves are trademarks of the Lake Effect sound. Lake Effect is the exquisite smooth jazz band co-created by Neil Artwick and Robert Davis. Their latest CD, “Brighter Moments ” on “NuGroove” Records, showcases their unique sound of latin, funk, jazz, R&B, that all hang together with the common thread being Neil and Robert’s distinctive writing style.
It’s about the melody.
It’s about the song.
It’s about the groove.
It’s about “Lake Effect”
GNARLY HORSE
Gnarly Horse is a 3 piece funk/dance band featuring members of one of
Ohio’s most well known acts, Jones For Revival.
The band consists of Jimmy DeCapua (drums&vocals), Ryan Mitiska
(keys/synth/vocals), and Luke Haggerman (bass)
With a tasteful approach to funk and improv, this group is really fun to watch.
The main difference between Gnarley Horse and Jones is that Jimmy
DeCapua is playing drums instead of guitar, which makes for a very
interesting and exciting set.
Jones For Revival has been a big player in Ohio’s jam band / festival
scene since 2006, playing shows with many great acts including
Further, Gov’t Mule, Moe, Umphrey’s McGee, Dark Star Orchestra, Tea
Leaf Green, Papadosio, & The Werks.
Gnarly Horse has grooves that will make you move – combining
experience, talent, and good times so there is no way you won’t walk
away from a show smiling.
THROUGH N THROUGH
Through N Through is a Heavy Metal and Hardcore band from Chicago’s Southside neighborhood known as Little Village.
With their brand of heavy music, they have been able to reflect on where they grew up, their culture, social unrest and street politics.
DAVEY DYNAMITE
I am a folk/punk solo act from Burbank and DeKalb, IL. I try to stay as down to earth and DIY as possible and I hope you like my songs. For fans of: Frank Turner, Andrew Jackson Jihad, Chuck Ragan.
RUGBY TAILGATE PARTY
THE ATTICS
The Attics are a Chicago-area band consisting of Larry Knox guitar & vocals. Chris Knowles drums & vocals. Peter Senechalle bass & vocals. Dave Haas on lead guitar and vocals.
SENA EHRHARDT
Sena Ehrhardt has emerged as one of the freshest and most dynamic emerging young voices on the blues scene today. As the buzz about her incendiary performances at clubs and festivals spreads, heavyweight acts have begun to take notice. She’s been invited to open concerts for B.B. King, ZZ Top, Robert Cray, Dickey Betts, Johnny Winter and Gregg Allman. Her latest release, Live My Life, further confirms Sena’s ascendance to blues elite status.
Sena was born and raised in a house of blues in the Minneapolis area. As a kid her parents took her to many all-ages concerts and she was able to see artists like B.B. King, Koko Taylor and the Fabulous Thunderbirds wow their audiences with polished and exciting performances. As she grew older young artists like Jonny Lang and Susan Tedeschi gained success, putting young, contemporary faces to the music she loved.
A pivotal moment for Sena was attending one of Luther Allison’s final concerts. As she describes it, “As the sun went down and the lights came up, the emotion of his voice washed over the crowd like a wave, leaving me with tears in my eyes. His ability to connect through music with every member of that audience, each with their own stories, struggles and victories, was stunning to witness. In that moment the idea of being a singer ceased to be a choice for me and instead became a calling.”
After graduating from college in 2005, Sena began singing with Plan B, her father’s band, which led to her desire to front her own group. In 2010 she started the Sena Ehrhardt Band.
In 2011 Blind Pig released her brilliant debut recording, Leave The Light On, and the critics and fans alike took immediate notice. Blues Revue said, “From track to track, Ehrhardt establishes that she is capable of crooning softly or wailing with the best of them.” Living Blues added, “Sena Ehrhardt has a bright, soulful sound, and she doesn’t hold back – she can go from sultry and coaxing to gritty and gutsy in an instant.”
Elmore commented, “A wicked sense of soul power. Ehrhardt creates an atmosphere of lamp-light jazz club, diva-esque swagger through effortless vocal bends and brassy, wrapped-around-her-finger inflections that will have the listener hanging on every word.” The album won the Blues Blast Music Award for “Best New Artist Debut Release” and was nominated for a Blues Music Award in that same category.
For her second recording, All In, released in 2013, Sena teamed up with one the foremost producers in the worlds of rock and blues (Santana, Luther Allison, Stevie Ray Vaughan), multi-Grammy Award winner Jim Gaines. The result of their collaboration is a groove-rich, exciting exploration of the blues in all its moods.
Calling her “truly one of the most dynamic young voices any genre has seen in a long time,” Living Blues said, “Her 2011 debut was a bold statement in cabaret-blues silken gloss. Whereas her debut can be seen as walking into the club and feeling the crowd, on this effort, Ehrhardt owns the joint. Sena Ehrhardt’s voice cannot get any more powerful, range-defying, and throwback cool.” Sena was just announced as a 2014 Living Blues Award nominee in the “Blues Artist of the Year (Female)” category.
With her newest release, Live My Life, Sena continues to forge her own personal and intelligent take on the blues. Says Sena, “Live My Life is such a fitting title for my new release. The last year has been one of tremendous growth and inspiration for me both personally and professionally through music.” For one thing, she’s excited about an all-new lineup of top-flight musicians she recruited to her Band. After serving as her band’s lead guitarist and songwriting collaborator through her first two releases, Sena’s father stepped aside earlier this year and she’s formed a dynamic and energetic new Band.
With the new band behind her, Sena’s looking forward to exciting opportunities on the horizon to play more festivals nationally and begin touring internationally, as she continues to come into her own as a vocalist, songwriter and entertainer.
“Working in the studio with producer David Z. at the helm was a dream come true. His catalog of work has been, in some ways, a soundtrack of my life – ranging from Prince to Jonny Lang. I was thrilled that David, who has strong ties to Minnesota, was able to come to my home state to record my album. In the studio he brought inspired and emotional performances out of myself, my band and the guest musicians on my album. It was truly an honor to work with a creative and contemporary living legend in music.”
“The carefully selected covers are songs that I have held dear to my heart for years, with my own spin on their classic stories and appeal. The process of writing for this album along with my guitarist, Cole Allen, was incredibly rewarding.”
With her commanding stage presence, and gritty, soulfully emotional vocal prowess, Sena Ehrhardt will continue to rank among the very best and most versatile of current blues vocalists. The journey’s just beginning for this artist, but with the release of Live My Life, her expressive songwriting, and outstanding performances, the recognition and accolades for this rising star will continue to amass.
ERIK ARVOY
The music played is perceived all new, but the writer knows it’s faults and knows
it’s age. Uncorked like a wine bottled ages ago, waiting for the response of a
make-shift audience. It won’t matter, the reception, it is still something sacred,
something painstakingly adjusted and tweaked to perfection. My music is an
outlet for the stories that strike my mind when least expecting.
SENSAMOTION
New Roots reggae and DubFire Rock for the motion of your soul
HIRIE
Imagine a roots-reggae sound accompanied by a soulful, yet pop-like voice with the ability to match an acoustic setting while also being capable of freestyling to a skanking rhythm and you are left with… HIRIE.
Led by HIRIE on vocals, the female-fronted band stormed onto the reggae music scene in 2013 with the release of their first single, “Sensi Boy.” HIRIE’s debut self-titled album was released on September 3rd, 2013, and reached number 4 on the iTunes Reggae Chart in its first day. Nominated for San Diego’s best World Music Award, the band has enjoyed further success as the music video for the popular, “Sensi Boy,” has reached over 150,000 views on YouTube. That same single, along with a few other tracks, have received constant airplay on all major Hawaiian Islands, as well as local and college stations around the United States, Guam, New Zealand, Tahiti and more.
The immediate success of the band’s first full-length album created a label for HIRIE as reggae’s newest female sensation on the rise. As a result, the 7-piece band received an invitation to join two of California’s hottest reggae acts on the road for the “Tribal Youth Fall Tour 2013.” Upon completion of their first nationwide tour, demands for a strong and dedicated female-fronted band continued as HIRIE was sought out to provide entertainment at some of the most popular venues and festivals around the United States. Most recently, the band took stage in front of an estimated 2,500 fans to kick off day three of the 5th annual California Roots Music and Arts festival.
HIRIE’s live set provides those in attendance with a performance that guarantees to please and leaves the fans wanting more. With the exception of an acoustic song or two, HIRIE can be seen on stage feeding off the energy of the band and the crowd, as she spends a majority of her time dancing across any platform while she sings. From a core rhythm section with drums, keys and bass, to a highly energetic horn section, HIRIE has quickly mastered a formula to gain new fans with each opportunity they are given on stage, regardless of the crowd’s musical preference. The band’s appreciation for her tone and body language, carries over beautifully as their synchronized dancing and contagious melodic lines provide the perfect platform for HIRIE’s voice to shine.
Following their tour with Tribal Seeds, HIRIE has secured a strong fan base along the west coast while sharing the stage with headlining acts such as Fortunate Youth, Matisyahu, The Dirty Heads, J Boog, Stick Figure, and more recently, The Green. The band has also been blessed with the opportunities to provide direct support for reggae legends such as Steel Pulse, Sly & Robbie, The Wailing Souls and Pato Banton. Additionally, HIRIE has ventured out of the reggae genre to do shows with mainstream artists like Shwayze and Cisco Adler.
With another nationwide tour confirmed for Fall of 2014, HIRIE will once again take their rising talent across the U.S. for 34 shows in hopes of exposing their one-of-a-kind sound to thousands of potentially new fans. While currently writing their second album, HIRIE has managed to grab the attention of producers in both reggae and mainstream music alike. During the month of June, the band plans to record a demo CD of their most successful singles to date and pitch the compilation to indie and other major labels for a chance to help fund another sensational album that will surely take its carriers to the next level.
In a genre dominated by male voices, the rise of HIRIE in 2013 came as a breath of fresh air just as the reggae scene had begun to emerge from the underground and into the mainstream. With so many accomplishments in such a short time, it’s hard to believe the band has only been together for a year. HIRIE’s ability to flawlessly mix multiple styles of music into a reggae-pop song rooted with conscious lyrics makes for the perfect starting point to help reggae music deliver its’ message to the world.
“Music that brings you to a positive place: that’s reggae. Music that lifts you to a higher space: that’s HIRIE.” – HIRIE
“As I was pulling into my parking spot I could already hear the sounds of Hirie coming from the California Roots stage. The energy is contagious as the crowd is bouncing up-and-down with fans along the rail singing along to every word. The beautiful Hirie works the entire stage playing to her band members and to the fans. Both VIP sections were filled with people trying to get a glimpse of the Hawaiian girl that’s causing such a rage in the reggae scene” – – CALIFORNIA ROOTS FESTIVAL
“But Hirie, who may be reggae’s newest sensation, has the potential to turn heads and create a name for herself after releasing her self-titled debut album earlier this month” – – SANTA FE NEW MEXICAN
“In a genre dominated by male performers, it is refreshing to hear a female voice set to reggae. HIRIE combines just the right mix of flare, relatability and authenticity” – – THE PIER
“As was the case for 90% of the set, the entire band was jumping up and down as Hirie skanked across the stage” – – THE PIER
CHICAGO SKYLINERS BIG BAND
Wayne Messmer and the Chicago Skyliners Big Band performng at Reggies Chicago.
Often referred to as ‘The Voice of Chicago”, Wayne Messmer will be featured with the Chicago Skyliners Big Band on Tuesday November 25th at Reggies…..
Wayne’s love of jazz has brought him to WDCB radio on Sunday’s along with the Skyliners leader and drummer Bill O’Connell back to back at 6:00 pm and 7:00pm at www.WDCB.org
BK BAMBINO
SAIGON
CHARLIE MEGIRA AND THE BET SHE’AN VALLEY HILLBILLIES
“Like some bastard love child of Link Wray and Johnny Thunders, Berlin-by-way-of-Israel rock ‘n’ roller Charlie Megira has mastered the art of blending 1950s-style rock guitar and spooky, blood-curdling howls. In his newest incarnation, the Bet She’an Valley Hillbillies, he takes those building blocks and adds a vroom-vroom rockabilly twang.” – SF Bay Guardian
DAVE WELD & THE IMPERIAL FLAMES
Dave Weld and the Imperial Flames, an authentic blues band with versatile talent, variety, and a cohesive show that includes original driving blues. The originals are classic in nature, the standards are revitalized with striking three part vocal harmony, three vocal stylists, blues diva and Rami winner Monica Myhre, Legendary Saxman, Abb Locke, passionate guitar schooled from the masters(J.B. Hutto), and tight, rock solid rythm section.
From l Chicago Blues fest, to Buddy Guy’s new Legends, the Meridien Hotel (Paris), Canada, Japan, Spain, Holland, Caribbean, Germany, Belgium, France, Sweden, England, North, South, East and West in the USA. Here is what they say about Dave Weld and the Imperial Flames:
“We along with our guest are thrilled to see the interaction you have with the audience…your performances have set the standard for consistency, quality and entertainment…your flexibility demonstrates your dependability….Jacques D’Rovencourt, Director of Food and Beverage, The Palmer House Hilton
“You guys are great, fantastic, I loved it!!…..Bonnie Raitt
“Dave Weld and the Imperial Flames were excellent, particularly Dave Weld, who came offstage to play and give individual attention…myclients have commented how great the band played!”….Vivian Liddell, Area Sales Director, Le Meridien Hotel
“On behalf of House of Blues-Chicago, we highly recommend Dave Weld and the Imperial Flames for venue bookings thanks to there consistently high level of talent, dedication, and cooperation……..Virginia Jones, House of Blues, Chicago
“Using a metal slide, the guitarist draws on lessons from the great JB Hutto and makes his emanations of power and energy ever so purposeful”………Frank-John Hadly, Downbeat Magazine September, 2010
“this is a killer veteran all-star, real deal Chicago blues band at its house rockin’ best… one of the hardest working, longest running, and most talented, cohesive, Chicago blues bands around”…….Kevin Johnson, Delmark records, Aug 2010
“Dave Weld is one of the friendliest, easiest guys in the music business to work with…never seen a crowd the didn’t love him..he put together a peformance that was exactly tailored to the event… I would recommend him highly…an evening with Dave Weld is an evening well spent…..Lois Roewade , Event Makers
THE ETHAN BROSH BAND
Ethan Brosh’s star is on the rise. Having quickly established a reputation as one of heavy metal’s most exciting and progressive young guitarists, Brosh has developed a vast repertoire of complex and fiery riffs, jaw-dropping solos and spellbinding acoustic figures. An admitted perfectionist who sweats the details, Brosh will release his second all-instrumental album, Live the Dream, on March 4 via Carmine Appice’s new label Rocker Records LLC. Uniquely melodic, with well-crafted harmonies and adventurous compositions, Brosh’s latest – mixed by the legendary Max Norman (Ozzy Osbourne, Megadeth), who Brosh coaxed out of retirement, and mastered by Bob Ludwig (Def Leppard, Bon Jovi) – picks up where 2009’s Out of Oblivion left off, with Brosh continuing his evolution as an artist, exploring new ideas and incorporating different styles while never compromising the essence of who he is. The albums actually were made five years apart, however. In the interim, the Berklee College of Music graduate and teacher, worked hard to hone his musical chops, and it shows on Live the Dream. “Because so much time had gone by, I feel like, first of all, I’ve become a better player,” said Brosh, “and as far as the production, I feel I was a lot more aware of what I was actually doing. I had better equipment, and I really spent a lot of time and energy and money on production. So I feel that production-wise, we really hit it this time.”
Indeed, Brosh, who’s been featured in Guitar World magazine numerous times, has come a long way in relatively short period of time. Born in upstate New York, Brosh actually grew up in Israel studying both classical and electric guitar. There he was tutored by master electric guitarist Eyal Freeman, who helped Brosh get into Berklee, where much of Out of Oblivion was written. “Out of Oblivion evolved through a really long period of time, from the first tunes I’d ever written back in Israel and tunes I’d written throughout my time at Berklee specifically for the purpose of making a record,” said Brosh.
An auspicious debut, Out of Oblivion was mixed by the renowned sound engineer Chris Tsangarites (Judas Priest, Thin Lizzy and Yngwie Malmsteen). Derek Riggs, famed for his Iron Maiden artwork, designed the cover, and guitarist Greg Howe, best known for playing alongside Michael Jackson, and Dream Theater drummer Mike Mangini also contributed to the record, as did ex-Dokken guitarist George Lynch. During this time, a chance meeting through MySpace with ex-Manowar drummer Rhino led to Brosh joining Rhino and Megadeth bassist Dave Ellefson in Angels of Babylon and playing lead and nylon-string guitar on two AOB records. He has since bowed out of the project. His involvement in the melodic-rock outfit Burning Heat, which he started after leaving school, is ongoing, however, although with much of his focus these days is on his solo work, Brosh’s touring schedule is sure to heat up. Soon, he’ll be opening for Michael Schenker, this after supporting Yngwie Malmsteen last summer, which was quite an education. “Just looking at the guy’s face and seeing the way he plays and his approach, I can’t even put it into words,” said Brosh, who wants to be part of a legendary heavy metal band and play giant arenas. Already, he has shared stages with icons like Malmsteen, Schenker and Pat Travers, among others, including Jake E. Lee and his new project, Red Dragon Cartel. Brosh has shown he belongs in their company.
THE CHA$E
The Cha$e, lead by 3 blazing guitars and a killer rhythm section performs iconic tunes by Jeff Beck, Edgar Winter and Pantera.
DATUARE
Datuare: A hip-hop group based out of Columbia College Chicago. Directed by George Wundsam, the nine-piece ensemble performs a wide variety of contemporary hip-hop songs and jazz infused original compositions.
MELODIC SOUL
Funky soul throwback jams of the 70’s, 80’s & 9o’s meet today’s new hits. MELODIC SOUL-the hot new 8 piece R&B band from Chicago!
OKTASOUL
If you’re looking for a reason to come out to Reggie’s, this may be the best one yet. We’ve got eight of them. With the newest and most promising talent to come on the scene, join us as we take off on a musical journey of R&B entertainment that’s sure to make your night with.
ZERO BOYS
The intelligent, ambitious lyrics of “Vicious Circle” tackled such themes as social stratification, teen angst, and political corruption. Mahern’s clear tenor voice emerged like a rapid-fire war cry, well-suited to the message and material. These themes, set into a blazing, sonic buzzsaw with huge choruses and intricate changeups, set an influential stylistic precedent for hardcore punk which still resonates today.
Vicious Circle was reissued on Toxic Shock later in the 1980s, with added bonus tracks taken from the Affirmation Records compilations LPs The Master Tape and The Master Tapes 2. It was reissued again in 2000 by Lookout! Records, without the Master Tape tracks, but with two additional songs from the original album sessions, “She Said Goodbye” and “Slam and Worm”, which had been given limited release on a 7″ single.
It has occasionally been reported that the band never recorded further material after this. This is true only in the sense that the lineup of the band that made Vicious Circle never recorded new material. After David Clough left the band to join Toxic Reasons, the Zero Boys did manage to record a handful of tracks intended for a second LP, but broke up before the album could be finished. These tracks were released on the History of the Zero Boys cassette on Affirmation, along with the above mentioned compilation tracks and other demo tracks and outtakes.
Around 1990, Selfless released a 7″ single featuring the Zero Boys on one side and Toxic Reasons on the other. The Zero Boys reformed in late 1987 with guitarist Vess Ruhtenberg and recorded two further albums, Make It Stop (released on Germany’s Bitzcore label in 1992) and The Heimlich Maneuver (released on Skyclad in 1993.) In 2009, Secretly Canadian reissued both “Vicious Circle” (identical to the Lookout! edition in content and artwork) and “History Of”, making the latter available on CD for the first time (appending the Livin’ in the 80s EP, but omitting four tracks from the original cassette which had appears in different recordings on Vicious Circle.)
In the last couple of years, the band has reunited for the occasional gig, including a series of shows at CBGB’s designed to raise money to help keep the club open, and a series of shows in 2006 where they performed the entire Vicious Circle album. They are also headlining a two day show at No Way Fest in Richmond, Virginia on June 20 and 21 2009. Paul Mahern went on to form the power pop band the Datura Seeds and has since become a producer in Bloomington, Indiana, where he also teaches yoga and owns the Affirmation Records label. Clough owns a punk clothing store in Indianapolis called Future Shock[1] as well as a progressive music bar named Radio Radio. Mark Cutsinger continues to be an active drummer in the midwest and Vess Ruhtenberg plays guitar in The Pieces, The United States Three (Ruhtenberg’s other band with Cutsinger), and Bass with The Lemonheads. Zero Boys are to play Rebellion Festival in Blackpool in 2012 on the Empress Ballroom on the Friday along with two other newly reformed punk bands who are two UK82 legends Anti-Pasti and The Fits.
TIIIIIIIIIIP
tip w/ 10 i’s – producer / dj / promoter
PILLAGE
NATE MAYNARD
TUNNEL MOVEMENT
Tunnel Movement has worked since its inception in 2009 to make quality music that maintains traditions of the underground, while reaching heads all over the world and of all types. Initially comprised of emcee Kwote1 and producer Denom, Tunnel Movement (TM) has gone through several incarnations ( adding emcees Wordsplay and N.O.A.H, before Wordsplay is no longer a Full-time part of Tunnel Movement due to personal reasons, but is still family.), eventually developing int a strong cohesive unit with a signature style in the vein of such classic groups as Gang Starr, Dilated Peoples and Mobb Deep. In its current form,TM consist of Kwote1, N.O.A.H and DJ Decept.
VX36
VX36 is a powerhouse mix of thrash and speed metal mixed with a newer kind of vocal and drumming. Their musicianship, uniqueness, and dedication make for awesome riffs, crushing lyrics, and an energy explosive live show!
C2 AND THE BROTHERS REED
C2 and The Brothers Reed are a Rock n Roll band from Lexington KY. The band formed in early 2013 and in that short amount of time have made some notable accomplishments including opening for the Stone Temple Pilots’ Scott Weiland at Bogarts in OH as well as recording their debut album ‘Hot Mess’. The album is an eclectic mix of Rock, jam band and new wave styles.
REBECCA BRUNNER
Soulful singer/songwriter, Rebecca Brunner, grew up in the small town of Mason, Michigan and later moved to Chicago, IL and graduated with a music degree from Columbia College Chicago.
After a full-time music pursuit in Chicago, she made the move to Nashville, TN to further her career as an artist and songwriter and is now a member of the Song House.
Her single ‘Round Hole’ has amassed over 20 million collective streams across all social platforms. Rebecca is now hard at work on her debut album and is eager to release her upcoming music.
FIRAGO
Chicago’s dance-rock authority.
THE BRANDON FOX PROJECT
Born and raised in the greater Chicago area, Brandon began his journey to becoming an entertainer before he was even old enough to understand the true meaning of the word. His unique personality and ability to captivate the attention of any crowded room screamed of something special to come in the years ahead. During his youth, Brandon enjoyed performing in talent shows and writing original music, which led him to record his first original song at just 15. With these experiences and more, Brandon immersed himself into the world of music and quickly fell in love with performing professionally in front of large audiences.
Brandon went on to sign with Atlantic Records as one of the members of the Chicago band Makeshift Prodigy. During that time he toured across the United States, performing at numerous venues, including Summer Fest and Lollapalooza ’13. Brandon is extremely grateful for being able to share this special journey with his band mates. After a period of contemplation, he decided to part ways and create “The Brandon Fox Project”.
Since then, Brandon has not slowed down. Emerging as one of Chicago’s hottest rising acts with his mix of urban pop, dance and r&b, he paints the perfect picture. When his presentation comes to life on stage, it’s apparent he has raised the bar.
STYPES
Stypes create a vibrational energy that is not comparable to most hip hop music that is produced today. With the contrasting vocal styles of StereoAdam and StereoAaron matched with a bedrock of sound so gorgeously presented by WaxBuzzard, Incise, George Fields, Teddy Roxpin and so many others. What Stypes offer to the spectrum of sound is greatly needed and they are here to give it
LIQUOR MORTIS
Liquor Mortis: a Chicago band and a group of drunks that all were hanging around the same rehearsal buildings in Chicago. The dudes thought they should form the new band since their old bandmates all had to enter rehab. This would give them some time to rock tunes inbetween bong rips and shots.
Members of:
Give Us The Witch
Antioch Secret Society
TITTY
Imperial Battlesnake
Redneck Exorcist
BRYAN FORD
Bryan Ford is a producer of Downtempo, Trip-Hop and Chill/Lounge music and a multi-instrumentalist studio musician and performer from Chicago, IL
Bryan has been writing music and playing the guitar, drums, and bass guitar for most of his life. Over the years he has toured the country numerous times with various bands. From 1994-2000 he was the singer/guitar player for the 7 piece horn driven funk band, Isabelle Haze. From 2000-2004 he played guitar for Meg Lee Chin, the former lead singer/songwriter for Pigface. With Meg Lee Chin he toured the U.S. with the infamous Chicago ensemble My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult and Martin Atkins’ Damage Manual. He was the drummer for outlaw blues/rock outfit The Badvibes from 2004-2008. Currently Bryan composes, produces and performs live as himself and with various other bands nationally.
Since easing out of the touring lifestyle and easing into the studio, Bryan has steadily released and licensed music with various labels. He’s released tracks as himself and as “Terry Swank” on labels Four Play Music and Revolutionary Music and with Andre Harris on Innate Soul and Large Music. He was commissioned to co-write with Staci Kidd and Glenn Underground a string of well received singles on labels such as Music 101 and Masters At Work. Bryan also co-wrote the song Forever by the Lake Street Project, which spent 62 weeks on the US club charts and 10 weeks on the Billboard Dance Club Play chart.
His single Here All Along feat Ava Fain charted in the overall top 10 of MTV’s affiliate Ourstage in the soul category. His music was released on the compilation Prive’: The Lounge Anthology along with artists Jazzanova, Jose Padilla, and J Boogie’s Dubtronic Science and licensed on Universal Music’s compilation High Society: Haute. Several of his songs appear on the Revolutionary Music Presents Organica Lounge compilation and he was featured on the Promo Only Alternative Club compilation for December 2010. He also joined J Boogie of OM Records in remixing Burton L’s sultry little ditty Feel The Love feat. Darcy. Bryan released the EP Moniker in December 2013 on sub-label Swank Vibe Records. His most recent EPs of 2014, Shoe Tree and Hands, are available in online stores now.
HEIDIE FIFIELD
Heidie Fifield is a singer/songwriter, and recent graduate of Columbia College Chicago. She has had the pleasure of working with several highly acclaimed musicians including Grammy Award winning singer/songwriters Paula Cole and Jim Lauderdale, multi-talented singer/songwriter and guitarist Charlie Sexton, and the world renowned Todd Rundgren. She currently works as a lead vocalist in one of Chicago’s top cover bands, Shout Out, and has just released her very first single, “No Love Like Our Love”, off her forthcoming debut EP, currently available on iTunes.
ASHLEY OTIS
Brought up under the influence of a cappella music, Ashley Otis grew up with the advantage of hearing and experiencing music in a way that increased her intuition for harmony, melody, tone quality, vocal blend and song composition. Quickly developing a naturally trained ear nearly as fast as she could learn to speak complete sentences, Ashley was able to discern and maintain harmonic and melodic structures at a very early age.
Originally from the eastside of Detroit, Michigan, Ashley likes to pay homage not only to her a cappella upbringing but also to her hometown and the music it had awaiting her discovery as a child. Having grown up on the birthing grounds of Motown Records, it didn’t take long for the legendary sounds of artists and groups including, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Diana Ross & The Supremes and Michael Jackson to engrave its musical timelessness in the development of her love for contemporary, urban and popular music.
Since relocating to Chicago to study music at Columbia College, Ashley has performed and worked with industry legends and World-renowned musicians, Todd Rundgren, Charlie Sexton, Jim Lauderdale, Nicholas Tremulis and Bernard Purdie.
In the spring of 2011, Ashley was asked to sing backup vocals for Chicago Independent Music Awards nominee, Justin Ruff, and during that time discovered a huge passion for professional background singing. Now having also sung for artists including Mark Hubbard and The Voices, “Colum Alums”, Alma Cook and Sam Trump, and most recently Chicago singer/songwriter, Erthe St. James, Ashley has performed in Chicago’s Gospel Music Festival, sang for Stellar Award winner, Byron Cage, and has opened shows for award winning artists, Ryan Leslie and Estelle.
Later that year, Ashley joined all female band, SHE. A band of 7 eccentrically hip queens heavily inspired by artists including Bob Marley, Erykah Badu, Little Dragon, Sun Ra and Janelle Monae, SHE has played in several Chicago venues including The Shrine, Abbey Pub, Reggie’s Music Joint, The Red Kiva, Double Door, Schubas Tavern and The Metro and has opened for Eric Roberson, L’Renee, M&O, Rahsaan Patterson, Jean Deaux, Jean Grae and Vic Mensa.
Now a little over three years later with a Bachelors of Music degree in Contemporary, Urban and Popular Music, Ashley works as a session singer and has recorded for artists including Chicago-based guitarist, Joe Moss, and Chicago singer, Joey Locascio. She is also performing as a lead vocalist in Chicago cover band, Blue Water Kings, and is currently working on the release of a solo project.
THE AVENGERS
2 Bass Legends on stage together! These guys have been the center of the groove for most of your favorite artist for many years! Rock N Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, Chip Shearin and Bass Super Star, Ethan Farmer. There isn’t a day that you turn on the radio or TV and don’t hear one of these guys. Chips new single Truth Be Told is still sitting on every major jazz chart and his new CD has been critically acclaimed by Downbeat Magazine, Smoothjazz.com, JazzTimes. Ethans CD Wine and Strings is as earth shattering as they come! Taking you on a ride like nothing else has.
Now they step out together in a hugely entertaining show, highlighting music from their successful solo Releases! The music will move you out of your seat on to the floor! Be careful! No seatbelts provided!…”Am I really seeing this? Thunderous presence and as entertaining as I’ve seen,”
Ted Ross, Music Radar…”felt like I should have paid twice. Chip and Ethan returned us to real music. I was scared to blink”
Anita Scott, Musician Magazine
MIKE MCKENNA
Singer/Songwriter Mike McKenna is rapidly establishing a name for himself within Chicago’s Americana music scene. His insightful and thought provoking lyrics combined with haunting grunge guitar riffs make each performance uniquely electrifying. Recent appearances at the IPO Chicago Music Festival and sold out show at Uncommon Ground created a refreshingly raw buzz throughout the industry.
McKenna recently signed a deal with Rae Records and Entertainment LLC and has recorded in Chicago with Producer JR Henk of Legendary Recorders. A 2014 release is expected. He is rapidly rising on ReverbNation and his following is growing fast as word gets out about the raw talent this artist brings to the audience.
ZOOFUNKYOU
Zoofunkyou is a modern day blues-infused psychedelic soulfunk phenomenon who have brought their quick-witted sonic expressionism and meaningful melodic lyrics to audiences all around the country.
SHE RIDES TIGERS
Fuzz guitar riff-laden power-trio blurring the lines between psych-rock and power-pop.
THE SUEVES
The Sueves have been a band for 3 years and still haven’t won anything. The tradition continues. Google them or come to one of their live shows and watch them. They’re all pretty nice!
ENCYCLOPEDIA BROWN
With a style defined as “classically trained hip hop”, Bolingbrook native Encyclopedia Brown is the quintessential triple threat. He’s a DJ, Producer and Rapper who’s been living the culture and music for over 20 years. He wrote his first rhyme at the age of 11, has battled with legends like Eyedea, Rhymefest and Qwel, and came up during the golden age of Chicago Hip Hop. He was a member of the hip hop collective Giraffe Nuts, and continues to play and DJ throughout the region. He remains a stalwart in the scene, and occasionally serves as Psalm One’s touring DJ.
In 2012, after decades in music, Brown released his first solo effort, Wholesale: Everything Must Flow!!!, which he mixed and engineered himself. Known for possessing an amazing ear for music and a commanding voice, Encyclopedia Brown is a current throwback to great rap artists. He is a multi-layered artist and an incredible party rocker.
WENT BLACK
“Chicago’s premier Black Flag tribute featuring NO original OR iconic Black Flag members(much like the actual Black Flag with the exception of Greg)!!! SO we could be just as good or better than the real Black Flag!!!”
NICK&TOM&FRED&NICK
THE DAWN
For over 8 years, the Western Illinois based roots rock/jam band “The Dawn” has been spreading their love of cutting edge improvisational rock throughout the Midwest. From their humble beginnings in the shadow of the Mississippi River, they have crafted out their place as one of the premier up and coming jam bands.
The Dawn’s live show experience has proven contagious and is tightly gripped in spacious jams, roaring guitar and soulful harmonies. These four accomplished musicians push the envelope at every performance and audiences are rewarded with an experience that can only be described as “The Dawn Effect.” Coupled with an equally adventurous light show, Dawn concerts keep their dedicated and growing fanbase coming back for more.
Fresh off the heels of their fourth studio release Waiting For the Storm, 2014 has seen the Dawn play major festivals, including the inaugural Phases of the Moon, and has shared the stage with such acts as Widespread Panic, The String Cheese Incident, Govt Mule, Robert Randolph And the Family Band and Railroad Earth. Combined with high profile local gigs, the Dawn is turning many heads in the jam scene.
EDGAR ALLAN ECTOPLASM
A Chicago-based, and horror obsessed, sludge metal multimedia spooktacular. Musically, they burrow heavily from the influence of Black Sabbath, Electric Wizard, Weedeater, Sleep, and Pentagram. Lyrically, they derive inspiration from the writings of Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft. Visually, they burrow form the influence of cult horror and exploitation films.
DAVE HELEM
Dave Helem is a writer, stand-up comedian, and former Kanye apologist from Chicago, Illinois. He attributes his sense of humor to the fact that he believes there is a lot of funny in life…even the dark stuff. He was a writer for Comedy Central’s Hood Adjacent, Fox’s REL, Raven’s Home Season 4 and a consulting producer for TruTV’s Laff Mobb’s Laff Tracks. He can be seen acting in Comedy Central’s South Side, as well as Sherman’s Showcase on IFC. He is a newly paid regular at the World Famous Comedy Store on the historic Sunset strip in Hollywood. He has headlined numerous venues and has performed on tour in numerous cities with Hannibal Buress, Tony Rock, Doug Stanhope and Tracy Morgan. In 2016, Dave successfully completed a two month residency at the Woolly Mammoth Theater in Washington D.C. for Second City’s Black Side of the Moon, where he helped create and write the most successful selling show in the history of that theater. He is currently living in Los Angeles, California.
AVIATOR
Aviator is tricky to write about – something on which they pride themselves. Formed in 2009 in the hardcore hotbed of Boston, the members have been so sharply focused on honing their songcraft that they’ve neglected to manufacture a backstory, an “angle.” But with the maturation evident across their early short-form releases (3 EPs, splits with My Fictions & Spirit Fangs), Aviator is comfortable letting their music speak for itself.
For their first few years, they billed their sound as “progressive” hardcore, but catching up with them in 2014 it seems as if they’ve progressed into something else entirely. Somewhere along the way, the band – vocalist TJ Copello, drummer Aviv Marotz, bassist Mike Moschetto and guitarists Mat Morin & Michael Russo – began letting go of the tropes of heavy music in favor of emotional weight, plucking instead at heartstrings and cathartically pounding the doldrums away. This growth comes to fruition on ‘Head In The Clouds, Hands In The Dirt,’ their first full-length effort and No Sleep Records debut. Its ten self-produced tracks cover wide swaths of stylistic ground, comprising an emotive post-hardcore tour de force.
DOVE ROCK AND DALLAS JACKSON
DJ TOUCH NICE
FUCK YOU PAY ME
Fast,negative,anthemic dark hardcore done correctly. From Clevo.
Economic desperation. The wrong color on a pregnancy test. Dropping your phone into the shitter. 3:17 AM at Steve’s Hot Dogs.
WE SOUND A LOT LIKE THAT
