KALEIDOSCOPE
Alternative Groove Rock band from Chicago. Kaleidoscope blends many different styles to give you just what you want to hear.
KILLMEDIA
MIKE MAIMONE
Mutts frontman Mike Maimone “goes from zero to a hundred quicker than most,” according to Daytrotter. Choose Chicago says, “He plays the piano with his feet. He swills whiskey between songs. He shouts and howls. He is an unstoppable music force.” Vern Hester of the Windy City Times adds, “The man has the keyboard style of Fats Waller and Jerry Lee Lewis combined, and a vocal style that clearly recalls Tom Waits and Warren Zevon.”
Maimone has averaged over 100 tour dates each year since 2007, primarily with his band Mutts and as a solo artist, as well as on keyboards for Company of Thieves and Los Colognes. He has opened for Imagine Dragons, Weezer, OK Go, Blues Traveler, and The Hold Steady among others, played Lollapalooza, Sasquatch, Riot Fest, Last Call with Carson Daly, and at notable venues across the country, from The Fillmore in San Francisco, to Emo’s in Austin, to the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York.
Maimone released his solo debut LP Open Mic Nights, Empty Bottle Mornings in 2008. Going on to form Mutts with bassist Bob Buckstaff in 2009, Maimone has subsequently written and self-released 4 more albums and 4 EPs. In 2017 Mutts were named to WXRT’s Local Anesthetic Best-of list for the second time. The most recent LP from Mutts, Fuel Yer Delusion vol. 4, is their fourth consecutive album to chart on the CMJ Top 200. More Mutts music is on the way in 2018, as well as a follow-up solo release featuring his new brass band.
Mike Maimone endorses Lewitt microphones and Nord keyboards, performing at the latter’s NAMM exhibition in 2018.
NOISEAR
MIND ERASER
PETER MURPHY
LIVAN
THE PIRATE TWINS
The Pirate Twins are the DJ team of Scary Lady Sarah and William Faith.
SUBHUMANS UK
Subhumans were, between 1980-85, one of the most prolific and original of the evolving UK punk scene; they were based in England, Musical influences were a mix of Sex Pistols, Damned, and similar punk originators, and prepunk bands like King Crimson and Frank Zappa, which led to a style of punk more intricate in its structure than their contemporaries, without losing the base energy and dynamics of punk. Dick’s lyrics, at once socially aware and heavily critical of social norms, placed them in the anarcho-punk area of the ever-expanding UK punk scene of the early 80s, alongside Crass, Antisect, Conflict, and Flux of Pink Indians.
DAYLIGHT ROBBERY
“Daylight Robbery: Sounds like their records come with a spool of police tape that raps around your stereo as it plays. It cordons off a crime scene, sets the place in noir-ish blacks and whites, expands to ten times its original volume, and carefully inspects and detects.”
-Todd Taylor, Razorcake
ANAMANAGUCHI
We are Anamanaguchi. We make hyper-active, hyper-positive 8-bit jams that epicly wail with guitars and drums.
COBALT AND THE HIRED GUNS
DARLING
A ROCKET TO THE MOON
HARRY BREITNER
MAGIC CHILD
THE STEEL CHOPS
The Steel Chops are bringing rock back to the people. Real music from the heart without prejudice. We are part of the new revolution to regrow the roots and give the ears of the world something to talk about.
GREEN ROOM ROCKERS
From the Muddy Banks of the Wabash River comes the Soul Sonic, Blues Drenched, Sounds of Reggae and Ska that is the Green Room Rockers. Tuff concrete for your dancing feet thats served hot by the slice, for the Right Price.
Honest, raw sounds in an age of plastic and bling. This is the Hoosier Homegrown.
It all began in the (219) around 2001 with a few bedroom sessions (which happened to be painted green) between a few friends. After years of neglect and what could only be explained as providence, GRR became a reality in 2006.
Including members of Indiana Finest bands (Counteractive, the management, the Jims Jims, the Modern Kicks, and Recticide),GRR has come to bring Music with Soul back to the fore front, one basement at a time.So tell your friends, there something new growing amongst the corn…
SAMANTHA AXTON
PREDATOR
Predator is a Progressive Thrash Metal band from Chicago IL.
JOEY PASTERSIK
ANDREW FRANCIS
SEEKING ZERO
THE SPACE JAM SOUNDTRACK
STEREO SINAI
KELSEY MONTANEZ
Kelsey Montanez is one of Chicago’s best kept secrets. Both intimate and ecstatic, smokey and scorching, her potent blend of blues, pop, and psychedelia has been turning heads for over a decade. Among the singer-songwriter’s many talents, it’s Montanez’s arresting voice that has captured a devoted fanbase.
OLD OLD FASHIONED
PHOENIX RUDOLPH
BIG WIG MECHANIC
Big Wig Mechanic got their start on the southside of Chicago in 2007. Quickly after getting together, the upbeat trio gained momentum playing local bars and venues all all over the Chicago area. They built a grassroots following by rocking out packed bars and venues, and battling out to the top of multiple “Battle of the Bands” contests. (Their most recent feat was out of 30 bands)
Their style is a pleasant mix of pop/rock thats is infused with a funky reggae vibe. In a typical show you can expect the staple reggae covers (Marley, Tosh, etc) but also a fresh take on unexpected past covers (think Notorious B.I.G.’s “Juicy” into Blondie’s “Heart of Glass”).
But their cover’s is only one aspect of the Big Wig Mechanic sound. What makes them stand out is their original music. Their original tracks are of such high quality that it’s hard to tell the difference as to what’s an original and what’s a cover of a timeless classic when they are playing a live show.
The band members individual talent really shines through in a cohesive concert experience. Don’t be surprised to see a spontaneous instrument swap between members or an all out improv percussion jam with all involved. Their wide array of musical knowledge and styles as well their unique approach on their own material blends together seamlessly, and creates an experience that fits in any setting. Whether its a packed pub of drinkers waiting to hear their favorite hits to shout along to or a late night club looking for a funky dance party, Big Wig has it all. They even do the occasional acoustic orientated sets for fundraisers, charities and family events. And every crowd exposed to it sees that magic, and can’t help but move. Big Wig Mechanic is young and still relatively new to the scene, but expect to see a lot more of these guys in the future!
THE NATION
MASON AVENUE
BEYOND TERROR BEYOND GRACE
THYATEIRA
DA ROYALTY FAM
MONSOON
TAMARIE GUNN AND SHOWTIME
SCINTA
IDEALIST
Columbia Band
FUCKED UP FRIDAY
SKYLER MENDOZA
ACTION/ADVENTURE
Chicago, IL’s Action/Adventure combines punchy Pop Punk lyricism with the heavy tones into one complete package brimming with pure energy. The intricacies of their writing paired with a lineup composed of characters from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities makes them truly stand out amongst the Pop Punk genre.
THE ARKHAMS
AL AND THE BLACK CATS
SCARLET FEVER
THE LOVING DEAD
GIFTS FROM ENOLA
Gifts From Enola is a band from Harrisonburg, Virginia that formed in 2005. They juxtapose elements of post-rock with a burgeoning hard-rock approach and a touch of the “experimental” style, to soften that harshness. Some songs explode with blistering intensity and then sink slowly back into sonic landscapes with a milder disposition. At some points, the sound climbs out of that landscape, developing an ambient texture salted with a few field recordings. Their use of hypnotic riffs can be singularly effective.
IF THESE TREES COULD TALK
Putting a metal edge on exploratory post-rock, Akron, Ohio’s If These Trees Could Talk deliver sprawling sounds tempered with blistering movement. With a sound reminiscent of Mogwai and Russian Circles, the band’s delay-heavy sound is constantly exploring sonic peaks and valleys as the band’s three guitar attack surrounds listeners in a swirling sea of sparkling sound.
THE SUMMER PLEDGE
The Summer Pledge was made on December 21st, 2007 in Detroit, MI. We’ve grown, evolved, transformed and transfigured. We play music that pushes and moves us in a positive direction and we hope that it has the same effect on others. We fully embrace the DIY mentality and a solid work-ethic, believing that all of our visions will become reality with enough drive, hard work, tenacity and patience.
ROBBY CELESTIN
An energetic performer and skilled songwriter, Robby Celestin delivers an exciting show with a soulful vibe. His lyrics are smart and moving and his songs are truly memorable. He speaks of life, love, and everything in between.
With songs that run the gamut of soul, funk, Latin and reggae, Robby’s powerhouse band delivers a pulse pounding ride. He is backed by a collection of Chicago’s most talented and sought after musicians. This local singer has performed at the White House, throughout the Caribbean, in Tahiti and for NATO troops all across Europe. He has opened up for and shared the stage with many famous performers including The Four Tops, Jay Leno, Stormy Weather, Survivor, ELO, The Little River Band and Chicago legend Jerry Butler.
Robby was selected by Midwest Beat Magazine as favorite male vocalist and his CD “Voiceprints” was chosen by www.NWI.com as the number one Chicagoland independent CD. Voiceprints has continued to bring forth both critical and public acclaim around the globe. It was a CD Baby top 10 seller and named as one of CD Baby’s top 5 editor’s picks. Music runs in his family. Robby’s father, Robert “Cuate” Celestin, was a member of the Atlantic soul group the Enchanters and performed with many Motown acts including The Jackson 5.
JOE JOHNSON BLUES DUO
COYOTE RIOT
Coyote Riot has its roots set deep in old folk and country/blue grass string sounds of the past and present. The twang of the rockabilly stile guitar sits nicely with the pluc of the bass and the chuck of the tenor banjo, while the harmonica and fiddle harmonize like crickets in heat. A recipe gaurenteed to have you hootin and hollerin with your foot-a-stompin.
NAKEDER CLOTHED
MELODY ANGEL
Melody Angel, the powerhouse of “electric church music,” ignites stages worldwide with her unique blend of soulful vocals and electrifying guitar skills. Her self-titled album and accompanying global tour have captivated audiences across Germany, and numerous cities throughout the US, including Chicago, Denver, and Florida. Including a highly anticipated series of shows in Lima, Peru, this October. Journalists universally praise her stage presence and musical prowess, drawing comparisons to icons like Jimi Hendrix, Prince, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. A true prodigy, Melody taught herself guitar on a purple electric Fender strat that still accompanies her today. She’s a multi-instrumentalist, mastering piano, bass, and drums, and demonstrating her versatility by single-handedly playing and producing her latest album. Defying industry norms, Melody embodies a generational talent committed to realizing her rock and roll dreams despite the odds. Melody Angel’s journey is a testament to perseverance and passion in the face of adversity. For more about her electrifying music and upcoming performances, visit www.melodyangelmusic.com and experience the renaissance of “electric church music” firsthand.
WAMSLEY
SWIMSUIT ADDITION
The evil Go-Go’s.
“It’s hard to want to call local punk quartet Swimsuit Addition anything but ‘bubblegum,’ since their songs are so catchy, but this would be like some apocryphal-Halloween-scare-story bubblegum that’s full of broken glass and will totally fuck your shit up if you’re not careful.” – Miles Raymer, Chicago Reader
ROOTS 101
BRYAN W.
Sweet Home Chicago….
Guitarist Bryan Wilkinson resides in Chicago; actively writing, recording, touring and performing over 100+ gigs a year. Born & raised in the small city of Rutland VT, the guitarist began peforming live at age 17, and touring by age 19. Now 28 years old, the guitarist has played music all over the world, in venues both big and small, and developed countless working relationships with musicians, artists, crews, fans, and industry professionals.
Music on and off the road has been a way of life for over a decade; with plenty of past Lives….
The Garbage Men (2002-2003), Bombs Away (2003-2004), Deathpact (2004-2005), Far from Finished (2005), Hounds of Hell (2006-2008), The LustKillers (2008-2012), Red Hot Mess (2008-2009), The Static Age (2011), Blitzkid (2011), Black Actress (2010-present), The Last Vegas (Aug 2012-Present).
The Guitarist continues to keep music and peforming live in the forefront, with a demanding schedule always on the horizon.
BRUTALLY FRANK
Brutally Frank was formed in a dirty basement with a borrowed drum set and a gallon of wine in March 2002. We play rock and roll. If you dig us tell a friend, if you don’t…fuck off.
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
ALEX THOMAS DUO
BORGATA MOB: FRESCO X BLACK LUNG
Borgata MOB: Fresco x Black Lung: Based in Rockford, IL but now relocated to Los Angeles California. Fresco Clean, the world known battle rapper, ladies man, and internet sensation along with Hip Hop Trap Star/Bad Boy rapper Black Lung, are now promoting the WHITEBOY WASTED LP produced by entirely by Billboard Super Producer Soleternity that will be released through Borgata Entertainment Group/Hoopla Worldwide on INgrooves|Fontana Distribution early next year. The duo has released a slew of videos over the year, and have finally stepped up it working with major labels and other smaller labels and have plans for many future projects next year.
ILL LEGIT
TIMMY GRINS
ION
DJ IMAGE
GITCHAGUMI
The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down of the band that loves fusion and loud jazz. Gitchagumi plays jazz of every era, from the early days of be-bop, to post bop, to latin, to soul and funk, to more contemporary artists. If you like jazz at all, this band has something for you. Featuring alumni of such Chicago bands as Family Lifted, The East Village Project, Pala, Fat Time, Starcandy, P-1, Smittyvision, The F-Word, and the Powers that Be, Gitchagumi is a tree with many branches and deep roots.
ORGANIC FLOW
Known for their innovative style, Organic Flow create cultural dialogue through their music. They are known in the Chicagoland area for their process of respectfully combining elements of jazz and hip hop music. The band is a quartet composed of Zane Ranney (drums), Michael Cantafio (guitar), Liam Bird (vocals) and David Gilman (bass), but also calls on many feature members and guest artists.
SOUNDGARDEN “SUPERUNKNOWN”
PEARL JAM “10”
Ten is the debut studio album by the American rock band Pearl Jam, released on August 27, 1991 through Epic Records. Following the disbanding of bassist Jeff Ament and guitarist Stone Gossard’s previous group Mother Love Bone, the two recruited vocalist Eddie Vedder, guitarist Mike McCready, and drummer Dave Krusen to form Pearl Jam in 1990. Most of the songs began as instrumental jams, to which Vedder added lyrics about topics such as depression, homelessness, and abuse.