The Dread Crew of Oddwood is a folk metal band known for its pirate-themed music played exclusively on acoustic instruments. They have dubbed this unique style as Heavy Mahogany. By infusing the raw energy of heavy metal with Celtic folk music, The Dread Crew of Oddwood’s Heavy Mahogany style has carved a distinct and popular niche in the heavy metal community. They riff and shred on the accordion, mandolin, bouzouki, tin whistle, toy piano, upright bass, and “Oddkit”, while weaving grandiose tales of comrades lost, bloody sieges, drunken debauchery, zombies, airships, and time travel!
CANDLEMASS is a Swedish epic doom metal band formed in Stockholm in 1985. They are multi-grammy winners back home and were also nominated for a US grammy in 2019 for Best Hardrock/ Metal performance.
The band’s debut album “EPICUS DOOMICUS METALLICUS” was released in 1986 and is considered a classic of the genre together with the follow up “NIGHTFALL”. Both albums are often featured when influential records of the decade are listed.
CANDLEMASS remains one of the most important and influential bands in the history of doom metal. Constantly touring they still sell out venues from Tokyo to L.A. Relentlessly the band’s unique brand of heavy, epic, powerful music continues to resonate with fans of metal all around the world even today, 38 years after the birth in northern Stockholm suburbia Upplands Väsby.
The latest album “Sweet Evil Sun” was released on Nov 12 (2022) by Napalm Records.
Candlemass are:
Leif Edling – bass
Johan Länquist – vocals
Mats “Mappe” Björkman – guitar
Lars “Lasse” Johansson – lead guitar
Jan Lind – drums
5th son, Chicago native, soulful voice, dark melodic songs, inspire, break your heart.
From ‘All & All’ that sounds Elliott Smith inspired and ‘Whiskey Misery’ that channels a simple blend of Nick Drake and Radiohead, Aimont Moon seems to wear his heart on his sleeve. Lyrically, his fearlessness, openness and introspective mindset gives you a hard truth and warmth about the duality of life and mind. Paired with the warm, melodic and harmonic major/minor progressions sets the foundation for the soulful vocals to set the tone of pain, redemption, love and reality in these songs. There’s a darkness and a light in the music of Aimont Moon.
DREW DELNEKY AND FRIENDS
Drew Delneky, a Chicago native, is a songwriter, music educator and performer. He holds a Bachelor’s in Musical Theatre from Columbia College Chicago
Mad Rose, a Minneapolis-born, Chicago-based singer-songwriter, has spent over three years crafting emotive melodies inspired by indie artists such as Julia Jacklin and Mitski. With two projects out on Bandcamp and more in development, Mad Rose’s music weaves a narrative of loneliness, love, and yearning.
Since its inception as the folk project of Chicago-based Iowa expat Mitch McAndrew, Dogcatcher has grown into a dynamic, twangy, and agile starting 5 that isn’t afraid to crash the boards. They are currently busy putting the finishing touches on their full-band debut, which will follow up 2023’s self-titled EP.
Formed in Chicago in 2021, 50k Check is an Indie Rock/Pop band that blends psychedelic, lounge, groove, pop, and punk influences. Live, the band is all about creating a vibe to fill the room and bring a crowd into a different world for a while. Songs build from pin-drop quiet to all-encompassing layers of sound, others peel a song, layer by layer, to reveal their essence.
50K Check is Kelly Torch on vocals, Mason Payne on guitar, Kisira Hill on bass, Karl El Sokhn on drums, and David Greene on keys.
Hey you, Kellye here…a bit about me, I’m primarily known for my stand-up comedy and acting. I’ve been featured on Comedy Central, TBS, NBC, FOX, WGN, and more. Check out my reel here. Some fun things I’m doing or have done: NEW MOVIE ALERT “Cherry” Starring Tom Holland is OUT NOW! Costar on Final Season of Empire. Taraji handed me my ass…or should I say Cookie Costar on Season (8) of Chicago Fire I play a hostage negotiator, with a gun and everything! Correspondent for the Comedy Central Podcast ‘South Side’ I host a bi-weekly show ‘Be less Petty’ Comedy Self-Help podcast LIVE on YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook. The Chicago Sun-times named me “Chicago’s BOLDEST comedian”…I’d agree!
FUN FACT: I was an electrician in the U.S. Air Force (Unexpected…right?) AND…Living out my parents dream; I am the self-proclaimed love child of Oprah Winfrey, Richard Pryor, Bernie Mac, and Lucille Ball. If you can picture that. My primary goal is to motivate and inspire through performance and communications of any form. So whether you’ve seen me live as a stand-up comedian, or at a storytelling show, caught my latest podcast, or read something I’ve written online, the themes are all the same; real-life experiences expressed in a sometimes comedic fashion. In a nutshell, I love to share my life as a mother, a woman, a daughter, a wife, a comedian, a writer and all the in-betweens. Wanna know more weird intimate thoughts? Check out my Blog! Be less Petty (where I’m usually very petty)! Stay safe, stay sane. Enjoy 2021 cause it’s not 2020! xoxo – Kellye
BV2.0 is a punk band based in Gary Indiana that rocks!
K. SNOW
Once a compassionate clinical therapist, Kerria aka “K. Snow”, discovered that her knack for helping people navigate the complexities of life could also be channeled into a unique brand of humor. K. Snow now graces the stage with her quick wit and unapologetic humor. Her journey from therapy sessions to stand-up stages has been a wild one, but K. Snow has found her true calling in making audiences laugh, cringe, and think all at once.
Stephanie Robertson is a comedian from Chicago. You can find her producing and hosting a weekly showcase at The Vixen in McHenry, IL and performing at clubs and rooms throughout the midwest, and is passed at The Laugh Factory. Her most recent credits include hosting for comedian Rosebud Baker, Lynn Koplitz and former SNL cast member Chris Kattan.
Nostalgic yet futuristic, Mamii weaves elements of R&B, funk, gospel, and alt- rock into an eclectic soundscape that inspires introspection and celebration. The 22-year-old Indiana native is a virtuosic songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer who has caught the ears of artists such as Syd, Jacob Collier, Steve Lacy, Westside Boogie, and many others. She recently featured on Westside Boogie’s album More Black Superheroes (“Nonchalant” and “Somethin Strange”) and is a background vocalist on Syd’s album Broken Hearts Club (“Fast Car”, , “Sweet”, and “Out Loud”). After performing alongside Doechii, Justine Skye, Patrick Paige, Maeta, Jenevieve, and Fana Hues, Mamii went on to open for Isaac Dunbar’s US tour, was a featured guest on Westside Boogie’s NPR Tiny Desk performance, and recently toured for Baby Rose and Q’s joint tour.
OK Computer is the third studio album by the English rock band Radiohead, released in the UK on 16 June 1997 by EMI. With their producer, Nigel Godrich, Radiohead recorded most of OK Computer in their rehearsal space in Oxfordshire and the historic mansion of St Catherine’s Court in Bath in 1996 and early 1997. They distanced themselves from the guitar-centred, lyrically introspective style of their previous album, The Bends. OK Computer’s abstract lyrics, densely layered sound and eclectic influences laid the groundwork for Radiohead’s later, more experimental work.
Step into the world of Spanish rock legends Héroes del Silencio with Lluvia Gris, the premier tribute band dedicated to honoring their iconic sound. With passion and precision, Lluvia Gris captures the essence of Héroes del Silencio’s music, delivering an unforgettable experience for fans old and new. Join us for a journey through the timeless hits of Héroes del Silencio with Lluvia Gris, the ultimate tribute to Spanish rock greatness.
Introducing the Chicago Divas, a tribute band honoring four legendary Mexican divas: Julieta Venegas, Natalia Lafourcade, Ely Guerrero, and Rita Guerrero. Assembled by musician Jose Perez, this talented ensemble from Chicago embodies the essence and musical brilliance of these iconic artists. Experience an unforgettable journey through the captivating sounds and soulful performances that have made these divas beloved worldwide. Join the Chicago Divas as they bring the magic of Mexican music to life, enchanting audiences with their talent and passion.
Lucy Valdez – Singer
Melannie Gonzalez – Singer
Alicia Gonzalez-Quiroga – Singer
Chio Pio – Singer
Joey Nava – Drums
Arturo Valle – Guitar
Jose Perez – Bass
Jaime Marcial – Keys
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Caifanes with Lo Esencial, the ultimate tribute band honoring Mexico’s legendary rock icons. With meticulous attention to detail and undeniable passion, Lo Esencial recreates the magic of Caifanes’ iconic sound. Join us for a mesmerizing celebration of Mexican rock heritage with Lo Esencial, the definitive Caifanes tribute.
One night only!
Skin & Bones / New Band, New Music / Afro-Rock Chi-Blues
Featuring:
Skinny Williams – T sax
Mike Wheeler, Billy Prewitt, Dave Steffen – E guitars
Precious Taylor – vocals
Whalen – percussion, vocals
Joel Treadwell – drums
Ari Mintz – bass
PHIL ANGOTTI & THE NAUGHTY NEIGHBORS
“Chicago’s Phil Angotti could be described as a veteran, but that wouldn’t do him justice as Once Around Again shows a freshness not usually expected on a 13th album. He has lost none of the pop sensibility that marks him ahead of the crowd. I’ve mentioned that there is a promising breed of younger Singer Songwriters reaching through, but Angotti is a reminder that there is still talent from the established.”
With Geddy going on the road for his book tour, we thought it would be a fantastic time to get the gang back together! RushCon is hosting a couple of pre-show meetups.
Join us for memorable evenings where you can reconnect with familiar faces and forge new friendships among fellow Rush devotees. We’ve missed you and can’t wait to see you all.
SIR DOUG & THE TEXAS TORNADOS “TEXAS ROCK FOR COUNTRY ROLLERS”
Texas Rock for Country Rollers is the third album by American country-music singer Doug Sahm. Sahm composed for the album seven original songs, while covers constituted the rest of the album. It was released by ABC-Dot in 1976.
In the Dark is the twelfth studio album (nineteenth overall) by the Grateful Dead. It was recorded in January 1987, and released on July 6, 1987.
In the Dark was the band’s first album in six years, and its first studio album since 1980’s Go to Heaven. It became unexpectedly popular, achieving double platinum certification in the U.S. It reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart, the Grateful Dead’s only top ten album. The peppy “Touch of Grey” peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, the band’s only top forty single; it also became a frequently played music video on MTV. “Hell in a Bucket” and “Throwing Stones” (for which videos were also made) also achieved significant album-oriented rock radio airplay.
Over the last decade, Shy, Low’s progression and continuous effort to push the boundaries of ambient and heavy music has manifested itself into explosive live performances, highly regarded releases on Spartan Records and an immense appreciation for artistry. 2019 brought the band spots at Dunk! Fest and Post In Paris Fest, where they shared the stage with bands including Alcest, Bossk, Ufommaut & Wang Wen following a month-long, self-booked and self-financed European tour. Over the years, the band has consistently conveyed a fresh and reimagined love for lush soundscapes, heart-wrenching melodies, and gritty, fuzz-based head-banging goodness across their catalogue on Pelagic Records, Spartan Records, and Fluttery Records: “Snake Behind The Sun” (2021), “Burning Day” (2017), “Hiraeth” (2015), “Binary Opposition” (2013)” and “Self-Titled” (2011).
THE WORLD IS A BEAUTIFUL PLACE & I AM NO LONGER AFRAID TO DIE
Sometimes, the best place to begin is at the end. If you really want to dig deep into Illusory Walls, the fourth album by The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die, it definitely helps to do that. That’s because epic closer “Fewer Afraid”—all 19 minutes, 44 seconds of it—doesn’t just revisit the themes and ideas on the ten songs that precede it, but also offers a self-aware summary of the Connecticut band’s entire history. It’s the conclusion of all the stories within the record as well as a nod to all the lives that helped make them—little glimpses of everything that’s come before, on both a micro, immediate level, and a more universal one.
“That song is a higher level look at my whole life and the whole world,” explains vocalist/guitarist David F. Bello, “as well as the album, our band, and our discography. It places the band in the context of the rest of the world as if we’re listening to everything that came before. It touches on all the themes of the previous songs, but there are also callbacks to songs from earlier in our career. But in this song, they’re the object, not the subject—I’m talking about a world in which these things happen, not talking about these things happening.”
From the incredibly infertile DIY scene of Chicago this Blues/Psychedelic/Rock trio is ready and more than willing to blow out eardrums and melt faces. The band formed by Javier Valencia (vocals/guitar), Isaac Del Toro (drums/vocals) Sergio Vargas (synths/bass)- combines sparkling hooks and fluid, fluttering rhythms to create psychedelia-tinged garage rock that make heads bob without sacrificing an ounce of sonic bite.
A band that was born during the pandemic, is a tasteful mixture of Rock, Ska, Blues, Cumbia, and jazz. 7 diverse individuals of different musical upbringings, with a common passion, their music.
Generation Kill is an American thrash metal band formed in New York City in 2008 by Rob Dukes (ex-Exodus). Dukes, on hiatus from touring with Exodus, wanted to funnel his excess creative energy and aggression into something new. Currently the band is recording the follow up to “We’re All Gonna Die”, teaming up once again with producer Zuess (Hatebreed, Rob Zombie). The new album will feature several special guests including long-time friend and former Exodus bandmate Gary Holt.
New album Unhealthy Mechanisms out now via Nuclear Blast.
UNHEALTHY MECHANISMS is the caustic sophomore album from Arizona death-crusters GO AHEAD AND DIE. A torrential whirlwind born from the livid minds of Igor Amadeus Cavalera (HEALING MAGIC) and Max Cavalera (SOULFLY, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY). This new installment to the band’s dystopian catalog is a fresh dive into the madness of society and the pollution that ravages our minds. From the first note there is a sense of unhinged insanity; a grim rhythm that takes listeners down sinister alleyways and across ravaged soundscapes.
GO AHEAD AND DIE is: Max Cavalera | Vocals, Guitar Igor Amadeus Cavalera | Vocals, Guitar, Bass Johnny Valles | Drums
Jay Deep is a favorite performer throughout the Midwest and abroad after bursting onto the Chicago comedy scene in 1994. He has performed nationally in major cities which include Las Vegas, New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Detroit, St. Louis, and Miami; as well as internationally in Amsterdam, Belgium, Rotterdam, London, Montreal, and Toronto to name a few. He effortlessly adapts to his audience and masterfully blends his comic timing with audience participation. His success in standup brought Hollywood knocking, landing him cameo appearances in MGM Pictures Barbershop 1 and 2, Paramount’s “light it Up”, eight seasons of BET’s “ComicView”, (including a half-hour grandstand) as well as performing on HBO’s Bad Boys of Comedy. In addition to performing in front of the camera, he is also active off camera working on videos and short films as a writer and director. Jay currently resides in Chicago and believes, “Success is not to be pursued; it is to be attracted by the person we become. At the end of each day, you should play back your performances. The results should either “applaud you or prod you.”
