SOULFEED
DIA MADDEN AND CRUISE MACHINE
DONNA HERULA
With a percussive guitar style and soulful voice, Donna plays fingerstyle as well as blues slide guitar on her resonator guitars, including a 1930’s National Steel Triolian and National Steel Tricone.
Donna was born and raised on the northwest side of Chicago. She began playing guitar at the age of 10. By 16, she was playing lead guitar in bands and writing original blues songs.
Influenced by slide guitar players Rory Block, Bob Brozman, Bonnie Raitt, John Hammond, Jr., Eric Sardinas, and Johnny Winter, Donna set out to discover the early blues musicians that inspired these players, which included Son House, Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters.
An accomplished slide guitarist, Donna performed a tribute to slide guitar master Robert Nighthawk at the 2009 Chicago Blues Festival for his centennial celebration. She also performed as part of a Nighthawk symposium for the Delta Cultural Center in Helena, Arkansas (Nighthawk’s hometown), the King Biscuit Blues Festival (Helena, Arkansas), the Mother’s Best Music Festival (Helena, AK), the Bayfront Blues Festival (Duluth, MN), Blues By The Bay (East Twas, MI) and The Festival for the Eno (North Carolina).
With harpist John Jochem, Donna won the 2010 Chicago Blues Challenge, solo-duo category, and represented the Windy City Blues Society at the 2011 International Blues Challenge.
Donna’s second CD “The Moon Is Rising: Songs of Robert Nighthawk” was released in February 2011. The CD reached #32 on the Roots Music Report for most played blues album on the radio. In October 2011, Donna was nominated for the Best Female Blues Artist by the Chicago Black Music Awards.
Donna plays National steel guitars and is a featured artist on the National Reso-Phonic Guitars website.
She has been on blues radio programs including King Biscuit Time and Delta Sounds, with Sonny Payne, legendary host and member of the blues hall of fame, and Terry Buckalew, both on www.kffa.com through the Delta Cultural Center in Helena, Arkansas.
EBONIE TAYLOR
MARY LANE
JAMES KINDS
REGINALD COOPER
VERNON HARRINGTON
FERNANDO JONES
Humanitarian | Educator | Entertainer | Renaissance Man
Fernando Jones is an original. This world-class American Bluesman, educator and songwriter was born to loving Mississippi parents on the Southside of Chicago in Bronzeville who were advocates for education and the arts. Jones has performed his compositions from basement parties to the University of Hawaii to The Smithsonian Institute to the Conservatory of Music in Pescara, Italy.
Inspired by his older brothers, Foree, Marvin and Greg, Jones taught himself how to play guitar when he was just four years old, and has been playing since. Fernando Jones & My Band! is a sharp dressed, raw guitar driven power trio: An uncle, a nephew and a Godson. Their sound [is] full, sexy, and always evolving.
“Fernando is one in a million trying to get to the bottom of the barrel of the Blues.”
– Buddy Guy
Jones is the go-to-guy for all things Blues when the City of Chicago needs an ambassador. Whether playing alone in someone’s living room or with his band in concert, each performance is entertaining and engaging among multigenerational audiences. He has tricks or gimmicks and easy to work with and is one of the most complete Bluesmen and scholars of his generation. Sample of his scholarly writing.
He and his music have been featured in the Travel Channel’s “America the Wright Way” Series (worldwide broadcast, seen in over 125 million households), Eric Clapton’s Crossroads DVD, ABC7’s “Someone You Should Know.” Dateline NBC, Downbeat Magazine’s Musicians Studio and countless international music documentaries.
From books to films, from sound recordings to theatrical productions, his contributions to this American art form have been paramount. Jones has been recognized and celebrated by his peers and the press as being on the “cutting edge” of the Blues. He adds new blood and a new perspective to its legacy musically and culturally. As a composer, he has taken great pride in performing his original works publicly to help insure the evolutionary development of this movement.
“I work on my craft and my complete package every single day. I perform every show as if it were Carnegie Hall — even if it’s a gift of my time in a classroom, retirement home, front porch in Mississippi, a TV show or on stage for thousands of dollars. My music and I are one. Being born 5 months premature, one looks at life differently. Therefore, each day is a lifetime achievement award proven earned the following day.”
– Fernando Jones
While refuting the many negative stereotypes that haunt this music, he is on a mission to show its beauty through academic implementations, lectures, and concerts globally. As a result, Jones’ hands were photographed by National Geographic Magazine. His book, I Was There When The Blues Was Red Hot, has been used as a resource by the likes of the Discovery Channel, Newsweek, the Chicago Tribune, Living Blues Magazine, London Times, and Al-Jazeera. Radio stations such as ABC, BBC, CBS, CLTV, NBC, WTTW, NPR, WGN and PBS have celebrated him for his playing style and unique perspective on the status of Black music in America.
As a music festival producer, Fernando Jones created the first Blues Festival at the University of Illinois at Chicago when he was only a sophomore in the Spring of 1984. It was produced in February of 1985 and featured his eldest brother Foree Superstar, Junior Wells, Magic Slim, Buddy Guy and Phil Guy. Four years later he wrote the book I Was There When The Blues Was Red Hot.
Sponsors and professional relationships: American Federation of Musicians, BMI, Fender Musical Instruments, Jim Dunlop, Real Men Cook, Shure, The Chicago Blues Festival Advisory Board, NABSE.
Honors: Chicago Blues Hall of Fame inductee, Blues Kids Days Proclamation from the City of Chicago, California Legislature Assembly Certificate of Recognition, City of Riverside, CA Proclamation to Recognize and Honor, State of California Senate Certificate of Recognition, Corona, CA Blues Day Proclamation, State of Illinois Proclamation for a Blues Day, and a Keeping the Blues Alive Award recipient. See certificates. Teacher of the year finalist (Columbia College Chicago).
THE DIRTY SURGEON INSURGENCY
Formed in summer 2008 with original cast Jason and Jeremy on strings, Labrat on da drums. and Betsy on the trumpet. Played a couple shows at the weiser space, including the Post – Apocolypticrust show, and many a nighttime ragaish jams at the humble Scrap Irony House and and atop the epic mount happy , and out in the streets busking on firey nights anticlimactic afternoons, and crazy mornings.We also enjoy taking to the streets with the buckets, bones and flags and jamming against the state. We have many inspirations musically including everything, cockroaches, human wastefullness, oppression, trying new things, hitchiking and going travelling, and Desmon Decker. Project on hiatus until Labrat learned the Saxophone, and went through a couple drumms till ol boy Malcom came round randomly and been doign the drums ever since. THen we recorded a DIY 8 song EPIC disc, Askacalyptic Freeganza. After Malcolm headed west, the cast was pretty much a revolving door, picking up drummer Aaron, on drums, betsy and andrew (briefly) on trombone, and a plethora of Conga players, but when Jason and Labrat decided to hit the road, they decided to put the surgeons to sleep… for now! Now We’re back and better than ever!!! With Jason on guitar, Jeremy on Bass Labrat back on drums, and Betsy and xsjado on the horns, throwin down along side the every act from fast-core-power-grinders to folk singing gospel punks and everything in between. We are not an easy band to tie down. We have influences from across the musical board and we have done our best to encorperate that diversity into our music. From Ska, to free jazz, to black metal, to balkan brass, to punk rock and everything in between we celebrate them all individually and have combined them into one musical entity: The Dirty Surgeon Insurgency.
THE PUBLIC DIVIDE
We are a politically charged ska punk band from Northwest Indiana. We are passionate about creating and performing original music. Contact us if you are interested in setting up a show. We are willing to play with any type of band.
SKINNY MILLIONAIRES
The Skinnies sound takes garage punk sweat and balls and seamlessly mixes it with lush, hauntingly beautiful Americana. The dark, brooding, folk-noir lyrics penned by Mike, mixed with the gypsy like violin of classicly trained prodigy Meghan O’connor, create an undeniably pure sound, often compared to Bob Dylans “Desire” album. Live shows are always unpredictable, as The Skinnies believe that the best rock shows are the ones that have the potential to completely self destruct at any second, leaving audiences enthralled, sweaty, and wanting more.
ZACH DEPUTY
On his new release Another Day (Eusonia Records, 2011), Zach Deputy demonstrates his extraordinary ability to perform and record in multiple contexts and conveys the sensibilities of a mature singer/songwriter. Another Day offers another look at Zach Deputy and seeks to help him cross over into other audiences. Rich with ballads and mid-tempo songs, the music on this recording is best described as soulful rhythm and blues, with flavors of Al Green, Taj Mahal and Stevie Wonder emerging in the swells, changes and modulations of the music, in the voice and even in the lyrical content. The record will appeal to fans of contemporary artists like Jack Johnson and Amos Lee, but the origins of the style and feel remain classic.
Recorded over 5 days in August 2010 at Mission Sound Recording in Brooklyn, NY, Another Day is the truest example of pure musicianship. As heard in this recording, Grammy winning producer Scott Jacoby and his team of musicians demonstrate that large budget recordings and “over-production” are simply not necessary. Drummer Graham Hawthorne (Aretha Franklin, Paul Simon, David Byrne), bassist Al Carty (Lou Reed, Alicia Keys, Gavin DeGraw) and pianist / organist Will Buthod (Jay-Z, Swizz Beatz, The Harlem Gospel Choir) and Zach Deputy met for the first time on day one of recording and– despite their diverse backgrounds– instantly clicked with each other and created the perfect landscape to support Zach’s songs.
In contrast to the music and feel of Another Day, Zach Deputy has made his mark thus far as a touring powerhouse. As a boy, the music of his Puerto Rican, Cruzan and Irish heritage was cooked up in the South Carolina heat. The Calypso rhythms and folk songs of St. Croix competed with the R&B / soul of pioneers like James Brown and Ray Charles for space on the family stereo. As Deputy honed his craft, a unique hybrid of these influences emerged, ultimately creating the signature Zach Deputy sound. To bring this sound to the stage, the big, impossibly upbeat South Carolinian with the infectious smile puts on a solo show– enhanced by looping technology– that is essentially a one man dance party offering up what he calls “Island-infused, Drum ‘n’ Bass, Gospel-Ninja-Soul” to the enthusiastic crowds of dancers who flock to clubs from coast-to-coast. It is these late night dance parties— more than 250 per year– that have made Zach Deputy one of the hottest up-and-coming performers on the camping festival circuit and “jam band” scene. For Zach, most days begin in a hotel room and end a couple of hours after walking off stage. The constant touring and the compelling live show may be the key to Zach’s success on the road, but it is an unlikely inspiration for Another Day, as there is little similarity between what fans have come to expect from Zach and what is offered up in this new record.
Thus, Another Day is an appropriately titled album, and it is truly an album in the classic sense— a collection of songs that come from the same time and place, inspired by the same muse. Reflective and introspective, it provides a glimpse at the soul of an artist and the depth of a songwriter. Full of hope and anticipation of the promise of another day, a new day, it is a pivotal point in the career of a touring musician. Whereas it is a departure for Zach Deputy, it is one that he feels confident his fans can relate to, but it isn’t the end in itself. Deputy’s multi-faceted diamond gets one side polished in this offering, and it is a side that will shine brightly for a new audience.
In April 2016, Zach released an album called Keep on Movin’ under the name Zach Deputy & the Hashtags. “Keep on Movin’ is a turn-around point in my career. All I expected was a jam session, with maybe a cool take or two, but to my astonishment in only two afternoons at the boat house, we produced an entire record and inspired the birth of a band.”
ALABAMA SHAKES
The story of the Alabama Shakes begins in a high school psychology class in Athens, Alabama. Brittany Howard, who had started playing guitar a few years earlier, approached Zac Cockrell and asked if he wanted to try making music together. “I just knew that he played bass and that he wore shirts with cool bands on them that nobody had heard of,” says Howard.
They started to meet up after school and write songs sitting on Howard’s floor. “It had that rootsy feel, but there was some out-there stuff,” says Cockrell. “David Bowie-style things, prog-rock, lots of different stuff. We started to come across our own sound a little bit, though it’s evolved a lot since then.”
Steve Johnson worked at the only music store in town, and Howard knew he played the drums. She invited him to a party where, she says, “he met everybody from our side of the tracks.” The three young musicians began working together, further expanding their style and approach. “Steve is kind of a punk-metal drummer,” says Howard, “so we embraced that edge he brings to everything he does.”
The trio soon went into a studio in Decatur to record some of the songs they were working up, and this proto-demo found its way into the hands of Heath Fogg, with whom Howard had been familiar because he had been the lead guitarist in what she describes as “the best band in our high school.” Fogg, who by now had graduated from college, asked them to open a show for his band, which they agreed to do—on the condition that he play with them. The response was immediate: “That first show was really explosive,” says Howard.”
Though they had been focusing on original material (“It’s just more fun to write than to learn someone else’s music,” says Cockrell), as the band—newly christened the Shakes—began playing out, they added more cover songs. They played classics by James Brown and Otis Redding, but also by Led Zeppelin and AC/DC. “We had to find music we could all agree on and figure out how to play together,” says Howard, “and that had a lot of influence on how we play now.”
Attempting to record their songs with the honest sonic qualities they cherished, the Shakes bought a few microphones and a vintage Teac mixing board and set up in Howard’s house—which didn’t work, since she lived right next to some railroad tracks. They eventually found their way to a Nashville studio in early 2011, where the songs they cut included “You Ain’t Alone” and “I Found You.”
When they appeared at a Nashville record store, people started to take notice of the group’s relentless, hard-charging live attack, and Howard’s magnetic stage presence. One especially ardent fan raved about the band to his friends, which included Justin Gage, the founder of the Aquarium Drunkard blog. Gage wrote to Howard, asking if he could post one of the Shakes’ songs. She sent back the yearning, intense “You Ain’t Alone,” which he put up in late July, calling it “a slice of the real.” And, literally overnight, all hell broke loose.
KIM LENZ AND THE JAGUARS
CREEPY BAND
Creepy Band …. A pack of demonic wolves, slaves to the curse of the cloak, were called forth on hallows eve to reek havoc and inflict upon others their pain of satans wrath… And so Creepy Band was born on the Devils night.. The combination of guitar, bass, drums, church organ, and screaming vocals wove together in a dissonant harmony, loud yet maintaining a subtle eeriness not to be forgotten. They quickly realized that the horror must be continued and are now doomed to haunt Chicago venues forever with their distinct new genre of Creepy Rock n Roll.. Since that fateful day, Creepy Band has been working ever since. These slaves to the cloak have been playing shows, recording, and spreading the gospel in every back alley they find… Looming in the darkness of night, they have begun spreading the curse of the cloak and soon no human alive will be able to turn away…
FIREKING
Fireking is a rock experience for the twenty-first century. The two founding members, Anthony Kaczynski and Smitt E. Smitty, both formerly of Figures on a Beach (Sire Records), have been musical collaborators in various forms for years, and Fireking represents their newest, loudest, and best incarnation. Andrew Morrison on bass rounds out this power-pop-rock trio.
Anthony Kaczynski serves as Fireking’s band leader and lead vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter, as well as being the actual King of Fyre himself. Smitt E. Smitty proudly powers the group from underneath his long tassled fez and behind his classic red Pearl drum kit. The new addition of bass player Andrew Morrison raises the bar for Fireking in every way possible.
Fireking specializes in hook-filled slamming rock tunes. Unafraid to tread where others have trod, yet somehow totally original, Fireking aims for that sweet spot somewhere between “Face to Face”-era Kinks and Iggy & The Stooges’ “Funhouse,” owing to their original roots in the Motor City.
It’s good to be Fireking.
THE ELECTRIC RAG BAND
The Electric Rag Band is a guitar driven rock band that draws on many styles of American music of the last 100 years. Blues, Ragtime, Rockabilly, Hillbilly, Punk and everything in between. They play hard and they engage the crowd. The song structures and the playing are a bit more complex than your average modern rock band. They don’t fit easily into any established genre. They are never boring or formula. Their new CD, “The Esoteric Ramblings of” was released on February 12.
Influences range from country blues artists like Blind Willie McTell and Big Bill Broonzy to newer acts like The Reverend Horton Heat, The Gourds, and The Black Keys.
HEADSPINS
Headspins play 70’s/80’s style original punk rock tunes, reminiscent of Screeching Weasel, The Muffs & Teenage Bottlerocket, all laced with Ace Frehley style lead guitar.
THE LUNA BLUES MACHINE
Based out of Chicago, The Luna Blues Machine fuses acoustic hip-hop with soul, folk, latin and any other genre that moves them. Fronted by sisters Belinda and Maritza Cervantes (mandolin and guitar), LBM stands out as one of the most experimental acoustic music acts working in Chicago today. With the accompaniment of bass and drums, their feel-good rhythms, engaging stories, tight harmonies and charismatic hooks will make you want to getcha self a little luna love.
CHILDREN OF OCTOBER
Children of October, a Horror/Punk/Metal band from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, having a cult following worldwide, has been terrorizing punks for over 15 years with their “more metal than punk, more punk than metal” sound. With 3 worldwide releases, they’ve shared the stage with numerous acts such as The Misfits, Michale Graves, Blitzkid, The Devil Wears Prada, Sponge, Days of the New, and countless others from all genres of music. A bright future for Children Of October means a Dark future for all!
FESS GRANDIOSE
Also known as ProFess… DJ/MC/Producer member of the Big Bread KLIC, DJ/Promoter for Last Dragon Ent… South Burb native and current Hyde Park aka OBAMAVILLE resident… “i dont really DJ i just like to make the turntable do things, I dont rap i just put words together, but most of all i dont produce i just make beats…” Fess Grandiose ….
THE ORPHANS
When not out & about playing live as Orphans Club or playing as sidemen for other acts, the band is busy writing and recording new material. They have just released their fifth record, “As You Fall”. Their previous four releases are “Cowboyville”, “A Clear Moment”, “Just Another Line”, and “Trying To Get Along.” Their previous work has won them several prestiges awards, including songwriter awards (for Santucci), from Ascap and Billboard………….. They are an eclectic, Chicago-based band, comprised of multi-instrumentalists (guitars, keyboards, mandolin, violin, harmonica, bass, drums, percussion, vocals) all drawing from different influences and backgrounds. Often including guest musicians (pedal steel, accordion, saxophone, flute, tin whistle) and different set-ups to alter their sound. This is probably why categorizing their sound or style has depended on the listener, as well as the project. They’ve been described as alternative-rock, alternative-country, and even celtic-influenced-folk-rock
MAMA’S LOVE CHILD
Mama’s Love Child is a trio composed of Mr. Dan Turner, Shawn Tuthill, and Monroe Stinson. Dan and Shawn started the group in June of 2010 and Monroe joined in spring of 2011. MLC is known for its acoustic blues and upbeat rhythm. Dan Turner is known for his smooth, soulful voice while he lays it out on the acoustic guitar. Shawn keeps the groove lock in with playing the djembe, bongos, and sometimes throws out a whistle or two. Mr. Monroe lays down the bass flawlessly and keeps the groove sexy… MLC has their own P.A. so they can play pretty much anywhere with a 2-3 hour show (or less). MLC creates tasty music for the ears and will make you love your mama forever. We are all Mama’s Love Child so lets make some beautiful music together.
PAT TRAVERS
Pat Travers was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. Soon after picking up the guitar at age 12, he saw Hendrix perform in Ottawa. Inspired by Hendrix, as well as other artists including Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page, Travers began playing in bands early in his teens; his first bands were The Music Machine Red Hot and Merge, which played in Quebec-area clubs.
While performing with Merge, he was noticed by rock artist Ronnie Hawkins, who invited Travers to perform with him. Travers moved to London and landed a deal with the Polydor label in his early 20s. His self-titled debut album was released in 1976. Travers gained a strong following in his native country with his accessibility during his concerts. He often mingled with fans, sometimes inviting them to join him on stage.
His popularity with fans and his music skill combined to give Travers a reputation as one of the rising stars of Guitar Rock in the mid 1970s. One of his most popular songs is a cover of a Little Walter blues classic, “Boom Boom Out Go the Lights”, Other popular songs included “Snorting Whiskey”, “Heat in the Street”, “I Just Got Paid Today” and “Stevie”. The albums Go For What You Know and Crash and Burn from the early 1980s, increased his profile to that of a super star of the Guitar Rock world.
THE FAKE TAKE
The Fake Take was formed in the fall of 2008 by first cousins Michael Carpenter, Jr. (guitar and vocals) and Evan Hakim (percussion). Hakim was playing in a metal band, and Carpenter, Jr. was playing in an acoustic jazz/ blues band, when they decided to make their “jam sessions” with each other a bit more serious. The cousins began to write songs as a two piece (guitar/drums), and released the “What Do You See?” E.P. in early 2009 at the Tempermill Studios with sonic engineer and guru Dave Feeny.
The Fake Take (as a two piece) had initial success based on their energetic, raw, and powerful live shows. The cousins were able to fuse the improvisation and soul of the blues with the tenacity and drive of hard rock; but something was still missing. At the Hard Rock Café Detroit’s Battle of the Bands that all changed. The band met and played for Ty Stone (a protégé of Kid Rock, Atlantic Records). He was one of the guest judges of the competition, and it was through his critique that the band evolved even further. He said that he was flat out floored by their musicianship, but reminded them “even Led Zeppelin had John Paul Jones.” For Carpenter, Jr. and Hakim that statement resonated.
By fate or by just plain good luck Ty introduced them to an old friend from his days in Los Angeles, bassist Lorne Lubin. That day in the summer of 2010, The Fake Take emerged as a trio. Lubin’s sense of timing and rhythm gave Hakim a partner to lock in the pocket with. And in turn the new air tight rhythm section gave Carpenter, Jr. a newfound freedom to add melodic color to songs, improvise riffs over their groove, or to just sing in the newly created spaces. In a limited amount of time their sound has matured a great deal, garnering comparisons to bands such as the Stooges, Cream, and the Jimi Hendrix Experience. The Fake Take successfully blend hard rock, blues, and funk with a raw, gritty garage sound that is timeless and uniquely Detroit.
The Fake Take pride themselves on their drive and work ethic. This Detroit band knows the meaning of hard work; in the year and a half since becoming a trio The Fake Take has played more than 100 shows. They have shared the stage with Detroit blues rock legends The Muggs, The Pat Travers Band, Chevelle, Filter, and Question Mark & the Mysterions, just to name a few.
SOUTHSIDE JAKE
Born and raised in the Ford City neighborhood of Chicago, Southside Jake continues to establish himself in hip hop’s underground scene. The perfect combination of sophisticated lyrical technique and relateable content make Jake a fan favorite. The intelligence, symbolism, and creativity are potent in his records. From the southside to your side… Southside Jake will most definitely please!
DEREK SMITH
BOB PALOS
MATT RIGGS
MICHAEL LARIMER
GARVIN THE MARTIAN
‘m kyle d. garvin, i used to play guitar but now i play synth and sample shit on top of home grown beets. contact email-how2beaholycow@aim.com .. .. …….. .. …….. .. ……….I created my own ..myspace layout.. using ..nUCLEArcENTURy.COM.. and you should too!
JOE FERNANDEZ
Joe Fernandez is a half-Cuban half-Irish (or Cubish) comedian and actor.
Joe has been featured on NBC, TBS Just For Laughs, Boston Comedy Fest, and was a finalist for the Andy Kaufman Award.
His debut comedy special “Ugly” is streaming for free on Tubi. His second comedy special “Demented | Live at the Chicago Laugh Factory” is available on Youtube.
His biggest career accomplishments are beating Hannibal Burress in NBA Jam and improvising yelling at “Lake Placid” star Oliver Platt during an episode of Chicago Med.
D!CKFINGER!
FILTHY STILL
It was June of 2010 when Filthy Still was born in the drunken depths of Providence, Rhode Island in the neighborhood of historic “Federal Hill”. Jesse Roderick, Dylan “Sleazy D” Wolk, Jeremy Garland, and Matt Olson began jamming out to old Country songs in a small office space of Jeremy’s 3rd floor apartment. After playing their first show July 13th, 2010 with The Goddamn Gallows in Providence, Filthy Still quickly started to gain recognition in the New England region for their unique “bluegrass/punk” sound, with influences ranging from Hank Williams and Townes Van Zandt, and the other end of the spectrum, from The Circle Jerks to GG Allin. On December 12th 2010, washboard player and brother, Dylan “Sleazy D” Wolk unexpectedly passed away in his sleep after a fully packed show at their neighborhood bar. His untimely death shocked everyone and nearly put the band to rest. Several weeks later, it was decided that Filthy Still would continue to play in memory of Dylan. In February of 2011, Filthy Still returned to the stage in New Haven, CT opening for Hick’ry Hawkins, playing for a full capacity crowd.
Having trouble keeping a steady bassist, and going through some minor lineup changes, Filthy Still soon aquired friend Artie Elmer on washtub bass, while touring with “Hick’ry Hawkin’s and the Panty Sniffers” in the Winter of 2011. As of Fall 2011, they have played hundreds of shows all around the country, and have no plans of taking much time off. They use traditional bluegrass instruments and play with a punk rock intensity. They currently have one album under their belt titled “All Bottled Up” which was recorded and released DIY style and consists of 13 original songs. Filthy Still will be releasing there sophomore album on Farmageddon Records in 2012.
JEFFERSON STARSHIP
Jefferson Starship, created by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Jefferson Airplane founder Paul Kantner; and, David Freiberg, also a former Jefferson Airplane member and co-founder of the legendary Quicksilver Messenger Service – takes aim on yet another historic milestone in 2012. The band, descended from Jefferson Airplane – who performed at Monterey and Woodstock, at Altamont with the Rolling Stones, and shared the bill countless times with Grateful Dead & Janis Joplin, and whose music helped define a generation focused on civil rights, environmental awareness and anti-war activism – is set to perform their 2,000th concert since they first soared in 1974 … following the 1972 dissolution of Jefferson Airplane. 2011 proved another remarkable year for the stalwart, iconic band – whose diverse projects and performances included their first ever symphony engagement, broadcast across the U.S. on HDNET … their first foray into opera and electronica with “Blade Runner Against The Empire” extravaganzas, including a performance at Dragon-Con Atlanta – one of the world’s largest sci-fi & comic book conventions … along with their usual plethora of concerts at top shelf casinos like Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT and state fairs like The Arkansas State Fair in Little Rock. Also in 2011, the pioneering Artist marked 40 years since the release of their first album “Blows Against the Empire,” the first ever rock music recording nominated for literary science fiction’s prestigious Hugo Award. Jefferson Starship 2012 features a luminary assemblage, fronted by Grammy nominated lead vocalist Cathy Richardson who starred on Broadway in “Love, Janis.” Joining Richardson, Freiberg & Kantner is longtime lead guitarist Slick Aguilar who has been with the band 20 years and toured with David Crosby before that, drummer Donny Baldwin who appeared on many of the band’s classic recordings and also toured with Jerry Garcia Band, and keyboardist/bassist Chris Smith who joined the band in 1998 after years with The Supremes. The band continues to perform their iconic repertoire of hits spanning all eras of their existence, including “Jane,” “Somebody To Love,” “Miracles,” “White Rabbit,” “Volunteers,” “Count On Me” and many more.
THE LUCK OF EDEN HALL
“An excellent psychedelic band!” Billy Corgan- Smashing Pumpkins “…in short, perfect!” Mark Barton- The Sunday Experience “13 slices of prime time psych nuggets, each wrapped in a delicious candy floss coating, and riding some blistering, guitar fuelled, fairground rides!” Simon Lewis-Ptolemaic Terrascope “Track of the day!” Classic Rock Magazine “A distinct sound of their own!” Alternative Press “The Luck Of Eden Hall show that they have lost none of their touch with this cracking new album!” Ashley Norris- Shindig! Magazine “Exquisite…impeccable…ravishing…superb!” George Markou- Gew Gaw Fanzine
DJ VEGANINBLACK
(jamming tunes before and during)
DJ Veganinblack has an ear for dark intense music that either makes you dance or want hide in the corner.
/size=venti/bgcol=BFC8C2/linkcol=fb7323/" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0">Autumn Sky Passage by Jeff Scott CastleTHE BROTHERS BURN MOUNTAIN
The Brothers Burn Mountain are an intense eclectic all original acoustic / electric guitar and drum duo that have been playing together for the past 6 Years. The brothers have not only experienced life as a band but as family. Fresh and new, yet hauntingly familiar roots, bluesy rock folk americana style music that has been described at times as sounds of Neil Young, Arcade Fire, Old Moody Blues, Led Zeppelin, John Denver, Big Hard Sun, and even Elvis at times. Captivating and paradoxical music that’s worth a listen. The Brothers have been on the road full time for the last four years, extensively touring throughout the midwest, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Nebraska and Colorado. In 2010 they played nearly 200 shows. They submerge their lives in music 100%.
HAWAIIAN LION
Hawaiian Lion started as a trio between drummer John McNulty, bassist John Tom, and songwriter Christopher Church. Eventually they climbed to the top of the mountain and stared into the eyes of a mystical beast – Randy the Ram. Now a newly formed four piece band, Hawaiian Lion is hoping to tickle souls with a ten foot boom stand.
BOARD OF GOVENORS
Board Of Governors is a power-rock trio in Chicago, IL, that couples the aggressive, driving rhythms of East Coast punk rock with the structural and melodic integrity of 90′s Seattle-based grunge rock.
BOG is singer/guitarist Trevor Hougardy, drummer John Marino and bassist, Frey Brown, who together merge the youthful excitement and energy of their rock backgrounds. Their music is distinguished by energetic guitar-riff driven hooks, sophisticated use of dynamics, chromaticism and key changes, and is consciously minimalist. Their songs are often interlaced with groove-inspired bridges, which make their music ooze with sex and passion.
Hougardy’s smart and soulful lyrics are a unique brand of social commentary that has a solid message: In order for people to live happy, fulfilling lives, one cannot turn a blind eye to social struggle or add to problems by focusing on competition, fame, money, exploitation or drugs. Instead, BOG broadcasts a positive message to stay true to your own values no matter your socio-economic status, where you live or what you look like, and to speak up against those who try to bring you down with their negativity.
HOLLE THEE MAXWELL
When you mention the name “HOLLY MAXWELL”; you have mentioned a name that is respected all over the world and still is! Voted “Queen of Entetaining Entertainers” at the Cannes Musical Festival, France, just recently! And she is now better that ever before! Musically, this lady has just about done it all, traveling everywhere and knowing everybody that is somebody and is equally known by those same somebody’s!
PEACHES STATEN
Peaches Staten is a world-class entertainer who is known for jet-setting across continents spreading the joy of blues. One week she is in Europe, the next in South America, back to the states then off again at the drop of an e-mail to some corner of the world entertaining the masses. Here we find her standing as the last blues artist to do a live recording at the original Buddy Guy’s Legends. It is the last Sunday before it relocates after 21 years of being on the corner of South Wabash just steps away from Chicago’s Blues Festival Grounds.
Staten was born in Doddsville MS. and raised in Chicago on a steady diet of blues, soul, gospel and R&B fed to her by her mom who was a member of the Whale’s Inn Cicero Bunch Social Club and her stepfather was the DJ. She began her professional career in a zydeco band and an Afro Brazilian Samba ensemble and has gone on to work with the best that the blues has to offer and grace stages all over the globe. Her new CD, Live at Legends, is electric and Staten is engaging and energetic with a person- ality that pulls you into her inner cycle. She’s not only the entertainment but she’s also your hostess, your seatmate, your date and BFF all at the same time. She is an in- credibly talented player and surprises the audience when she plays it on boogie blues tunes like “Hole in the Wall” or zydeco-influenced originals like “Gotta Find My Man.” Her rhythmic style and musicality are impeccable and though you can’t see it on record her high chorus line kicks and flirty two stepping give the audience a jolt which is translated into sound on Live at Legends!
LIZ MANDEVILLE & THE BLUE POINTS
Chicago Blues Hall of Fame Master Artist, Liz Mandeville, has been a force of nature on the Chicago Blues Scene for over three decades. Known for her power house voice and prolific songwriting, Liz won both the International Songwriting Contest and the USA Songwriting contests and was named 2008 Blues Songwriter of the year by the American Roots Music Association. Last month she was named to “The Top 40 Modern Blues Artists” list by Alternate Root Magazine.
With her recording debut on 1996’s “Live from Buddy Guy’s Legends,” as a singer with the Aron Burton Review (house band at Blue Chicago for 5 years) Liz Mandeville was a featured artist on 3 other releases from internationally recognized Earwig Music Company. She released 4 CD’s of her own music for Earwig between 1996 and 2oo8. Liz also contributed her talent to Johnny Drummer’s CD, Unleaded Blues and is featured on two Earwig Boxed Sets as well. Liz’s original song, “Scratch the Kitty” from her 2008 Red Top CD spent 22 weeks at #1 on the Cashbox Charts. Most recently, Liz is featured on Earwig’s 2015 release, “Angles Sing the Blues” with Shirley Johnson and Mary Lane.
Liz Mandeville released two CD’s on her own label, Blues Kitty Music and has plans to release a third this year. Her current release, Heart ‘O’ Chicago, is in regular rotation on Stingray Music and SiriusXM. Liz is not only an award winning singer, songwriter & record producer, this year she was nominated for a Jimi Award for her guitar playing, which has been compared to the legendary Chet Atkins and, in some circles she is almost more famous for her washboard playing!
Liz Mandeville has performed in every major blues venue in Chicago, holding down long tenures at Blue Chicago, Rosa’s, Bill’s Blues, Kingston Mines. She’s toured in 11 countries on 3 continents including headlining festivals such as the Durban South Africa Blues Festival (twice) Maastrich Queen’s Day Fest NL, Sasquatch Reunion in Alberta Canada, Chicago Blues Festival, Riverfest NM, and many others. She’s played nearly every state in the lower 48 and Hawaii as well.
VIVIAN VANCE KELLY
DEMETRIA TAYLOR
RAMBLIN’ ROSE
Ramblin Rose: A triple-threat on vocals, blues harp, and washboard (and sometimes flute), Rose is a veteran blueswoman in the Chicago area and has been featured at the Chicago Blues Festival and Chess/Blues Heaven concert series.
CLOVIS MANN
One of the over-arching themes of the music of CLOVIS MANN is evolution. Dan Plourde, formerly of Run Side Down, brings his intuitive complexity to the band as he takes over the bass duties. Having been a friend of the Mann for years, Dan is locked in with Ethan Noordyk’s persuasive percussion to create a formidable foundation. D.P. knows when to float in the pocket, but he is not afraid to add some fury to the mix. Vince Faris, keyboard maestro for funk machine Nuggernaut, is another fresh addition to the fracas. Vince cajoles, tickles, and wrenches notes and tones kicking and screaming from his arsenal of keyed instruments. The bubbly organ sounds add a vintage, smoky patina that elevates the band’s overall intensity. Ethan still continues to wow audiences with his dexterity, ferocious chops, and impeccable taste. Having played over a thousand live shows, he knows how to work a crowd into a frenzy with his bombast and Bonham-like solos. Top it off with Daniel Walkner’s soulful riffs, graceful bends, and slippery slides on lead, bottleneck, and lap-steel guitar and you have a rock solid recipe for greasy groove gumbo
I AM A NATION
IAAN, vintage-modern rock music, hints influences some people have trouble pinpointing. Those who do usually name bands from the early 80’s when guitarists started paying attention to pedalboards and pop songwriting began to blend with the “i don’t care” rock attitude. There is no agenda to save the world; just lyrics about getting through it. We are a group, a small nation we hope to expand, but it all starts with one person. I am a Nation strives to bring individuals together through music to become a nation of lovers and listeners, realists and thinkers, right brain creatives and left brain leaders. Together we are a Nation, you are a Nation, and I am a Nation.
THE BLACK TIE OPERATION
We are The Black Tie Operation. We’ll spare you the hyperbole and instead, tell you that we’re four friends, who play hardcore punk. We love playing music for a hearty crowd that enjoys good old school punk rock. Sing or dance along and we’ll love you forever. We’ll never deny playing a show so long as all the members are available. Talk to us, we’re nice guys.
-TBTO
THE ROARING .22S
O my God. Bio? um… ok. so, Jerky and Nerdy connected through craigslist… i think. They were both looking for some kinda weird, kinky…. well, … anyways, 10 million cases of beer and 18 bass players later, we now have a pretty good band. Nerdy started brewing his own beer that he called “Tit Fucker Fail Ale” and we’ve been friends ever since. In the beginning, we had no idea that Dopey could actually play drums because we played too loud. Once we recorded “Argyle Gargoy…
THE SEXISTS
Definitely not your grandfather’s classical latin zydeco rape metal. Probably not your grandmother’s, either. That being said, The Sexists are nothing like classical latin zydeco rape metal, your grandfather’s or otherwise – and the generalizations stop there. A delightful love attack from behind in four parts, The Sexists combine workmanlike precision with lazy fuzz to create a distinctive rock n roll sound. Hailing from Chicago and all points in between, they are unapologetically sorry for what they are about to do to your earhole. Come see The Sexists live for lively live rock n roll and free investment advice.
SONIC ANGELS
Sonic Angels started out in 2005 with the intention of keeping up the tradition of captivating, melodically inspired and wild punk rock garage bands of the 60s, 70s and 80s. Their first demo was immortalized on a split record with Kevin K, offering two tracks with finely chiseled tunes recorded at the Subsonic. The Sonic Angels are pushed forward by this non stop action duo. As soon as they met they set up Lola Product, and after two years spent inside the Spanish rock scene, they created the Subsonic in Montpellier in 2001, a hyperactive place, with an untamed spirit. At the same time, they set up Speed Records studio and record label.
PINK TORPEDO
Pink Torpedo plays garage rock tinged with dark psychedelia and held together by an abrasive punk rock underpinning.
DEPRAVOS DE LA MOUR
We are a chicago rock and roll garage punk sleaze band. We like charles bukowski and bad things. We are unpleasant, uncouth, lewd and nuts. We got an odor of alley and cigarette butts.
BATTLECROSS
A sonic metal assault that leaves audiences pumped with adrenaline, Detroit’s BATTLECROSS triumphantly return as one of the true champions of American Heavy Metal with their devastating sophomore release, War of Will. Co-Produced at Audiohammer Studios with famed producers Mark Lewis and Eyal Levi, the sophomore effort from Detroit’s newest soldiers of steel will soon prove as one of the most impressive follow-up releases , destined to become a heavy metal classic for fans of all sub-genres. “War of Will triggers a strange Deja Vu while feeling completely brand new” says Levi.
With elements of upbeat thrash, European, death, and southern metal, War of Will brings back the old school thrash, heavy groove, harmonizing guitars, epic guitar solos, dynamic death-style vocals and impressive bass work that made 2011’s Pursuit of Honor a fast favorite. Fans will appreciate another complete, yet more mature brutal assault with contagious hooks and choruses that will guarantee headbangability and the dynamic live show for which BATTLECROSS is best known.
Celebrated for their cross-over thrash/classic American heavy metal image and sound, and relentless enthusiasm for touring, BATTLECROSS entered Audiohammer Studio in March 2013 immediately after a full North American trek with Sweden’s In Flames and a busy 2012. With an impressive list of top notch metal productions, the studio turned out to be the perfect fit for the young band. “The laid back atmosphere, mixed with the ‘deliver or be delivered’ expectations really inspired us to push ourselves to be the best during the production, and it really reflects in the lyrical content as well as the final product.” said Guitarist Tony Asta. “War of Will is exactly what it sounds like, a straight up heavy metal album, but we’ll let the fans be the judge”
Titled to describe BATTLECROSS’ fast and furious climb in the two years since releasing their debut, War of Will challenges fans through its lyrical theme to push their limits in pursuit of their goals and to sacrifice all to overcome life’s obstacles and succeed—a message proven by the band’s quick ascent to breakout status from high-profile tours, heavy radio play, while drawing comparisons to the heavyweights of metal.
War of Will marks the first major session contribution by drummer Shannon Lucas, who contributes an upbeat thrash vibe with his precision and aggression best suited for the BATTLECROSS style. “Shannon is one of the true beasts of metal drumming” said Co-Producer Eyal Levi, “his skills are technically untouchable and combine that with a badass rising star of a band and we have the makings of a crushing record.”
The young band’s career kicked off what every metal musician dreams of: amazing album reviews from Metal’s most respected publications for their 2011 debut on Metal Blade Records, Pursuit of Honor. Metal Assault named the record “one of the most ‘complete heavy metal albums in recent times’ while receiving high praises from heavyweights Revolver, Decibel, Blabbermouth and others. With killer reviews across the internet and in print publications throughout North America and overseas (including band of the month in Metal Hammer Norway and Metal Hammer Spain), it should be no surprise that this blue collar, hard-work ethic that comes from the members of BATTLECROSS translates into a potent force on record as well as a high-energy live performance winning fans across the country on some of the metal’s highest profile tours.
The growing buzz over Pursuit of Honor positioned the band for opportunities that have proven to be stepping stones for what is expected to be a long and exciting career for BATTLECROSS, starting with a spot in a 2011 CMJ Showcase with Skeletonwitch and Kvelertak and the band’s first tour ever, an Eastern U.S. run with Rose Funeral and Diamond Plate. It was during this tour that BATTLECROSS was introduced to North America and became SiriusXM Liquid Metal mainstays with the single Push Pull Destroy, which spent over 30 weeks on ‘The Devil’s Dozen’ and reached the #1 most requested song for five weeks and to date, over two million YouTube views. Throughout 2012, satellite radio introduced singles ‘Breaking You’ and ‘Man of Stone’, together spending a total of 50 weeks on Jose Mangin’s popular Metal Countdown.
BATTLECROSS’ reputation for technical talent, humility and fan engagement earned the band the opportunity to continue their climb with an appearance at 2012 SXSW Metal Blade Showcase; tours with: Hate Eternal and Goatwhore (Winter 2012), Origin, Decrepit Birth, Cattle Decapitation on the Occupation Domination Tour (Spring 2012), Metal Hammer’s Trespass America Festival with Five Finger Death Punch, Killswitch Engage, and Trivium (Summer 2012), a headlining stage appearance at Heavy MTL, opposite System of a Down and high-profile shows celebrating Metal Blade’s 30th Anniversary with As I Lay Dying, Six Feet Under and more.
After a fist-pumping debut, impressive 2012 breakout tours, BATTLECROSS will continue their climb as one of Metal’s most impressive new bands with 2013 appearances at the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival, Orion Music +More with Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Deftones and Suicidal Tendencies in the band’s hometown of Detroit and the 4th Annual GwarBQ with Municipal Waste and Corrosion of Conformity.
WAR OF WILL releases July 9th, 2013 just as the band heads out for the summer on the Rock Star Energy Drink Mayhem Festival Tour with Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, Amon Amarth, Children of Bodom, Machine Head, Behemoth, Mastodon and more in what is expected to be the tour and album that will cement BATTLECROSS as an American Heavy Metal heavyweight banging heads for years to come.