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.”
In the ever growing realm of 5th wave emo, there are 2 constants. Bands that make you feel; and bands that make you feel Feral.
Arcadia Grey, the Chicago based three piece (deemed as one of nine emo bands to watch by the Alternative Press), easily weaves together both— heart wrenching lyrics and explosive mosh anthems, ensuring you receive your doctors daily recommended dose of visceral emotional expression.
After dropping their debut album “Konami Code” in 2019 and being featured on a split alongside Guitar Fight From Fooly Cooly and Oolong, the sparkle punk rockers have toured the US extensively with fellow 5th wave leaders like Oklahomas ‘Ben Quad’ and Ohios ‘Equipment’ cementing their place as a staple throughout the country.
Hitting festival season 2023 with reckless abandon (XLNC Fest, PUG Fest, Fauxchella 6, The Fest), Arcadia Grey shows no signs of slowing their relentless advance to the top of 5th wave.
With LP2 being produced by Kyle Pulley from Headroom Studios and slated for release in 2024. Arcadia Grey continues to encourage getting your extreme emotions out with healthy, quiet reflection after. The new single “Made 4 Luv” dropping in 2023 embodies this duality wholeheartedly with an apt bridge quote— “Hoooo-weee! Got a little bit rowdy there, we should bring it back down”.
Hailing from the Chicagoland area, Synthetic Smiles have carved a name for themselves through their spontaneous and soul-filling live performances. Their do-it-yourself, nothing held back energy sets them apart from the conformity of sound in modern band music. Through the years Synthetic Smiles has crossed borders, saved animals, and spread love all the while. The band states, “If it ain’t Bongo, we dont want it.”
Haunting pop Grunge an Alternative waltz with the global shift.
Each show is a channeling. A channeling of the Great Filter unfolding before us.
Psyonic Park is a place between music and consciousness, a wave in the shift.
A Psyonic tool is present in the show, a ‘ghost box’ that channels radio frequencies unique to each show.
A live show is an experience, less algorithm more transient, ephemeral.
Each show is an experience unique to the moment of everyone present.
We are two old Pagans channeling the Chicago vibe, trippin’ through the Void, playing in the global death-jam unfolding.
On Bass: Keith Lowery foundation vibes extraordinaire. The bottom to the void.
On Guitar: Xion, new kid on the block, tryin’ to catch up what he forgot.
On Vox: Xion, remembering who he is. In the Void.
Cube Out
Drums-keys: stems. (Stem cells of programmed consciousness.)
Frequency Receiver: Ghost Box with effects that randomly vibes the sonic space.
We are old school musicians with a long history of creative journeys in Chicagoland that have joined our past with our present to become the conduits of Psyonic Park.
Shake Your Money Maker (also stylized as The Black Crowes Present: Shake Your Money Maker is the debut studio album by American rock band the Black Crowes, released on February 13, 1990, on Def American Recordings. It is the only album by the band to feature guitarist Jeff Cease. The album is named after a classic blues song written by Elmore James. The Black Crowes have played the song live many times over the years, but it is not included on this album.
Tuesday Night Music Club is the debut studio album from American singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow, released on August 3, 1993. The first two singles from the album were not particularly successful. However, the album gained attention after the success of the fourth single, “All I Wanna Do”, based on the Wyn Cooper poem “Fun”
Performed By: Sucker Punch & Friends
Front to back tribute of the musical goddess herself, Sheryl Crow.
With musical talents from Sucker Punch, Jagged Little Pill, Jak Tripper and more!
Are you Strong Enough to join us as we Solidify a show where All I Wanna do is have some fun?!?
ASTRAY WE BLOOM
Astray We Bloom is : Vocals – Carlos Alvarez Guitars/Vocals/Programming – Jose Garcia Guitar – Daniel Vergara Bass – Erick Rebollar Drums – Julian Carter
An endless groove, heart-freezing beats, and effortlessly throaty, raw vocals mixed with moments of clarity. Intricate rhythmic sections with booming, atmospheric moments carve out their beefy tone, exemplified in their 2022 single, “Cognitive Ability.”Progressive Metal from the suburbs of Chicago, IL.
Emerging from the depths of the alternative metalcore scene in 2022, How It Ends is a force to be reckoned with. This powerful quartet, forged by the creative minds of guitarists Denis Cheng and Zak Zuniga, drummer Alejandro Di Prizio, and the captivating frontman and vocalist, Damien Durazo, has set a new standard for themselves within the genre. United by their passion for pushing musical boundaries, How It Ends formed as a response to the ever-evolving landscape of modern heavy music and strives to raise the bar. Each member brings their unique perspective to the table, resulting in a sound that is simultaneously ferocious and introspective to say the least. Denis Cheng and Zak Zuniga, with their skillful and intricate guitar work, create a sonic landscape that oscillates between bone-crushing riffs and ethereal melodies. Alejandro Di Prizio, the backbone of the band, provides the rhythmic pulse that drives How It Ends forward. Frontman Damien Durazo is the enigmatic voice and face of How It Ends. With a vocal range that spans from guttural growls to hauntingly melodic croons, Damien’s lyrics delve into the depths of the human experience, tackling inner turmoil and self-discovery themes. How It Ends invites you to join them on their sonic odyssey and explore the depths of emotion and intensity, forging an unforgettable connection between artist and audience. Brace yourself for the end, the beginning, and everything in between, with How It Ends.
Jam In Between is a five-piece band based out of Chicago with rock, blues, funk, and R&B influences. Jam In Between formed in 2016, and is known for playing live around the Chicago area. The name Jam In Between comes from the signature style of placing instrumental jams in between structured music in their original songs, as well as physically putting jam in between various objects. Be it bread, or whatever else you’d like to put jam in between. As long as it’s sticky sweet, you’ve got Jam In Between.
With an untrammeled, overdriven, and warbly sound that can only be described as “Denim psych”, the band DOOM GONG is the denim clad, super duper group from the USA. The group is an amalgam of fuzzed out guitars, trumpet solos, 60’s-inspired keys, and a thumping rhythm section fit with double drummers. Citing musical inspiration from the likes of Frank Zappa, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Grateful Dead and Piero Umiliani, DOOM GONG ties together musical complexity with explosive live shows full of musical easter eggs and stage theatrics.
Ray Wisbrock is a Chicago-area comedian who has performed throughout Chicago at Laugh Factory, Zanies, Chicago Improv, Milwaukee Improv, Comedy Bar as well as the suburbs and nearby states. He has performed with Ian Bagg and Adrienne Iapalucci at the Milwaukee Improv and Zanies Chicago respectively. He was also selected to perform at the inaugural World Comedy Expo in March 2022. Wisbrock’s unique delivery of his intelligent dark comedy has helped make him a fan favorite.
Hailing from Pittsburgh, PA, Big Blitz combines jazz, rock, and electronic musical influences to create their own dynamic sound. Brothers Lucas Ciesielski (Tenor Sax, Bari Sax) and Mason Ciesielski (Tenor Sax, Bari Sax, Synthesizers) unite with drummer Nick Grabigel to forge their unique, infectious style. The trio’s chemistry, energy, and stage presence makes dancing mandatory, rather than optional. Their meld of vintage instruments with modern technology consistently mesmerizes audiences and delivers a huge, hard-hitting sound that will create an unforgettable show.
Lamon Manuel is an independent rap artist from the Southside of Chicago, and founding member of the prolific rap brotherhoods Tomorrow Kings and FUTURE CULT LEADERS of AMERICA (FCLA). Manuel is a writer’s writer whose art is a campaign for personhood, aiming to break the presumed rap binary: “positive, conscious rap” or “gangsta rap.” His sad-boy-adult-angst, smart-rap style is imaginative, humorous, richly poetic and is marked by gratuitous film and literary references. Contrary to the performance-artist paradigm of accepting the sacrifice of writing for song beats and/or performance, Lamon Manuel has perfected a recording and performance style that is just as captivating as his writing. His beat taste is perfectly congruent to his writing style and larger than life performance. Driven by the idea that any performance could be one’s last, Manuel melds rapping and an element of theater to performance to deliver an unforgettable experience for every crowd. Manuel recently described his work as “a series of choreographed panic attacks when played forward.” Padded beneath lush imagery, Manuel’s work presents as vulnerable. He invites an intimate look into topics typically cloaked in silence, such as Black mental health, the dissonance between non-Black fan enjoyment of Black art and real life engagement with Black people, substance and sexual abuse, body image issues, experiences in love from the Black male perspective, family dynamics, and male privilege.
Punk Rock legends Kody Templeton, (Teenage Bottlerocket / The Lillingtons) Dan Vapid (The Methadones), Phil Hill and Keith Witt will perform classics from The Lillingtons, Riverdales and Teen Idols alongside Simon Lamb, and Mike Soucy (Methadones) Alex Volonino (Lillingtons) and others.
Blowing in from the Windy City, comedian, actor, director and producer B. Cole has spent the past decade molding himself as one of this generations’ greatest entertainers. Starting his career at a young age, B. Cole has performed at clubs and colleges all over the United States. He made his television debut at the age of twenty on BET’s Comic View and reached a pinnacle when he was awarded his own one-hour Grandstand Special on the program. He was a founding member of The Second City’s first urban sketch comedy ensemble Forgotten City. B. Cole has captured audiences across the country with his original side-splitting, thought-provoking material. He has toured U.S. military bases throughout Japan and here in the states. His internationally acclaimed signature comical piece, “I’m in Love with a Crack Head,” a satirical love poem, inspired him to develop the concept into a short film. In 2011, B traveled the country on a two man improv comedy club tour with actor/comic personality DeRay Davis. In 2002, he wrote and starred in his first feature length film, A Get2gether. A Get2Gether has been showcased nationwide in several festivals and it won Best Independent Film at the 2005 Chicago Comedy Awards. In the same year, B. Cole was also awarded the Robert Townsend Award for his sketch comedy show The B. Cole Show. In 2002, one of B. Cole’s biggest accomplishments was when he was invited to share the stage with musical genius Prince, accompanied by Common and Macy Gray! There’s no slowing down for the multi-talented artist as he continues to write and produce timeless comedy for the big screen. It’s a Cole world… supply your own heat!