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
She’s a truth-teller and guitar shredder. Born and raised on the South Side of
Chicago this self taught guitarist has an electrifying live show, recently
showcased on the main stage at the 2022 Chicago Blues Festival. At age 15,
Angel’s mom brought home a guitar from a pawnshop, and Angel never put it
down. It’s still her main guitar to this day. Angel’s unique mix of blues, and rock
n’ roll may remind you of one of her biggest influences Jimi Hendrix, while still
having a look and sound all her own. Angel is currently on tour promoting her
4th full-length album FOXY. FOXY is currently receiving national and
international radio airplay. Her songwriting prowess is on full display with this
new record featuring singles like, “Bad Bad Seed” and “Leave the Light On”.
Needless to say you don’t want to miss Angel’s high energy performances that
leaves crowds begging for more. Quite simply, Melody Angel is the real thing and Melody Angel is her real name. I guess you say, she was born for this!
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.
FAITH NO MORE “THE REAL THING”
THE ROSS ORIGINALS
JOSH CATALANO &THE DIRTY THOUGHTS
ON YOUR MARX
Founding members of the original lineup; Roger Chavez, Kevin Lustrup, Steve Katz and Tim Schuett are anything but ellusive in projecting what has been their love for years.
Bringing Ska to the people.
Lailah Reich on Vox, Kathleen Irion on vocals and keys, Bill Stulgin on sax and Tim Williams on Trombone and NOW : Dee Isler on Drums !!! 🙂
RESOUND:
With a little help from some old friends, while making new ones along the way, OYM
spent the months between January 2009 and September 2010 recording a new album which they hope will be their crowning achievement in an attempt to write the next great Ska classic.
With more than 15 musicians featured on the album, OYM has strived to grab what’s
great from every genre of ska, reggae, 2 tone, dub, and ska-core to make the most diverse ska record to date.
With content ranging from the most personal inside jokes, to the universal feelings
toward hate, fear, violence, love, and lament, OYM labors to speak to all of us on one level or another.
WILSON’S ALL STARS
DESTROYER OR LIBERATOR
THE Z BAND
THAT’S NO MOON
Since their inception in late 2010, That’s No Moon has been busy destroying dance floors across the Midwest. The band’s infectious brand of indie-rock, which includes elements of pop and electronica, can transform even the most apathetic of crowds into a raucous dance party. With the release of their self titled debut LP in September of 2011, That’s No Moon proved that they are much more than just an energetic live act. While still retaining the excitement of their live performance, the 12 track album showcases the band’s ability to meld pop sensibility with musical integrity. With a full US tour set for the Spring of 2012, That’s No Moon is setting out to conquer the indie-rock scene, destroying one dance floor at a time.
*That’s No Moon is: Ben Wilson (Vocals/Synth), Hayden Cler (Guitar/Vocals), Paul Little (Bass), Kyle Prillaman (Drums, 808s)
**Hometown: Champaign-Urbana, Illinois
SKAPONE
Chicago: YOU KNOW US! We have been playing ska on Chicago’s scene for over 20 years now! Performing mostly original compositions, Skapone’s driving rhythm section is complimented by outstanding vocals and horns. The band appears at at many clubs and venues, as well as corporate and charity events throughout the Chicago area and mid-west. The band hit the studio hard in 2007, recording tracks for a new CD. Mixing completed in 2008 and the CD was released to an outstanding and receptive crowd at Abbey Pub – Chicago, on August 16th, 2008. Band History: Mark Callahan was relegated to the bench on his Los Angeles high school basketball team. He had been a starter (as well as the team’s only white player). After the benching, he became despondent and quit the team to play music. He was then uprooted to the suburbs of Chicago. Some friends that helped out in the fine arts department at Main East H.S. borrowed an upright bass. Using that bass, Mark learned two Buddy Holly tunes for the school variety show. Amongst the crotch rocking wanna-be’s, they played two rockabilly tunes and from that humble beginning, Mark decided to form a SKA band. His girlfriend’s sister told him about a drummer named Mitch. Little did Mark know that he was the same Mitch who not only lived a block away from him, but had also attended the same kindergarten with him. The two got together with some other people who were somewhat capable of playing music and formed a SKA band, The Skatones. The band originated in 1984 and died in May 1985 when Mark (again uprooted) returned to Los Angeles. State Of Emergency (1985) State Of Emergency was created in September 1985 after Mark moved back from L.A. Mitch was still on drums, Mark on bass, and the seventh grade Chris Dorff on guitar. Mitch moved on to play with another Ska band and other types of music. Mitch’s departure ushered in Jim Strezewski. From 1987 until 1989, State of Emergency was probably one of the few 3-piece SKA bands to have ever existed. Al Goldman on trombone (Mitch’s brother) and Mitch on trumpet were added for a record release show in 1989 at Medusa’s. Both stayed on for the next 19 years. State of Emergency released a four song EP (self titled) in 1988 and an album titled Skaterbrain in 1991. Jim and Chris took off in 1992 and the band State of Emergency died. Out of those ashes, SKAPONE was born. SKAPONE (1992) SKAPONE took shape in 1992. Mark was on bass with Mitch and Al as the horn section. Lincoln (Link) Seabrooks was the new guitarist. Marie (Mark’s ex-wife), was the drummer. Various horns were added and subtracted. Eventually Skapone discovered Jason Duerr in the produce section of Jewel one Saturday afternoon. Jason joined the band in his senior year of high school and 15 years later, looks pretty much the same. 1996 brought back Jim Strezewski on drums. In 1998 Skapone release the full length CD, Bold New Flavor. Chris Dorff rejoined the band in 2000. Kurt Anderson filled out the horn section on tenor sax in 2001. Tony Dale joined for a stint and recording and has moved on to other projects. Jim Strezewski is back for his 3rd stint with Skapone and we love him!