CHRIS CONNELLY
Chris Connelly is a Scottish-born, Chicago-based singer-songwriter. Known equally for his lush, melodic solo work as well as for his participation in the industrial music scene, Chris is also the author of four books.
THE AMERICAN HOTEL SYSTEM
Emerging from the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan, The American Hotel System is a rock band that transcends the ordinary and expected, blending energetic alt-rock with thoughtful storytelling, exploring themes of mental health, personal growth, and the search for meaning. Their journey has taken them from local venues to sharing stages with icons like Bon Jovi, but the mission remains the same: to create meaningful connections through honest, emotive rock.
Founded in 2017 by Jacob Betts (Lead Vocals and Guitar), Hailey Petty (Drums), Jake LaMotte (Bass), and later joined by C.T. McCallister (Guitar), the band embarked on a journey that transformed them into a significant musical presence through genre exploration. Their journey saw early successes with EPs like “A Search for Sunken Truth, Vol. 1” and “Vol. 2.” The pandemic birthed reflective projects like the folk-laden “Postcards EP.” In the midst of chaos, their sophomore album, “Interrobang”, emerged – a tapestry of rhetoric woven with mid-century Americana and pulp influences, showcasing their resilience like a phoenix rising to move forward to a new beat.
With over 1 million streams, a top 3 album on WYCE 88.1FM in 2023, and the coveted title of Grand Champions of Music Prize 2022, The American Hotel System’s impact is resonating with contemporaries and listeners alike, as they’ve quickly become a force to be reckoned with. With critics comparing them to luminaries like Switchfoot and The Fray, their sound is versatile yet distinct with keystones of catchy melodies and relatable messages. Their transformative power and meaningful lyrics resonate deeply, earning them accolades and recognition. The latest chapter in their diverse discography, “Can You Hear It? (The Deluxe Edition)”, which eared them the title of WYCE Critic’s Choice Artist of the Year, is a sonic canvas painting emotions and experiences with the precision of a master.
BILLY SQUIER “DON’T SAY NO”
Don’t Say No is the second studio album by Billy Squier, released on April 13, 1981. It stands as Squier’s biggest career album, including the hits “Lonely Is the Night”, “In the Dark”, “My Kinda Lover” and “The Stroke”. The album hit the Top Five on the Billboard album chart and remained on the chart for over two years (111 weeks).
MEATLOAF (BAT OUT OF HELL)
Bat Out of Hell is the debut studio album by American rock singer Meat Loaf and composer Jim Steinman. The album was developed from the musical Neverland, a futuristic rock version of Peter Pan which Steinman wrote for a workshop in 1974. It was recorded during 1975–1976 at various studios, including Bearsville Studios in Woodstock, New York. The album was produced by Todd Rundgren, and released in October 1977 by Cleveland International/Epic Records.
ANNIHILATION PRINCIPLE
Death Metal Band from Chicago.
SCREAMIN’ REBEL ANGELS
Screamin’ Rebel Angels’ unrelenting and infectious original Rock ‘n Roll has kept the dance floors pulsing, and roofs rattling across stages, airwaves and turntables around the globe since 2011!
Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, this trio’s untamed live performances are high-octane adventures that invoke the primitive energy of 1950s Rock ‘n Roll infused with the soul of early Rhythm & Blues, and invigorated with the raw power of garage punk.
Fronting the band is the true rebel angel, flame-haired beauty Laura Palmer, a versatile multi-instrumentalist well-respected in the world-wide rockin’ musical community.
Equally adept at slapping out the rhythm on an upright bass or picking on a big ol’ Gretsch, Laura Palmer’s on stage presence and powerful vocals command your attention, and delivers on the dime an exhilarating performance that will leave you breathless.
Paired with seasoned professionals and energetic upstarts, the on stage chemistry and skill of Screamin’ Rebel Angels stirs up the same rebellious spirit that first electrified fans at the genres inception, and brings it to a contemporary position for new generations to fall in love with the primal excitement and passion of Rock ‘n Roll.
ROSE AND THE THORNS
FAST RONALD
Ronald is a former pastry chef turned stand-up comic from San Antonio, Texas. Blending deadpan wit with emotionally honest storytelling, he released his debut special, Flex Your Head, in April 2025. Now riding the wave of its success, Ronald is hitting the road with new material and fresh energy, booking tour dates for fall and winter 2025 to grow his fanbase and keep the laughs rolling.
ANTOINAE
VERNARD LIVE
Vernard is a go to studio session singer in Chicago with over a decade of BGV credits including hits for Grammy Award Winners Donald Lawrence, Smokie Norful and Take 6.
“Finish Strong” has become both an anthem and catchphrase for both men and women, empowering everyone to persevere.
Vernard is a student of soul crooners and his signature voice is steeped in a rich musical heritage that will time and again awaken the heart and electrify your soul.
PALE GREY SKY
A Sepultura Tribute primarily covering The Cavalera Era from Morbid Visions to Roots.
AMY YORE
Raised on classics, from the true country of Hank Williams Sr. to the unique sounds of the Moody Blues, Amy Yore is a powerful vocalist and songwriter from the Midwest. She is heavily influenced by greats such as Dolly Parton, Brandi Carlile, Jewel, and Jennifer Knapp. Amy has been serenading fans for the past 10 years and developing her own unique sound while playing hundreds of shows at many venues. Most notably opening for the 90’s hit band, Dishwalla, and former group Florida Georgia Line. She hopes that she can inspire and encourage healing in others the only way that she knows how… through her music.
NIKKI LOVE PROJECT
Chicago Rock band. Chicago singer/songwriter guitarist. It’s an alternative indie rock-pop band, a raw yet melodic sound.
SUPERFRYE
Imagine if Johnny Cash, Patti Smith, Nick Cave, T-Bone Walker and Bob Dylan got together to write a song for Twin Peaks…
A reverb-drenched guitar sits in the center of the stage. In Superfrye’s hands it becomes the sound of empowerment, rebellion, truth and freedom–wrapped up in storytelling of a folk artist diving headfirst into the struggles of real people; this is raw roots with soul. It bursts with outlaw and outsider energy, yet with full control Superfrye constantly toys with the edges of emotion, from haunting to hilarious and back again, with her vast catalog of originals and covers to draw from in styles from roots to flamenco, R&B to blues, lounge to punk. Her songs bring you the sound of the terroir of the places she’s been and years she’s lived, as well as where she’s going next. Come along on the adventure.
PRIMITIVE BROADCAST SERVICE
Three-piece noise rock band from Milwaukee. Street talk in the dissonant sprawl since 2018.
PEOPLE IN TROUBLE
Punk/Metal/Hardcore/Improv from Chicago.
Alex Wing
Bill Harris
Harley Gingras
LEGENDS IN SESSION
Hosted by Horace Grant. Launching in 2026 with Legendary Guests, Iconic Stories, and unforgettable moments from Horace’s 17 NBA seasons. Sign up free at LegendsinSession.com for bonus clips and exclusives.
EMMA & THE DILEMMA
Emma and the Dilemma is a musical and creative arts project featuring the amazing vocalist & performer Emma Cismesia! In a short timeframe, EATD has quickly become one of the hottest bands in the Chicagoland area! EATD features high-energy diva pop, rock & soul that is guaranteed to impress! EATD performs as a full band, but is also able to play smaller shows as a duo or trio, depending on the needs of the venue or event!
Emma and the Dilemma performs both covers and originals depending on the venue and the show! Our setlist covers artists such as Adele, Amy Winehouse, Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Dusty Springfield, Olivia Rodrigo, The Cranberries, Alanis Morisette, and more.
EATD released our first EP of original music on Feb. 22, 2025 at Ballydoyle‘s in Downers Grove. Check it out on Spotify. The “Lovesick” video is posted on YouTube.
KENZI WHITTINGTON
ABC Castaway. Rock Chick. Country Singer. Wears heart on sleeve.
ABBY K
Pop Rock Artist, Abby K, hails from Nashville TN slaying the bass guitar and writing catchy, empowering records. Between rocking in over 30 US states and releasing 15 original songs, she has quickly become a force that cannot be tamed Abby K gained sight of the public eye in 2018 when she began her professional career. Shortly after, she toured with Nita Strauss (Alice Cooper, Demi Lovato) and opened for artists such as Dorothy, The Iron Maidens, Danny Worsnop (Asking Alexandria), Hinder, Soulfly, and more. In just a few short years, Abby K has acquired over 400,000 Spotify streams and over 250,000 YouTube views. Recently, Abby K has become a star on TikTok collecting hundreds of thousands of views weekly.
In the limited time that Abby K spends away from touring, she resides on Broadway in Nashville TN, playing four to five nights a week and writing songs for other artists. Outside of the music industry, Abby has launched Girls Rock Nashville, a clothing brand by strong women, for strong women. Abby also hosts biannual Charity Concerts at The Basement giving female artists a platform to perform their original music to a welcoming audience.
Abby K is an independent artist who handles her own management, booking, PR and recording. Abby K is thrilled to be working as an Artist with Laney Amplification, Spectraflex Cables, Bartolini Pickups, OnSong, Vocal Mist, WB Gear, and The Orchard! Join Abby on this journey of hers by following @abbykrocks on all social media.
STEEL STRING SINGERS
Alt-country & blues band based in Chicago
BLOW THE FM RADIO
BTFMR is a Gut Rock group from Minneapolis, MN. Blending influences of punk, guts, and mystery.
CASTRATOR
Emasculating Old School Death Metal
MEL SENESE
Mel Senese is an alt-rock artist whose sound captures the fiery energy of Paramore and dynamic edge of No Doubt. Her music delves into life’s struggles, offering an inspiring and empowering perspective delivered with confidence. Mel’s honesty and electrifying performances resonate with listeners seeking both catharsis and motivation.
Beyond her music, Mel is a devoted bird enthusiast. Her conure, Benji, frequently makes appearances on her social media, charming fans with his playful antics. This love for parrots even influences her branding, with a bird-inspired logo that reflects her personality and creative free spirit.
Mel has performed extensively across the Midwest, earning recognition as Chicago Big Break Champion in 2017 and opening for national acts like Dorothy and The Veronicas. When not releasing music, she continues to perform regularly throughout the region.
In 2020, Mel embraced live streaming to connect with fans during the pandemic. Her engaging weekly streams garnered a dedicated following, earning her features in the Chicago Tribune and a TV appearance on ABC7. That same year, she collaborated with Bliss Skincare on a TikTok campaign, co-writing the song “This Is Bliss.” The campaign achieved over 7 billion views, driving massive success for the brand.
Coming back from a 2 year song release hiatus, Mel dropped a handful of singles in 2024, ending with the 5 song EP Called Main Character. It’s a celebration of self-confidence, resilience, and creative rebirth. The EP concludes with its namesake, Main Character, a powerful track that ties everything together. This song is about prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and owning your story. With its strong message of self-respect and empowerment, it’s the perfect closing note to a transformative journey in preparation for what’s to come next for Mel.
VALORIES
Valories is a Nashville-based pop artist looking to defy the rules of the genre. Her unique soundscapes and new age-relatable lyrics paint the perfect picture of mystery, chaos, and fun. Valories came from a place of wanting to be free to push the boundaries, both thematically and sonically, and continues to explore the world of atmospheric synth pop while taking inspiration from both modern and time-honored artists of various genres.
TIM DAHL
Tim Dahl is a professional electric and double bass player, vocalist, keyboardist and composer living in New York City. He is best known as the bass player of the noise-rock band Child Abuse and Lydia Lunch Retrovirus. He also writes and performs for the jazz ensemble Pulverize The Sound.
URBAN GUERRILLA
EUPHORIA AGAIN
In a decade plus of songwriting as Euphoria Again, Johnny Klein has explored everything from lo-fi bedroom pop, to Nashville recorded alt-country, and even stands as one of the earliest contributors to the now exploding shoegaze revival. Beside this ever-evolving project, Klein has also split his time as hired studio guitarist, member of Philadelphia Grateful Dead cover band Friends Of Jerry, and now long-time member of Philadelphia’s moody slow-core favorites Knifeplay. Heard through all of this work, is Klein’s unique brand of earthy, spectral authenticity, a quality which has earned him a cult fanbase with Euphoria Again, and which shines powerfully on his newest record Waiting on Time to Fly (Born Losers 2024).
ADAMN KILLA
Adam Kelly (born October 13, 1996), better known by his stage name Adamn Killa, is an American rapper from Chicago, Illinois. Adamn initially started making music at the age of 14, joining the group 197 O$G with fellow Chicago-rapper LUCKI.
Adamn would start to build a real name for himself throughout 2016 when he started working with Swedish rappers Yung Lean, Bladee and Thaiboy Digital, creating popular songs like “Psycho,” “Ten” and “Cashin.” He would later drop out from college to join them throughout Europe for the Warlord Tour, leaving his baseball career behind and pursuing music full time from there on.
He would briefly step away from music in 2021 as it was no longer a reliable source of income. He focused his efforts into other ventures, such as investing into various crypto currencies and doing Uber/Uber Eats. He eventually returned to music as he wasn’t as happy while not creating.
Adamn started to see a resurgence in popularity throughout 2024 with songs like “Prada at 13,” “Torta Pounder” and “A.D.H.D Rant 1.” He would capitalize off this buzz by releasing his February 2025 mixtape A.D.H.D Rant Vol. 1.
On June 20, 2025, Adamn released his highly anticipated mixtape, Generation Run.
DESSIDERIUM
Solo project of Alex Haddad.
CARTILAGE
Goresoaked Death Grind from San Francisco, CA.
PIST ‘N’ BROKE
THE DOWNHILL JAM
The Downhill Jam is a tribute to the music of the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater video game series. Based in LA, the group plays all those iconic punk, ska, and hip hop tracks you heard over and over while playing the games in your youth. At some shows, you’ll see them joined on stage by the World’s #1 THPS gamer, AndyTHPS, providing an immersive visual to add to the already iconic soundtrack. Better yet, they’re Tony Hawk approved. They played ramp-side while Tony skated at Wonderfont Fest 2019 in San Diego and has since joined them as a guest vocalist multiple times. Once for “Police Truck” by Dead Kennedy’s in front of a packed house at The Casbah San Diego in December 2022 and twice on “Blitzkrieg Bop” at two separate shows in 2023. They’ve toured up and down the west coast and are ready to bring their unique but familiar brand of nostalgia to your next event!
Where else does it make sense to hear Goldfinger, Lagwagon, Dead Kennedys, Public Enemy, Dub Pistols, Motorhead, and Millencolin all in one place? When you’re flying through the air on a skateboard, avoiding evil Taxi drivers, looking for the secret tape…or at The Downhill Jam show! Come drop in with us!
CASTLE HILL
GLŌSTIK
Glōstik is a force to be reckoned with. This alt-rock trio, featuring brothers Jay Moe & Ralf Mowf alongside Buddha Aguilar, transcends genres with their electrifying live shows and powerful studio releases. Years of refinement has resulted in a unique blend of alternative rock, post-grunge grit, powerful vocals and virtuoso instrumentals that leave their audience breathless.
Glōstik is no stranger to performing, having spent most of their time touring nationally in the US from 2015-2019, and appearing on more than 200 music festival lineups.
Between 2020-2024, Glōstik set the bar high for live streaming music and online content creation. When live shows went virtual, they seamlessly transitioned to streaming. Glōstik amassed over 4,000 hours on Twitch, while building the largest independent live streaming setup globally and garnering millions of views. Glōstik is pushing the boundaries, challenging the “norm”, and creating a new format for the future of live music.
GOODMORNING VALENTINE
Goodmorning Valentine is the moniker for songwriter Joseph Allen Beltram. Joseph is a national touring musician and recording artist who has been playing shows and releasing records for the last 20+ years. His non-genre specific appreciation for all things songwriting, has led to many adventures in the craft and garnered hundreds of songs. From the more esoteric musing of the indie world, both new and old, to the classic sounds of the 60s and 70s.
ORBITAL GATE
ONE WOMAN SLAMMING BRUTAL DEATH METAL HAILING FROM THE INTERGALACTIC DEPTHS OF A BASEMENT IN CARY, IL
BRIAN MIKLAS
Brian Miklas is comedian who buys the ticket and takes the ride. Known for his dark style of comedy, he has performed all over Chicago including places like Zanies, Comedy Bar, and Lincoln Lodge.
SLUMBERING SUN
Slumbering Sun is a powerful new melodic doom entity formed by members of underground mainstays Temptress, Destroyer of Light and Monte Luna. Their resulting sound explores broader melodies and sonics than their other bands, inspired as much by Celtic folk standards as by doom in the vein of Warning, even with hints of the classic 90s heft of Soundgarden and Alice In Chains.
After the breakup of their previous band, James Clarke & Keegan Kjeldsen resolved to forget the pain of an album that would never be released by creating something new. They resolved to launch a new band, with an album Keegan composed between work on other projects. They began one afternoon at the rehearsal space during the warm spring of Austin, with a few songs strummed on a clean, electric guitar. James began to write melodies, the two of them finished the lyrical content, and the idea began to evolve.
The band was assembled with other friends in the Texas metal scene, who’ve known each other from years of shows together. Kelsey Wilson of Temptress joined as lead guitarist and sojourned back and forth from Dallas. Garth Condit and Penny Turner – both in other bands with James & Keegan respectively – formed the rhythm section. Slumbering Sun was born. On a blisteringly hot week in the summer of 2022, the group recorded The Ever-Living Fire, the culmination of months of rehearsing and revising. All veterans of the road, the band plans on touring in the coming year.
DJ ELI CATERER
of Smoking Popes
DJ HERB ROSEN
MONTE A. MELNICK
Monte A. Melnick is best known as the longtime tour manager for the legendary punk rock band Ramones. He worked with the band from their early days in the 1970s all the way through their retirement in 1996. Over the course of more than two decades, he tour managed the Ramones over 2,200 shows in more than 30 countries, becoming a key behind-the-scenes figure in the band’s history. There is no one in the world that has spent more time with the Ramones! Come on out and hear what he has to say about one of rock and roll’s greatest and most loved bands.
TUM
turn it up brother
THE DYNAMO THEOREM
The Dynamo Theorem is D. Foote, V. Vetri, and J. Sarmiento. Established 2001. Chicago, IL USA.
CONDITION CRITICAL
Formed in 2010, Condition Critical delivers high-intensity, no-bullshit thrash metal in the tradition of the genre’s most violent pioneers. Described as “a literal war of sound that attacks you with deadly perfection” (New Wave of Thrash Zine), they’ve built a reputation on relentless riffage, vicious stage presence, and tours across the U.S., Europe, and Russia.
ZERO PLACE
Zero Place was formed in 2019 by Zander Ness in Fargo, ND under the original name Enditall.
The debut album “Never Feel Again” was recorded November 2019 – May 2020 by Neal Stein and Zander Ness and was released by Royalty Holding Company on May 23, 2020.
The live band was assembled in early 2020 and has performed numerous live concerts since April of that year.
Other releases include “Over Me Bright” (2020) recorded by Cameron Dewald and Zander Ness, “Toska” (2021), and “Fearland” (2021), both recorded by Neal Stein. The single “Toska” is also featured on Midwest Mixtapes Vol. III released by See You Never Records in September of 2021.
Two music videos were released in 2021 for the songs “Give Me Nothing” and “Toska”, both filmed and edited by Minneapolis based Kowala Media and produced by Royalty Holding Company.
The group has been featured in Decibel Magazine and High Plains Reader as well as online features including Issues Magazine and Unsigned Showcase.
The single “February Song” was released on February 4, 2024. Recorded by Max Johnk, Andrew Wallin, and Zander Ness and mixed/mastered by Neal Stein. A lyric visualizer video can be viewed here.
“Shadowbox” was released on October 1, 2024 as the first single from the album “Darko” and features additional vocals by Ryan Hoffart of Baltic To Boardwalk.
“Darko” was released on November 16, 2024.
CRYSTAL LIPS
A psychedelic punk quartet whose Latin soul resonates through every song.
CAT MAN DOG
An acoustic duo feat. Stephan Cook (Violin) Ian Gill (Guitar) Each performance = a fine mixture of catchy originals & fun covers!
GLEEMER
SATCHMO
A Chicago band featuring the beats of Dana Thompson and multi instrumental talents of Darin Nicholson and Connor Bernhard
S.M.F.C
SMFC is the solo work of Chicago guitarist, Steev Custer. Known from Chicago bands Death and Memphis, Space Age Zeros and My Big Beautiful.
STEVE’S IN THE BAND
Drummer fronted, Illinois based, Steve’s in the Band (SITB) is the brainchild child of Jim Holmen, RT Zelm, and Steve Grossinger, which was birthed from a drunken challenge to learn to play guitars by Jim to his 2 non-musical friends. With nothing but time over COVID, it didn’t take long before the dream became a reality, for better or worse.
Embodying the punk rock spirit of the music these 3 grew up on, their musical abilities crawled out of the garage and grew legs as their 90s-injected sound established themselves as an upcoming power trio in the scene. SITB has been drawing in a diverse and growing fanbase locally, regionally, and beyond through fast, loud, and melodic live performances.
With one major achievement already under their belt, starting a 3-piece, touring-ready outfit with 2 members who’d never played an instrument, Steve’s in the Band went on to record their first full length album at punk rock institution, The Blasting Room, and play a slew of regional shows, while ambitions to tour the world brew behind the scenes.
YOUNG(IN)
Young(In) is a rapper from the South Side of Chicago who knows little limits when it comes to his pen. He uses writing as an outlet for escape, creating different worlds to get lost in, telling stories he didn’t have the courage to share years ago, and simply letting go of the words he’s been holding onto.
Through his writing, he was fortunate enough to become an Apprentice and Fellow to the John Walt Foundation.
Not only was he spotlighted by SocialWorks Chicago, and also had the honor of performing at ShapesFEST at Navy Pier, he was also a featured artist at the Chicago’s Got Next Pop up Stage at Lollapalooza 2025.
In short, Young(In) writes. Like actually.
K.XXIV
K.XXIV (aka GREYISHERE) is a versatile recording artist and producer creating music that’s synonymous with the genres of Alternative Hip-Hop and Lo-Fi Rap. Throughout his discography, KX continues to push his message about mental health awareness and creative expression by matching thought-provoking and emotionally fueled bars with energetic and hard hitting beats. Most recently, KX has began a new era in his career through the release of his latest song, TWO GLOCK SHORTY, which is the first breakout single for his upcoming album set to release this Fall.
CASINO TRELL
Casino Trell is a versatile musical artist from Chicago,IL. His compelling yet charming demeanor speaks for itself. Coming from a musical family he understands the beauty behind the art of music. Whether it is R&B, Soul Samples, Boom-Bap or Heavy 808s behind an instrumental Casino Trell delivers like no other.