Pete’s Diary is an independent Chicago trio with more than 800k social media followers. Their Keep On Rock-in’ debut album releasing June 14, 2024 was written, recorded, and produced in Los Angeles with Keith Nel-son, founding lead guitarist of Buckcherry. It was mixed in Vancouver by Mike Fraser of AC/DC notoriety.Fans of AC/DC, GNR, early Van Halen, and Velvet Revolver will find more than one track to love on this rec-ord that features a guest guitar solo by Tracii Guns and ends with a Gary Moore inspired ballad.The band’s name evolved from Peter Dankelson’s medical diary and motivational speaking. Often referred to as “Angus Jr.,” Dankelson taught himself to play guitar despite hearing loss, disabilities on his fretting hand, and more than 30 reconstructive surgeries to overcome Goldenhar Syndrome. His autobiography, How I Learned to Rock My Life, is an Amazon bestseller.Dankelson is joined by Mac McRae who doubles on lead vocals and bass and Ryan “Rocky” Johnson on drums. Their energy is infectious, drawing increasing crowds wherever they play.
Genre bending, Alternative Outlaw, Southern Rock artist Cage Willis breaks all the rules with his debut album, “Who I Am.” Like dynamite drenched in gasoline, “Who I Am” delivers an undeniably explosive listening experience. Willis’ powerfully honest vocal, attitude fueled guitar playing, and inspirational songwriting will have you immersed in an instant. The debut album, produced by hit songwriter Chris Robertson of Black Stone Cherry, will leave your soul overflowing. A beautifully balanced masterpiece of modern tones paired with classic southern flavor. Follow Cage on social media for updates on new music, tour dates, and more!
NEW ORLEANS BASED SINGER-SONGWRITER, GREGG HILL IS SCRIPTING THE SONG OF HIS LIFE WITH A VOICE OFTEN FROM ANOTHER AGE. HIS FOURTH STUDIO ALBUM, BORN LIAR WAS PRODUCED AT THE DOGHOUSE STUDIO IN NASHVILLE BY 5X GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING PRODUCER/ENGINEER NEAL CAPPELLINO (ALISON KRAUSS, VINCE GILL, JOAN OSBORNE). ALONG WITH A STELLAR BACKING BAND, IT FEATURES RENOWNED ARTISTS KENNY VAUGHAN, RON BLOCK (UNION STATION), JEFF COFFIN (DAVE MATHEWS), SHANE THERIOT, AND ANDERS OSBORNE. THE RECORD WENT TO #95 ON THE AMA CHART, HIT #14 ON THE ALT-COUNTRY CHART, AND REMAINED AT #4 ON THE RELIX JAMBANDS CHART FOR TWO MONTHS. HILL HAILS FROM CHICAGO, NEW JERSEY, DALLAS, D.C., NY AND CURRENTLY NEW ORLEANS. HE IS NOT EASILY DEFINED. HE WAS ONE OF THE FIRST TO OCCUPY WALL STREET, DID A TOUR OF DUTY IN THE CORPORATE WORLD, CREATED A SUCCESSFUL TECH START-UP, HIS SCULPTURES ARE SHOWN IN RESPECTED GALLERIES AROUND THE COUNTRY, AND HE TRAVELED AND STUDIED WITH ZEN MASTER THICH NHAT HANH. BUT MOSTLY HE HAS BEEN WRITING AND PLAYING SONGS THE WAY HIS DAD TAUGHT HIM TO WHEN HE WAS JUST A LITTLE KID…. SONGS LIKE “SKY OF GOLD” AND “CLINGING TO THE WIND”, AND “BORN LIAR” OFFER UP PLAIN SPOKEN STORYTELLING WITH MELODIES THAT BLOOM ON A ZEN SLAP OF RECOGNITION AND REVELATION. THE ORIGINS OF GREGG HILL’S MUSIC ARE COUNTRY, ROCK AND ROLL, ROOTS, AND FOLK. THESE ARE THE SONGS WRITTEN AFTER THE DAY’S WORK HAS BEEN DONE. VISIONARY, RESPONSIBLE, AND MATURE. HILL’S NEW RECORD TITLED BAYOU ST. JOHN, FEATURING ROLAND GUERIN, JOY CLARK, AND DOUG BELOTE, IS A DEPARTURE FROM EARLIER RECORDS AS IT IS A SINGER/SONGWRITER, ACOUSTIC BASED RECORD. IT WILL BE RELEASED IN SUMMER 2023.
Predisposed is a post-hardcore/emo band with spoken word elements. We are a Sacramento-based band with members from across California and Mexico. We hope that you can find something to connect with when listening to our songs. We are currently recording our debut EP with Esque Records (Kurt Travis, Eric Fodge) and Josh Benton (ex-DGD).
Ken Raymundo is a talented Multi-Instrumental, Singer/Song Writer from Southern California, that goes by ‘Moondough’. Possessing a unique range of musical influences, he has created a signature sound that highlights his soulful melodies, smooth guitar progressions, and funky bass lines. With hired guns Stephen Taylor on drums and Steen (Machine) Kevett-Lopez on bass, Moondough is able to elevate his live performance as a trio that brings an infectious energy to the room that makes you want to dance. He also likes raccoons and says “that’s crazy” too much.
Amarionette is a NÜ Funk/Rock band from Las Vegas, NV that formed in 2010. Over the last several years they have embarked on numerous tours with national acts such as Kurt Travis, Strawberry Girls, Eidola, Andrés, etc. Amarionette is Nick Raya, Spencer Berry, Ron Wells, and AJ Sarmiento.
Kurt Travis is an American singer, musician, and songwriter from Sacramento, California. He is currently part of the post-hardcore bands Royal Coda and Push Over and the math rock duo Gold Necklace, and was formerly a vocalist in the rock bands Dance Gavin Dance and A Lot Like Birds.
Since their first show in 2015, Raspberry Pie have been packing dance floors across the US. Raspberry Pie are all about funky, tongue in cheek songs with singalong choruses, with tunes like Loveseat, Nerdy Talk, and Wet Blankets being prime examples.
They’ve headlined at several notable cons across the US, including Florida Supercon in Miami, PAX East in Boston, and Dragon Con in Atlanta. In the summer of 2022, with a revamped and expanded band (now featuring the Molasses Brass and a cyborg drummer) they began touring nationally, with a whirlwind 2 week tour up and down the east coast.
They released their latest single, “Nostalgia” on March 24th.
Raspberry Pie is:
Doug – Lead vocals, guitar
Ryan – Lead vocals, backing vocals, keys
Mariah – Trombone
Ben – Bass, backing vocals
Rachel – Trumpet, lead and backing vocals
Kyle – Drums, percussion
We are a Chicago music club that helps you discover your inner musician and play live at regular performances at local venues. We’ve built a fully equipped rehearsal space in the West Loop and have a supportive membership that has walked your exact path. Members have access to instructors who can teach a variety of instruments – from beginners to advanced. Our Membership collaborates to pick and practice songs to play at live gigs in Chicago venues regularly throughout the year.
Born & partially raised in New Jersey while spending developing years in both Southwest Florida & California, Yeek is a singer-songwriter/producer. Notably coined as an early adopter of the ‘genre-bending’ space and breaking through the essence of what ‘DIY’ stands for, Yeek is a creative in every sense of the word — straddling between the worlds of music, film, fashion, & art.
You’ve heard his music on @Audible’s Original series ‘Breakthrough’, now you can hear it live! Join us and Songkick at Reggie’s in Chicago on August 2nd to experience Mitch Clark’s incredible music in person. Mitch Clark brought his soulful voice and heartfelt voice to ‘Breakthrough’ and judges Sara Bareilles and Kelly Rowland took note. With its unique blend of Americana, folk, country, and soul influences, Mitch’s music weaves a tapestry of stories and emotions that resonates with listeners of all ages.
Enigmatic Australian Death Metal entity ALTARS rose sharply to prominence with the release of their 2013 debut ‘Paramnesia’ (Nuclear Winter Records/Blood Harvest). The record quickly drew widespread acclaim for the band’s dynamic, forward thinking compositions — hearkening to the genre’s forebears whilst carving a niche all their own. After a premature halt, in part due to a debilitating illness affecting co-founding member Cale Schmidt (vocals and bass, see also Monomakh), ALTARS entered a long period of dormancy. Guitarist Lewis Fischer joined the ranks of Melbourne outfit Ignivomous, while drummer Alan Cadman entered the fold of Adelaide’s occult StarGazer. All the while, ‘Paramnesia’ continued to gain status as a cult classic and glimpse of the band’s true potential. After eight years of silence, 2021 saw a revived ALTARS announce its resurrection with the promise of a new full-length album, and then the recruitment of Brendan Sloan (Convulsing) to fill the void on bass and vocals — cementing the band as a force to be reckoned with once more.
Tallah’s cruelly ferocious new album ‘The Generation Of Danger’, due for release on 9th September 2022 via Earache Records and recorded once more with producer Josh Schroeder at Random Awesome Studio, will only serve to extend their fascinatingly dark nu-core metal further into the metal community, continuing to build the beast Tallah have created and set loose.
As with ‘Matriphagy’, ‘The Generation Of Danger’ offers fans more than just an album of pioneering nu-core metal. Whilst it will most certainly be lauded for Justin’s acclaimed aptitude for embodying numerous characters and emotions in his outstanding vocal shape-shifting, celebrated for its breathtakingly turbulent dynamics and exemplified for the way it melds the ever-blossoming ingenuity of Tallah’s intrepid musicians, ‘The Generation Of Danger’ will reward those who delve deeper into the album and its supplementary content.
Justin reveals a taster of the conceptual intricacies behind the album: “’The Generation Of Danger’ is a concept album about a genius scientist who gets fed up with being swept under the rug. After the multi-billion-dollar corporation that employs him takes credit for his latest, award-winning invention, he snaps and retaliates against them by forcing them to take part in the greatest experiment the world of science has ever seen.”
The earliest visions of what would come to be City Twigs can be traced back to sticky, booze-filled basements, and house shows Mick and Jake had played together throughout college. A fully formed City Twigs spilled out early last year when Mick stumbled back in to Madison, Wisconsin. Between beers and stories, the song “Friend by My Side” was born. From there began many trips back and forth between Madison and Milwaukee refining and writing more of the album. Eventually, Old Pup and a few other Midwestern musicians were called upon to add to the already reminiscent country tones that were developing in Milwaukee. City Twigs debut album looks to portray the themes and stories gathered through basements and bars since its earliest conception.
Dog Party is a California-based, indie rock’n’roll band, composed of sisters, Gwendolyn and Lucy Giles. Compared with bands like The Go-Go’s, The Ramones, The White Stripes, and The Runaways, Dog Party establishes their own unique west coast sound with a dash of punk and a sprinkle of pop. With 6 records and extensive touring under their belts, Dog Party has been active since 2007. In fall of 2016, they were the Special Guests on Green Day’s Revolution Radio North American tour.
Milky Chance is a German rock band originating in Kassel. It consists of vocalist and guitarist Clemens Rehbein, bassist and percussionist Philipp Dausch, and their band members, Antonio Greger and Sebastian Schmidt.
On the back of his debut album, Nothing Matters Anyway, and after nearly a year of touring with artists like Yam Haus, Windser, and Ber, Minneapolis songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Landon Conrath is gearing up to release his EPI’m Alive… So It’s Fine. Unsurprisingly, fans are already singing along to recent singles like “Broken” word for word. As the song title suggests, the EP was born out of an explosive writing period during a tumultuous time for Landon. “The entire project came from a singular, but painful, experience,” says Landon. And while “it wasn’t cool to go through” the power that it gives to the work is evident in every song.
What you will recognize in I’m Alive… So It’s Fine is Landon’s distinct sound of hook-based indie-pop. His smooth vocals, deeply personal lyrics, signature melodies, and simple but ear-sticking beats have defined his style and drawn in listeners by the millions. But like all happy accidents that gleam their iconic meaning in retrospect, it wasn’t a conscious choice. “Your sound should be what’s available to you,” says Landon, “Initially, we didn’t have enough mics to record drums, so we used samples. It was a crutch at first, and now it defines my sound.”
Since those early sessions, Landon’s production skills have evolved with intricate layers and experimental vocal effects. “November” juxtaposes glitchy electronic trills with earthy acoustics and a bouncing bass riff. Lyrically, Landon unpacks an uncertain relationship and feelings of regret – a theme that runs through the project. “Space Invader,” a song that truly sounds otherworldly, was built around an acoustic guitar melody that blossomed into a playful collage of textures. I’m Alive… So It’s Fine boasts a diverse musical landscape for Landon, highlighting his unique playfulness, and fresh approach to songwriting.
Mixed in is a defined sense of physicality. Most of the project was recorded in an echoing room. “I wanted the feeling of the space between our instruments to be present on the track,” says Landon. It’s a sentiment that carries through in the lyrics. In “Funeral Home,” friend and featured artist Ber’s verse is an added layer of storytelling to an already emotive track. Location plays a huge role in many of Landon’s songs. He wants elements of the real world to exist in his music. “I mention a lot of chain restaurants and grocery stores in my music because it’s a physical place people can relate to.”
Speaking of physical places, live music has always been an integral part of Landon’s story. At his shows, Landon doesn’t spend much time in the green room, rather opting for the merch table to get to know his fans. “We don’t get a lot of passive fans that come to the show. They know every single word, and everyone has a personal story connected to the music.”
Landon’s fans connect with his deeply personal lyrics and emotional struggles. Songs like “Deep End” dive into his issues of anxiety and depression. Landon doesn’t shy away from being honest about his experience. “Falling Pieces,” the longest song on the project, finds Landon at his most epic with a powerful building drum sequence as a line calls out from the crescendo: “I’m not alright.”
This kind of honesty points to the core of his relationship with his fans. While many artists, understandably hunger for viral moments and streaming playlists, Landon is concerned about building a community. It’s no wonder, then, that his goal of being an artist who can move thousands of tickets wherever he goes is quickly becoming a reality. That’s not to say that he isn’t also pulling numbers. Landon’s first run of Nothing Matters Anyway vinyl sold out in one hour. He has over 200k views on YouTube, his single “2AM” is now past 6 million streams on Spotify, and he’s got over 3 million monthly streams. He’s also received critical acclaim from Ones to Watch, The Current, MPLS Magazine, MN Daily, Variance Magazine, and many more.
In the midst of all this momentum, Landon is already back to writing for his next project. But before we get ahead of ourselves…. I’m Alive… So It’s Fine releases September 29.
Basement Collective is a progressive-fusion group of instrumentalists with the goal of expressing wild creativity and pushing the boundaries of their musical knowledge. Their compositions are unique blends of jazz, classical theory, prog-rock, and metal, resulting in sonically diverse and richly dynamic musical expression.
Jess Martínez is a Chicago-based comedian who enjoys making audiences laugh as she genuinely tries to make sense of the world around her. She has entertained audiences across the country and was selected as one of 11 acts to perform at the 2022 Latinx Theatre Commons Comedy Carnaval.
Her love of stand-up comedy started in middle school when she became obsessed with Comedy Central’s half-hour specials. She especially enjoyed Comedy Central performances by Gabriel Iglesias, Mitch Hedberg, Jim Gaffigan, Demitri Martin, Pablo Francisco, Mike Birbiglia, and Maria Bamford. She finally hit the stage herself for the first time in 2017 and graduated from both The Second City Training Center and Feminine Comique stand-up programs in 2018.
Jess is co-producer of Holiday Party, co-founder of the Latina Comedy Festival, and assistant producer at The Moth StorySLAM Chicago.
Soli Santos, writer, actor, comedian, and native Chicagoan, began her comedy career as a student and graduate of The Second City and i.O. She has shared the stage with comedy heavyweights Cameron Esposito and Manny Maldonado and has featured at Zanies, The Improv and The Laugh Factory. Soli was excited to be a cast member of Urban Theater Company’s play, Not For Sale, which was nominated for the prestigious Jefferson Award. She has also been cast in a number of webseries, The Haven, The Open Mic, as well as, on various sketches with The Onion. She has written and performed at Second City’s Mary Scruggs Women’s Sketch Fest and is a former co-producer of Las Locas Comedy. She has also co-written and co-produced a sketch show with her second sketch group, Minority Rules, which were featured on WGN. You can check her out in the Amazon Prime comedy, Enter the Mollusk.
Straight from the westside of Chicago rapper/producer Saint Icky blur the line between hip hop trap and electronic music sculpting his own niche soundscapes. With beats tinged heavily in hard-hitting 808s and eerie synthesizers, Ick continues to darken the cloud around the persona of a promising up and coming voice within the Chicago DIY rap landscape. Constantly tip toeing the lines between a variety of genres, Saint Icky has successfully proven that he isn’t here to set trends and expectations—but to tear them apart, instead.
Born in 1994 Radontae Ashford aka Wave Chapelle, is an hip hop artist from the north side of Milwaukee, WI. Wave Chapelle gained popularity by releasing single songs through his soundcloud, that later transcended into mixtapes. In 2013 Wave made his debut with the mixtape “It’ll All Make Sense Soon”. In late 2014 Wave followed with his second project, “Only the Beginning” featuring Curren$y, Rico Love, & more, becoming the first young artist to break out of his city. Spring 2016 Wave debuted his long awaited project “W” featuring his stand out tracks Overtime & Let’s Win ft. IshDARR, solidifying his place both at the local and national level. Later that year Wave unleashed a flurry of singles ranging from Boss Up (feat. Lil Uzi Vert) – Single to Don’t See Em ft. K CAMP to Henny Cardi. In 2017 Wave followed up with the second installment of his series It’ll All Make Sense Soon 2showcasing his growth with tracks like Waves ft. Malcolm Anthony & Authentic. Throughout his work, he teeters between neo-soul production, trap-like beats, and boom bap, using the platform to spit bars on his personal narrative, his city, and his progress.
From the Northside of Atlanta, Georgia, Parlay Pass delivers the unexpected. His effortless style of trap gets the crowd jumping across cultures. From ATL to Seoul, Parlay is rapidly rising to popularity through viral successes and collaborations with industry icons such as Jay Park and movers and shakers such as Fki 1st, Keith Ape, Dumbfoundead, Ted Park, and more. Parlay will continue to soar to new heights and push the envelope to redefine the face of American Hip-Hop.
The band formed during the dark days of 2020 and were quickly signed by Heavy Psych Sounds, who released Ultra in the fall of 2021 and established the band’s penchant for delivering crushing doom riffs and haunting vocals accentuated by bursts of psychedelic flair and swampy Americana swagger. And while the chemistry of long-time friends Garrett Zanol (guitar/vocals), Ian Nelson (bass) and Chase Howard (drums) was apparent upon listening to their debut, their bond was further strengthened by relentlessly touring the western United States and completing a month-long tour of Europe. The trio almost immediately began looking forward, road-testing and crystalizing the songs that would comprise their follow-up, which found the band reuniting with Ultra producer Dawson Scholz. The result is Umbra: a singular statement that is more focused and cohesive than its predecessor, while managing to capture the immersive, free-flowing experience of their live show. Umbra is set to release on October 6 via Heavy Psych Sounds Records.
This is how virtuoso guitarist Oz Noy describes his intoxicating blend of jazz, funk, rock, blues, and r&b.
Born in Israel, Oz Noy started his professional career at the age of 13 playing jazz, blues, pop, and rock music. By age 24, he was one of the most established studio guitar players in the country.
Since his 1996 arrival in New York, Oz has made a huge impact on the international music scene. His unique and intoxicating style has broken all the rules of instrumental guitar music by focusing on the groove.
The Oz Noy Trio is rounded out with Dennis Chambers on drums, who has recorded and performed with John Scofield, George Duke,Brecker Brothers, Santana, Parliament/Funkadelic, John McLaughlin, Niacin, Mike Stern, CAB, Greg Howe, and many others. Chambers has become well known among drummers for his technique and speed.
Bassist Jimmy Haslip has been the choice of the likes of Allan Holdsworth and Robben Ford. A unique low-end stylist like no other, he keeps things both grounded and propelled forward.
Wynne is one of Hip-Hop’s most remarkable rising stars. Born Sina Wynne Holwerda in 1997, and growing up an outcast in Lake Oswego, a suburb of Portland, Oregon, she gravitated towards Hip-Hop at the age of nine. Studying the greats from afar, and dedicating her life to becoming a rapper by the age of 12, she established herself in the underground scene by competing in national cyphers. Soaking up influence from the greats of generations past (Jay-Z, Dilla, Foxy Brown, and the list goes on), as well as modern paragons like SZA and Drake, Wynne became a phenom by the age of 19, going viral several times and blowing the internet away with her veteran-level rapping. She quickly started gaining co-signs from some of music’s titans (Timbaland, Missy Elliot, Twista, Wyclef Jean) and cultural gatekeepers like Rob Markman and Zane Lowe, among several others. At 21 years old Wynne graduated college and released her debut mixtape “If I May..,” boasting assists from several A-list producers such as Hit-Boy, DJ Dahi, and Sounwave, as well as features from J.I.D, Mahalia, and fellow hometown hero, Damian Lillard. This took her on a sold out tour with Earthgang and Mick Jenkins at the top of 2020. Through the early 2020s, she dropped an experimental EP with Dreamville super-producer Christo, along with a dozen singles, garnering millions of streams as she shepherded fans towards her new sound, ending the year with a viral hit, “Look At You.”
Four hearts fueled by a common desire. Four minds thinking individually and acting collectively. Four musicians harvesting emotions from their souls and pouring them out together to create a sky of sound for the listener to travel across, this is Glasshouse Owl (GHO). Just like their hometown of Chicago, GHO combines elements of blues, soul, and grunge to create an energetic style of rock.
When the world was thrown off its axis, this group of friends set out to create something lasting, to share stories through song in hopes to be a light in otherwise uncertain times. Composed of lead vocals/keys/rhythm guitarist Mike Bargas, lead guitarist Mike Desantis, bassist David Painter, and drummer Mike Pescetto, GHO is a band who hopes to fill its listeners with energy and emotion.
With dirty, distortion-filled guitars, vibrant keys, grooving bass lines, and melodic vocals with a growling delivery that could rise to a stunning bellow all over hard-hitting, pulsing percussions, GHO has created a style of rock that doesn’t check one box. Floating through a galaxy of genres, inspired by the sights and sounds, GHO is on a mission of musical exploration. An open invitation is issued to the listener. Ears up. Wings out. Onward.
Pearl is the second and final solo album (and fourth album overall) by Janis Joplin, released on January 11, 1971, three months after her death on October 4, 1970. It was the final album with her direct participation, and the only Joplin album recorded with the Full Tilt Boogie Band, her final touring unit. It peaked at number one on the Billboard 200, holding that spot for nine weeks. It has been certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA.
FOREIGNER “RECORDS”
Records is a compilation album by the British-American rock band Foreigner, released on November 29, 1982, to span the band’s first four albums through 1981. Along with their second album, Double Vision, this release is the group’s best-selling record. It has been certified 7× platinum by the RIAA.
Formed in 2020, Sixty Lumens is an up and coming electronic alt-rock band from Chicago, IL. Combining catchy anthemic rock choruses with refreshing modern synth and beat production, the band showed off their musical prowess with their first single “It Is Where You Are”. Singing about the dread of having an invisible horror-film monster follow you mixed with upbeat and energetic pop-punk songwriting proved to be an effective combination. Their follow up single “INSIDE” shows off a completely different side of the band, utilizing a darker, moodier and more dynamic sound. Bringing into play a splash of heavy breakdowns, a tear jerking piano interlude, and a final soaring chorus makes for a listening experience that feels totally unique. They will have more to come, teasing a new EP in early 2021.
The Burning Lights are a supernova of catchy hooks and heartfelt anthems for the lost and lonely. Their honest and relatable songs are bursting with pop sensibility and laced with punk-rock urgency, making this band the soundtrack you have been looking for and the feeling you have been missing. Currently based out of Chicago, The Burning Lights put on high energy live performances that have rock and roll spirit and undeniable charisma. They have shared stages with large touring acts such as The Dirty Nil, Castlecomer, and more, and have played legendary venues including The Middle East Club and Bottom Lounge, among others. After releasing a series of singles produced by Paul Leavitt (All Time Low, The Dangerous Summer), The Burning Lights entered the studio to record their debut full-length album with Arun Bali (Saves The Day, Bayside), releasing “Hello Anxiety” in 2022. The group is currently writing their second studio album. 🔥💡
Ms. Brown is a comedian, singer, and host based in Chicago, Known for his rapid fire tongue, incisive crowd work, and improvisational fancy, Ms. brown can be seen performing at Lincoln Lodge, Laugh Factory, Comedy Bar, and other live performance venues throughout the Chicagoland area.
Tito is the Chicago Roast Battle Champion, is a Lincoln Lodge regular, and featured at Laugh Factory and Zanies. He was recently featured on Kill Tony, and Roast Battle in Austin.
Brandon Kieffer is a Chicago based stand-up comedian, originally from the swamps of Georgia. After a rocky start performing in Savannah strip clubs and gay bars, Brandon took the above ground railroad north and stayed for the next decade.
As far as credits go, he was the warm up comedian for the Paula Deen Cooking show, but got fired for telling people he was dating Paula and the show paid him in Confederate money; they were not fans.
Mani Jurdan is a Jamaican emcee born and raised on the West and South sides of Chicago, Illinois. Mani Jurdan is known throughout the artist community to be a storyteller of his experiences growing up in environments that were not conducive to the growth of young Black and Brown children. From the trigger happy Southside to the fast money West side, he would channel these experiences mixing old school disciplines such as lyricism, substance, and boom bap with new school sounds.
Mani Jurdan has brought his messaging of storytelling and spiritual enlightenment to some of the biggest stages/platforms in the country i.e. A3C, AHH Fest, TIP Fest, The International Festival Of Life, LTAB, For Oak Cliff, Next Show Case , and The Silver Room Block Party. With a stream of consciousness throughout his lyricism, he has been able to support artists such as Jay Electronica, GLC, Chance The Rapper, Capelton, and Ace Hood. Mani Jurdan is a champion for self-love and awareness and it is effortlessly conveyed through every performance he delivers. He is recognized as a high energy performer that keeps his audience present and in the moment with his creative approach to engaging with the crowd. By fusing Hip-Hop with elements of Reggae and Rock, Mani Jurdan is making a clear case that he is the RockStar that this generation has been waiting to meet.
SAM THOUSAND (formally known as Sam Trump) is a multi-instrumentalist, singer/writer, producer/composer and a 3Arts Recipient with 15+ years of experience in live performance art, curation, and self management. Since picking up the trumpet at age 7, his artistry has allowed him the opportunity to perform in all corners of North America as well as overseas.
Levi grew up surrounded by music. From a young age he explored a diverse range of unconventional instruments while studying piano and guitar. The music he creates has a sophisticated simplicity that makes it easy to connect and move to. He writes lyrics in a unique voice, delivering them with articulate phrasing that reflects his natural swing. Songwriting has become his way of processing his experiences; serving as a mirror and a window, an insight and outlet to the way he moves through the world; a kind of contemporary poetic social commentary about the universal struggles and joyful abandonment of our times. Keep a close ear to this young talent.
