CLAUSTROFOBIA
Head banging thrash metal delivered with a passion and energy unrivaled
GENERATION KILL
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.
GO AHEAD AND DIE
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
(Members of Soulfly, Cavalera, Khemmis)
KING HELL
Death Thrash
IMMINENT TERROR
Chicago Thrash Metal
TEDDY BIGGUMS
Comedian/Actor from
Chicago Born and Raised
MUHAMMAD
DR. DREA
MAIDEN 81
Chicago based tribute to the Classic Di’Anno era of Iron Maiden
OPERATION EMPIRE
JAY DEEP
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.”
KHALEEL
CHEVY DEBBIE
BACKSLIDER
Eternal Microbursts of Electric Power.
Logan – Guitars/Vox
Jake S – Bass
Jake C -Drums
ARCADIA GREY
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”.
some sad tunes you can bop to.
SYNTHETIC SMILES
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.”
PSYONIC PARK
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.
The recordings are captures, of our lives.
NOVEMBER RIOT
Chicago Hardcore Punk band
THE BLACK CROWES “SHAKE YOUR MONEY MAKER”
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.
SHERYL CROW “TUESDAY NIGHT MUSIC CLUB”
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
“What a wonderful day…”
CARELESS SANCTIONS
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.
HOW IT ENDS
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
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.
BLINKER
A band you can take home to your parents
RAY WISBROCK
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.
BIG BLITZ
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
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.
CORREY BELL
One of Chicago’s hottest comedians!
Showtime
Trutv
Kevin Hart’s LOL Radio
WGCI Windy City Live
SENABELLA “THE BRONZEVILLE DIVA” WITH THE SUGARMAN BAND
PUNK ROCK SUPER GROUP
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.
BRICHEROS
Yorch
Ruben
Felipe
Punk Rock Denver/LA
RARE FORMS
Gaze into the void through Rareforms’ distorted kaleidoscope! Joining together the threat of collapse with the spirit of amusement.
THE SWABS
A Noise Rock band residing in the north eastern portion of illinois.
KING SANS
chicago’s altrock/noisepunk duo. fka bussing
HOME ENTERTAINMENT
“The Roaches of Rock ‘n Roll” Three piece spage-age punk outfit Chicago, IL
IV AND THE STRANGE BAND + THE GODDAMN GALLOWS CO-HEADLINE
THE PROWLERS
The Prowlers
Montreal Oi! since 1999
TONY SCULFIELD
Comedian, radio personality, writer, actor, activist. Founder and President of TheScozoneLayer
CHRIS MICHAELS
Creator of Chris Michaels Unchained & Unrestricted Podcast, formally of 107.5 WGCI 102.7 V103 Chicago
B. COLE
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!
KEVIN WILLIAMS
Kevin D Williams has been performing stand-up comedy professionally for over 20 years. He discovered his ability to amuse people while serving in the US Coast Guard and quickly pursued his passions. After being honorably discharged, Kevin performed in comedy clubs across the country and overseas. This versatile comedian was a regular on BET’s “Comic View” and also appeared on “Last Comic Standing” on NBC. Always pursuing excellence, Kevin received a degree in Television Production from Columbia College in addition to studying Comedy Writing at Second City. He is a contributing writer to Humor Mill Magazine and is a regular guest on WVON. Though with all of these accomplishments Kevin’s passion is still comedy. He was recently named “Last Comic Sailing” during Festival At Sea on Carnival Cruise Lines. Kevin describes his act as “adult silliness”. He subject matter ranges from his growing up in the inner city of Chicago to why he hates self check out machines. Whatever the subject Kevin mixes his brand on humor with it and the outcome is hilarity!
ALLIE K
All-Star Comedian & Artist of ALL Kinds.
SOCIAL CIG
Born & brewed in Wisconsin, Social Cig is the ‘Indie-Skate-Rock’ music project of Filipino American, Parker Schultz. Consisting of contagious authenticity, cheery live shows, and cultivating an original story with an attitude of gratitude, Social Cig is creating full-circle moments. Leafing through global music scenes with an ambitious DIY approach and writing songs that capture a genuine outlook from a modern-day Midwest cowboy, Social Cig has become a well-rounded grassroots venture.
COKUS
Chicago-based ÇÖKÜŞ (pronounced cho-koosh) is the product of 10 years of mostly virtual collaboration between former Earthen Grave bandmates Mark Weiner (vocals), Chris Wozniak (drums), and Jason Muxlow (guitars). In 2021, the group branded as ÇÖKÜŞ (Turkish for “decline” or “collapse”) and recruited bassist Patrick Green and guitarist Steve Ligeza to complete the lineup.
LAS CRUCES
Formed in 1994 by George Trevino,Las Cruces began touring the Texas scene, gaining widespread recognition and the interest of Brainticket Records.Thus forging the Debut release: S.O.L. Also Releasing Ringmaster And Dusk. Las Cruces are poised to begin the metal onslaught for the masses as they prepare to Support their New Release “Cosmic Tears” on Ripple Music
SOULTRU
Growing up in Iowa, Soultru was one of 2 boys raised by their Army vet single mother. Living in Davenport Iowa growing up in a rougher neighborhood. Music was a big part of his upbringing, through church and school.
Eventually he started writing poetry to cope with the things around him. At some point realizing that songs were pretty much poetry but sung instead of being spoken allowed.
HELLBOUND GLORY DUO
As their name alludes, Hellbound Glory is well on their way to proving they are a force to be reckoned with in the country music. Fusing superior song writing and hard living characters with a hard-edged country honky tonk sound. The group is known for its instrumental dexterity, while vivacious frontman Leroy and his compadres are also notorious for their down-home, good-old-boy attitude. This type of attitude and song writing chops, to back it up, have won over fans far and wide. Whether they are playing in front of two hundred or two thousand, Hellbound Glory delivers on their performance and leaves audiences begging for more as they envelop the crowd with Leroy’s powerful story telling and showmanship.
Throughout the mid 2000’s, Hellbound Glory began defining their indie Americana sound, before that was even a genre. They were moderately successful, but they never had a breakthrough hit on the country charts. But the new album “Damaged Goods” is set to change all that. Hellbound Glory knew there was an audience for Real Country and they stuck to their guns writing and recording songs full of grit, character and about problems facing rural America.
NO GUARD
LOST LEGION
True occultists praying at the altar of Oi. South Side Chicago.
ANDROGYNOUS MUSTACHE
To Go Where No Cover Band Has Gone Before
PAUL ABELLA’S QUESTIONABLE DECISIONS
Paul Abella’s Questionable Decisions is an exciting new ensemble consisting of four of the Chicago Jazz scene’s most unique musicians. All four of these musicians have played in myriad situations across multiple genres, and their flexibility is on full display whenever they start playing. They’re a band upholding a tradition of Jazz as subversive party music. Drawing inspiration from Eddie Harris, Medeski, Martin & Wood, The Bad Plus, and Lester Bowie, they fuse Pop melodies, Jazz harmonies, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban and Funk rhythms, jammy improvisations with punk ferocity.
Or, as one friend once said, “someone’s going to have to invent a whole new genre just to describe you guys.”
ANIMAL PANIC
Everybody stay calm! Then go nuts, because Animal Panic has arrived. The indie punk trio is a veritable mélange of hard-hitting genres. Punk, grunge, and a hefty dose of indie rock burst from the Chicago-native band.
JESSE GOLD
It takes a unique talent to create a sound that is timely yet comfortably familiar. Toronto’s Jesse Gold manages to seamlessly blend pop music with R&B sensibilities, resulting in a sound that pays homage to an eclectic mix of long-time inspirations (Craig David, Lauryn Hill, John Mayer) and progressive contemporaries (Lucky Daye, Tom Misch, H.E.R.). There’s something for everyone in Jesse’s catalogue: wry songwriting, addictive melodies, silky vocals, and smart production.
Look no further than Gold’s standout track “One In A Million” for an infectious hybrid of them all. Earning a coveted spot on Spotify’s Fresh Finds: Best of Pop 2020 list and high marks from Ones To Watch, Euphoria Magazine, American Songwriter and more, the track perfectly captures what Gold hopes to achieve with his repertoire. “I want to make music to be shared. The kind of songs you send to your friends before the track ends.”
Featuring “One In A Million” and lead single “We Good,” Gold’s sophomore EP arrives this spring. “I worked harder and smarter than I ever have on this record. Making it with such incredibly talented people and learning so much from them all. I pushed myself harder than I ever have lyrically – I made sure that these songs are exactly who I want to be as an artist.”
AUSAR
Penned as a journey of self-realization, reflection and growth, Ausar’s debut LP ‘I NOW KNOW’ set the city’s soundscape ablaze this past summer. Performing at Lyrical Lemonade’s coveted Summer Smash festival, Taste of Chicago as well as opening on tours for Chicago icons like Chance The Rapper, femdot., Joyce Wrice and others, the 26-year-old Windy City wordsmith’s live renditions of his latest record will leave you speechless. Be sure to catch fan-favorites like “Don’t Date Rappers,” “Spoiled” and “Win” live.
DONTE THOMAS
When you look at his body of work, it’s hard to not see NE Portland hip-hop artist Donte Thomas as one to watch. Whether it’s battle rap, pop or R&B, working solo or in a group, Thomas always finds a way to stand out. Heavy drive, slick delivery and relatability have kept him relevant for years as he’s built his brand and progressed musically.
BOCHA
Hailing from Rockwood, Portland, OR, Bocha is one of the gifted rappers on the frontlines of the budding Portland hip hop scene. He is a co-founder of Produce Organics, a Portland based brand, and artist collective.
GROT
SHARI DIAZ
Bronx, NY native, Shari Diaz, switched up her stomping grounds for Raleigh, NC in 2014 where she started standup comedy at Goodnights Comedy Club and Raleigh Improv. Shari Díaz is also a Co-Producer for the first official Raleigh comedy festival called, Oak City Comedy Festival. In 2019, she moved back to NYC to pursue comedy where she has been booked consistently on some of the hottest comedy shows in the NYC and produces comedy shows all over the city.
Her accolades include opening for Gina Brillon, Pauly Shore, Michael Yo, Mark Viera, The Lucas Bros, Shawn Wayans, Maria Bamford, and Damon Wayans. Shari has been performing at comedy festivals around the country, such as, North Carolina’s Comedy Festival 2018 & 2019 in Greensboro, NC, Big Pine Comedy Festival 2018 in Flagstaff, AZ where she won “Best of Fest”, BTF Comedy Festival in Philly 2019 and Dallas Comedy Festival 2019, and DC’s Comedy Festival 2019, and New York Comedy Festival 2019. You can catch her first comedy special on HBO Max’s “Entre Nos Episode 11: What She Said!”.
JENNI RODRIGUEZ
queen of the mosh pit | stand up comedian | pro wrestling trainee | funnier online
CHRISTINA GALSTON
Christina Galston is self-proclaimed “Jewrican ” and has spent her life honing her unique cross-cultural upbringing into a powerfully honest sense of humor and razor-sharp wit. A master storyteller Christina has been performing stand-up in NYC for 12 years. Half-hour stand-up specials have been a staple of the Comedy Central brand since the 90s.
BREN VILA
AMY COLON
Elizabeth stand up! HOLLA! #ComeLaughWithMe
VENESSA PERUDA
Venessa is a Colombian-American comedy writer and performer from So. California now based in NYC. She has over 10 years of experience writing, performing, and producing comedy. Venessa is emeritus NY Chapter President of Women in Comedy Org. A StandUp NBC Finalist. Director of ‘FOUL’ the web series. Her work has been accepted into The World Series of Comedy (Boston), The Chicago Comedy Film Festival, Cape Fear Comedy Festival, Brooklyn Comedy Festival, Red Hook Film Festival, Manhattan Int’l Film Fest, and Beverly Hills New Media Fest. She has play writing experience and acting training from a BA in Theater from UCSD. She has studied improv and sketch writing at the Upright Citizens Brigade (LA and NY). She writes and produces content for social media and the comedy festival circuit, as well as performs stand up all over NYC. In addition to hosting and producing a weekly standup show in downtown Brooklyn, she’s now touring with the Hilarious Colombian Americans all over the U.S.
NATASHA SAMRENY
Natasha Samreny is a multicultural military brat who traded in Mormon seminary for solo book clubs at the bar.
Raised by recovering Catholics from different sides of the world, she aligns with anyone who treats garlic as a primary food group.
Samreny got her storytelling start in radio and her sweet codependent nature from too much church in her formative years.
The sexiest thing about Samreny is her cat. She trained at The Second City theatre in Chicago and has performed improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy internationally, including Edinburgh and Camden’s fringe festivals.
Stateside, she’s been seen at The Improv, Zanies, Boston Comedy Arts Festival, NYC Sketchfest, and all of your favorite storytelling festivals — if you had favorite storytelling festivals.
In short, if you’re wondering where she’s from, please keep guessing. It’s Natasha’s favorite game.
MONICA ANDRADE
MICHELLADONNA
Michelladonna is an actress, comedian, producer and community organizer from Queens, NY. She is the creator and host of the I’m Finna Talk (@imfinnatalknyc) workshop/open mic series, which provides free events for Queer Black and Brown creatives in NYC. She is passionate about comedy, art creation and community. She is a student of HB Studio, the Magnet Theater, the Second City, the PIT and an alumna of the MCC Theater Youth Company. In the Summer of 2022, she received the PIT x SNL Scholarship which provides classes and industry showcases. She has also been featured on the HBO series Game Theory with Bomani Jones in Spring 2022. Michelladonna received the 2021 City Artist Corps Grant for “I’m Finna Talk”, making sure to re-invest into the arts and the community. She is focused on sharing her communities’ unique experiences with the world.
JILLIAN EBANKS
JILLIAN EBANKS (Ensemble; pronouns: She/Her/Hers) is thrilled to be a member of The Second City National Touring Company. An artist originally from New Jersey, she was awarded the 2018 NBC Bob Curry Fellowship. Past shows include America; It’s Complicated! at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and The Black History Month Show. She is the co-creator and co-producer of B.A.P.S Comedy. With a degree in sociology she refuses to use, Ebanks hopes all her hard work pays off one day when Ben & Jerry’s asks her to create her very own ice cream flavor. Also, like, an invitation to the Met Gala would be cool. Follow her at @Curlyhairnocare for pictures with hella filters. She is currently represented by Grossman & Jack Talent.
GLORELYS MORA
Glorelys “Glory” Mora is a New York-based stand-up comedian, writer and producer. She was born on June 15th, 1990 in New York City and grew up in between the worlds of Harlem and Washington Heights, raised by parents that immigrated from the Dominican Republic. The content for her comedy is pulled directly from interactions she has had with nepotism, racism and micro-aggressions throughout life and while working in the advertising industry. Additionally, she loves to discuss her observations of white privilege, the cis female experiences and social injustices in a ‘pretty’ digestible way for audiences to reflect upon after deep laughter. She is pretty funny.
COURTNEY ZELAZNY
I was an English major in college, but don’t worry, my parents are still very proud of me.
The common thread through my work has been my love of storytelling, whether that be by managing social media for a brand, performing stand-up comedy, or through my writing.
I have learned and performed in Florida, Washington, D.C. and Connecticut, and if not for COVID-19, Chicago and New York City, too. You can check out my current work on my podcast, The Witty Committee.
ANDRAIAH LUGO
TROCHE
RE’ALISSA
Ré Alissa is an R&B artist from Chicago, IL with a sound and look reminiscent of 90’s R&B. The vocalist and multi-instrumentalist uses a combination of soulful vocals and intricate rhythms and harmonies, captivating the attention of anyone who listens. Having worked with and been recognized by artists such as Juice WRLD, Bootsy Collins, Babyface, & Toni Braxton, the skyward R&B starlet is making her way through the industry as a refreshing and innovative force to be reckoned with. With an R&B sound that also incorporates genres such as pop, soul, and hip-hop, she brings exactly what the music industry has been waiting for. Her music take listeners on an intense rollercoaster of emotions— exploring the highs and lows of love, life, and relationships.
ZAE CONNIE
Growing up in the Chicago suburb of South Holland, IL, Hosea “Zae” Connie was inspired by all of the R&B greats like Michael Jackson, Earth, Wind & Fire and Kool & the Gang – but for years, his personal musical focus was on classical clarinet, his first instrument. Then one day, when he was about 15, he accidentally turned to 95.5 FM on the dial and heard Kirk Whalum’s classic tune “The Wave”. This sparked a passion for urban jazz that led him to discover urban jazz sax masters Kim Waters, Walter Beasley, Najee, Candy Dulfer and Mindi Abair. He played clarinet in band for another year, but hearing their music led him to switch to saxophone – and he has not looked back since. His passion for fusing jazz and soul has led him on an exciting journey of discovery which now leads to his emergence as a solo recording artist.
PARK N RIDE
M’RELD GREEN
M’Reld Green is one of thee most dynamic spoken word artist of her generation. M’Reld has been featured on Russell Simmons presents HBO Def Poetry Jam, BET Lyric Cafe and TVOne Verses & Flow. She has shared the stage with a host of celebrated acts which includes Angie Stone, Ledisi, Eric Roberson, MC Lyte and many others. A true wordsmith M’Reld has performed for then Illinois State Senator now President Barack Obama.
Her gifted poetry has allowed her to travel across this country featuring at acclaimed venues such as the Nuyorican Poetry Cafe in New York City to Fly Poets in Los Angeles. M’Reld has shared her work in 33 of the 50 states and continues on touring to add to the completion of all 50 states by early 2016.
Outside of being acknowledged as one of the nations premiere poets, M’Reld is also an ambassador for peace, social justice and youth advocacy. She continues her involvement with Chicago Public Schools. Also she has used her spoken word as a teaching tool for non for profit agencies such as The Black Star Program and Institute for Positive Living.
J. ARTIZ
“Josh Runnels, creatively known as J.ARTiz, is a Chicago native who is a vocalist, writer, band leader, community organizer plus more. Self expression through harmonic vocals, rap and spoken word poetry are the main mediums in which he learned to tell his own story. Residing in Chicago, J. has a heart for curating youth art & edu related programs while also recording, performing live music along with other art collaborations. J. performs multi-facedly from one man, up to 12 people on festival stages blending genres while using versatility in rhyme, poetry and soul vocalism Former male vocalist of “FutureSoul” band , “Loose Loose”, and founder of “MO’ Soul Collective”, J seeks to continue inspiring a larger movement of cultural art, black liberation, higher consciousness and Afrofuturistic inspiration amongst the population of youth/ young adult communities and beyond.”
JUSTIN FAMOUS
Justin Famous is a recording artist, producer and songwriter from Maywood, IL, near the westside of Chicago, IL. He has been immersed in music since childhood, often dancing and writing his own songs. That love for music made him the artist he is today. His music style is a unique blend of Hip Hop, Soul and R&B matched with thought-provoking, catchy, uplifting and thought challenging lyrics.
RICKY D AND THE SMOKESTACK MOJOS
Smokestack Mojos is a Chicago-based blues band specializing in Chicago-style blues Led by guitarist Ricky D, the group boast a rich Brass section and revels in juke joint classics that get the fun flowing and the room movin’!
SQUIRREL CAGE
CRAZY LOVE GRUNGE ROCK
FORT WAYNE , IN
OLDSPEAK
Heavy/Atmospheric from Dayton, OH
Jason Watkins – Vocals/Keys
Brett Barker – Guitar
Aaron Hardy – Drums
WINTERLAND
Grateful Dead cover band specializing in the music the Dead played during the 60’s and 70’s.