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
Melody Angel, the powerhouse of “electric church music,” ignites stages worldwide with her unique blend of soulful vocals and electrifying guitar skills. Her self-titled album and accompanying global tour have captivated audiences across Germany, and numerous cities throughout the US, including Chicago, Denver, and Florida. Including a highly anticipated series of shows in Lima, Peru, this October. Journalists universally praise her stage presence and musical prowess, drawing comparisons to icons like Jimi Hendrix, Prince, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. A true prodigy, Melody taught herself guitar on a purple electric Fender strat that still accompanies her today. She’s a multi-instrumentalist, mastering piano, bass, and drums, and demonstrating her versatility by single-handedly playing and producing her latest album. Defying industry norms, Melody embodies a generational talent committed to realizing her rock and roll dreams despite the odds. Melody Angel’s journey is a testament to perseverance and passion in the face of adversity. For more about her electrifying music and upcoming performances, visit www.melodyangelmusic.com and experience the renaissance of “electric church music” firsthand.
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!
DOC MINTZ’S VAT OF CHOCOLATE
BAMBIRAPTOR
BambiRaptor is a five piece postcore/dreamo band formed in Chicago 2009. Our music is focused on catchy hooks, guitar riffs and vocal melodies. The group comprises Roger Remillard (lead vocals), Doug Moore (lead guitar, backing vocals), Gary Farr (guitar), Kenneth Kruse (bass guitar, vocals), and Nick Emrich (drums, backing vocals, other instruments). …. BambiRaptor’s material can be compared to acts such as The Killers, Jet, All American Rejects and Taking Back Sunday. The band’s music has been called “Dance Rock”, “Screamo” and even “Reggae” (Greenology).
LEAH DRUZINSKY
FORT WILSON RIOT
As they tumble out of the back of a maroon minivan into clubs, bars, living rooms and festivals across America, Fort Wilson Riot are liable to become a favorite local band, no matter where you live. Splitting their time between unstoppable touring and incessant recording, the Minneapolis-based duo of Amy Hager and Jacob Mullis have no shortness of ambition. In their time as a band they have recorded an indie-rock opera, Idigaragua, and performed it with a full cast of actors and dancers, produced and recorded their full length follow-up, Predator/Prey, and dropped singles, remixes and compilations.
Their ambition doesn’t just include themselves, they actively work to promote other bands who become friends and collaborators on the road. Amy & Jacob will often go out with bands who are perhaps making their first attempts at a tour and Fort Wilson Riot has released several of the Wild-Eyed Scientist mixes to spread the word about the great music and musicians they find all across the country and the world!
In their own music, Fort Wilson Riot isn’t just happy to let it stay the same either. Yes, they make great harmonies, with Amy’s soprano lifting and floating over Jacob’s growl and yelp, but there is nothing easily classifiable about the rest of their sound. From the crashing guitars and keys, to the blasting uplift of trumpet and harmonica lines to the dancing thump of electronic drums, Fort Wilson Riot are an energy that grabs a hold of you and takes you on a journey. The music doesn’t let up, and wherever they are, neither do Fort Wilson Riot.
CHANDELIER BALLROOM
PEEP
FORTY PIECE CHOIR
Forty Piece Choir reunites for a 21st anniversary show playing their entire 1999 debut album Salud, which Jim DeRogatis described as “a smart and sophisticated effort with 10 lilting, atmospheric songs full of sly melodies and enigmatic energy.” Knowing no boundaries with their music, Forty Piece Choir mixes 60’s influences like The Beatles and 13th Floor Elevators with modern day alterno bands such as the Jesus & Mary Chain and The Flaming Lips. While pushing this mixture of musical artistry, Forty Piece Choir’s words evoke positive ideals, spirituality, and the gift of life.
THE LAST DARK SHOW
BAD FORUM
The world’s greatest rhythm section playing with the world’s wrongest guitarist!
BUCKSHOT BULLY
THE CARS “THE CARS”
NO DOUBT “TRAGIC KINGDOM”
FOO FIGHTERS “THE COLOUR & THE SHAPE”
ANIMAL HOUZE BAND
Darryl “Animal” Williams (Producer, Musical Director, Studio Musician, Arranger, Actor, Bass Player, Pianist, Percussionist and Entertainer):
Darryl received a Bachelor of Arts, Music from Chicago State University and an Associates of Science, Electronics from Wilbur Wright Junior College.
Darryl has over 20 years experience in the field of live entertainment. He has played with Chaka Khan, Shante Savage, Bunky Green, Rick James, Prince’s group Mozaratti, Willie Clayton, the late great Junior Wells, Otis Clay, and many others. He has also acted as musical director and arranger working with M-Doc and Smash/Polygram Records. Other artists he has worked with include Brandy, Kelli Williams, McLyte, Vanilla Ice, and the late great Gerald Levert.
Animal Houze’s musical repertoire is very extensive and their musical ability is phenomenal. Animal Houze is comprised of some of the best musicians and vocalists in the music business. Whatever your musical taste, this group is able to provide whatever you need to make your event a success.
Darryl “Animal” Williams has also been involved with many special products, including but not limited to jingles for national commercials for McDonald’s and Push Expo, political jingles, writing and producing radio spots for Project Vote, David Orr, Cook County Clerk and “Say Yes.”