SHEHEHE
Punk rock from Athens, GA.
THE ABNEY EFFECT
The Abney Effect™ is a well known high-energy soulful Jazz Band based in Chicago led by me; Master Musician, Trumpeter, and Entertainer, Mario Abney.
We have a style and energy that delights audiences everywhere. Our most noteworthy performances were on Good Morning America in 2019 and 2021 as we performed my hit singles “Rollin” and “Instant Grits”. Our album “The Abney Effect Vol. 1” currently has over 40k monthly listeners on Spotify so feel free to listen. My 12 years in New Orleans gave me the ability to fuse the music and entertainment aspects of New Orleans, Chicago Jazz, Blues, and R & B into my original compositions and performances. This created a unique lane that sets our performances apart from other Jazz bands
IGOR & THE RED ELVISES
Igor Yuzov was born in Germany, raised in Ukraine and studied in Russia. He grew up in the former Soviet Union, where folk music was the norm and rock’n’roll was illegal. A rebellious streak, however, led him to seek out the forbidden music. As soon as it became possible, Igor left Russia for America with his “Folk’n’Roll” band Limpopo and was personally greeted by Ronald Reagan. In 1993, Limpopo won Ed McMahon’s Star Search and their popularity began to blossom. In 1995, Igor dreamed that Elvis Presley came to him and told him to start playing rock’n’roll. Igor and his Russian friends became Red Elvises and gave street performances on Santa Monica’s 3rd Street Promenade. As their crowds grew larger, the City of Santa Monica ordered them to discontinue their street performances. Evolving over the years, Igor’s music has been labeled “Siberian Surf Rock” which contains humorous lyrics and grooves that forces his audience to dance. Over the past 20 years, Red Elvises have constantly toured all over the world with occasional breaks to record new music and to participate in film and television projects.
As an independent band, Red Elvises have produced 12 studio albums, two live albums, a live concert DVD, and a Greatest Hits compilation. Some of their most notable film contributions include music and or performances in “Six String Samurai”, “Mail Order Bride”, “Armageddon”, “Skippy”, “Melrose Place”, “Fastlane”, “Penn and Teller’s Sin City Extravaganza”, “VH-1 Behind the Music”, and “MTV”. Red Elvises have performed for large festivals, private parties, and played on massive stages such as 2005’s Live 8 Benefit Concert. No matter where they perform, Igor & Red Elvises always bring the party with them.
MARIO LALLI AND THE RUBBER SNAKE CHARMERS
A collective of musicians, friends and fellow seekers of the uncharted, always improvised musical experiments.
“PAINT YOURSELF INTO A TRAINWRECK”
NECROFIER
Deep within the scorching cauldron of Texas, the alchemists of Necrofier have brewed another potent dose of American black metal with their sophomore full-length, ‘Burning Shadows in the Southern Night.’ The Houston four-piece honors the time-tested virtues of traditional black and heavy metal, even taking an organic sonic approach, tapping seven-time Grammy-nominated producer and engineer Joel Hamilton (Unsane, Tom Waits, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, etc.) to lend his magic touch for a natural sound.
“The goal going into the new record was to start setting ourselves apart from our contemporaries,” explains Necrofier drummer Dobber Beverly. “One of those ways was changing what the record sounded like. Moving away from the clinical and sterile nature that most productions suffer from and back into a real room with real instruments and performances. Our friend and esteemed producer/engineer Joel Hamilton had expressed interest in venturing back into the metal world and offered to make the record with us at his facility, Studio G Brooklyn. With a full vintage Neve front end and a host of Telefunken and Neumann microphones we tracked a record the old way, mostly. The results will speak for themselves hopefully, as this record breathes and spits fire wherever it’s played.”
“Joel is one of the world’s best engineers,” adds Necrofier guitarist and vocalist Bakka. “Dobber and Joel have become good friends since they recorded the last Oceans of Slumber album with him. After that, Joel wanted to record something heavy so we made the trip to New York City to record in his legendary studio. It was an amazing experience in a great studio; besides having all the gear, he also created an environment where we challenged ourselves and brough everything up to the next level.”
‘Burning Shadows in the Southern Night’ doesn’t just simply pick off where Necrofier’s debut album left off, but displays a conscientious effort to double down on the elements that made ‘Prophecies of Eternal Darkness’ successful. The solos are more plentiful and intricate, the hooks are more anthemic, and the overall musicianship is bolder and more daring. Speaking of the band’s evolution, Bakka explains, “I think this collection of songs represents us very well. We have grown together as a band and it shows in the new songs. Also, for this record we flew to NYC and recorded all day long for 10 days straight. I love recording this way because it captures a certain magic. The whole band is immersed in the process and it’s all we would think, do, live and breathe during the process.”
Another core facet of Necrofier’s allure is being a black metal band from Texas. .” “Where you live always helps shape someone,” says Bakka. “It helps shape our style and tone in ways, it’s hot most of the year, so as we burn, it gives us warmer tones and more of a heavy metal influence than when compared to our brothers from the North. Also, Texas has a style all of its own; everything is heavier, louder and we are always trying to outdo the rest of the world.”
To that avail, Necrofier isn’t your typical black metal band, and so this isn’t your typical black metal record as there’s a healthy amount of traditional metal influences, particularly within the guitar work. While conceptually, the band doesn’t heavily rely on Satanic themes, exploring deeper human philosophies and the occult like burning for your dreams or spiraling out on a psychedelic trip and exploring the beyond.. “While there isn’t overt satanic worship in the lyrics, I would still say that he is a friend of ours,” Bakka cheekily says.“There are Occult themes on this record, but at the same time, it does take a philosophical approach.”
Further illustrating the influence of their environment, Necrofier also heavily explores one of Southern America’s most fabled myths. “The new record touches on selling your soul at the crossroads,” adds Bakka. “ I like to take a different approach and touch on the elements of the esoteric world and dive into the forbidden or hidden that surrounds us in our lives everyday.”
As the Texan black metal outlaws saddle up for record two, they are leading the charge as one of the contemporary purveyors of black metal revivalism. ‘Burning Shadows in the Southern Night’ is certain to elicit a sense of nostalgia for those who dare to lay ears on this vicious new offering.
MEDIEVAL STEEL
THE NEIGHBORHOOD THREAT
Fresh off the release of their new single, “Razorblade”, The Neighborhood threat aims to deliver high-energy music with their take on punk. Per Jeffrey Thunders (C.T.G.P.), TNT sounds like an, “excellent mix of the roots of punk with such bands as Buzzcocks and the Undertones to The Damned with the pop sensibility of Elvis Costello, The Modern Lovers, and Blondie, with a splash of dirty garage like the Reatards, Ty Segall, and the Strokes.”
SCARLET DEMORE
Scarlet Demore is an alternative rock band from the Chicago suburbs with high energy and powerful songwriting.
WINE LIPS
In Toronto, Ontario, these days, you don’t have to google the closest Michelin-Star restaurant to get a taste of one of the finest wines available this side of The Niagara Escarpment. Garage/Punk/Psychedelic quartet, ‘Wine Lips’, have been serving topped-up, Bordeaux-size glasses of their energetic, high octane, sonic tonic on the North American band circuit since the Fall of 2015. The band consists of vocalist/ guitarist Cam Hilborn, backed up on guitar by Jordan Sosensky, Charlie Weare on bass and Aurora Evans on the drums. You can leave your Sommelier-Certification at home; all you need to bring is a pair of ears to pick up on the notes of aggressive, gritty rhythm accompanied by potent hints of catchy melody and memorable hooks that pair well with your Saturday night out.
THE JEEBS
Psychedelic/Alternative Rock band out of West Lafayette, IN
ROAD WAVES
Experience the sonic adventure that is Road Waves; a dynamic ensemble seamlessly melding the raw energy of rock, the groove of funk, and the sophistication of jazz into an electrifying genre-defying fusion. Conceived a decade ago by visionary front man Ji Sharp, the band has swiftly ascended as a tour de force in the realm of live performances. This fiery unit has a deep bond with their audience, with each performance delivering an energetic and emotional experience that captivates and energizes listeners. Their live shows skillfully mix precision and spontaneity, creating a memorable experience that lingers long after the music ends.
Their discography is marked by ingenuity and a relentless pursuit of musical excellence, with two critically acclaimed independent albums: ‘The Lighthouse’ (2015) and ‘Red Sun Rising’ (2018). Their artistic prowess shines through in popular singles ‘Hometown’ (2022), ‘Small World’ (2022), and the most recent ‘Frog Rock’ (2023), each track underscoring their diverse capabilities and steadfast dedication.
Road Waves’ distinctive sound and exuberance have not gone unnoticed, with accolades such as ‘Best New Group’ and ‘Best Jazz Group’ at the 2016 Niagara Music Awards, culminating in a coveted Diamond award in the 2020 Niagara Falls Readers Choice Awards. Their single ‘Frog Rock’ has earned a coveted spot on Spotify’s ‘Modern Jam Band’ editorial playlist, affirming their resonance within the contemporary music landscape.
Road Waves has been a revelation, entrancing audiences across North America with their unbeatable spirit and musical flair. They invite you on an intimate and thrilling journey with every song, leaving an indelible impression on all who partake.
Ji Sharp – Vocals/Guitar
Dave Ruigrok – Bass
Phil Bosley – Drums/Vocals
BEASTO BLANCO
A band and an audience united in one inseparable union of musical thunder and sensational spectacle: Welcome to the world of Beasto Blanco. Whether illuminated in the spotlights of cavernous arenas or headlining packed theaters and clubs on their recent “US” tour, the band’s mission is unwavering: to create an immersive experience where everyone is welcome to join an extended family whose support is unconditional and authentic.
Since its founding, Beasto Blanco has riveted worldwide audiences: in Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Spain, France, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, Austria, Norway and the UK; at sea with the “Monsters of Rock” cruise, and across distant points of the North American heartland, from Anchorage to Los Angeles.
At the forefront of Beasto Blanco stands a potent triumvirate. Band co-founder, front man, lead vocalist and guitarist Chuck Garric, distinguished by his notable legacy as a touring and recording musician, is a creative force of nature. “Beasto Blanco is my inner beast, my Hulk, my Wolfman, the thing that I turn into when I hit the stage,” he says.
Chris “Brother” Latham is a consummate musician whose dexterous guitar artistry weaves rich orchestral frameworks for the band’s intricate arrangements. A native Alaskan, he recalls that the first musician he met when he arrived in Los Angeles was Chuck Garric. This bond became a band when they co-founded Beasto Blanco in 2012.
Resplendent in eye-popping, self-imagined costumes is vocalist Calico Cooper. With extensive onstage and onscreen experience, Calico is a compelling and empowered rock goddess whose bravura vocals mirror an electrifying onstage image.
Combined with touring and recording stalwarts Jan LeGrow on bass, and drummer Sean Sellers, anchoring the colossal rhythm section, Beasto Blanco proves to be a guided force defying the grips of Rock n’ Roll gravity.
With their newest full-length released titled ‘We Are’, Beasto Blanco blends a sweeping spectrum of aural colors into a vivid sonic palette. Written by Chuck along with his wife, lyricist Lindsay Garric and Brother Latham. With producer Ryan Green at the helm, Beasto Blanco’s ‘We Are’ reveals a band at the peak of its powers, whose formidable artistry is distinguished by intelligence, melodicism and musicality.
But make no mistake: The primal Beasto Blanco elements remain the essential core of ‘We Are’. Fans of the band’s previous releases – Live Fast Die Loud, their self-titled Billboard charting follow-up, and their incendiary Live from Berlin, recorded at the Mercedes-Benz arena in Berlin, Germany during the band’s tour with Böhse Onkelz, will revel in the intensity of the band’s blazing alchemy of real songs, anthemic choruses and sterling musicianship.
Chuck and Calico’s enigmatic chemistry formulates the axis of Beasto Blanco’s onstage appeal. Chuck says, “Calico and I don’t plan what happens. You never know what she’s going to do. She’s a free spirit.” On the new release, listeners will experience more of Calico both singing lead on selected tracks, and sharing verses with Chuck who confirms, “The contrast of Calico’s vocal charm and charisma with my low vocal growl adds sonic elements both to the record and our live show.”
In a genre where a powerful female presence is rare, Calico Cooper notes that her role as the band’s high priestess serves as an inspiring archetype. “I get approached by women saying, ‘Thank you for being so strong and so powerful,’” she qualifies. Her interaction with Chuck – whom she is known to chase across the stage with a spiked bat — engages the audience with a dynamic that blurs the line between combat and romance.
More than a band, the members of Beasto Blanco consider their music to be a soundtrack for an expansive community. “We’re a lifestyle band, bringing culture back to rock and roll with this style of music, by what we do and also who we are,” says Brother Latham. “We call our fans ‘loyal beasts,’ continues Chuck. “They can reach out to each other, and always look out for one another just like any good pack would.”
Concludes Calico Cooper, “If you are a blue collar person who gets up and busts your ass everyday or if you’re a working mother who doesn’t get any sleep, then you’re in the tribe. We write about people who are down trodden and overlooked, but they don’t say ‘Hey, look at me.’ They have a silent strength to them – and they make the world go round.”
‘We Are’ Beasto Blanco~
CYCLONE EYE
Rock N’ Roll band from Chicago featuring Anthony Ferretti, Morgan Sims & Matt Janotta
WUNDERLICH
Wunderlich is a high octane, hard rock, original song writing band out of Chicago. As was said by the judges, before we won the Arcada Battle of the Bands, our sound is like every hard rock and metal group you loved to listen to while you grew up. But we don’t sound like anyone but us. We are original
CRASH BIRMINGHAM
“Father/Daughter garage rock duo from the Chicago Suburbs.”
ILLUSION OF FATE
Illusion of Fate began as a recording project in the summer of 2019, between vocalist, King Morbid and guitarist, Hayden Crownover. On April 10th, 2020, the band’s debut EP, Emerging Sentience, was released to positive reception. It was in this release, that the foundation for their singular approach to extreme music was firmly laid. Juxtaposing blistering, yet melodic black metal, with the pulsing rhythms of groove metal, unforgettable riffs, all to an atmospheric backdrop taking cues from ambient music and film scores, the band was quick to form a unique identity for themselves. It was this array of influences on their music that caught the appeal of a variety of listeners. In November of that year, bass guitar duties would be assumed by Bryan Bykowski, providing another voice to the band’s already collaborative approach to songwriting. However, it was when their second EP, King of Serpents, released on October 30th of 2021, that Illusion of Fate’s musical scope was further expanded. Along with the traits of their instantly recognizable sound, they explored far more dramatic songwriting, ambitious orchestral arrangements, raw aggression of thrash metal, and the plodding drear of doom metal. This release was met with acclaim in the online metal community, while evolving the band’s sound. Since being tirelessly active on the live circuit since May of 2021, Illusion of Fate has shared the stage with the likes of Gorgatron, Interloper, Vale of Pnath, Obscura, and many others.
GATORWATER
Gatorwater are a 4-piece American blues rock boogie band from Chicago, IL. The band formed in 2022 from a collection of bluesin’ & groovin cats who met in the socialverse and who all just couldn’t get enough Muddy Waters, ZZ Top, Tom Waits. Their unique brand of entertainment fuses blues rock and boogie with pyrotechnics and ripped up jeans that will make you want to throw your beer bottle at chickenwire.
VINCENT BRUCKERT
Exploring the edges of the psychedelic in the 21st century, Jason (drums), Jon (bass), and Vini (guitar, vox) mix melodic hooks and pop joy with pure acid rock adrenaline. Their new single “Secret Warnings” drops May 6.
ROYAL HONEY
“The Boys With The City Slang!”
Second Scene Magazine says “Royal Honey are ‘The Boys With The City Slang!’ Whatcha gonna do about it? Royal Honey bring the goods. Hard driving rock & roll with swagger and style.”
THE MIDNIGHT CALLS
The Midnight Calls is a denim and leather Rock & Roll outfit from Chicago. The band is fronted by Spain-born singer, Taran de Pablos and features guitarists Adam Arling (The Last Vegas, Urge Overkill, Warrior Soul) and Tony McQuaid (Loudmouth, Frank Bang & the Secret Stash), bassist Sean Barnes and drummer Chuck Harling. Their music is heavily influenced by the blues-infused sounds of classic bands like Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones or AC/DC. With a recipe based on grooves, hooks, and loud guitars as the main ingredients, The Midnight Calls are not reinventing the Rock & Roll wheel, but rather rolling it down the road with the swagger and style that you would expect from road-tested musicians that have toured the US and Europe a few times over.
Since their inception in late 2022, The Midnight Calls have released three singles, “Whaddya”, “Coming Up Roses”, and their latest song, “So Cold” which features Chris Grove (Survivor, Joel Hoekstra, Eddie Money) on keyboards. While developing their music in the studio, the band has stayed active, sharing the stage with national acts like Supersuckers, The Steepwater Band, Faster Pussycat, Blacktop Mojo, or Jason Kane and the Jive amongst others.
The Midnight Calls are working on material for their debut album (expected early 2025 release), with USA / Europe touring planned following.
THE CLAWS
NEW LP ‘Stars And Broken Glass’
NEW EP ‘Hazy Days’
OUT NOW!
SOUTHSIDE WAVY & THE MANS NIGEL
BIG SOUL
Just three men with a lot of Soul.
FOUR HORSEMYN
Evil Rock from Niles IL. We are the dark awe inspiring offspring of a jaded generation. We are the blackness inside of you. We are Four HorseMyn
SUNVOLUME
SUNVOLUME is from Chicago, Illinois. Formed in 2020 by Justin Sanetra (Guitar/Vocals), Jimmy Russell (Bass), and Brett Sassetti (Drums) the band draws from a wide array of influences. Mixing elements of Hip-Hop, Hard Rock, Electronica, & Psychedelia their gritty & grunge-y riffs conjure up an explosive sound ready to bring Rock & Roll into the future. Traditionally untraditional, a new generation of rock is here.
BIG RAY AND CHICAGO’S MOST WANTED
MIKE WHEELER BAND
One of the hardest working bands in Chicago. The Mike Wheeler Band consists of : Mike Wheeler- Guitar & Vocals, Larry Williams-Bass & Background Vocals, Cleo Cole -Drums , Brian James-Keyboards & Background Vocals.
DISSIDENTE
Dissidente is a ska/punk band from Pittsburgh, PA.
RYAN ALEXANDER
Recording Academy Voting Member 🗳🏆 #ALIGNMENT222 Now available on all platforms!
JER
Most known from their cover songs, albums, and YouTube channel as SKATUNE NETWORK and as the trombonist for WE ARE THE UNION, JER’s debut album is a ska masterclass. Not only does it blend traditional ska, two-tone, and 3rd wave ska punk, it pushes the genre into “NEW TONE” ska territory with experimental synths, samples, and the blending of emo, hip hop, and trap. The album is also fiercely political and progressive, drawing on Jeremy’s perspective as a non-binary POC to decry systematic cultural and societal injustices. But with the message firmly in hand, JER also leaves plenty of room for the absolute joy that great ska punk can bring… and there are certainly plenty of moments of joy on this record.
SUNRA
Martial Artist/ Musician/ Mentor
DJ FLESH-BOT
Flesh_Bot spins industrial, dark techno, and rhythmic noise. Resident of Nexus 6 in Chicago and Industrial Radio. Streams weekly on Fridays at 9pm CST at https://www.twitch.tv/anarchotech
5RVLN5
D E P R A V E D & E N $ L A V E D
MELTER
melter (melt’ er) n. 1. Physical liquefaction or the production of unions under stress. 2. The induction of complete transformation or rebirth. 3. Musical alchemy during decomposition.
BRAD HAYMAN
WILLIE “THE TOUCH” HAYES
*Grammy Award winner. *Inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame. *Actor in movies such as Thief, Hardball, Ali, Road to Perdition, The Express. *Worked with Tom Hanks, Will Smith, James Caan, Dennis Quaid.*Chosen drummer for: Son Seals, Junior Wells, Magic Sam, Chainsaw Dupont, Luther Allison, Carey Bell, Johnny Dollar, Mighty Joe Young, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Albert Bashor, Otis Clay, Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Koko Taylor, Luther Allison, The Temptations, Lurrie Bell, Big Twist, the Mellow Fellows, and more.
ANDREW DIEHL
Andrew Diehl grew up in the mountains of West Virginia, picked up the harmonica when he was nine, and spent his teens wearing the grooves out of Little Walter records. After moving north to Chicago at seventeen, Diehl fell in love with the guitar, and it hasn’t left his hands since.
Working as both a bandleader and sideman, Andrew has performed throughout the Midwest with blues greats Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Eddie Taylor Jr, Lurrie Bell, Kenny Smith, Aron Burton, Rob Stone, Rick Kreher, Joe Nosek (Cash Box Kings), Gerry Hundt, Beau Sample, Morry Sochat (Special 20s), Renaldo Domino (The Heavy Sounds), Illinois Slim, Johnny Burgin, The Del Moroccos, Jason Moynihan, Jim Belushi, and many more.
Diehl has taught harmonica and guitar at Maywood Fine Arts, Rock House, Twelve Tone Music, School of Rock, and Augusta Heritage Festival’s Blues Week.
SUPER GUITAR BROS
The Super Guitar Bros aren’t actually brothers – They’re bros!
Sam and Steve combine their love of video game music with their passion for acoustic/classical guitar to bring you a one of a kind musical experience.
Sometimes chill… Sometimes intense… Always super!
THE GRATEFUL STRING BAND
In a world full of Grateful Dead tribute bands it takes a certain level of respect to coax the music into new exciting genres & stand out from the crowd. With a catalog full of Dead favorites originals as well as covers that the Grateful Dead performed, The Grateful String Band dedicates its bluegrass prowess to anything dead related. Any music the Grateful Dead performed is what TGSB explores and we perform it with our unique bluegrass spin.
DAVE STONE
Based in Los Angeles by way of Atlanta, Dave Stone made his television debut on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” in 2013 and in the same year was selected to the prestigious “New Faces” roster of the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal. Since then, he has been seen on season 8 of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing”, Viceland’s “Flophouse”, and Travel Channel’s “Cheat Day Chow Down”.
When not headlining clubs across the country, Dave regularly tours with Craig Ferguson. He also can be heard voicing several characters on Adult Swim’s “Squidbillies”, co-hosting his new paranormal podcast “The Boogie Monster” with Kyle Kinane, and hosting his weekly alt-country radio show “The Gravy Boat”.
EASYJACK
BASE2
ULTRASLOTH
EM GRACE
From experiencing ghosting, heartache and love to discovering her non linear healing journey around sexuality, self love, body neutrality, and addiction; Em Grace untangles an intimate part of herself and gifts you with a mirror. Her deepest intention is to use her music to heal; to connect and unify communities all over the world with vulnerability.
EM GRACE & the Undercuts is an all queer band making ukulele punk, defying the perceived contrast between sweet tones and strong electric waves. Front woman, Em, pairs her electric baritone ukulele with emotionally visceral vocals and is amplified by bass (Sage), and drums (Rachael V.).
Em Grace has independently released two EPs, “Peach Tree” and “Waves of Grief”, which are on all listening platforms.
Em Grace started in 2017 as a solo project and the Undercuts joined in 2022.
We have headlined at The Golden Dagger Chicago and Burlington Bar; performed at Chicago staples Hard Rock Cafe Chicago, Reggie’s Music Joint, Fruit Salad and The Second City. In March and April we’ll be making our debut at Liars Club and Subterranean.
We’ve paid our dues and played at copious amounts of local comedy shows, DIY venues, bars, restaurants, professional studios, apartments, and speakeasies.
ABSOLUTE PHASE
Formed in 2019, this hard hitting five piece band consists of layered vocals, tasteful guitar licks, a full bass foundation, and driving drum beats with a goal to invoke emotion, self-reflection, and growth.The band features Zak Johnson on lead vocals, Matt Storey on bass/background vocals, Andrew Kolb on drums/background vocals/guitar, Alvin Santner on lead guitar, and Ian Rottner on rhythm guitar/background vocals.During their short career, they’ve opened for national acts such as Otherwise and Spoken along with playing shows at well known Chicago venues like The Cubby Bear, Basecamp, Q-bar, Arcada Theatre, and more. The band has also been featured on FOX, NBC, CBS, Garage Bands, Rock Rage Radio, The Tasting Room, The Daily Herald and have even been on the radio in the US and the UK. They were poised to be on the festival circuit 2020 opening for global acts such as Puddle of Mudd, Tantric, Fuel, Local H, and more but the pandemic had other plans. Absolute Phase also has a 9 song album released on December 8th, 2020 called “The Little Black Book”. So far, 2021 has them focusing on writing new material and releasing more content for their fans with sparse shows in-between.
JEFF K%NZ
JEFF K%NZ is an emcee, painter, and visual artist. JEFF’s work is vibrant, loud and in your face; yet reflective and detailed; much like the famous artist who inspired his name. He lives by the motto, “We can all create,” encouraging his community to think Gr8, embody confidence, and use inner power to create the world around us.
His music was recently described in These Days Magazine as “featuring rapid, Jekyll-and-Hyde-style flow switches, thoughtful bars.” Meanwhile, his artwork specializes in portraiture, because it allows him to connect with people and spend time with their faces, as a way to think about who they really are.
JEFF is Chicago-based, previously had a home base in Houston and is a native to Champaign. He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts and has since been featured in numerous exhibitions, curated shows and art battles throughout the years. He has toured internationally through music with his collective TheGr8Thinkaz and painted murals throughout Chicago, as well as in New York City and Los Angeles. JEFF is the founder of ‘Think & Paint,’ an event that engages local community in conscious conversation and art creation by providing an intimate safe space to exchange perspectives verbally and visually.
RITUAL-THE MUSICAL
Ritual-The Musical
Music and Lyrics by Terry Morrow
Musical is based on the short story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson
Based on the famous short story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, “Ritual-The
Musical” dives into a conformity driven farmtown, where superstition, sexism, and
tradition reign supreme. Tessie Hutchinson and her daughter Nancy discover an
unlikely connection in the face of certain disaster, and the townspeople will stop at
nothing to maintain their idea of order as they celebrate the annual lottery ritual.
KADEEM FULLER
Stand up comic/ My love language is weed/ Nobody can judge except God and my mama
CAITLIN CHECKEROSKI
She/her, Chicago-based stand-up comedian. Come for the dog pics, stay for more dog pics.
MATT BROWN
Ms. Brown is a comedian, singer, and host based in Chicago, Known for his rapid fire tongue, incisive crowd work, and improvisational fancy
GENA GEPHART
Gena Gephart lives in Chicago, IL where she pursues writing, stand up, and sketch comedy. Gena’s sharp brand of comedy reflects her dry, feminist perspective and has been called “awkward in a good way” by several drunk bachelorettes. She has opened for comics like Michael Che, Pete Holmes, and Natasha Leggero, and has performed at the Limestone Comedy Festival. Gena produces a monthly all-lady storytelling show in Logan Square called Ladylike as well as hosting the weekly Ladylike Podcast. She contributes to Reductress and Thought Catalog and is a cast member at the Lincoln Lodge. In her spare time, Gena enjoys sitting quietly in the dark and teaching her cat to be less fat.
CHRIS HIGGINS
DEAD LIVING
Dead Living is a garage punk trio from Chicago. They have been playing Chicago punk since 2001 and have since incorporated a wide range of influences and progressive elements.
TAYLOR MANHART
Taylor Manhart began traveling and busking across the country at a young age to start her musical career. Thanks to her father’s and loved one’s insistence, she moved back to Chicago to take her passion of music more seriously and bring it to a larger audience.
TASCHE DE LA ROCHA
Psych glam rock garage doo wop group
BELZEBONG
Belzebong are a stoner metal band from Kielce, Poland. Since the band’s formation in 2008
LATIN HERITAGE
GOLDEN AGE OF HIPHOP
COUNTRY IN THE SPOTLIGHT
MIKE VALLELY AND THE COMPLETE DISASTER
Hailing from Des Moines, Iowa, Mike Vallely And The Complete Disaster not only encapsulate the punk sounds that skateboard legend and vocalist Mike Vallely is known for: Mike V And The Rats, Revolution Mother, Good For You, Black Flag, but they also play their own original brand of Barn Burning, Greasy Rock n Roll that spans the genres from jam band to hard rock, to metal.
The rhythm section is anchored by Irish twins Wade and Paul Thompson (Tyler Thompson Band) while guitarist Eli Clark exorcises his over-driven blues possession.
Bringing music to the people and partying like it’s 1977, Mike Vallely And The Complete Disaster are a bar band, arena rockers, and street buskers all rolled up into one tight and powerful bolt of lightning.
APOLLO SUNS
Founded by Ed Durocher, Apollo Suns is a 9-piece instrumental collective from Winnipeg, Manitoba. The band fuses the influence of jazz, rock and psychedelic music, to create their own unique sounds with the dancefloor in mind. They have self-released three EPs: ‘Each Day a Different Sun’ (2017), ‘Dawn Offerings’ (2019), ‘A Relationship of Force’ (Color Red, 2021), and were awarded “Instrumental Artist of the Year” at Western Canadian Music Awards in both 2018/2020.
In 2022, Apollo Suns returned to the studio with Juno award-winning producer Ben Kaplan (Five Alarm Funk, Mother Mother, The Rare Americans) to record their latest album, ‘Departures’. The band is signed to the Canadian label Do Right Music, home to The Souljazz Orchestra, Soul Motivators, and Luvmenauts.
Developed over many tours trying out different arrangements and grooves, their new single ‘Pluto’ became a fan favourite at live shows due to its heavy horns, dynamic groove, and catchy melody. “Pluto is a many-faced god who is capable of great kindness but also is temperamental. We wanted the song and artwork to convey that feeling to listeners.”
Best known for their high-octane live shows, Apollo Suns have captivated audiences at Winnipeg Jazz Festival, Big Fun Festival, Vermont Jazz Fest, and Calgary Stampede. Some of their most notable shows include support slots for The Comet is Coming, Makaya McCraven, Anomalie, The Brooks, and Five Alarm Funk. The core group includes Ed Durocher (Guitar), Tim Iskierski (Drums), Erika Einarson (Percussion), Bryn Herperger (Bass), Garrett Malenko (Trumpet), Benjamin James Hill (Trombone), Aaron Bartel (Bari Sax) and Anatol Rennie (Keyboards/Synths).
TIL MORNING
chicago power pop ✨
dev/pat/mickey
OVERDOSE
Motör-charged Rock n’ Roll from NYC.
THE ACCUSED AD
With the knife-wielding, toothy-grinned Martha Splatterhead at their side, Seattle’s own THE ACCÜSED carved their way into the underground music scene by becoming one of the cornerstones of crossover music that melted faces in the 80s across the globe––A punk/metal fusion that planted its ever-growing seed in modern heavyweights such as MUNICIPAL WASTE, LAMB OF GOD, CANNIBAL CORPSE, the Patton/Lombardo project DEAD CROSS, and many more.
After its demise in the early 2000s, the band was reborn in 2004 as TOE TAG–a grittier, back-to-roots incarnation of the Splatterrock sound comprised of three-fourths THE ACCÜSED, featuring Blaine “The Wizard” Cook, Alex “Maggotbrain” Sibbald, and Steve “O’ring Nelson with good friend and musical comrade Steve “The Beast” McVay taking Alex’s 4-string job while the Maggotbrain took over 6-string duties, complete with Wah-Wah shreddage.
Singles were released and compilations were blessed with TOE TAG’s presence, but nothing could wipe clean the splatter that had so stained the early fanbase. So at the behest of the fans, TOE TAG occasionally guised themselves as MARTHA’S REVENGE: The West Coast Premiere ACCUSED Tribute Band, playing a horror-filled mix of TOE TAG originals and resurrecting ACCÜSED classics, laying waste to the West Coast and plucking fresh, young fans from their Mama’s arms, introducing them to all that is Splatterrock.
Following in the footsteps of bands like VENOM INC. KNOW, FLAG, and ENTOMBED AD–– now with Recruitment of Drummer Chris Gohde the blender baby known as MARTHA’S REVENGE now proudly sports the moniker THE ACCÜSED AD.
The cult of Splatter is alive, and the Kool-Aid is being consumed insatiably so.
They Ain’t Dead yet….
SUMMONING THE LICH
Taking inspiration from the best elements of Lord of the Rings, Magic The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, and Adventure Time, and wrapping it up in a fantastical death metal parcel, SUMMONING THE LICH has an attention to detail and commitment to storytelling that is second to none. United In Chaos tells the tale of the rise of the Lich and fall of the Kingdom Rodor – and the spread of his wicked influence across the land as his power grows.
SUMMONING THE LICH’s debut album follows a well-received, self-titled demo and live dates alongside heavy-hitters such as Origin, Beneath The Massacre, and several stops on the Summer Slaughter tour. Having honed their craft, they entered Sicktones Studios studio with producer Jack Daniels in Cape Girardeau, Missouri in September 2019. With mastering completed by John Douglass, the result is a technical, abrasive journey through fantasy-driven, modern death metal.
On United In Chaos, SUMMONING THE LICH haven’t just championed a fantasy world, they’ve created one in their own vision; this release marking merely the first chapter in a trilogy of albums that explores the outer limits of their imaginations. By inserting their storytelling chops into songs crammed with memorable hooks and meaty riffs, SUMMONING THE LICH have invited listeners to roll the dice and join the adventure.
The Rangers
Mike Abell (Vocalist/Rhythm Guitar), Dan Abell (Lead Guitar), Tom Crosby (Bass), Danny Garcia (Drums)
NO TRIGGER
American Band since 2001 🇺🇸
Pray to the Acid Lord™️
Not radicalized, just R A D
“No Trigger fucking sucks!” -no one 🏄🏼♂️✌🏼
ALLEYS AND GANGWAYS
Alleys and Gangways continues to evolve with more complex layered melodies, driving rhythm, and insightful lyrics while staying true to their roots in the Chicago punk rock scene. With Chris Walls (drums) and RJ Gonzini (guitar) joining founding members Jaret O’Neill (vocals), Nick Thomas (guitar), and Davey Grzeslo (bass), Alleys and Gangways is back at it with their third EP, “Take This Outside”.
“Take This Outside” , like their previous EPs, was recorded with audio engineer and local legend Dan Tinkler. “Take This Outside” has a dynamic yet cohesive range that will leave you feeling like you took a punch to the gut, and by the next song you’re floating on air.
DIXSON
SARIN/LUST
Midwest scum
GRISHKA
GRISHKA formed amidst the onset of Covid-19 pandemic. Unemployed and angry we screamed into the ether in a Baltimore basement.
GRISHKA pulls influence from Thrash, DC Hardcore, 90’s Death Metal, and 2nd Wave Norweigian Black Metal
WHORESNATION
GRINDCORE OV DEATH SINCE 2009.
WARFUCK
Power duo grindcore band based in Lyon – France, spreading blastbeat propaganda all over the world.
DJ NIKO TWIST ACTION
Singer, Guitarist, Bassist, Composer, DJ, Charming Man and Effective Forward.