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.
LORDS OF PORTLAND
BRETT CONLIN & THE MIDNIGHT MILES
A roots-punk quartet based in Bloomington/Normal, IL. New EP out now everywhere!
MR. MEANER
Mr.Meaner is a swing punk band based out of fargo north dakota while having roots all throughout the Midwest.
JESSE RODERICK
LITTLE FOOT
alternative folk music coming at ya from tombstone AZ
JONNY TERROR
•raw folk punk•
regrets, cigarettes, and
an anxious mess
DITRANI BROTHERS
DiTrani Brothers play original songs from and about the dystopic present, and ragtime and jazz tunes
THE LORDS OF PORTLAND
YES MA’AM
Based in New Orleans, Yes Ma’am combines street music and 20’s style blues to create their original sound. Born from punk ethics and refined by years of performing alongside The Big Easy’s most talented street musicians.
PIGEON PIT
pigeon pit is a collection of stories wrapped in sunburned skin and a brave heart from a small beach town.
GRIFTERS & SHILLS
High lonesome harmonies with a rock n roll soul.
His was hard rock and heavy metal. Hers was the classic sound of the East Texas piney woods. Theirs was a fiery collision, bearing forth a sound that was at once novel and instantly familiar–high lonesome harmonies with a rock and roll soul.
RUN RABBIT RUN
From the shores of the toxic Ohio river in Cincinnati comes Run Rabbit Run, a band formed of an amalgamation of societal anxiety, existential despair, and the hidden joy and beauty that comes with reveling in the absurdity of everything that is confusing and miserable about being alive.
REVEREND RED AND MANDY ALEXANDER
TINY COUNTRY
A scenic detour from a familiar road, Tiny Country, takes you through the the twists and turns of Americana music. They have been winning hearts with their original songwriting and intriguing cover song selection.
The group features Despina Pafralides on acoustic guitar and lead vocals, Chris Grant on Telecaster/ fiddle, Jarret Hicks on Drums, and Kim Sheya on upright bass and backing vocals.
LOCAL NEWS LEGEND
Folk punk lady-type trio from central PA strumming and humming some tunes!!! ♡♡♡
BLACKWATER SNIPER
EXTRATONE + POWERVIOLENCE
BLASTCAP
Blastcap: 🤘🏳️🌈🤘 That’s it. That’s the bio!
VOIDCLASS
STEFAN HILLESHEIM
Born Jan 17th, 1987 in Koblenz, Germany Stefan is best known for his fingerstyle and slide guitar playing, soulful vocals, and songwriting skills.
Stefan Hillesheim studied classical guitar in Germany under Hubert Käppel – one of the most influential classical guitarists and teachers of his time.
Stefan moved to Los Angeles, California at age 27 to attend Musicians Institute (GIT) where he was awarded “Most Improved Student” of the Year 2015. Soon after he started playing at renowned gospel churches and live music clubs across the country.
His signature guitar tone and driving rhythm guitar skills make Stefan a high-demand session player.
Stefan has worked with and is working with many notable artists, including Ellis Hall (former Tower of Power), Brent Carter (Average White Band), Tony Llorenz (former Albert King Band, former Stevie Ray Vaughan), Emerson Cardenas (former Santana), Bobby Kimball (former Toto), Frank Nitty (former 2Pac), James Fortune (gospel recording artist)
In 2022 Stefan relocated to Chicago in pursuit of his love for the Blues. His energetic straight from the heart performance leaves no one untouched.
CAM GROVES
Carpenter/Rapper w/ back problems at P. Dank – Preposterously Dank Entertainment
SPOSE & THE HUMANS
Rap and hip-hop genius Spose will be backed by the all-star Humans band, comprising Dave Gutter and Jon Roods from Rustic Overtones along with Kyle Gervais and Derek Gierhan.
BLOODLET
…sweet music set to the beat of a tormented heart.
ZAO
…Although they never truly went away. Since 2016’s critically acclaimed “The Well-Intentioned Virus” (really, just ask the critics, they LOVED it, even NPR jumped on board – who would have thought?) the band has been releasing EPs, remix albums, Nintendo cartridges with actual music on them, concept 7 inches packaged in mirrors and still found time to oversee reissues of their back catalog and an album of archival demos from 1995. Somehow in the midst of all of this the band found time to record a new 60-minute 11 song album titled “The Crimson Corridor” being released on April 9th, 2021.
OLIVIA CARTER
I also hate how much my profile picture makes me look like Elizabeth Holmes.
CLAIRE SUNDBYE
I’m under 5 feet tall! Comedian and hamster owner
Chicago! 🤪😈
KATHRYN GONGAWARE
Kathryn Gongaware is a standup comedian, writer, actress and menace, sometimes in reverse order. She’s known for sharp observational insight, an unfortunate amount of self-awareness, and uniquely wild stories, many of which spring from teaching yoga in jail. Kathryn is a regular at Laugh Factory, Zanies, and Second City, has performed at clubs throughout the country including The Comedy Cellar in NYC, and has opened for Mo Amer, Erica Rhodes, Michael Palascak, Cipha Sounds Andy Hendrickson, Kevin Bozeman and other national headliners. You can catch her on social @kathryngong, where her mother suggests she is “undoing the work of generations of women before her”. (Alright, Diane.)
LAUREN VINO
Comedian. Writer. Nightmare.
KAIT CARMODY
Kait is a Lincoln Lodge regular, and featured at Laugh Factory and Zanies.
SONAL AGGARWAL
Former international street performer turned emcee, Sonal Aggarwal has brought her talents to Chicago as an actor, comedian, producer and movement artist. Her one woman show The Alchemy of Bliss played for a sold out weekend at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theater and you can see her on Netflix’s Easy as well as the short A Period Piece which debuted at SXSW 2020. She is a regular host of the Moth.
LIL BEAN
Bay Area rapper Lil Bean came up in a supportive and closely knit rap scene, striking out in a big way regionally before gaining national attention. Funneling his lived experiences into clean, melodic songs, Lil Bean’s music captured the pain, loss, and excitement of growing up in challenging surroundings, with projects like 2020 mixtape 4THECULTURE highlighting his emotionally resonant delivery and storytelling lyricism.
MONEY MAN
CROSSSPITTER
ANTI-CHRISTIAN DEATH METAL (USA)
ANTICHRIST SIEGE MACHINE
Since 2016, Antichrist Siege Machine has been churning forward, fueled by the hellborne compulsion to demolish everything in its path. From its inception, its trajectory has been aimed at the vulnerable heart of the great schism which weakens all whom it divides. Its campaign is to wage heretical warfare against all those who fear it. Those who have not yet felt the overwhelming force of ASM will swiftly submit as they heed its declaration: “Schism Perpetration is the resounding strike against the legions of false allies, forged legacies, and mockeries of true satanic hate. Antichrist Siege Machine bears the banner of godless strength above a battering ram against theocracy and its accomplices. A fatal blow will be dealt to the peddlers of false teachings and their atrocities committed against humanity.” Their latest EP, “Filth of the World” is an impetuous rapid-fire barrage that hearkens back to ASM’s demo days with quick songs and menacing mid-range screams, but with the finesse of seasoned veterans. On this EP, ASM show they haven’t settled into one formula and stuck with it, nor have they forgotten their origins, but instead continue to build on their foundation, upward and onward with all weaponry aimed at the heavens themselves.
ZOANOIDS
Zoanoids are a Punk band from Kalamazoo Michigan that formed in Spring of 2019. They released their debut album on vinyl in December 2020 through Hey Pizza! Records to critical acclaim. They won the “Best New Band” award in 2020 from the popular Dummy Room Punk Rock podcast.
THE PUTZ
The Putz are a pop punk rock band based out of Indianapolis, IN, debuting in 2010 with the self-release of their first full-length album, “Hole In One,” recorded at the historic Sonic Iguana Studios with Philip Hill, mixed and mastered by Mass Giorgini. In 2012, The Putz simultaneously self-released two EPs, “The Party of the Century,” recorded at Sonic Iguana Studios, and “Beach Bound,” record with and featuring Joe Queer. In 2014, The Putz released their second full-length album “Knock It Off” on Eccentric Pop Records. In 2016, The Putz released the remixed and remastered “Hole In One” on Mom’s Basement Records and the “Cut the Shit” EP on Something To Do Records. In 2017, The Putz released their third full-length album, “Clinically Inane,” which was produced by Joe Queer, on Eccentric Pop Records. In 2020, The Putz released the “Shut Up!” EP and their fourth full-length album, “Rise and Shine”, on Eccentric Pop Records. In 2021, The Putz released a collection of out-of-print material called “A Few Beers Younger…, Volume One” on Mom’s Basement Records. Most recently, The Putz headed back to Encapsulated Studios to record their fifth full-length album.
The Putz are also the winners of four Punk Rock Night Awards: Best Local Band (2010), Best Release for “Beach Bound” and “The Party of the Century” (2012), Best Pop Punk Band (2019), and best release for “Rise and Shine” (2020).
The Putz have played with an array national acts including The Queers, The Mr. T. Experience, Dan Vapid and The Cheats, Richie Ramone, and The Ataris.
HAYLEY AND THE CRUSHERS
While punk rock often wears black, Hayley and the Crushers paint the scene in hot pink – and make no apologies for it. The Detroit band is a turbo-charged, glitter-bombed tsunami of bold, bad girl power. Born in the sunny surf town of San Luis Obispo, California, their sound exists in a retro-futuristic sweet spot where 80s daydreams collide with underground ferocity, always delivered with a wink and a nod to the classics. Led by guitarist Hayley Cain and bassist Dr. Cain Esq., they caught the ear of New Wave icon Josie Cotton in 2021, who signed the group to LA’s Kitten Robot Records, and proclaimed the band “the naked embodiment of power pop punk.” The Crushers’ subsequent album Modern Adult Kicks (2022) was produced by Paul Roessler of The Screamers, whose producer credits include Richie Ramone and labelmates TSOL. Kicks solidified the band’s ability to dance between grit and glitz, matching raw power with radio-ready hooks. A 2022 move to Detroit energized new audiences and has infused the band’s poolside antics with Motor City muscle. Unsubscribe from the Underground (2024) doubles down on sticky, shimmering melodies and ever-present quirkiness: Bright blasts of sugary punk collide with 60s girl group romance and fist-pumping adrenaline—all par for the course in the Crusherverse.
JOSH CATERER TRIO
Musician/Songwriter. Lead singer of Smoking Popes. Worship Leader at Village Church of Barrington IL.
The Hideout Sessions stands as a powerful and highly listenable document of Smoking Popes frontman Josh Caterer stretching out with a new band of accomplished players for a one-night-only, live-to-tape recording. The album is being released by Pravda Records on 12” vinyl LP in gatefold sleeve, CD, as digital download and via streaming platforms on March 26.
On October 28th, 2020, Caterer joined forces with John San Juan (Hushdrops) and John Perrin (NRBQ) to rock out 21st century versions of songs your grandparents used to dance to “back in the day.” They covered a few Popes songs, too. It was an inspired evening of music. The recording took place on stage at the Hideout, one of Chicago’s most beloved intimate music venues. Due to the pandemic, the Hideout’s doors had been closed to the public for several months, and the room had to be empty for this performance, save for the skeleton crew of sound engineers who captured the event. As Josh and his band recorded the album, the entire thing was live-streamed as a ticketed virtual concert.
The result was a high-quality rock show – raw, sweet, honest and cathartic. Harnessing the unique blend of punk energy and Sinatra-style sophistication that has made Caterer’s work with the Smoking Popes so enduring, The Hideout Sessions throws a surprising mix of musical ingredients into the power-pop blender, and what comes out is a truly satisfying and savory sonic experience.
INTERNATIONAL ORANGE
International Orange (a.k.a. IO) is the brainchild of New York City veteran musicians and longtime friends Todd Isler and David Phelps. Leo Traversa provides the grooviest bass and Adam Morrison’s keys are the perfect sauce.
IO’s innovative funky originals marry the slide guitar of the American South to the sensibilities of India, Africa, Brazil and beyond.
The members of IO have played around the globe. Their genre-crossing resume stretches from Joe Lovano to Phish’s Mike Gordon, Angelique Kidjo, Tania Maria, John Medeski, Abdoulaye Debate and Francis Mbappe, Ivan Neville, Melvin Sparks, Steve Kimock, Jack Mcduff, Betty Buckley and on and on…
IDOL THRONE
Formed in late 2018 by co-lead guitarists Jason Schultz (Wraith, Mind’s Horizon) and Martin Bowman (Farwatch), Idol Throne is a band with a sonic mission and vision; the blending of elements from U.S. Power and Bay-Area Thrash Metal, combined with a progressive sense of songwriting, guitar-forward arrangements and a strong focus on melody. Joined by drummer/percussionist Aaron Grove (Axxios) in early 2019, and vocalist Jake Quintanilla (Mind’s Horizon) in 2020, the band made the most of the extended downtime caused by the global pandemic to record demo “Proof of Life” in the Fall of 2020, which was released on streaming platforms January 1st, 2021.
Bassist Trevor Kuta (Xenopredator) joined the band in early 2022, and solidified Idol Throne’s live lineup. The band’s debut LP “The Sibylline Age” was released in July of 2022 on Stormspell Records, to positive reception, and saw the band begin to define the eclectic mix of styles, genres, and influences that make up their sonic palette.
Now in 2023 the band is hard at work on the follow-up to “The Sibylline Age” and is focused on live performances around the U.S. Stay tuned for new music to come in 2024 and beyond.
Indiana Thrash/Power/Prog Since 2018
VINCE WILLIS B SHARP TO C SHARP
Music for the hungry ear!!
ROADRUNNERS
Country band from Chicago
TOMMY GOODROAD
Born and raised in Minnesota, Tommy Goodroad’s Midwestern-tinged country music captures the distinctive solitude of American cities and towns that would be landlocked if not for the Great Lakes. He now lives in Chicago, writing songs that aim to highlight the beautifully unrefined temperament of his home region and the people who reside there.
REILLY DOWNES
Reilly Downes is an Americana singer/songwriter from the Texas Hill Country. She has been compared to the likes of Gillian Welch, Alison Krauss, and June Carter Cash with the flare of Nikki Lane.
JEFF SCHALLER
Music teacher, Composer, Singer/Songwriter, Double Bassist, Vegan, Traveler, Cat-haver, Hipster Doofus.
KATE AND THE BLACK ROSES
Female fronted indie rock
HI HO
Hi Ho started as a solo acoustic project of Chicago singer-songwriter Gillian McGhee. Now, Hi Ho is full band, weaving together delicate and heavy elements to create a sound that’s moody, melodic and deeply emotive.