Bluesy, Smoky, Sexy, and Raw. wht.rbbt.obj (“White Rabbit Object”) is a “femme fatale” fronted, guitar driven alternative rock outfit from Chicago, Illinois. What started as a secret side project for a married couple, Frank & River Rabbitte, wht.rbbt.obj has grown into a four piece musical tour de force.
James Van Osdol of “Car Con Carne” described them as “Amy Winehouse meets The Black Keys and challenges them to a game of strip poker.” NPR’s Greg Kot of “Sound Opinions” in describing their first single “Jolene’s Reply,” said, “This song swings like a wrecking ball . . . Heavily distorted roadhouse raunch . . . The dirtiest groove I’ve heard in a long time.” And UpToHear Music recently wrote about their latest single, “wht.rbbt.obj will blow everything you own out of Earth’s orbit . . . We have never been more excited to share something with the world. Does it sound like PJ Harvey on steroids? Is this some long lost relative of Amy Winehouse or some already-famous band who is just f’ing with us . . . ? We don’t know!”
In June of 2022, wht.rbt.obj was selected to perform at The Richmond International Film & Music Festival where they were awarded the “Critics Choice Award for Music and Performance.” In November of 2022, their newest single, “Once More Down The Rabbit Hole” won a songwriting award from USA Songwriting Competition.
wht.rbbt.obj invites you to follow them down the rabbit hole, to peek behind the curtain, and peer through the looking glass. And if you happen to know any of the players, they would ask you to keep this our little secret.
Close your eyes and Burn Down Reality! Which is exactly what your ears will be doing as they take in the heady sounds of Tim Bernard, Dan Lopez, Tom Scofield, and Danielle Spence. Their newly emerging sound of modern rock drumming, grunge-kissed guitar riffs, and sumptuously moody vocals create a unique blend of rhythm and blues influenced by the likes of Junior Kimbrough, The Black Keys, and Gary Clark Jr. Hailing from the Chicagoland area, Mudflower was conceptualized in August of 2019 when Tom and Dan, friends and band-mates had the brilliant idea to venture on their own and create a new sound. After the first jam session with Tim, the music chemistry between the trio was immediate. They knew they were onto something fascinating with their raw, gritty, modern blend of soul rock fusion. After months of collaborating they were ready to take to the studio, but before that, they wanted to experiment with adding a female vocalist in the mix. To their good fortune they just happened to meet Danielle Spence, whom they officially declared the fourth member of the band after hearing her soulful jazzy vocals that even Amy Winehouse herself would applaud. The final ingredient they fondly refer to as their “secret sauce.”
Ego Mechanics is a two-piece rock duo hailing from Chicago, Illinois. They use a combination of melody and raw power to craft songs that call back to the glory days of instrument-based DIY musicianship.
Singer-songwriter Dan Whitaker’s music defies easy assumptions, moving from dark ballads to intricate country jazz instrumentals to character-driven stories set on the road and in honky tonks. Since the mid-‘80s he has created independent original music in Chicago and the Midwest in bands such as Dan Whitaker and The Shinebenders, The Gyps, Great Plains Gypsies, and June Bug Massacre. On U.S. tours and at home Whitaker has shared the stage with artists like James Hand, Shooter Jennings, Corb Lund, The Bottle Rockets, and more.
With his latest album out August 13, One More Story Told, Whitaker introduces the deep scope of his songwriting range and evolution to newer listeners for the first time. One More Story Told is an acoustic anthology of updated songs spanning 1985 to 2015, produced by Todd Rittmann (U.S. Maple, Dead Rider) and released via Empty Highway. Sparked by a revisitation of his older material as a way to reconnect with his audience online during the pandemic, One More Story Told sees Whitaker swapping his trademark Telecaster for an acoustic guitar. The result is a warm, engaging, ‘70s colored journey into a past made new again.
Fareed Haque is a modern guitar virtuoso. Steeped in classical and jazz traditions, his unique command of the guitar and different musical styles inspire his musical ventures with tradition and fearless innovation. Haque will bring all that and more to Reggie’s for a night devoted to paying tribute to legendary New Orleans funk staples the Meters.
Considered by many to be one of the founding fathers of funk, The Meters created a unique sound that lasted through the sixties and seventies and was reborn in the late eighties. Their trademark sound blends funk, blues, and dance grooves with a New Orleans vibe.
Haque shares, “For the past 5 years or so I have been running a jazz festival in the Chicago area. Each year we pick a theme and last year’s theme was the music of New Orleans. We had all kinds of New Orleans jazz at the festival but I had to pick something for my band to play something that featured guitar. . . And what better way to celebrate that music than for me to jam out on some Meters! [Meters guitarist] Leo Nocentelli was a special guest with Garaj Mahal [Haque’s jamband, formed in 2001] a few years back and he showed me the right way to play ‘Cissy Strut’!”
Billy Flynn, Bob Stroger and Dave Katzman are all seasoned Blues Veterans bringing an Old School Front Porch Jam to REGGIES sidewalk cafe this Friday June 11th. at 5:00 till 8:00 p.m. Come enjoy some straight up Chicago Blues and imbibe with REGGIES great food and strong drinks
EMERALD EYE
Emerald Eye is a Kansas City-based heavy metal band formed in 2020 by members of Midwest underground staples such as Vänlade, Relic, and Alsatia.
Brett Scott – Vocals/Keyboards
Nick Poffinbarger – Bass
Alex Moran – Guitars
Nolan Weber – Drums
For fans of Queensrÿche, Dio, Helloween, Lost Horizon, and Iron Maiden
Already a cult curiosity via their 2018 Thundermark EP debut and initial self-release of their 2020 Far Flung Realm first full-length, Massachusetts power metallers Adamantis quickly entered the collective global melodic metal conscience when they signed with Cruz Del Sur Music. The first order of business was to re-release Far Flung Realm. In doing so, Adamantis was immediately thrust to the top of various “best newcomer” lists — proper accolades for an album that so brilliantly recaptured the spirit of 1990s European power metal. No longer one of American power metal’s best-kept secrets, Adamantis crafts with depth and triumph — a sterling display of memorable, anthemic melodic metal.
Like many Chicago based Power Pop-Rock musicians before him, Steve Ramone plied his trade in and around the Midwest for many years before signing with a major label in 2020 (Pavement Entertainment). Dealing in sweet but edgy 3-minute pop-anthems that are the hallmark of the South Side music scene, Ramone built a loyal following by delivering high energy, easy to enjoy performances backed by a crack band comprised of some of the best musicians from Chicago and Nashville.
The safe return of live music promises a busy schedule for Ramone in 2021; his first full length release on Pavement, live shows with the Steve Ramone Band and Heroes, session work as an acoustic guitarist and touring commitments as guitarist/vocalist with Frontier Records recording artist Enuff Z’Nuff will have him traveling from coast to coast as well as overseas.
Regardless of the format, it’s worth knowing that he treats them all the same and puts every bit of skill, creativity and love for the arts into everything he does. It shows – you need to hear it and see it for yourself.
Emanating from the tidewaters of Virginia, Freedom Hawk’s heavy riffs, rolling groove, soulful guitar melodies, and harmonic metal packaging to produce a sound that is distinctly their own. The quartet’s brand of heavy rock captures the best of the heavy ‘70s with touches of early 80s heavy metal, and presents it in a way that’s unique yet very familiar. Inspired by their experiences that could only come from living close to the ocean, there songs speak to that lifestyle and conjure images of the warm sun, a day of surfing, and partying on the beach.
Founding members T.R. Morton, Mark Cave, Matt Cave, and Lenny Hines formed the band in 2005 and played their first show as Freedom Hawk in January of 2006, opening for Year Long Disaster and Throttlerod. Their debut album, Sunlight, was self-released soon after in early 2008. In this debut, you can hear the beginning of the band forming their sound and writing style that would be expanded on in later releases. Songs “Executioner”, “Land of the Lost”, “Going Down” and title track “Sunlight” embody their sound and can be found as a backing track to many surfing videos (and other beach related sports).
Their second release in 2009, Freedom Hawk (Meteor City Records), is a continuation from their debut in style and writing, and captures a point in time that reflects the beginning of the bands musical journey. Being a popular choice as the sound track for online videos, this is album is unique in that all 7 songs were picked up and used throughout the years.
Building off of the success of the first two releases, 2011 brought their third release, Holding On (Small Stone Records), is a reflection of the band becoming more comfortable with each other musically and expands on their sound. “Zelda” and “Faded” are perfect examples them reaching beyond the boundaries they’ve set for themselves, while tracks like “Living for Days” and “Indian Summer” provides a heavier take on their original sound. The song “Her Addiction” was sampled and used in an episode of CBS’s Hawaii Five-O and could also be heard in an episode of MTV’s Ridiculousness, along with “Indian Summer”.
With the departure of Matt Cave, the band releases their fourth album, Into Your Mind (Small Stone Records) in 2015 as a three piece, without veering too far from their original sound and style. The songs embody the same slow groove and heavy rock anthem songs seen in previous albums, but a cleaner purer package. The rhythm tracks were recorded with all three members together in one room, to help capture their sound in a more organic fashion, which was typically done in the early throws of rock ‘n roll. Tracks like “Beyond Our Reach” and “The Line” shows a more laid back bluesy sound from the band, while heavy hitters “Blood Red Sky”, “Radar”, and “All Because of You” stay true to the bands form. “Blood Red Sky” was also used and can be heard on an episode of MTV’s Ridiculousness.
2017 was an exciting year and brought the re-release of the band’s first records, Sunlight and Freedom Hawk, by Ripple Music. Both albums were re-mastered and release on vinyl for the first time since their original release.
The bands fifth release, Beast Remains (Ripple Music), is set to be released in 2018 and will be a return to a four piece with the addition of Brendan O’Neil. The culmination of years perfecting and solidifying their sound, combined with the energy that can only be captured by a four piece, with songs like Solid Gold, Darkness to Light, Champ, and more the stage has been set for what could be another reinvention and expansion of the sound they started ten years earlier.
Over the years, the band have gone on countless tours taking them to across the U.S. and to multiple countries in Europe. U.S. festivals include SXSW, Doomed Fest Maryland, and Doomed and Stoned. European festivals include Roadburn, Freak Valley Festival, and in 2018, Desertfest London and Desertfest Berlin with more live dates to follow as they continue to expand their reach both in terms of music and fan-base around the world!
Check out Freedom Hawk’s latest release, Beast Remains, on Digital, CD and Vinyl at www.ripple-music.com
Rising synthwave rockers Young Medicine pull the best from diverse genres to build a
carefully constructed music identity that defies simple categorization. Thumping
double-bass beats and crunchy guitar riffs hammer out hard-hitting rhythms while
chorus lines partner with sparkling retro synth tones for a stunning mix of audio ideas. If
synthwave and metal got together and started a boy band, the result might sound
something like Young Medicine, who have put themselves on the map as pioneers for a
new era by bringing rockstar swagger to the retrowave movement.
Young Medicine made a statement early, releasing their debut album Interlinked in 2019
to widespread fan and influencer support, including the group being named in
Alternative Press’s Top 12 Bands You Need To Know. The album also received
prominent Billboard charting, landing spots on the Top 10 Alternative New Artist Albums
and Top 25 New Artist Heatseekers charts. The band propelled themselves into tens of
thousands of Spotify monthly listeners practically overnight while a series of original
music videos piled up hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube.
The red-hot recording soon caught the attention of independent synthwave label FiXT
Neon, who signed the group to a deal in early 2020. The new partnership led to a
re-release of Interlinked along with brand new remixes while setting the stage for
original material to come.
Essenger stands on the cutting edge of electronic music, blending an array of influences for a sound that pays tribute to modern alt rock, EDM, and synthwave. The artist marks his highly personal songwriting style with striking lyrics, and the result is a singular creative style that opens new possibilities for both retro and future synth music. The artist’s adept compositional skills and production chops helped his early singles attract a significant following while racking up hundreds of thousands of streams on individual songs. Essenger soon connected with prominent labels including Seeking Blue and Monstercat, and those early successes led to an album deal with independent synthwave label FiXT Neon in late 2019.
Two desert rats from Phoenix, Arizona, touring the world since the age of 13 alongside acts such as Creeper, Trash Boat and New Found Glory with total world domination top on their agenda. From Warped Tour to Slam Dunk, Doll Skin have been recruiting fans to the Rat Pack with their genre-fluid rebellion all across the map.
Since releasing their debut album ‘Love Is Dead And We Killed Her’ under Hopeless Records the duo look to the future, Doll Skin look to the future with new single ‘Control Freak’; a reflection of the dark times faced in 2020 and noticeable developed sound from the band, a middle finger to assumptions of who they are or who people want them to be.
With the battlefields of their teenage years now in the rear view mirror, Doll Skin are taking the Rat Pack on a new mission: To define what rebellion means to them now.
Members of Mungion and Elysian Green join forces in a power trio! Drummer Matt Kellen, bassist Vinny Kabat, and guitarist Cole Runge create a tight rock-fusion sound that’s as grooving as it is technical.
CATBITE
Catbite is a neo-two tone ska band from Philadelphia formed in May of 2018. Influenced by the jolting energy of the Specials, the Selector’s edged lyrics, and Elvis Costello‘s love of melody, the group cranks out short, catchy tunes that usually have a deeper meaning… and sometimes don’t. The band’s debut self-titled LP was released in 2019 on Bad Time Records and has sold of the first 2 pressings of 500 with the 3rd pressing on the way. The highly anticipated Sophomore album, “Nice One” , also on Bad Time Records, was released on August 6, 2022 and has already sold out of its first pressing.
Too late to explore the Earth, Too early to explore Space, The Esoteric Mind is our domain! Fast Paced, ThrashPunk Trio from Chicago…welcome to the Era of the Cobra! Raw tone, Thunderous Drums and Piercing Solos: The Three Headed Cobra- Ready to STRIKE!
“Eddie’s Attic Songwriter Top 3 finalist, Karly Driftwood, has one of the most intriguing and original backstories. The singer-songwriter was a mortician before quitting to pursue music in Nashville. Because she couldn’t afford to make the move to Music City, she became a stripper to save up enough money to leave her hometown. She left for Nashville a week after graduating mortuary school and hit the ground running. After recording and writing her debut album, Too Mean To Die was released into the world. Since then, she has opened up for acts such as Lucero, Chuck Ragan, and Cory Branan, etc.
The Midnight Devils are a national touring high energy glam slam boogie woogie rock n roll band out of Omaha, NE and Chicago, IL. Featuring Sam Spade on bass and vocals, Sniper on guitar, and Jimmy Mess on the drums. Throwing all caution to the wind this power-trio is a bad ass-lipstick smeared party rock n roll band that takes glam to the next level. Having done hundreds of shows from coast to coast in support of their debut album Something Bigger, The Midnight Devils’ mix of rock n roll, sexuality, and depravity are the perfect combination. The Midnight Devils have also toured as the direct support act for UK rock legends The Quireboys in early 2020.
Born & Raised in Chicago, IL. La Rosa Noir is known for their unique blend of
post-punk, surf, and Latin rhythms, tying them to their cultural heritage. Their debut
album, “Arellano,” named after frontwoman Yeshi Regalado’s grandmother’s maiden
name, pays tribute to her significant musical influence. With storytelling lyrics inspired
by personal experiences, the album explores themes of relationships, loss, and
self-discovery, set against a backdrop of dreamy dissonance and fiery punk energy.
Since their inception in 2018, La Rosa Noir has showcased their musical versatility
across various venues. Starting in the DIY scene, they have performed at notable local
spots like Empty Bottle and Sleeping Village. Their dynamic presence has also graced
stages of Navy Pier, the National Museum of Mexican Art, and the Taste of Chicago,
highlighting their growing influence and appeal. They have opened up for bands like
Jenny & The Mexicats (CDMX), Grlwood, Noa Sainz (CDMX), and The Red Pears.
For fans of: La Luz, Soda Stereo, Siouxsie & The Banshees, Slow Pulp, Mazzy Star, The Cramps.
Similar to the dichotomous nature of their name, blues/psych rock foursome Daisychain produces a sound that is a beautiful series of contradictions: ambiguous, yet easily comprehensible; brutally honest while also soothing; rooted in classic rock and still trippy enough to please the ears of 21st century listeners. The female-fronted band from Chicago, who are also the best of friends, use music as a tool to connect and most importantly, channel feelings around the craziness of modern life. Moody, soulful, and sultry, Daisychain’s classic rock ‘n’ roll sound is one that a wide variety will relate to because it is based around universal emotions.
Meet Reno Cruz. He lives in Chicago, writes songs about love, and might be your new best friend. His debut single, Your Love, is a deconstructed bossa nova anthem dedicated to the futility of a codependent relationship.
Jackson Shepard is a 25 year old multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter, and producer currently residing in Chicago, IL. He has performed with artists including Maurice Brown, MonoNeon, Makaya McCraven, and Braxton Cook; and is currently producing for artists including Silas Short, Adam Ness, and Makena Hartlin. His main project is with the band ‘Human Bloom’, with vocalist Imani Rousselle.
He is currently wrapping up a solo project set to be released in the fall of 2021. The album, almost entirely recorded from home, explores various forms of electronica, soul, ambient, dance, and Brazilian music. Some of the features include 99TheProducer, Luke Titus, Josh Griffin, and Irvin Pierce.
His current live band consists of Ryan Person on drums, Erik Hunter on bass, and Irvin Pierce on sax.
Join us at Reggies on the Beach (63rd St Beach) for a yoga class with Gillian McGhee followed by drinks on the deck. Hang out on the deck after the class for a complimentary drink. Our food menu will be available too. All skill levels welcome! BRING YOUR OWN MAT!
PETE BENSON TRIO
Pete Benson on Keys
Kyle Asche on Guitars
George Fludas on Drums
One of Chicago’s premiere Hammond B3 players, Pete Benson has been in-demand as both a pianist and organist for over 20 years. Voted one of the top jazz organists for Down Beat magazine’s Rising Star Critics Poll seven years running, Pete can be heard at venues such as the Green Mill, The Jazz Showcase, Le Piano, Andy’s Jazz Club, and Winter’s Jazz Club. He regularly plays weddings and corporate events with David Rothstein Music and recently performed as organist with the Lyric Opera of Chicago for a highly acclaimed production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Recordings include: Live at The Green Mill, the George Freeman & Mike Allemana Organ Quartet with Special Guest Bernard Purdie, Sabertooth Live at the Green Mill, Sabertooth Plays Dead, Kyle Asche’s The Hook Up and an upcoming release with the Kyle Asche Organ Trio. Pete holds a Master of Music degree from DePaul University.
Dave Schmidt is a Chicago area musician playing Rock, and Rockin’ Blues music all over the midwest. The original music features searing guitar, vocals, and passionate songs in these genres.
Through his excellent storytelling and unique style, Shayne Smith is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about comedians on the scene. He most recently self-released a half-hour special “Alligator Boys” and previously released an hour-long special “Prison for Wizards” on YouTube and Facebook, which has amassed over 32 million views.
Author, columnist, and comedian Steve Hofstetter is often called the hardest working man in show-business. With all due respect to the late James Brown.
Hofstetter’s national TV debut came on ESPN’s Quite Frankly, where Stephen A. Smith yelled at him for three minutes. Hofstetter has also appeared on CBS’ “Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”, Showtime’s “White Boyz in the Hood”, VH1’s “Countdown”, Sundance’s “On the Road in America”, and ABC’s “Barbara Walter’s Special”, where he thankfully did not cry. He is the host and executive producer of “Laughs” on Fox networks, where he only cries occasionally.
One of the top booked acts on the college circuit, the original writer for collegehumor.com has also released six albums. Hofstetter has written humor columns for the New York Times, SportsIllustrated.com, and NHL.com, where he publicly admitted to being a Ranger fan.
After hosting Four Quotas on Sirius Satellite Radio for two seasons, Hofstetter moved to broadcast radio, and his Sports Minute (Or So) was syndicated on over 170 stations and in over 30 newspapers. Hofstetter’s second live comedy album (“Cure For the Cable Guy”) reached #20 on Billboard’s comedy charts. His third album (“Dark Side of the Room”) was the first ever pay-what-you-want” comedy album, since people were going to steal it anyway. His fourth album consisted of an hour of 100% ad-libbed material, which is, frankly, nuts. And his fifth album hit #1 on iTunes’ comedy charts, which is also a bit nuts.
Hofstetter’s brutal tour schedule consists of over 100 colleges and dozens of clubs every year, and is fueled by an immense online popularity, tons of press, and a Prius with great gas mileage. He reached 200,000 friends on Facebook (still the world record), 400,000 more on MySpace, and high shelves in grocery stores.
While Hofstetter’s live shows are routinely sold out, he is best known for his writing, first published at age 15, mainly to impress girls. At 18, he co-founded “Sports Jerk of the Week”, an irreverent website featured by press like USA Today’s Baseball Weekly, Sports Illustrated and CNN. And at 20, Hofstetter took a year off of school to head up web content for the New York Yankees. The Yankees won the World Series that year, which would have been wonderful if they hadn’t beaten Hofstetter’s Mets. Yes, he’s also a Mets fan. Poor kid.
While an undergraduate at Columbia University, Hofstetter was a well-read columnist for the Columbia Daily Spectator and a voice of the Lions. After a summer writing for Maxim, ESPN, and Sports Illustrated for Kids, Hofstetter syndicated his column in several newspapers.
Without his glasses, Hofstetter also looks a great deal like Michael Rappaport.
Begat The Nephilim is an extreme metal band from Dover, NH
Pronounced Begat The nef – fil – um
The New American Bible commentary draws a parallel to the Letter of Jude and the statements set forth in Genesis, suggesting that the Epistle refers implicitly to the paternity of Nephilim as heavenly beings who came to earth and had sexual intercourse with women:
“The angels too, who did not keep to their own domain but deserted their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains, in gloom, for the judgement of the great day.” According to the New American Bible, the Nephilim appear as part of the “increasing wickedness of mankind”
The Dead Beat Jacks is a mighty trio prowling the edges of psychobilly and rockabilly! Bursting out of Chicago’s South Side with a Gretsch, a doghouse bass, a major set of toms, and the occasional demented cackle, the DBJs deliver a big ass sound.
The BEST Grateful Dead tribute band in Northwest Indiana! Featuring highly energetic music and the most youthful group of musicians to play the music since the Dead in 1966. Constantly playin’ our respects to Jerry and the Boys!
For nearly a decade, SPOCKET has been delivering it’s signature sauce of technical, upbeat jams and harmonically sound arrangements to it’s loyal and wildly entertained Chicago fanbase.
This sextet’s mission is clear: Deliver a high energy, windbreaker-laden and solo wheel spinning performances to unsuspecting crowds, while backing their flashy stage presence with catchy hooks and an extra helping of chops to boot. So if you’re looking for a band to cure your chronic ailment of boring and mundane instrumental Fusion shows… “Put some SPOCKET on it!”.
Dark Side of the Boob movie screening
A fusion of story, sound, and show, celebrating L. Frank Baum and Pink Floyd’s cult combination and taking audiences soaring to the sublime. Premiering in October of 2020, a visual and audio FX design synthesizes Pink Floyd’s classic hits with the best of Chicago’s nightlife entertainment to transport audiences in a psychedelic tornado to the wonderful world of Oz, all in the comfort and safety of your own home!
A stimulation of all five senses and an event not to be missed. https://www.subversionproductions.com/current-season
The Rumours are a chick fronted rock band based out of Waterloo, IA. Talk about a bad to the bone crüe straight out of thesleazy pits of Rock N Roll Hell. Although it’s clear it’s clear this band sold their souls to Rock N Roll, they often flirt with Glamish-Punk, and even Blues ideas. The Rumours and their feisty attitudes are gonna rip your heart out and leave you beggin’ for more.
Snake Oil Bandits is a bluegrass inspired acoustic folk group that blends several musical styles, giving a unique voice to their original and cover songs.
Since 2015, Jon Nadel has been the sole bassist of Marbin (a nationally touring Progressive Jazz Fusion band). Jon released his debut album “Urraca” in 2019 and leads a Contemporary Jazz trio.
He is accompanied by:
Steve Nordin, the drummer of Terrapin Flyer and The Mudmen. Chicago’s premier Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd tributes.
Isabella Isherwood, a rising start in the jazz piano world. Isabella has been featured twice as a bandleader for the Chicago Jazz Festival. She is a proud alum of the CYSO Jazz Orchestra and is an active member of the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s Women’s Jazz Leadership Initiative.
1962. A damp, sweaty cellar on a narrow cobblestone street
in Liverpool, England. You descend down a narrow staircase
and enter a wild new world of raucous, primitive Rock&Roll played
with reckless abandon to an enthusiastic mob. On the small stage
is a group of young upstarts in leather jackets and cuban-heeled boots, pounding away a relentless beat that drives the crowd into a frenzy. This was the birth of Rock&Roll in Britain. This was the launching of the British Invasion that would soon conquer America.
This is the inspiration for Grand Rapids quartet, The JetBeats. The band was formed in 2013 based on a shared infatuation with British Beat Rock of the early 60’s. Part Rhythm&Blues, part Rockabilly, part Pop – ALL Rock&Roll. Legends like The Beatles, The Kinks, The Who, The Stones, The Searchers, The Dave Clark Five, and modern groups like JD McPherson, The Fratellis, Arctic Monkeys and Oasis provide the musical lineage.
As opposed to other bands that claim the same influences, The JetBeats capture the magic of that early 60’s sound with their own originals – done to vintage spec. A JetBeats show is a rocket ride to the fabulous early 60’s, with a contemporary twist. The gear, the threads, the tone, the LOT. The JetBeats will remind you of a time when rock&roll was fresh, wild and unjaded.
Chicago-based singer-songwriter Pierce Crask, accompanied by his guitar and harmonica, and drawing from influences such as Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, John Prine, Bob Dylan, Greg Brown, and Chris Smither has been entertaining audiences professionally since 1999.
In addition to folk, country, and blues, Pierce’s love of rock and roll acts such as Chuck Berry, The Rolling Stones, The Allman Brothers, and the Grateful Dead led him to form his band, The Falling Martins, with songwriter/bassist Rich Wooten and pianist Paul Tervydis in 2001. To date, the band has released six albums: Falling Martins(2004), The Newest Ghost Town(2005), Nostalgia Train(2006), Live at The Old Rock House(2008), Shining Bright(2009), and Highway 61 Northbound Blues(2012). Critics said: “Pierce Crask hits the lyrical nail on the head”(Playback STL), “This is an extraordinary band producing elegant roots rock tinged with blues and country, with slide guitar and imaginative keys”(Ruta 66 Magazine in Spain) and “Pierce Crask may very well be this town’s Randy Newman”(Riverfront Times).
Pierce released his debut solo album, The Road To Millstadt, in 2007, and the follow-up Black Label in 2008. 2012 saw the release of Live at The Shaved Duck to great fan and audience response.
It was that same great response to his instrumental compositions that lead Pierce to record The Pierce Crask Instrumental EP in 2015. it features Pierce on 6 string, 12 string, nylon string and resonator guitar on 6 original tracks and a cover of The Beatles’ Norwegian Wood.
Pierce’s most recent effort is a self-titled 5 song solo EP co-produced with R.Scott Bryan (Sheryl Crow, Allman-Betts Band), and a new full-length album is in the works for early 2021.
Pierce plays about 300 dates a year, either solo or with the band, in all types of settings, from living rooms to festivals.
Keith Scott Returns with Tony Mac, RB Green and Blues Legend Billy Prewitt for a great night of Street Side Blues. Keith Has been working the Chicago scene for over 30 years and has performed Worldwide and released 8 Albums to date!
THE HAXANSAshley Costello Matt Montgomery A Goth-pop duo, decked out in creep kitschhigh fashion, and named after a silent film from the twenties about a 15thcentury German guide to hunting witches,THE HAXANSsound exactly like everythingthose images conjure. It’s the psycho-saccharine music ofa fiendish creep’s fever dream…Classic art-house cinema, b-movie horror, spooky decadence, vintage American myth, and black roses dripping with blood are all tossed in The Haxans cauldron,like so many ingredients from a well worn book of spells.
The Haxans are Ashley Costello, subcultural style icon and leader of Warped Tour screamo stars New Years Day, a seeming heir-apparent to the glory days of My Chemical Romance and AFI; and Matt Montgomery, better known by his alias Piggy D., bassist for over a decade with multiplatinum shock rocker Rob Zombie, guitarist with horror punks Wednesday 13, and sometime visual and musical collaborator with rock icon AliceCooper.
The Haxans isn’t a side project. It’s the irrepressible, irresistible, and inevitable exorcism of the party-centric Halloween costume shop kicking around inside the brains and bodies of the group’s two coconspirators.
Naturally, The Haxansdebut album willarrive on Friday the 13th-October13, 2017, to be exact. Party Monsters, issued by powerhouse alt-rock label Another Century Records, is the weaponized confection produced by two years of sporadic collaboration, pieced together with devilish care, assembled in a studio laboratory of sorts like Frankenstein’s monster. Put on Party Monstersand get immersed in a cool hang with a couple of weirdos up way past their bedtimes, seductivelynestled in an old house amidst the spider webs, busted keyboards, broken guitars, and an old projector running The Rocky Horror Picture Show, tempting listeners in.
Those who spell magic with a “k” and vampire with a “y,” who invoke ancient spirits in pursuit of a superstitiously serendipitous good time –all denizens of darkness will find sanctuary in the warm boudoir-like atmosphere of The Haxans, both on record andon the stage. The duo will take their late-night revelry around the world on tour in support of Party Monsters, collecting a likeminded cult of creepy obsessives, purveyors of the strange and unusual, and willfully charmed newcomers along the way.
Homesick is the third studio album by American rock band A Day to Remember, produced by Chad Gilbert and the band, and released in February 2009. It was the band’s second album for Victory. The album features material written while the band had been touring, which Andrew Wade helped them demo. Recording took place between October and November 2008 at The Wade Studio, located in Ocala. Featured on the album are guest vocalists Mike Hranica (The Devil Wears Prada), Vincent Bennett (The Acacia Strain) and Sierra Kusterbeck (VersaEmerge). Recorded during the album sessions is an instrumental called “Money Maker”, which was later renamed and turned into the song “All Signs Point To Lauderdale” from the bands fourth album What Separates Me from You. Several of the album’s songs appeared on the band’s MySpace profile before the release of the album.
Your friendly neighborhood, chicago based, emotionally unstable, Pop-Punk-Prog-Easycore four piece.
BODHI
Bodhi is the solo instrumental project of musician, and producer Justin Seymour. Justin is a founding member of the Progressive metal band The Room Colored Charlatan and has performed with countless artists in the metal scene including performing at the UK Tech Fest in 2015. Bodhi intends to let his instrumental music do the talking because he realized some things couldn’t be said in words. Some things are “Ineffable” hence the title of his debut EP
YFN Lucci’s creative blend of singing and lyricism make for a unique sound with a southern touch. With new music and colorful visuals there was no end in sight for this Hip-Hop star in the making.
Rumours is the eleventh studio album by British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac, released on 4 February 1977 by Warner Bros. Records. Largely recorded in California in 1976, it was produced by the band with Ken Caillat and Richard Dashut. The band wanted to expand on the commercial success of their eponymous 1975 album, but struggled with relationship breakups before recording started. The Rumours studio sessions were marked by hedonism and strife among band members that shaped the album’s lyrics.
ALANIS MORRISETTE “JAGGED LITTLE PILL”
Jagged Little Pill is the third studio album by Canadian singer Alanis Morissette, released on June 13, 1995, through Maverick. It was her first album to be released worldwide.
Vile Secretion was formed in the summer of 2017 by former members of Oceano, Warhound, Rooks, Jerome, Monsters, Counterweight, and Outlaw. Hailing from the Chicagoland area, the band describes their sound as “Brutal, yet melodic Death Metal.” The debut song “Scour” was released on the ‘Upstate Records Volume I Compilation.’ In the summer of 2018, Vile Secretion self released (Digital streaming) the debut EP “Desolation Process” through their own imprint Twist the Knife Recordings. In February 2019, Vile Secretion performed for the first time at Cobra Lounge in Chicago.
Music has always played a significant role in Jackson’s life. Coming from a family of music enthusiasts who named him after musician Jackson Browne, it was inevitable that he would go on to make music of his own. At the age of six, Jackson began learning the piano, and his passion only intensified as he grew older. He found himself picking up a variety of instruments and learning recording and production techniques, leading to the early makings of his solo project. After moving to downtown Chicago, he began meeting and playing with a variety of psych-rock and and indie bands in the area, including Breether and Daydream Review. Now, while continuing to write and record his music solo in his home-studio, Jackson has surrounded himself with a group of like-minded musicians that help perform his original material live.
As is evident by his affinity for DIY experimental music, he strives to develop a sound that is both unique and representative of the genuine love he puts into creating it. Jackson has always had an innate desire to create, and the music he makes is as much for us as it is for him.
Magic Ian has been a lot of things over the years. A prolific musician in bands such as Ego & Wet Piss, the owner of the indie record label Maximum Pelt Records and the operator of the now defunct DIY music venue, Wally’s World. In his solo outfit, Magic Ian explores a whole host of instruments to create mind boggling and captivating sounds. With his synthesizers and guitars, Magic Ian crafts fascinating jams that are part bubbly synth pop and part krauty guitar exploration. With his penchant for on stage improvisations, no 2 Magic Ian sets are ever the same.
MO TROPER
Mo Troper will be releasing Natural Beauty via Tender Loving Empire in February.
Pitchfork says “Troper’s gifts are undeniable.”
NPR says “Troper writes grinningly great power-pop songs.”
KEXP says “Troper weaves narratives and parables with a cast of delightfully obtuse characters that would give a Daniel Clowes’ graphic novel a run for its money.”
RIYL: Brian Wilson, The Kinks, Teenage Fanclub, Prefab Sprout, XTC
You wouldn’t expect an Americana/Country singer songwriter to have grown up hating country. Nor would you expect him to have only picked up the guitar seriously in college after being discouraged by a childhood guitar teacher. But RJ Halstead is all those things and more. Having started out as a metal fan, worshiping at the altar of groups like Fall of Troy and Protest The Hero, he now sees his primary influences as acts like Benjamin Todd and Tyler Childers. RJ Halstead’s musical evolution is a unique one, but it has lead to a distinct vision.
RJ Halstead came up playing his homemade cigar box guitar everywhere from intimate house shows and dive bars to major festivals. He understands the spirit of his home in the Midwest. When you come from a town as tiny as Dalzell, IL (Population 500) surrounded by corn and bean fields you get a real sense of what makes the people around you click. It’s what inspired him to pick up a bass in high school, and then
once more dedicate himself to the guitar with a passion in college. This evolved into nightly concerts for his wife and cat before eventually taking the stage. Perhaps all that is why when he auditioned to perform at Summerfest 2019 he was a shoe in.
Now RJ Halstead is looking to the future. His debut EP, Feed Me Your Lies, drops on November 23rd, 2019. It promises to be a hard look at everything that has made Halstead into the musician he is today. Though a lifetime of experiences has come to shape Halstead as an artist, he has never forgotten his roots. This upcoming release speaks to that and stands as a fitting reminder of what Halstead is and always shall
be. It represents years of passion for music turning into something wholly unexpected. Suffice it to say – RJ Halstead is here to stay.
