Led by free-wheeling frontman Miles Nielsen, The Rusted Hearts have been wowing audiences for years with the diversity of their sound, the tightness of their 4-part harmonies, and the quality of their songcraft. Equally comfortable in a compact 3-minute pop song and an epic 10-minute jam, the band has toured incessantly since their inception in 2011, amassing an army of hardcore followers that have dubbed themselves the Rusted Herd. Their new album “OHBAHOY” finds the band venturing into a sphere of Americana that feels both familiar and excitingly new. Tight drums, rich guitar tones, gorgeous woodwinds, and sweeping harmonies provide the perfect complements to Nielsen’s immense storytelling gifts and impeccable vocals. The album’s name comes from an imaginary friend Nielsen had growing up, a fitting reminder as we get older to hold tightly to the noble ideals of freedom and creativity that seem so natural to us as children.
Intent is a thrash metal band from the wasteland of Mesa, Arizona. Formed in 2016 by Jeremy Lambert, Garrett Loper, andRicardo Hall; The band would eventually recruit Jimmy Nelson and Alex Zucker and go on to produce their debut album, “Vox Populi” in early 2018.
Grassroots is the second album by 311, released on July 12, 1994. The album was intentionally recorded to have a “muddy” tone, and was recorded in a small house in Van Nuys where all of the band members lived together. This album also contains the track “Applied Science”, which is a staple in 311’s live show and has included a full-band drum solo since 2000.
Songs to Learn & Sing is a compilation album by Echo & the Bunnymen which was released on 11 November 1985 and featured all of the singles the band had released up to that point.
Jailbreak is the sixth studio album by Irish hard rock band Thin Lizzy, released in 1976. It proved to be the band’s commercial breakthrough in the US, and the only Thin Lizzy album with a certification in that country.
Performed by Guns & Ammunition
BURNED IN EFFIGY
BURNED IN EFFIGY is a neoclassical melodic death metal band from Chicago, IL.
In January 2022 the band independently released its debut album ‘Rex Mortem’ which was highly acclaimed by leading heavy music media and led to the band sharing the stage with iconic acts such as IMPENDING DOOM and OBSCURA.
Featuring Mark Smedborn on vocals, Mike Hisson and Steve Bacakos on guitar, and founding members Matt Watkins on bass alongside drummer Eddie Dec, the band have taken time in finding its sound and refining its full-length debut.
A must for listeners of acts such as THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER and INFERI, with the band’s attention to virtuosity and intensity in equal measure, the effort and accomplishment of the band’s debut led to being talent scouted. In July 2022 BURNED IN EFFIGY signed a worldwide deal with leading New York based heavy music agency EXTREME MANAGEMENT GROUP, joining a roster that featured iconic acts such as SUFFOCATION, CRYPTOPSY, ORIGIN and MISERY INDEX. Hard at work on the bands sophomore album and aiming to take its signature melodic death metal sound across the US, and in time the world, BURNED IN EFFIGY continue to ascend in search of conquest.
Skunk is a Chicago-based Jam Band influenced by Fusion, Funk, Rock, Electronic elements, and much more. Composed of Parker Stluka on Guitar/Vocals, Tj Thompson on Drums/Vox, and Vinny Kabat on Bass/Vox, this power trio packs a high octane performance into every song. Skunk combines many diverse musical elements in unique ways- intricate song compositions, meaningfully mysterious lyricism, extended and open group jamming, and eclectic mergings of styles + genres. This makes every performance feel like a new musical conversation, unlimited in potential. Take an adequate dose of Skunk Funk™ to alleviate any negative vibes, and to get down with your bad self.
I’m an artist, designer, and comedian in Chicago, Illinois.I like to keep busy.
MATT BANWART
Matt Banwart is a stand-up comedian, who has been fortunate enough to win over many rooms with his quick-witted jokes, observations, and many stupid stories. As a comedian, Matt has played independent clubs all over the midwest He has performed in thousands of shows from Colleges, Corporate Events, Charities, Churches, and (way too many) Bars.
He starred in and produced the Transparent Comedy Tour web series, a show that highlighted comedy across the United States. Matt has opened for Nick Guerra, Julian McCullough, Heywood Banks, and was recently in the Floodwater Comedy Festival.
He has been a regular on the History Made Up Podcast and appeared on podcasts such as Wild Wasteland, and a Drunken Night Out. Apart from stand up he is a 3x Des Moines Improv Comedy Death Match champion, producer and host of Late Night 5 and Sticks & Stones at the Lincoln Lodge, in Chicago, and co-founded the still-running Parents’ Permission Required show in Ames, Iowa.
Many moons ago Matt was President of his college’s Stand Up Comedy Club, which he registered as a sorority. Marking Matt as Iowa State University’s first-ever male sorority president. With his sorority sisters, he hosted weekly workshops that introduced students to standup comedy by bringing in guests and producing student showcases. Matt is very proud of this, but at the same time, there is a reason why it’s at the bottom of this list.
The Brunt Of It blends a mix of Old School Hardcore Punk with distorted, dissonant Ska. Infectious choruses with drivingbeats are the backbone of their no bullshit sound. In their decades long existence, they have shared the stage with numerous national/regional acts. The current line up continues the tradition of Hardcore Punk, while embracing the Ska element more.
Ben Folds Five is the self-titled debut studio album by American alternative rock band Ben Folds Five, released in 1995. A non-traditional rock album, it featured an innovative indie-pop sound, and excluded lead guitars completely.
Performed by Circles, Cliques & Social Coteries
ELIZABETH COLOUR WHEEL
BODY VOID
Body Void originally formed in the spring of 2014 as Devoid with the aim to combine the most extreme elements of hardcore punk and doom metal. Since changing their name in 2016 with the release of their full-length debut, Ruins, they’ve continued to evolve and progress. In 2021 they signed to Prosthetic Records and released their third LP, Bury Me Beneath This Rotting Earth.
The Best of The Animals is’ first greatest hits collection by the British rock group the Animals. MGM Records released the album in February 1966 in the United States. It showcases the Animals’ tough-edged pop hits combined with their more devoted blues and R&B workouts.
Performed by Phil and the Misunderstoods
ALLUVIAL
New album SARCOMA out now on Nuclear Blast Records
Carrington Wilson, better known by his stage name Tony Shhnow is a up-coming artist based out of Cobb County, Georgia.
Known for his monotone Plugg style, Tony often works with likes of Larry League, CashCache and his collective Sink Or Swim: Consisting of artists 10kDunkin & JWitDaBeam among others.
The American rapper “The Homie Q” is a renowned name in the hip-hop music circuit and is known for his various styles of music. His wordplay is mostly created with influences from pop punk and hip hop/rap & blends them together to create songs for a widespread audience.
“Smba‘s really one of the best teenage artists making music.” – Fashionably Early Musical artist Smba, also known by their surname Tyrone Jordan, is originally from Southfield, Michigan. Smba’s passion for music began at a very early age. In fact, they began writing their own lyrics at the age of six. As a self-taught artist, Smba has developed the unique gift of versatile storytelling, through which they journal their life via their music. Ultimately, SMBA hopes their music can provide guidance and solace to whoever hears it. Smba currently resides in Illinois, where they’ve started their own artist development/distribution company called 2db Co. They plan to continue making and releasing music at their own pace, while exploring their other interests in event producing, video directing and cooking.
“The Dropper’s debut album, “Blue Burning Sky”, ignites the horizon with a delicate dance between the shadow and the light. Soaring melodies, thunderous rhythms and profound lyrics launch the listener into a progressive improvisational flight. The quartet’s fiery pulse guides their audience through the violent storm and into a breaking dawn.
August 26th 2020 marks the date of the group’s long awaited studio release. “Blue Burning Sky” was recorded by Stan Pszeniczka (drums/vocals), Mike Rizman (guitar/vocals), Ian Boltz (piano/keyboards) and Timothy “Smu” McCarthy (bass). The time and energy put into the album shines through on every track.
Based in Chicago, the band has performed at many reputable venues across the city and Midwest. After regional success, they made their national festival debut at Summer Camp Music Festival 2016. The Dropper unveils its brand new album and sound to a show near you. Look to the sky…”
This is the one and only G M -dez from the middle of the map.(Illinois) I rep 618 to the day I die. My music represents for all the people that hustle and grind on a day to day. I rep for the people that come from the bottom to reach the top. That means ALL ON ME ENT is all about that. I like workin with anyone that has a good ear for music, that has a dream and wants to reach it. Thank you for your support cuz with out my fans behide me, I couldnt be in this game without you. I hope you keep logging on and stay tuned cuz good thing are coming to a town near you. Stay up and thank you for your support.
Soul Radics. @SoulRadics. Soul Radics come included with blistering traditional sounds and gritty soul melodies. Virtually fearless, it’s an original take on ska, reggae, and rocksteady. Nashville, TN soulradics.com Joined January 2013.
Coroner is a Swiss technical thrash metal band from Zurich, Switzerland formed in 1983. They garnered relatively little attention outside of Europe. Coroner’s music combines elements of thrash, progressive rock, jazz, and industrial metal with suitably gruff vocals. With their increasingly complex style of progressive rock-infused thrash, they are often labeled as “the Rush of thrash metal” by music critics. Coroner’s sound then progressed and the production became more refined, resulting in the more progressive No More Color, Mental Vortex and Grin albums.
Wilde is a 5-piece Chicago-based rock band that is passionate about bringing people together by fostering conversation through music, live performance, and witty humor. Born out of wedlock in 2015, Wilde embraces the eclectic musical backgrounds of each member, including Alternative, Blues, and Americana, producing a unique song-to-song variation. Through maintaining this sonic diversity, Wilde communicates with every listener on a personal level – bringing fans to the dance floor with their boisterous stage presence and engaging refrains.
5 piece indie rock group from Chicago, IL. Formed 2018, Gorilla Social draws influence from bands like the Arctic Monkeys, Alabama Shakes, Young the Giant, Red Hot Chili Peppers and more.
Vocals – Jim De La Roca
Guitar – Prithvi Malepulla
Drums – LaKheem Trotter
Guitar/Production – Jimmy Nickele
DWAAL TROUPE WAS FORMED BY TWO CHILDREN IN AN ATTIC JUST OUTSIDE OF CHICAGO IN A TOWN FOUND DEEP BENEATH THE WOODS. SUNG WAS THEIR HEARTS ONTO THAT GLISTENING TAPE, THE WHALES WAILING THROUGH THEIR CHEST, AND MELODIES GROWING FROM POPPY FLOWERS IN THEIR FERTILE SPINES. THROUGH THE TAPE’S HISSING AND PULSES WITHIN THE WOODEN WALLS, DWAAL TROUPE WAS THUS BORN.
Time Thieves incorporate indie pop and synth-driven melodies, along with subtle Chicago punk influences, to create a sound that’s both nostalgic and contemporary.
Well known, well loved and a staple to the Midwest. Siin, like the proverbial Phoenix, has risen once again in a newer, fresher, bolder form. A vast array of influences has Siin described as having a modern throwback sound. Siin’s stage presence is full of a contagious energy that pulls in their audience, never falling to entertain. The members of Siin, veterans to the music scene and from several well known bands, have joined to awaken a beast! Siin has created a fresh brand of hard rock that keeps fans clamoring for more. Their reputation, of high standards, professionalism, and neverending passion has made Siin a much sought after act.
Matt Elder lead vocals PJ Alvarez drums and vocals Bill Bhullar guitar Leon Tompkins bass Sam Bello guitar
Members have had the pleasure to support,
Bon Jovi Moonstock Festival with OZZY, Five Finger Death Punch, Papa Roach, Pop Evil, Black Stone Cherry, Failure Athem, All That Remains, Hell Yeah, Texas Hippie Coalition and More! Rockfest 2020/2021 Ace Frehley (KISS) Gene Simmons (KISS) Ted Nugent Tesla Queensryche Sabastian Bach Ratt Stryper Jackyl Bret Michaels Steel Panther Yngwie Malmsteen Marco Mendoza Viva La Rock Tour 2019 & Take it to the limit Tour 2020 The Dead Daisies John 5 Quiet Riot Winger Krokus Kings X Warrant George Lynch / Lynch Mob Slaughter Lynch Mob Kickin Valentina
“Jon E Bravo, aka Mr. Kingpin, has been writing, recording, and performing ska music for nearly 20 years with Dallas based 2Tone band, Rude King as well as collaborating with different artists around the world. ‘Mr. Kingpin’ is his collaboration with producer, Esteban Flores (Matamoska, The Bandulus) to release authentically inspired Jamaican sounds of the 60’s.”
Ravagers have been ripping up a dust storm of debauchery for nearly a decade. Dressed in leather and denim, the Filth City foursome may look like menaces to society, but rest assured, their ferocious blend of punk fury and sneering rock ’n’ roll nonchalance make them a threat to not just the laws of man, but the laws of nature. It’s easy to think of Ravagers as a group of rebel-rousing shit stirrers. Their songs evoke an attitude of manifest malfeasance. Lyrics often paint perilous, black landscapes akin to a Danzig wet dream. But at its core, Ravagers are here for a good time, and the brevity of their songs, influenced no doubt by late 70’s punk and early 80’s hardcore, means they won’t be here for long. No tomorrow? No problem! Rather than extinguish the rising flames of hell, these guys prefer to throw a Molotov cocktail and raise a Natty Bo.
Charlie Otto has been a Chicago favorite for 15 years, and he’s just now coming to accept that. The founder of the cult darlings This Must be the Band and DJ noDJ, he’s sold out venues around the United States, and has had the honor of playing alongside many amazingly talented people including some of his musical idols, like Umphrey’s McGee and members of King Crimson and Smashing Pumpkins.
“charlie otto + his gear” is his first solo project, running on the cutting edge of both music and video performance. Almost no one else is spontaneously using their guitar solo to generate what you see on the screen, or turning a knob to both modulate a synth and distort the images in the video. The technology to connect the sound and visuals to this degree is only recently being developed, and with the help of video guru DRMBT, Charlie experiments and pushes this tech forward every show. You’re welcome, future.
The songs are not experiments though, they’re fully developed SONGS. The lyrics and chords are gushing with feeling, the drums are throbbing, the synths are huge, it’s very electronic while still achieving rock and roll status – probably because most of it is controlled by Charlie’s amazing multi-guitar. Although the entire show is danceable, don’t be surprised if there are times you’re glued to where you stand and your jaw stays open. Either way, it’s something that you’ll have to talk about later.
Inspired by the rhythms and melodies of flamenco, jazz, classical, rock and the Balkan region, this performance features the unrivaled guitar artistry of two of the finest players of their respective generations. Their music is carefully balanced between blazing virtuosity and sheer beauty.
Goran Ivanovic and Fareed Haque recorded two CDs together, Macedonian Blues and 7 Boats, to great critical acclaim, even getting the nod as top best acoustic guitar albums 2004 from acoustic guitar magazine. Both have both been so busy that they have not been able to play again together for years.
THE VON TRAMPS are an American rock band formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 2015.
The group is fronted by guitarist/vocalist Jenna Enemy and features Chelsea Oxborough on guitar and Krissandra Anfinson on bass.
The band emerged from the Minneapolis underground punk scene and first gained notoriety for their high-energy live shows and irreverent behavior.
he Von Tramps have an eclectic style offering a new take on the Minneapolis underground sound which combines sludgy Ramones-esk punk tunes with cheeky lyrics and introduces a new wave of rude girl ska.
Just a Mess is a three-piece band hailing from the windy city of Chicago. Formed in 2019, this band is a force to be reckoned with, as they combine the intense, emotionally charged sound of Deftones with the introspective lyricism of Brand New.
The band’s founding members, Tony Sarlo and Kyle Blais, first met in a drunk tank after a night out on the town. They quickly realized their mutual love for music and decided to form a band. After the departure of their original drummer, Cory Gray, Kevin Kovacevich joined the band on drums and quickly established himself as an essential part of Just a Mess.
Despite their name, Just a Mess is anything but chaotic when it comes to their music. Their sound is a precise and calculated blend of heavy, guitar-driven riffs and poignant, introspective lyrics. Their lyrics explore themes of loss, heartbreak, and nostalgia for a time that has passed.
While Just a Mess may be picky about who they interview with, they are more than willing to connect with their fans through their music. Tony Sarlo’s haunting vocals and intricate guitar work blend seamlessly with Kyle Blais’s pulsing basslines and Kevin Kovacevich’s thunderous drumming.
Just a Mess’s music is not for the faint of heart. It is an emotional journey that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who listens. But for those who are brave enough to take the ride, they will find a band that is authentic, passionate, and unapologetically real.
