JAY WASHINGTON
I do a lot of things on stages, on tv, in movies, hosting & in wrestling rings.
THE ROLLING STONES “LET IT BLEED”
Performed Live By: Sonic Currency
Let It Bleed is the eighth British and tenth American album by English rock band The Rolling Stones, released in December 1969 by Decca Records in the United Kingdom and London Records in the United States. Released shortly after the band’s 1969 American Tour, it is the follow-up to 1968’s Beggars Banquet and the last album by the band to feature Brian Jones as well as the first to feature Mick Taylor.
THE DOZEN BUZZIN’ COUSINS
A collective of passionate musicians playing an eclectic mix of covers as well as some Ian Leith originals all over Berwyn and Chicagoland.
BUTL3R
With music ranging from house to funk to heavy-hitting bangers, Butl3r is sure to make you groove and have an unforgettable night.
GLITCH GATSBY
Brass, bass, and bombastic beats
HIGH STEP SOCIETY
When the honeyed tones of the Jazz Age meld with the hottest bass drops of the new millennium, you get High Step Society’s elixir of Electro Bass Jazz. Merging dance music from our past with sounds for the future, High Step Society features sultry vocals, a blasting sexy horn section that soars over syncopated high hats, rat-a-tat snares and dirty synths. The cats in the band are electronic music producers as well as educated jazz musicians. High Step Society is rethinking jazz with unorthodox arrangements, and bringing a touch of elegance to electronic music.
The band is “at once groovy and raucously tight, High Step Society’s tunes growl to a Cotton Club vibe that plunges the depths of the EDM trench.” (Eugene Weekly, 10/8/15). They ”take it to the next level with live horn sections, sultry singers and energetic dance beats that capture the excitement of the jazz age and rocket launch it a century into the future.”
(Eugene Weekly, 4/9/15) Their live shows are classy affairs where everyone is encouraged to dress their best, so the band and the crowd are looking top notch while the dance floor sizzles.
DUKE
My voice is my strength. Let me a sing a song for you
STONER
Rad stays rad.
A few ideas are timeless.
Stoner is Brant Bjork (guitar/vocals), Nick Oliveri (bass/vocals) and Ryan Gut (drums), and from flowing jams to all-out punker blasts, they know what they’re doing. It ain’t anybody’s first time at the dance, and you don’t call your band Stoner if you’ve never heard the word before. Stoner, however straight-ahead their moniker, encompass varied styles and the songwriting of Bjork and Oliveri – both founders of Kyuss, also Mondo Generator, Ché, Fu Manchu, Bloodcot, and more between them. Atop the classic-style swing and flow from Gut (also of Bjork’s solo band), Stoner keep it casual and wear the name as only those who helped create the sound could
SPIRIT MOTHER
Spirit Mother is a heavy rock band with their sound anthologized through a folk-informed and classical lens. Their dynamic and imposing wall of sound, coupled with a driving backbeat, grips through atmospheric strings and haunting vocals. Initially from Long Beach, CA, the band relocated across the United States residing in Buffalo, Los Angeles, and the high-desert of Eastern Oregon.
Vocals, Bass / Armand Lance
Violin, Vocals / SJ
Violin, Vocals / Camille Getz
Guitar / Sean McCormick
Drums / Landon Cisneros
MAD ALCHEMY LIQUID LIGHT SHOW
Analog liquid lightshow
in the San Francisco tradition pioneered by Bill Hamm,
and Brotherhood of Light,a main stay of the 60’s ballroom
scene.
EL PERRO
EL PERRO is a brand new band led by guitarist/vocalist/songwriter/producer Parker Griggs of RADIO MOSCOW. The sound contains elements that fans of Radio Moscow will recognize, but this is rock music with a new, fresh spin and feel. You could say that EL PERRO plays psychedelic funk rock, and you wouldn’t be wrong.
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN “NEBRASKA”
Nebraska is the sixth studio album by American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, released on September 30, 1982, by Columbia Records. Springsteen recorded the songs as demos on a 4-track recorder, intending to rerecord them with the E Street Band, but decided to release them as they were. Nebraska remains one of the most highly regarded albums in his catalog.
The songs on Nebraska deal with ordinary, down-on-their-luck blue-collar characters who face a challenge or a turning point in their lives. The songs also treat the subject of outsiders, criminals and mass murderers with little hope for the future—or no future at all—as in the title track, where the main character is sentenced to death in the electric chair. Unlike previous albums, which often exude energy, youth, optimism and joy, the vocal tones of Nebraska are solemn and thoughtful, with fleeting moments of grace and redemption woven through the lyrics. The album’s reverb-laden vocals and mood combined with dark lyrical content have been described by music critic William Ruhlmann as “one of the most challenging albums ever released by a major star on a major record label”. Because of the album’s somber content, Springsteen chose not to tour in support of the album, making it Springsteen’s first major release that was not supported by a tour, and his only such release until 2019’s Western Stars.
ZERO SIGNAL
Chicagoland’s Premier Fear Factory Tribute Band comprised of TJ (vocals), Dan (guitar), Jon (bass), Analise (keys), and Mike (drums)
PRETTY TIED UP
Guns N Roses tribute band based out of America
THE SECRET LIVES
The Secret Lives is an up and coming americana/folk rock band out of the southwest suburbs of Chicago. TSL is comprised of Andy Victory, Rachel Darling, and Mel Flowers. The trio provide a unique Southern Gothic tinged Americana sound with powerful, engaging, and retrospective lyrical content.
THE MONKEY MAN
GOREMONGER
Depraved underground cybergrind!! Blending a bunch of styles and influences into a sound I hope can
SACRIFICIAL MASSACRE
BITRU
Bitru – Black Metal Colombiano
KNOXIOUS
Hard hitting, fast, charged Hardcore Punk from Chicago! featuring members from Alley Slob Service and Oi! Story
KNOXIOUS-
Ernie Slob- Drums
Sean “Mail Man” Murdock- Guitar/Vox
Marty Rodriguez- Bass/ Vox
Fabian BarBa- Guitar/ Vox
Henry Martinez- Lead Vox
USER UNAUTHORIZED
Driven, fast-paced, and to the point, they bring the voice of the youth kicking and screaming to the ears of the complacent world, their sound reflects tenets of 80’s hardcore through the lens of the modern experience and the current cultural landscape where the resulting sound is one that transcends the traditional labels associated with punk in search of pure, unadulterated representation.
STOLEN WHEELCHAIRS
Fast, anthemic, hardcore-punk straight from the depths of Hostile City. “The Robin-Hoods of Healthcare”.
THE STICKUPS
Streetpunk band from Denver, USA.
THE FIENDS
LA’s own, The Fiends! debut LP brings you the sounds of early American Hardcore Punk featuring members of Long Beach streetpunk legends Clit 45. 13 loud riffy bangers for fans of Bad Brains, Wipers, TSOL. The sounds of yesterday for today’s fucked up world!
GEN WHY
Dirty – Guitar / Vocals
Bugs – Bass / Vocals
Jimi – Drums
-Texas Street Punk-
ROTTEN FEW CREW
CHEAP SEX
In March of 2000, Mike Virus left The Virus to pursue a job offer in San Diego, CA. “I missed my old band a great deal, and kept in constant contact with those guys, and something just felt like it was missing in my life” says Mike. After two years of searching for band members Mike finally found the right people. “The first guy I met was Gabe when i first moved here in 2000 at an Agent Orange show in San Diego. We started talking about starting a band then but it never materialized, partly due to the fact that Gabe moved out of San Diego for several months. Once Gabe moved back to San Diego, talk of the band heated up again, but it was not until Mike met Johnny O. that talks really got serious. Mikemet John at club one night, John was playing with The Worthless at the time. “It just clicked. The guy was into the same shit as me, and he was real anxious about getting a band together.” After that Mike talked to Derek who was a friend of his and a friend of Gabe`s. Things were now set. We set out looking for a second guitarist and found Beau through an ad. Cheap Sex was now born. The band immediately got a great reaction, and within 2 months of forming had a record contract with two differnt labels having shown interest. The bands first show was with Mike’s previous band The Virus, and shows since then have included Defiance, 999, Slaughter and The Dogs, Lower Class Brats, Anti Nowhere League and English Dogs to name a few. “Punk Rock is everything to me, It’s what I live, breathe, and eat. I truly believe that even to this day, it is a true alternative to a life of complacency” says Mike, and I think that sums of Cheap Sex best.
LURID
Black Metal from Chicago, IL.
P.K. – Guitars, Vocals
R.G. – Guitars
A.K. – Bass
D.O. – Drums
PETE CAUTIOUS
Pete Cautious exists in a bizarro indie soft rock world, slowly burning shimmering guitars over a crackling synth dumpster fire. It is deceptively simple music, with strange harmonies and textures, but always anchored by a melody that takes you somewhere. Maybe a sun bleached Stevie Ray Vaughn playing on an acid warped Billy Idol tune…..
Pete and his band are veterans of the Chicago scene, having played in too many bands to list (Hanalei, Archaeology, and Bear the Bell are some honorable mentions). Through the years, Pete has got to open for some great bands, like Tobacco, Karate, Russian Circles, and more. If sleeping on floors was worth anything, he wouldn’t need a credit card anymore.
Pete is currently playing with a 4 piece band (Brad Smith, Paul Nixon, Erik Sowa), promoting the debut album, Pete Cautious. The album is a solid listen front to back, and plays like a great movie. It’ll make you laugh, cry, and throw in a couple surprises too.
CLOUD HOUSES
6 piece indie rock band from Chicago with aspirations of world domination
Kendall Parchman- Vocals, Keys, Guitar
Katie Stack- Vocals, Trumpet, Keys
Trent Henry- Guitars
Bianca Barcenas- Guitars
Erol Hasanof- Drums, Vocals
Bryan Lesser- Bass
PRESENT COMPANY
Indie Alternative band from Minneapolis, MN.
Lead vocals, guitar: Christian Nelson
Lead vocals, guitar, synth: Eddie Chisham
Bass: Seth Lemmon
Drums: Berin Joseph
THE SOUNDS
The Sounds are a Swedish indie rock band. Formed in Helsingborg in 1998, the group’s musical style has been compared to new wave acts such as Blondie, The Cars, the Epoxies and Missing Persons. Their debut album, Living in America, was released in 2002, with the follow-up Dying to Say This to You on March 21, 2006
CREEPING DEATH
CREEPING DEATH is on a quick and furious ascent from the underground. The Texas death metal crew repeatedly delivers a relentless bludgeoning summoned from the furthest reaches of the genre’s past, present, and future. A triumphant celebration of the style itself, the Lone Star State fivesome whips up gruesome riffage and Southern grooves with an improbable cathartic glee.
As Revolver Magazine observed, CREEPING DEATH “assemble hulking riffs, screaming guitar solos, and ghastly vocal lows, and play them with the urgent momentum of a sterling hardcore band.”
The band’s formula hits perfection with the brilliant Boundless Domain, a sophomore slab of spectacular weight, dimension, and might. Produced by Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz (As I Lay Dying, The Acacia Strain, Underoath), Boundless Domain is a certified ripper, top to bottom.
“We’ve never sounded better,” guitarist Trey Pemberton shares enthusiastically. “We love the people we’ve recorded with before, but we’ve never had anybody challenge and push us as Adam did.”
In the wake of the passing of local heroes Riley Gale of Power Trip and Wade Allison of Iron Age, the band (Pemberton, singer Reese Alavi, bassist Eric “Rico” Mejia, drummer Lincoln Mullins, and guitarist A.J. Ross, III) found themselves digging back into some of their metallic hardcore favorites.
“We made it a point to bring in more influences from hardcore bands we came up loving, especially Texas hardcore,” Pemberton explains. “There’s a lot of Mammoth Grinder, Iron Age, and Power Trip influence. Having Riley and Wade pass so close to one another left a huge hole in the scene. We all went on a kick of listening to the Texas stuff for a while, and it definitely seeped into our writing.”
Early into the band’s career, MetalSucks encouraged headbangers everywhere to “get your old school death metal fix with new school band Creeping Death.” Naturally, the crushing brutality akin to Gorguts, Grave, Blood Red Throne, and similarly legendary bands remains part of their foundation.
Originally hailing from Denton, Texas, and now situated in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area, CREEPING DEATH summons a vibrant sound that is somehow both familiar and fresh. Their initial outburst, 2016’s three-song Sacrament of Death, introduced them to death and thrash metal audiences, followed two years later by the Specter of War EP. By the time they unleashed 2019’s Wretched Illusions album, Kerrang! hailed Creeping Death as “an underground juggernaut” that “channels all the raddest aspects of metal without getting shoehorned into any clichés.” 2021’s The Edge of ExistenceEP further demonstrated the power, fury, and revelry at the heart of their identity.
Tours with High On Fire, The Acacia Strain, Rotting Out, Terror and The Warriors spread the CREEPING DEATH message. Crowds succumbed to the group’s combination of endlessly catchy riffage, precise percussion, and storytelling lyrics.
Early 2023 saw Creeping Death travel overseas to the UK and Europe with Revocation and Goatwhore. A US trek supporting Carcass, Municipal Waste, and Sacred Reich is on the books.
“We’ve freely admitted that we are a selfish band, in so much as we really only write music for us,” guitarist Trey Pemberton explains. “We make music that’s fun for us to play and that we like to listen to ourselves. After all, we’re the ones who are going to hear these songs the most, night after night.”
Boundless Existence boasts future death metal classics like the super heavy, fast, and groovy “Intestinal Wrap” (which features George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher of Cannibal Corpse). “Vitrified Earth” showcases Creeping Death’s increasing skills at songcraft, most evident with the cadence and phrasing of Alavi’s vocals while never neglecting the sick riffs. Toward the album’s end, there’s even a bit of a spaced-out atmosphere, with guitar effects, harmonies, and heady time signatures.
“We just want to be heavy and fun,” Pemberton says without apology. “You’ll hear a natural progression from Wretched Illusions to Boundless Domain. Each release will be at least a little bit different from the other, but they will all still sound like CREEPING DEATH. That’s who we are.”
LINEUP
- Reese Alavi – Vocals
- Trey Pemberton – Guitar
- J. Ross III – Guitar
- Eric “Rico” Mejia – Bass
- Lincoln Mullins – Drums
SELECT DISCOGRAPHY
- Boundless Domain (2023)
- The Edge of Existence EP (2021)
- Wretched Illusions (2019)
- Specter of War EP (2018)
Sacrament of Death EP (2016)
BACKLASH
Thrashing from the Chicago Southlands, Backlash indoctrinates audiences to their live performances with diverse heavy riffs, robust bass, powerful and guttural vocals accompanied by precision drum grooves. Releasing their debut LP in 2021, “Colossus”, Backlash have since played throughout the midwest with bands such as: Cavalera Conspiracy, Warbringer, and Exciter. Crowned the victors of the fall 2022 Dirtbag Michigan Metalfest competition, Backlash have since released their emphatic thrash anthem “False Flag” to commemorate the achievement. Slated to release their second full length LP in 2024 – Backlash continues to raise the bar in terms of authentic live performance, songwriting and imagery.
For fans of Metallica, Megadeth and Pantera
EVIL INCARNATE
Death metal from Illinois, since 1997
THE SUFFERING
The Suffering is Jeff Holmes guitars, Jon Billman bass, Scott Davidson Drums & Casey Loving vocals
DJ TRAVIS MILLS
THE BOBBY LEES
Upstart garage punks the Bobby Lees formed after guitarist-vocalist Sam Quartin moved to Woodstock, New York, and took a suggestion from a friend to recruit her new bandmates from the local School of Rock. Now in her mid-20s, Quartin is an established actress who’s played alongside the likes of Crispin Glover, Michael Pitt, and Marilyn Manson, but in the Bobby Lees she gives you the idea that she might prefer basement shows to red carpets. On the new album Skin Suit (Alive/Natural Sound), produced by Jon Spencer, the band show they’ve got the chops and the weirdness to refresh vintage rock, punk, and blues (they do a gritty take on Bo Diddley’s “I’m a Man”) without the commercialism that has plagued other prominent garage bands of their generation. Quartin’s unpolished vocals often recall Richard Hell (the record closes with a rousing cover of “Blank Generation”), but the music is memorable enough in its own right to make you want to put highlights such as “Coin” and “Guttermilk” on repeat. The swaggering, minimalist “Ranch Baby” is equally funny and gross, with lead guitarist Nick Casa taking a turn at the mike to ponder a mysterious (and apparently sexy) creamy white substance. On “Last Song,” with its backdrop of sweet, 50s-flavored pop, Quartin delivers a take on “crooning” that sounds like Bobby Darin as a serial killer. Like so many other bands, the Bobby Lees had to cancel their spring tours, but with help from a little word of mouth they’ll surely be playing packed punk shows as soon as social-distancing measures allow.
NIGHT SPICE
Night Spice is a synth based electronic project from Miami, IL. Positive vibes only.
FALL OUT BOY “FROM UNDER THE CORK TREE”
From Under the Cork Tree is the second studio album by the American rock band Fall Out Boy, released on May 3, 2005, through Island Records as the band’s major label debut. The music was composed by lead vocalist and guitarist Patrick Stump, with all lyrics penned by bassist Pete Wentz, continuing the band’s songwriting approach they took for some songs on their prior 2003 effort Take This to Your Grave. Neal Avron handled production duties. Commenting on the record’s lyrical themes, Wentz said the lyrics were about “the anxiety and depression that goes along with looking at your own life.” In support of their release the group headlined tours worldwide and played at various music festivals. For their Black Clouds and Underdogs tour the album was re-released as From Under the Cork Tree (Limited “Black Clouds and Underdogs” Edition), featuring new songs and remixes.
Laini Marisa
| Laini Marisa is a singer/songwriter and an International Recording Artist. She has recently performed in Kaiserslautern, Germany and recorded in Frankfurt, Germany. She had the pleasure of touring in Japan and most of the major cities in the US with the Steve Arrington Band (former lead singer of Funk Band Slave), and has performed on stage, singing background and opening up for such acts as: Ronnie Laws, Tom Browne, Marzette Griffith, Dee Alexander, Garland Green with the Chi-Lites, Gerald Butler, Lil’ G of Silk, Frank McComb, The Average White Band, The Temptations, Musiq Soulchild, and Rachelle Ferrell, Mikki Howard, Jodeci and Brian McKnight just to name a few. Laini is Afro-Cuban born in Chicago, Illinois. Being Afro-Cuban, Laini was musically influenced by Tito Puentes, and Celia Cruz who were favorite artists of her mother’s growing up, among many other Latin artists. Other favorite artist influences of hers are: Chaka Khan, Teena Marie, Natalie Cole, and Brazilian artist, Rosalia de Souza. Laini has also performed jazz and created a buzz amongst her listening audiences in appearances all over Chicago with Imagine That Jazz Duo, the John Wright Trio, Crosswinds Jazz Band and was great vocalist in a tribute to the late jazz musician Eldee Young. |
BIG SHOULDERS BRASS BAND
Formed in Chicago just after the turn of the century by a couple of Colorado transplants, the Big Shoulders Brass Band has been a staple of a prodigious New Orleans second-line groove scene in the Windy City for close to two decades. Mixing traditional Dixieland with street funk sensibilities, Big Shoulders brings a tight horn sound to the stage.
SUNLESS SKY
Power Metal band from Cleveland, Ohio on Pure Steel Records featuring:
Juan Ricardo – Bass and Vocals
Ed Miller – Guitar
Ewell Martin – Drums
LIZ TOUSSAINT
PUBLIC SERPENTS
Skwert – Curses, Threats, Truth-Telling
Keith – Banging (Drums)
Ben – Giant Slidey Whistle/Computer noises
Weftin – Big Strings
Ferris – Loud Little Strings
Kyle – Aggressive Little Strings
PUSHING DAISY’S BAND
Pushing Daisy’s Band. Psychedelic Funk from Outer Space.
Max Heyob (guitar, vocal), Michael Mead (guitar, vocal), Ethan Rupert (keys), Mark Stinnett (bass), Tony Stinnett (drums), Chris Willsey (percussion, vocal)
QUINTON GRIGGS
JXDN
Rockstars may look and sound different from generation-to-generation, but the attitude remains the same. Defying any rules, jxdn authentically bridges subcultures, exuding reckless charm and boundless ambition to position himself as a rockstar for the new generation. Generating 15 million streams within a month on his self-released debut song “Comatose,” he became the first artist signed to Travis Barker’s DTA Records. jxdn’s label debut single “Angels & Demons” notched the top spot on the iTunes Alternative Chart upon release and debuted at #6 on the Billboard Hot Rock Chart, allowing the 19-year-old genre breaker to present his signature style and a glimpse of what’s to come on his forthcoming full-length debut.
“Music was always therapeutic for me,” jxdn explains. “Instead of simply listening to what I make, I want people to really feel it.”
Born Jaden Hossler in Dallas, TX, he grew up with two older sisters. He spent his formative years in Texas before his family relocated to Chattanooga, TN. Adjusting to the new surroundings and high school offered its own set of challenges.
“I didn’t enjoy high school. So I began to explore social media. It gave me the ability to control my life.”
In 2018, he developed a presence online through a consistent stream of engaging and clever content. He quietly exploded on Tik Tok, attracting 5.9 million followers and 202.3 million likes. He utilized it as a platform to introduce his voice. Packing up and heading to LA, he holed up in the infamous “Sway House” alongside a crew of rowdy influencers, and finally dove head first into his own artistry. Catching an arena show by the late Juice WRLD would be the tipping point.
“I was moshing to ‘Empty’,” he recalls. “I had the biggest revelation in my life. Music has the power to change us individually. It’s the most beautiful thing. So, I decided to really give it a shot. I had just graduated, and I wanted to do something for myself. I finally went after my dream.”
He pursued the dream full force with the single “Comatose.” The track caught fire, racking up over 15 million streams in a month and caught the ear of Barker’s son Landon Asher. He shared “Comatose” with his dad just as Russell Ali, the track’s producer and a friend of Barker’s, sent it to him too. A further coincidence, Ali used a Travis Barker Splice Drum sample pack for all of the song’s drums. Blown away, Barker signed jxdn to DTA. Now, the next chapter is ignited with the single “Angels & Demons,” co-produced and powered by drums from the legendary label founder himself.
“It talks about the duality between the light side and dark side of my brain,” jxdn states. “I’m getting into my mental health struggles,” adding, “I believe music can change culture. That’s what I care about. It’s the best way to express love and who you are.”
JOEY J. SAYE
When you look at Joey J. Saye, you see a promising, young musician with his entire life ahead of him. When you hear him, his sound and his musicianship far surpass his age. The way he attacks the strings with finesse embodies the roots of blues as if he was around when the Blues were born.
Joey grew up just west of Chicago and music has been a part of his DNA since he was child; living in a household that provided him with a multitude of music genres and styles. Hearing his grandmother break out in song at any given moment helped him to appreciate music and its art of bringing people together, soothing the soul.
Even though he was introduced to the blues community at 16, he first heard the haunting melodies and guitar licks at 13 years of age when he was already dabbling in music and creating songs with his friends. But hearing Muddy Waters and Memphis Minnie’s music ignited his passion for the blues and he traded in his athletic gear for his guitar. And we are so glad he did.
Joey is making a name for himself throughout Chicagoland and all over the US, he is being recognized abroad, becoming an international artist with audiences embracing him with open arms.
His love of blues is infectious, and he shows the audience that the blues are alive and well and will still live on for years to come.
BILLY BRANCH AND THE SONS OF BLUES
Billy Branch was discovered by Willie Dixon, the “father of modern Chicago Blues,” while Billy was still in college. Willie encouraged Billy to finish his college education, which he did, but instead of going to law school after receiving his political science degree, Billy began touring with the Willie Dixon Chicago AllStars. This gave Billy the unique opportunity to travel and work as an under study for the legendary Carey Bell who was planning to leave the All-Stars and form his own band. When Carey took his leave, the young Billy Branch took his place, touring with Willie Dixon for
6 years.
Since those early days, Billy has played on over 150 different recordings, including 12 under his own name. He’s recorded with Willie Dixon, Johnny Winter, Lou Rawls, Koko Taylor, Eddy Clearwater, Honeyboy Edwards, Syl Johnson, Lurrie Bell, Ronnie Baker Brooks, John Primer, and Taj Mahal, just to name a few. In addition, he has received three Grammy nominations (losing one nomination to BB King and Eric Clapton). He served two consecutive terms on the Grammy Board of Governors, and founded
the Grammy Blues Committee. In addition, he has won multiple W.C. Handy Awards from the Blues Foundation, an Emmy Award, an Addy Award (this is like an Oscar for TV ads), two Chicago Music Awards, and numerous humanitarian achievement awards. Billy Branch has become the ambassador of the Chicago Blues. During his 6 week tour of Turkey, he represented the USA in Turkey’s Parliament, teaching political party leaders to play harmonica! Thousands of fans showed up every night of the week
to experience the authentic Chicago Blues! He and his band, the Sons of Blues have delivered this cultural legacy around the world, having made over 70 international tours. The 2007 Chicago Blues Festival honored the thirtieth anniversary of Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues with a 3 hour performance. In fact, they also headlined the 2011 Chicago Blues Festival. Billy is a Blues education pioneer. He was one of the first artists to develop a Blues in the Schools curriculum. Since 1978, in addition to recording and performing, he’s taught thousands of children around the world. His internationally recognized “Blues in Schools Program,” is committed to teaching both young and old about the Blues as the roots of America’s music. He has brought his interdisciplinary
program to Europe, South America, Asia, and most recently to Mexico where he taught his two week program in Spanish. In addition he teaches in the Grammy Museum Music Revolution Project.
INDIKA REGGAE BAND
Indika Reggae Band is one of the most innovative and influential reggae bands in the Midwest, having won numerous recognitions and awards. By incorporating and expanding their musical repertoire to include genres such as soca, calypso, punta, reggae, dancehall, R&B, jazz, and even some kompa they have market themselves to reach a larger and more diverse audience. Indika, with their highly energetic, multi talented, and versatile front man, Uroy Mushla, has entertained at venues all over the Midwest and southern United States. Recently, Indika has perform at Chicago venues such as The Wild Hare, United Center, Navy Pier and festivals in Illinois, Arkansas, Kansas, Michigan, Indiana, and Minnesota just to name a few.
NANETTE FRANK & FRIENDS
Nanette Frank is a vocalist, songwriter, vocal arranger, and producer with a successful international career. She has an impeccable five octave vocal range giving her many commercial recording opportunities. While her success has crossed many areas of the music industry, her foundation in jazz and her love and history in the world of jazz is at the core of this wonderful new release, Nostalgia.
Carl Brown and The Solid Gold Reggae Band
Truly Mr. Solid Gold, Carl Brown is a performer that has been fascinating audiences for some time. His signature style and presentation cannot be mistaken. This sweet-voiced vocalist has had great success singing with his band Solid Gold International since 1988.
Carl Brown’s showmanship and vocals are unmatched, a gift that has earned him a record 17 consecutive years Best Male Vocalist at the Chicago Reggae Music Awards.
MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE “THE BLACK PARADE”
The Black Parade is the third studio album by American rock band My Chemical Romance. Released in Europe on October 20, 2006, through Reprise Records, it was produced by the band with Rob Cavallo, known for having produced multiple albums for the Goo Goo Dolls and Green Day. It is a rock opera centering on a dying character with cancer known as “The Patient”. The album tells the story of his apparent death, experiences in the afterlife, and subsequent reflections on his life. It is the band’s only studio album to feature drummer Bob Bryar before his departure in 2010.
BUDDY HOLLY “BUDDY HOLLY”
Buddy Holly is the debut studio album by Buddy Holly. It was released by Coral Records on February 20, 1958. The album collects Holly’s four hit singles released on the Coral label; “Words of Love”, “Peggy Sue”, “I’m Gonna Love You Too”, and “Rave On!”. The backing group was Buddy Holly’s band, the Crickets.
R.E.M. “FABLES OF THE RECONSTRUCTION”
Fables of the Reconstruction, also known as Reconstruction of the Fables, is the third studio album by American alternative rock band R.E.M., released on I.R.S. Records on June 10, 1985. The Joe Boyd-produced album was the first recorded by the group outside the United States. It is a concept album with Southern Gothic themes and characters.
WHT.RBBT.OBJ
wht.rbbt.obj (“White Rabbit Object”) is a rock ‘n’ roll reckoning. Lauded by Rolling Stone for their “late-night decadence and velvet tones,” this femme fatale fronted powerhouse blends garage rock, blues, and soul with an unapologetic edge. What started as a covert side project between married duo Frank and River (Toussaint) Rabbitte has evolved into a four-piece tour de force, crafting music that lives on the edge of chaos and melody, delivering a sonic gut punch with every note.
Their sound defies easy categorization—described as “Bluesy, Smoky, Sexy, and Raw,” wht.rbbt.obj has been likened to “Amy Winehouse meets The Black Keys in a game of strip poker” (James Van Osdol, WKQX’s Car Con Carne) and “Heavily distorted roadhouse raunch” (NPR’s Sound Opinions). UpToHear Music claims, “wht.rbbt.obj will blow everything you own out of Earth’s orbit,” while Music Republic Magazine put it bluntly: “If Amy Winehouse and Janis Joplin are your bag, then get a load of River Rabbitte.”
wht.rbbt.obj was recently named one of Do312’s Chicago Bands You Should Be Listening To.
wht.rbbt.obj isn’t here to blend in. They’re here to bring back the danger, the romance, and the raw, electric thrill of rock ‘n’ roll.
MUDFLOWER
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
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.
DAN WHITAKER
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.
STORMRULER
Pure Imperial Black Metal Warfare featuring members of Bastard, Oracle, Harkonin, Cast The Stone
FAREED HAQUE GROUP
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, BOB AND DAVE
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
ADAMANTIS
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.
STEVE RAMONE
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.
FREEDOM HAWK
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
BIG GIDZ & GUEST
YOUNG MEDICINE
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
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.
DOLL SKIN
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.
RAT PACK FOREVER.
KEN DAVIS PROJECT
Ken Davis Project is a Soul/R&B band from Chicago.
LORD WAFFLE
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.