A Death Metal Band from Illinois.
Lil Ray is no stranger to hard work. He has had some experience within the music industry. His father, Big Ray, worked with a number of rap artists that include Chicago’s own, Do Or Die. Although he was exposed to the industry and the politics of it all, Lil Ray didn’t get bite by the rapping bug until he was 14-years-old. But when the desire hit, he saw refuge in it. He looked up to LL Cool J, P. Diddy, Jay-Z, Biggie and his idol, T.I. as inspirations.
Lil Ray writes his own music and loves the creative aspect of it all. Making “party” music is what he’s known for and in a very short time, have garnered a lot of respect for it. Coining himself as “undefinable,” Lil Ray would consider himself musically versatile. Having many career highlights already, he shared a song with a longtime friend and respected colleague, Twista, on their song “Bad Than A Mutha,” was a dream come true. Lil Ray headlined his first tour “Hella of Laughs & Hip Hop Tour” with comedian Kenny Howell and it became a huge success in 10 cities across America in venues seating approximately 4,000 people. All the love across the country feels great but it’s nothing like receiving the love from your hometown. That’s why it’s no surprise that Lil Ray is a mainstay on Chicago’s radio station WPWX Power 92 (92.3FM).
Lil Ray envisioned endorsements, clothing lines, and even owning his own record company to sign other up and coming artist in the future. The sky is truly the limit for Lil Ray who will one day take over the rap charts.
Fastplants are a punk/skate rock band from Chicago, Illinois. Fastplants formed in 2013 and have been actively recording and touring since 2015. To date the band has released two EP’s, two split LP’s, a tribute 7”, and one full length LP. Fastplants have shared the stage with Agent Orange, The Supersuckers, Zeke, Murphy’s Law, Teenage Bottlerocket, The Stitches, McRad, Angry Samoan, Field Day, Urethane, Radkey and were direct support for D.R.I on their 2019 Southwest/US tour. Fastplants have worked with Beercity Records, NotLikeYou Records and Beercan Records.
Fastplants:
Matt Anzelone – guitar/vox.
Marc Harman – drums.
Abe Linders – guitar/vox.
Steve Sackett – bass.
Providing the soundtrack to our dystopian tomorrow, today, Replicant is a Chicago based composite of the analog, the organic, and the digital. A visual and sonic imprint blurring the lines between seduction and punishment. Composed of crooning vocals, sensual synths, and battering bass lines, Replicant draws influence from both the dark and the lustrous sides of our modern dystopia.
The Stereo was a pop rock/rock and roll band started in 1999 by former ska/punk band frontmen Jamie Woolford (of Animal Chin) and Rory Phillips (of The Impossibles). The pair was brought together on recommendation of their former bands’ record label Fuele
A San Francisco Bay Area native, Mario Jose is a seasoned singer-songwriter, powerhouse vocalist, and true entertainer.
Mario attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA and was a part of the award-winning a cappella group Pitch Slapped. After graduating, he moved to Los Angeles to further pursue his career in music.
Mario has had the privilege to share the stage and studio with music icons including Pentatonix (opening for them on tour), Prince, Justin Bieber, Meghan Trainor (New Orleans Jazz Fest 2017), John Legend (NBC’s Duets), Michael McDonald, Philip Bailey (of Earth, Wind & Fire), John Elefante (of Kansas), Jim Peterick (of Survivor), Bill Champlin (of Chicago), Paula Cole, Lalah Hathaway, Ben E. King, Post Modern Jukebox and many more!
Mario is currently the Emcee & featured vocalist on Post Modern Jukebox’s US tour. He will be returning home for a 4-week Artist Residency at the iconic Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles and a multi-city tour with Travis Atreo & The Filharmonic.
Pete Galanis is best known as guitarist for Chicago Blues/Jam Band, Howard and the White Boys, having joined the band in 2004. Galanis’ tight blues chops—coupled with his natural versatility at handling the funk, R & B, and rock styles that have become Howard & the White Boys trademarks—have magnificently slotted right in with the group’s signature sound and have also lent it an exciting, youthful exuberance, readily apparent on the bands new Evidence Records release “Made in Chicago”. The band is now focusing on touring to support the new CD and working on material for their next one.. As of August 2007, Pete Galanis Band featuring Nate Manos, begins a residendency gig at Rosa’s Lounge every Tuesday at 9:30.Galanis has also shared the stage with John Mayer, Buddy Guy, Dave Myer, Jimbo Mathus, R.L Burnside, Junior Kimborough, Model T Ford, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Lurrie Bell, Eddie Clearwater, Lonnie Brooks, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Hubert Sumlin, Lurrie Bell, Jimme Johnson, Billy Branch, Bob Margolin, Kid Ramos, Carlos Johnson, Albert Castiglia, Mississippi Heat, Nigel Mack, Nick Moss and the Flip Tops, and the Joe Moss Band to name a few…
Omar Coleman as a rising star with iron-clad longevity in the national blues scene. Hailing from the West Side of Chicago, Coleman grew up entrenched in soul music and black music that defined the era in the mid-90s. Working as a barber by trade, Coleman recalls being bored at his shop on Michigan & Adams in Downtown Chicago and sauntering to the music shop down the street to pick up an instrument to pass the time. He landed on the harmonica thinking it would be easy to learn quickly and would fiddle around on it between cutting hair and usurping the shoeshine guy’s chair when he went to shine shoes in the back. With many clients being musicians, Coleman would learn about Chicago being heralded as ‘Home of the Blues’ and was tipped off to legends such as Buddy Guy, Howlin’ Wolf, and more. Another world opened up.
Formed in 2013, The Corey Dennison Band has become a favorite attraction at Chicago blues venues, including twice-weekly appearances at Kingston Mines. Led by Corey Dennison’s soulful voice and muscular guitar, the band released its self-titled studio debut for the legendary Delmark Records in 2016 after honing 13 original songs night after night on the bandstand. Corey’s decade-long stint with Carl Weathersby and Gerry Hundt’s tenure with Nick Moss are evident on the disc but blend effortlessly into a dynamic new Chicago sound, anchored by fellow Moss alum Nik Skilnik and drummer Joel Baer. Critics and radio polls responded favorably as the album garnered glowing reviews and constant worldwide airplay, netting chart positions on the Roots Music and Living Blues Radio Reports. Nominations followed suit, with a nod for Best Emerging Artist from the Blues Music Awards, a pair from Blues Blast Magazine, and Grammy balloting. The strength of the band’s repertoire is matched only by the charisma of the stage show; it’s not uncommon to see Corey belting out the blues, unamplified, in the heart of the audience while the band steps in time to the groove. It’s not novelty for these musicians and entertainers, however, it’s exactly where they want to be.
Is This It is the debut studio album by American rock band the Strokes. Recorded at Transporterraum in New York City with producer Gordon Raphael, the album was first released on July 30, 2001, in Australia, with RCA Recordsas the primary label. The record entered the UK Albums Chart at number two and peaked at number 33 on the US Billboard 200, going on to achieve platinum status in several markets. “Hard to Explain”, “Last Nite”, and “Someday” were released as singles.
Origin of Symmetry is the second studio album by English rock band Muse, released on 17 July 2001 by Mushroom Records and Taste Media.
Delta Volta is a three piece band from Chicago. The music is a cocktail of fuzzy guitars, blasting drums, and a splash of spacey, out-of-this-world synthesis. Delta Volta is ready for blast off.
Contemporarily old-fashioned Heavy Metal.
Singer/songwriter from Seattle, WA.
First show since 2017, first time ever as a full band. Dress shirts. Slacks. Stamp collections. The suburbs. Gardening. LaCroix. These are the calling cards of America’s Baddest Band®, Chicago’s own Bad Mechanics. No strangers to shtick, featuring current & former members of The Eradicator, HeWhoCorrupts, and Chicago Thrash Ensemble, the group takes aim at ‘adult life’ in hypnotizing, rapid fire with their debut LP Precious Moments in the USA on Stonewalled Records.
John Moulder
John Moulder is a guitarist and composer whose music has evolved from an assimilation of various musical traditions. His most recent release entitled Earthborn Tales of Soul and Spirit (Origin 2016) features Donny McCaslin, Marquis Hill, Paul Wertico, and many other long time musical companions. Inspired by soulful individuals, it has been described as a contemporary musical narrative. John’s compositions and playing are featured on his CDs entitled Awakening (Mo-Tonal Records 1993), Through the Open Door (Igmod/Mo-Tonal Records 1997), Spirit Talk (NAIM 2003), and Trinity (Origin 2006) and Bifröst (Origin 2009) were both named one of the “Ten Best Jazz CDs” of 2006 and 2009 respectively by the Chicago Tribune. On The Eleventh Hour: Live at the Green Mill (Origin 2012), John collaborated with his long time musical companions, Paul Wertico, Larry Gray, Jim Trompeter, and Geof Bradfield.
Televised feature stories on John and his work have aired on Artbeat (WTTW) and Chicago Tonight (WTTW). He has played nationally and internationally at numerous festivals, clubs and concert halls and has performed with artists such as Eddie Harris, Bob Mintzer, Paul McCandless, Lyle Mays, Paul Wertico, Gary Burton, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Arild Anderson, Bendik Hofseth, and Terry Callier.
John received his Master’s Degree in Music from Northwestern University. As an educator, he is currently a faculty member at Northwestern University, Benedictine University, and Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of the Performing Arts. He has lectured, taught master classes, and conducted clinics at universities, high schools, music institutes, and other settings.
John’s official website is: johnmoulder.com
Larry Gray
Bassist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer Larry Gray has enjoyed a career spanning some four decades in which he has collaborated with a long list of many of the world’s most important jazz artists, including Jack DeJohnette, Bobby Hutcherson, Joe Williams, McCoy Tyner, Benny Golson, James Moody, Sonny Stitt, Larry Coryell, Kenny Burrell, Joe Pass, Clark Terry, J.J. Johnson, Steve Turre, George Coleman, Lee Konitz, Benny Green, Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, and Gary Bartz, among many others. He has five solo recordings to his credit, beginning with Solo + Quartet and most recently, Three Equals One. Among many projects as a collaborator or sideman, he appeared on five CDs during his twelve years as a member of the Ramsey Lewis Trio. Through the years, he toured with many artists, including Joe Williams, Clark Terry, Frank Wess, James Moody, Marian McPartland, and Ramsey Lewis, appearing at many important festivals and concert venues worldwide.
Most recently he appears on the recording on ECM, Jack DeJohnette-Made in Chicago, with Muhal Richard Abrams, Roscoe Mitchell, and Henry Threadgill. He currently tours with Jack DeJohnette’s group and also played in Larry Coryell’s Trio, alongside drummer Paul Wertico. Another recent project, The Gray Wilkerson Ra Trio, features the internationally acclaimed improvisation musicians Ed Wilkerson and Avreeayl Ra. He also serves as an Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Illinois School of Music in Urbana/Champaign.
Larry’s official website is: larrygraymusic.com
Paul Wertico
Hailed in the press as “One of the most versatile and musical drummers in music today,” Paul Wertico was a member of the Pat Metheny Group from 1983 to 2001. During that time, he won seven Grammy Awards (three for “Best Jazz Fusion Performance,” three for “Best Contemporary Jazz Performance,” and one for “Best Rock Instrumental Performance”), won numerous magazine polls, received several gold records, and played drums & percussion on David Bowie’s hit recording (with the Pat Metheny Group), “This Is Not America.”
He has played with countless artists and has performed in all 50 states and in over 60 countries. Paul has also played drums and percussion on hundreds of recordings. As a solo recording artist, Paul’s recordings have received great critical praise. DownBeat magazine listed Paul’s CD, Impressions of a City, as one of its “Best CDs of 2010.” LA Weekly even wrote, “His recent records, such as 2000s Don’t Be Scared Anymore and the new StereoNucleosis, are stunning examples of the electronic, rhythmic and intellectual directions jazz could be going.”
Paul is also extremely active in the field of education. In addition to teaching drums privately for over 45 years, he is an Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts. For over four decades, he’s conducted drum masterclasses, clinics, and workshops around the world and has written educational articles for numerous magazines. His instructional DVD, Paul Wertico’s Drum Philosophy, was named “One of the best drum videos of the last 25 years” by Modern Drummer magazine, and in July 2017, Alfred Music published his new book, Turn The Beat Around (A Drummer’s Guide to Playing “Backbeats” on 1 & 3), in which Paul even coined a new word for these types of reversed beats: frontbeats.
In 2004, Paul was a Chicago Tribune “Chicagoan of the Year.” In 2010, he was honored with two “Lifetime Achievement Awards”: one from the Cape Breton International Drum Festival for his “Major Contribution to The World of Drumming & Education,” and the other from the Montréal Drum Fest. As Musical Director for the crowdsourced TV video series, Inventing The Future, Paul was nominated for a 2012-2013 Emmy Award in the “Outstanding Achievement In Interactivity” category by The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Midwest Chapter. He also hosted his own weekly radio show for two years, Paul Wertico’s Wild World of Jazz.
In the international press, Paul’s drumming has also been compared to that of an “Impressionist painter,” and he has also been called “an inspired madman,” “a restless innovator,” “a true legend of jazz drums,” “a master of drumming insanity,” “a genius of the sticks,” and a recent review stated, “Wertico simply oozes musicality.”
Paul’s official website is: www.paulwertico.com
Opacia is a Melodic Death/Thrash metal band from Chicago IL who strives to achieve fast and blinding riffs, in combination with melody. Pulling influence from Exmortus, Holy Grail, Ensiferum, Amon Amarth, and Death; the band brings in the speed and ferocity of thrash metal along with the heaviness and brutality of Death/Melodic death metal.
Traditional metal. Epic doom metal.
“this Des Moines outfit plays a classy brand of classic thrash a la Testament, Heathen and Pantera with a little Type O Negative in there as well as a singer who can sing and everything,” – DECIBEL Magazine
Green Death’s 2nd album, “Manufacturing Evil”-“ The much-anticipated follow-up to the uber-excellent heavy metal melting pot that was 2013’s The Deathening” – DECIBEL MAGAZINE
A way to describe Green Death: Danzig and Peter Steele (Type O Negative) had a baby, and that baby listens to a lot of Slayer!
So Underground…You’ll Need a Shovel!
Band with rockabilly, 60’s garage and blues elements
DPM has been playing around Chicago since 2004, doing a variety of tunes from the 40’s through 70’s by such as: Webb Pierce, Faron Young, Carl Perkins, Gene Watson, Ray Price, Eddie Cochran, Gram Parsons, Louvin Brothers, Everly Brothers, Bob Dylan, Charlie Pride, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Gene Watson, Cindy Walker, the Flatlanders, Marshall Crenshaw, Hank Williams and others of that ilk.
The band Local Motive sounds like Motown got mixed up with Talking Heads. Like Sam Cooke collaborating with Jimi Hendrix. Since 2012, bandleader Mike Vinopal and company have set out to make authentic and passionate music that will connect with people on a deep emotional level while also “shaking butts for thousands of years.” Bringing the vibes of the Blues Brothers into the present, their music is classic and familiar, yet fiercely original. The Local Motive sound is funk, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll for all. Local Motive released two new singles Memorial Day 2022, “Naive + Supposed To Be,” from the forthcoming follow up to the Grams LP, “Slice of Life.” A 3-song collection just dropped on 9/30/2022, teasing the next 3 tracks of the full-length, out 12/23/2022. Keeping with tradition, the new album was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Noam Wallenberg (Alan Parsons, Mac Miller) at Rax Trax Recording (Buddy Guy, George Clinton) and co-produced with the band. The album of all new songs will also be a commemoration of a decade of Local Motive. And they will most assuredly shake butts for a thousand years more. With lyrics like “I need you & you need me too, that’s symbiosis,” this band strives for connection, community, and celebration, keeping it brassy and sassy too. Perfect music to set the tone for a groovy day. Available everywhere. Support the band directly on Bandcamp & Patreon. Follow @localmotiveband on socials for the latest updates.
Rock N Roll from the Burbs to the City.
Let’s start with a quick roll-call on the Old Irving sound. A firm handle on the soft-loud aesthetic? Check. Chicago working class roots? Check. A modern sound with a nod to the glory days of indie and alt-rock? Check.
Singer/guitarist Steven Elfinger and Drummer Joe Marino began Old Irving in 2012 in the heart of the neighborhood the band name represents. With the enlistment of bassist/multi-instrumentalist, Richard Clark, the trio has chiseled their midwestern punk rock to a melodic art.
Whether channeling the earnest sounds of Husker Du and Jawbreaker, emo punk favorites Saves the Day and Jimmy Eat World, or even the Clash, their pop poetry is filtered through a distorted lens.
Old Irving’s new EP is the true blue sound of long Chicago nights spent with your friends. These are the moments you’d never want to end.
-anonymous
Andrew Jurcak
Jeff Mather
James O’Malley
Frank Wallis
“For the past few months I have been documenting the weekend debauchery of Chicago’s very own The Gnar Wave Rangers, so believe me when I say they’re truly the most unique, weird, and kind of scary band on the scene right now. ” – Greg Stephen Reigh
Ben de la Cour has lived a different kind of life. After growing up in Brooklyn, he set out to see the world as an amateur boxer, bartender, janitor and agricultural worker in Havana, London, Los Angeles and New Orleans before settling in Nashville. Influenced as much by giants such as Townes Van Zandt and Warren Zevon as by Nick Cave and The Gun Club, Ben de la Cour has managed to meld all of these influences into a uniquely modern, haunting and sometimes darkly humorous sound that is all his own.
“Ben de la Cour’s songs are brimming with urgent authenticity. There is thematic hardness and vulnerability throughout, but what distinguishes de la Cour’s songs from lesser guitar-and-anguished-vocals hacks is the raw humanity of his delivery and the potency of his way with words.” (No Depression)
In 2016 Ben de la Cour won the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Competition and released ‘Midnight in Havana’, eleven tightly crafted songs of what he refers to as “Americanoir”. Tales of substance abuse, murder and mental illness sit in perfect juxtaposition with occasional moments of playful lightheartedness and the ever-present glimmer of hope. However, upon closer inspection, darkness almost always wins…an unlikely hero, but one that suits de la Cour.
“Ben de la Cour bleeds the songs he sings. Within the understated instrumentation and de la Cour’s baritone voice lie stark, haunting songscapes: moody recollections that recount the journey of a life that is not always pretty, but proves better than one of mundane predictability.” (Turnstyled, Junkpiled)
When New Orleans native and Louisiana National Guardsman Chris Watts was shot in the Super Dome during Hurricane Katrina duty, he thought he’d never return to The Crescent City. Now his own brand of Deep South Americana music has transplanted him from The Big Easy to Music City, USA, drawing comparisons to Jason Isbell and Steve Earle along the way.
Watts has shared his Deep South Americana on some of the most prominent stages across the country including the Key West Songwriter’s Festival, House of Blues New Orleans, The Howlin’ Wolf, Nashville’s historic Exit/In, City Winery, the world-famous listening room Bluebird Cafe, and a residency at Tin Roof on Music City’s illustrious Broadway Ave.
He’s opened for internationally touring acts ranging from Sammy Kershaw to Gin Blossoms, Third Eye Blind, and Snoop Dogg, and was named “Artist of the Month” by Puresouthernrock.com. His music has appeared on radio stations across the country, including the acclaimed WWOZ New Orleans, WSM Nashville (home of the Grand Ole Opry), and internet radio stations worldwide.
The Revue named his debut EP The God’s Own Truth in its “Best of 2016” list. Watts is currently working on his debut solo album and is proud to call East Nashville home. The God’s Own Truth is available everywhere music is sold.
For years, the Chilean band Gondwana has been spreading the word of Jah Love. Emerging from the Latin root in reggae, Gondwana brings forth a fresh blend of Latin and Jamaican rhythms. With pulsating energy and a smooth sound, nine polished musicians are the soul of Chile’s number one reggae band.
Songs of love, social commentary and spiritual praise, Gondwana reveals positive messages that serve as an uplifting vibration for fans of all musical genres. Spirit moving falsetto notes, bubbling bass, hard drums, tight horns and guitars with the ability to move with ease in a sound ranging from calypso to hard rock; are the skillful ingredients found in the highly acclaimed Gondwana.
Without a doubt, Gondwana is one of the most prestigious, solid reggae bands to emerge from South America. With a constant movement across the continent and an endless myriad of vibrant live shows, Gondwana continues to deliver a bullet-proof repertoire of hits and new material. The band is internationally recognized as Chile’s most successful musical act.
Already superstars in their native Chile and throughout South America, Gondwana has been gaining very enthusiastic fans throughout the world one by one. From humble beginnings in La Pincoya, a northern Santiago ghetto, to a leading position in Chilean pop music, Gondwana has remained true to their original posture, standing tall and strong in a peace-loving position of musical and lyrical creation.
Formed in 1987, Gondwana has been awarded several multi-platinum albums throughout its 24 year career. Additionally they’ve performed numerous times in what are known to be some of the most important festivals throughout the continent. Recently, Gondwana has performed at the legendary “Reggae on the River Fest” earlier in 2011 in California, “Rock Al Parque” Colombia, “Vive Latino” Mexico, “Pepsi Music Fest” Argentina, “Cosquin Rock” Argentina, “Quito Fest” Ecuador and on numerous occasions at the prestigious “Vina del Mar Festival” in Chile. Upcoming shows November 17th at The Social (www.thesocial.org) in Orlando Florida followed by “Bayside Rocks Music Fest” (www.baysiderocksfestival.com) in Miami, Florida on November 19th, sharing the stage with the legendary Bunny Wailer, the original Wailers and Cultura Profetica to name a few.
A surprising aspect of Gondwana is their notable digital activity as demonstrated by their ever-growing YouTube fan base that’s currently over 40 million views with an average of 30,000 monthly visitors accessing the band’s official website www.gondwana.cl. This can only be attributed to a rarely witnessed romance between the band and its fans. The fact that the band maintains such incredible web fan base demonstrates what a massive impact the band has in order to reach millions of young hearts across the world, especially considering that the band has lacked the support from prominent producers or the support of any one of the major record labels during recent years.
At the beginning of 2011 the band released their first official best-of, titled “Pincoya Calipso” (Sony Music). The 17 re-mastered tracks are compiled from the band’s catalog along with 2 new songs that are an anticipation of their new studio album scheduled for a 2012 release.
After an extensive 2011 touring schedule that included several dates in Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Venezuela, Canada, Mexico and the US, Gondwana began pre-production of their upcoming new studio album (not yet titled).
The new album will be recorded at Gondwana’s own studio and will feature their new lead singer, MC Jona. Additionally Gondwana was invited to participate on 2 tracks “Could You Be Loved” & “Concrete Jungle” for the upcoming 2012 release “Tribute to Bob Marley 2” featuring
GONDWANA is comprised of the following members:
I-Locks Labbe on bass, MC Jona on lead vocals, Yayo Loyola on drums, Leo Dread on percussion and background vocals, Pancho Contreras on trumpet, Keno “Fingaman” Valenzuela on keyboards and background vocals, Hugo Prado on trombone, Gato Ramos on saxophone and Pez López on guitar.
Calling all Denim Clad Sailors! Chicago’s premier Turbonegro tribute band is ready max out the throttle of death punk music. This five piece will take you for a trip through the City of Satan and back. It’s time to get it on !
Protector 101 springs forth from the 80’s, cutting through a maze of neon-laden back-alleys, to re-enchant your stereo systems with melodies and feelings of this gone-but-not-forgotten decade. Armed to the teeth with post-apocalyptic synth, machine-gun drum machines and fueled by an insatiable appetite for pulsating bass lines, Protector 101 stands side by side with other cyborg-musicians such as John McCallum and Brad Fiedel. The sounds of Protector 101 is the 80’s synth soundtrack for your modern day living world.
Uplifting 8-bit synthwave from Montreal.
Joyner Lucas is a nomadic explosion of wit, passion, and lyricism.
Drum Master Kofi Baker tapped the musical legacy created by his father when forming his latest project, Kofi Baker’s Cream Experience. Kofi’s father Ginger Baker was the drumming force behind the legendary bands Cream and Blind Faith. After a trip to see his Dad play Madison Square Garden NYC during Cream’s 2005 reunion, Kofi decided a tribute project was in order. Taught by his father at an early age and having toured Europe with Steve Marriott (Humble Pie) and Jack Bruce (Cream bassist, vocalist), Kofi used first hand experience and the influence of his godfather Eric Clapton, to assemble a band that re-ignites such classic songs as White Room, Crossroads, Sunshine Of Your Love, I’m So Glad, and Badge, among others. Audiences have been blown away by Kofi’s tribute and the band’s ability to evoke the sound and spirit of the era, with a contemporary and spontaneous twist.
On board with Kofi is guitarist-singer Fran Banish, who has done stage and session work with Keb Mo, Rami Jaffe of The Wallflowers and The Foo Fighters, Dan Lavery of Tonic and The Fray, and Duncan Sheik. While touring with The Keb Mo Band, double bills included Taj Mahal and Robert Cray, and opening shows for Herbie Hancockat The Hollywood Bowl and at The San Javier Jazz Festival. Fran played lead guitar and co-wrote on Duncan Sheik’s Gold debut album and you can also hear his playing on multi-Grammy winning contemporary bluesman Keb Mo’s Epic release, “Suitcase.”
Bass wizard Dennis Keith Johnson has performed and/or recorded with bands and artists such as: Chase (Epic Records), Survivor (Scotti Brothers Records), Software (Head First Records), Dennis DeYoung (A & M Records), Jerry Butler (Motown Records), Jim Peterick (Epic Records), Bruce Bolin, Cottonwood South, Larry Carlton, Paul Wertico, B.B. King, and Sweetening, and at venues that include the Tonight Show, Newport Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall, Hollywood Bowl, Budokan (Tokyo), Chicagofest, Summerfest (Milwaukee), Holiday Star Theater, Liberty Hall (Philadelphia), Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, Radio City Music Hall & more.
Performing Jimi Hendrix
Alternative hard rock band born in the depths of the Chicago Ice Hockey scene covering mainstream tracks of the past decades.
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Bianca Shaw is a Hip-Hop and R&B artist who wrote her first rap at 11-years-old. Inspired by Missy Elliot’s authenticity and ability to sell music without exposing herself, Shaw strives to tell a story through her raps so vivid that listeners not only hear her lyrics, but envision them as well. Recently discovered by Taylor Bennett’s father, Ken Bennett, Shaw is now signed with Tay Bennett Entertainment and looks forward to collaborating with Bennett on future projects in addition to working on her next solo album.
We buy, sell and trade used records and cassettes and offer up an impressive selection of band t-shirts, used turntables and collectibles – band stickers, patches and posters. We’re also currently working on a monthly showcase featuring local artists and touring bands looking for an all-ages space.
Record Breakers began almost thirty years ago (1988) as a store front in Hoffman Estates, IL. In 2007, Breakers migrated to Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood, where it took up residence on the second floor of Reggies – an all-in-one bar, concert venue, record store and rooftop bar. After nearly 10 years at 2105 South State Street, Breakers is moving once more and returning to a store front : this time on Milwaukee Avenue in Avondale.
Swing by Record Breakers to check out our impressive collection of oldies, everything from Jefferson Airplane to Edith Piaf to Merle Haggard, and stay tuned for an upcoming monthly showcase featuring local bands in our all-ages space.
Ona makes songs that take place in these spaces. Bradley Jenkins and Zack Owens write about passions slamming into roadblocks. They write about longing, resentment, searching, and waiting. They are backed by a tight rock and roll band comprised of Zach Johnston, Max Nolte, and Brad Goodall. The five of them create music that pulses and buzzes and echoes and rolls. It feels like standing with sweat in your eyes in grass up to your knees. It feels like getting your tennis shoes wet walking along the banks of the river. It feels like catching a buzz off a bottle your buddy stole from his brother and skipping track practice. It feels like taking a long walk into the trees when you can still hear them arguing inside the house.
“If any proof is needed that the power of blues is easier to find than ever, look no further than Darren Deicide,” says The Aquarian Weekly. “Surprisingly rugged and rich…Darren Deicide brings more danger to rock n’ roll with a single blues lick and a few moments of your time than most contemporary bands do over the course of a tour,” says Jersey Beat, who goes on to say, “Darren Deicide’s music is akin to doing shots with the devil himself-it is more than a little frightening and you know the night will end badly, the question is just how badly.” Darren Deicide is the maverick of his own high-energy outsider roots music that acknowledges diabolical traditions while treading its own path through the contemporary world.
Steve’n’Seagulls is a Finnish country band, playing bluegrass versions of well-known hard rock and metal songs.
An 8-piece outfit formed ten years ago by members of Grammy Award-winning Latin revival orchestra Grupo Fantasma, Brownout has evolved into a musical force all its own. After garnering their third Austin Music Award last year, the band has continued to produce music that is unflinchingly progressive, while evoking the classic influences of artists such asWAR, Cymande and Funkadelic. They’ve performed at events including Bonnaroo, High Sierra Music Festival, Pickathon, FFFFest, Bear Creek Music Festival, Utopia Festival and Pachanga Fest,while regularly touring the U.S. Brownout’s also served as a highly in-demand backing band for artists including Prince, Daniel Johnston, GZA and Bernie Worrell.
The band released Brownout Presents Brown Sabbath Vol. II on October 28th via Ubiquity Records. The recording—the band’s second collection of material by godfathers of metal Black Sabbath—includes reimagined versions of “Fairies Wear Boots,” “Snowblind” and “Supernaught.” The tracks “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” and “Symptom of the Universe” features vocals by Ghostland Observatory’s Aaron Behrens.
Brownout has released four previous albums including Brownout presents Brown Sabbath (Ubiquity Records 2015) Homenaje (Freestyle Records 2008), Aguilas & Cobras (Six Degrees 2009) and Oozy (Nat Geo 2012).
The glory of American hard rock music has returned! THE GOLDEN GRASS are here to bring that classic feel-good heavy boogie vibe, drenched with soulful vocals, psychedelic flourishes, progressive arrangements and deep improvisational interludes! UK’s Classic Rock Magazine gave their debut LP on Svart Records an 8/10 calling it “A boogie-heavy anthem…This is rock at its most classic” and Shindig’s 4/5 review exclaimed “Rootsy psychedelia infused Southern country-rock that actually leaves you
smiling!”. Their sound majestically encapsulates the timeless feel of 60’s/70’s influence. Taking a nod from legends like JAMES GANG, ALLMAN BROTHERS & GRAND FUNK, the soulful British psych/mod of THE MOVE, THE PRETTY THINGS & THE ACTION, and the heavy umph of BUDGIE, BLUE CHEER & BLACKFOOT to seal the deal, THE GOLDEN GRASS synthesize these influences into a seamless, memorable, and high-energy performance that screams from the past but is a welcome and much needed presence in the now! Hard rock lives! Keep on grassin’!
Royal Outsiders (previously The Central Standard) are an alternative indie rock band from Chicago, IL. After meeting in college, founders Steven Phillips (lead guitar) Alex Garrison (lead vocalist) began jamming in small campus apartments off and on for several years. Soon after graduating, the duo began collaborating on new original material in a Illinois suburban basement. After an introduction from a coworker, the two met with acclaimed producer Sean O’Keefe and began discussing recording a self-funded EP. A month later the duo completed production on their debut EP and quickly added new members Mike Bronk (bass), Manny Miller (rhythm guitar) and Jack McKee (drums) to complete the outfit.
Under the name Royal Outsiders, the band has began writing new material in the same basement the original duo began their first material. Influenced by an eclectic mix of genres ranging from southern inspired rock and blues to modern indie rock, the band has continued to hone in on its sound with the goal to record a full length album in the near future. Armed with new material, the band has begun to make waves in the Chicago music scene with aspirations of making its footprint known on a national basis.