The Smiley Tillmon Band was formed in early 2008 when Smiley Tillmon and Tom Rezetko began playing blues together at local open jam nites throughout the Chicagoland area. After a few weeks, the jams got funkier and the crowds got bigger, which led Smiley and Tom to seek out a band. Smiley likes to mix up the group to achieve a modern and unique style of blues, funk, soul and jazz.
Entertainer, Showman, and profound Guitarist, Smiley Tillmon was born in Jefferson County, Georgia in 1941. After a short while, he relocated and was raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida where he started playing R&B and Calypso in 1957. His biggest influences were George Benson and Matt Murphy.
After moving to Chicago, IL in 1959, Smiley decided to make the blues his priority, playing full-time until 1976. During this time, Smiley performed with established artists such as Junior Wells, James Cotton, Zora Young, Lefty Dizz, Sunnyland Slim, Johnny Dollar, Bob Stroger, and helped start the career of Denise LaSalle.
In 1977, the music became Smiley’s 2nd priority, as he raised his family and maintained a full-time job at a Chicago school district until 2007. During this time, he was still playing part-time and working on his chops more than ever.
In 2007, Smiley emerged back on the scene, with the help of Tom Rezetko, to fulfill his calling as a music man and start a blues revival on Chicago’s Southside.
Since his comeback, Smiley has performed with the likes of Lonnie Brooks, Jimmy Johnson, Eddie Clearwater, Twist Turner, Rockin’ Johnny Burgin and countless others. He has graced the stage at venues of all sizes, including Kingston Mines, The Checkerboard Lounge, Chess Records, The Beverly Arts Center, and even Toyota Park.
Now, at the age of 70, Smiley’s passion for music is higher than ever before, constantly learning new playing tactics and teaching future generations of musicians to come.
Keeping true to the true spirit of rhythm and blues, The Smiley Tillmon Band blends Chicago Blues, Stax and funk favorites to keep the party groovin’!
Joel Paterson is one of the most respected guitarists on the Windy City music scene today. The blues/country/rockabilly/jazz guitar wizard has spent the last 10 years touring and recording with acts like Dave ‘Honey Boy’ Edwards, Wanda Jackson, Carl ‘Sonny’ Leyland, Jimmy Sutton’s Four Charms, Deke Dickerson, and his own Joel Paterson’s Blues Roundup and the Modern Sounds (who were voted best Chicago Jazz Band in the 2009 Chicago Reader Poll). While Paterson can recreate the sound and feel of guitar greats like Django Reinhardt, Tiny Grimes, Chet Atkins, Wes Montgomery, and Merle Travis, he can also nail the Chicago and delta blues idioms of guitarists like Blind Blake, Robert Nighthawk, Jimmy Rogers, and Freddie King. If that wasn’t enough, this guy can also tear it up on a pedal steel. Plain and simple this cat can play.
“Their debut release, “Pretty Girls” is a grouping of jittery, garage-rock jams with a healthy dose of group choruses, fuzzy vocals and steady percussion. A. Sinclair is a mature project aiming for honesty and joy in the music itself. They’re not flashy or glamorous, finding more musical satisfaction in simple tone work and phrasing. The pace is always quick and varying; boosted by a sense of urgency and a clear message.”
“Staying away from the traditional constraints of a single genre label, Misanthropy fuses mind dissolving dissonant melodies, twisting hyper speed technicality, foundation-shattering low brutality, and hooks that will worm their way into your brain and take up permanent residence “
Morocco Brown is a 20-year-old rapper from Chicago, Illinois. Brown was only 15 when he produced his first mixtape and 17 when he decided he wanted to dedicate his time to making music. Once he graduated high school, Brown signed with Tay Bennett Entertainment as Bennett’s first signee. While his fans describe his musical style as “revamped, old-school Hip-Hop,” Brown prioritizes lyricism and says that “melodies come after” deeming his musical style as “indescribable.” As an artist, Brown’s agenda aims to encourage listeners to “whole-heartedly” remain true to themselves. Brown stays motivated by continuing to progress and excel as an artist, knowing his music will one day reach millions. The young Chicago artist looks forward to releasing his first album this September tilted, Manic.
K-Mu is a band of young musicians, ages 17-20, each from different sides of Chicago. K-Mu was formed in the summer of 2015 by Eddie Burns (Drums), Tony Milano (Keyboard), Kopano Muhammad (Vocals), and Johnathan Miller (Bass). They first performed together at a house show on the city’s north side but made their debut at House of Blues in January 2016. They then went on to perform at venues such as Subterranean, 27 Live, and even selling out Martyrs’. K-Mu plays music ranging from neo-soul to hip hop and their influences include Erykah Badu, J-Dilla, and The Social Experiment. They recently dropped their first single on Soundcloud, “Red Wine” early April and look forward to dropping their EP, “The K-Mu Tape” in the coming months.
Chicago’s All Else Fails Reunites for one show. You may remember them from such venues as….The Fireside Bowl…..The Knights of Columbus….Off the Alley….Riley’s Rock House
BURN REBUILD
Burn Rebuild is a punk rock band from Chicago started by guitarist Brian Hampson and lead singer/bassist, Franky Tsoukalas. In 2013, the guys started up to relieve the stress of college while they both pursued degrees in their 30’s at UIC. The main goal of the band is to play and write as much as adult life allows. Though the band has had many…many member changes, all members that have come and gone in Burn Rebuild have always been friends of the band. Now with a solidified lineup and their EP Losing Grip, the guys are looking to bring their take on punk to the streets of Chicago. They’re not touring. They have kids and dogs and shit…and it probably just isn’t in the cards. However, come out to a show in Illinois and go check out their ep at www.burnrebuild.bandcamp.com
Around Christmas of 2010, Mike Martello was stuck in a stranger’s house with three weeks to kill. He decided to write and record an album using an acoustic guitar, a microkorg, and whatever else was lying around. The project was dubbed Sheep Numbers, and the album was actually pretty cool, so now Sheep Numbers is a real band with real people playing ramshackle pop/rock nuggets.
The Looking is the brainchild of singer/songwriter Todd Carter. His music has its roots not just in country and indie-rock, but immaculate ‘70s singer-songwriter classics. Fusing together a wide scope of inspiration including opera, punk rock, traditional folk, and psychedelic soul, The Looking creates music that has been described as “intriguing….fascinating” (Collected Sounds), “eclectic and provocative,” (The Chronicle), and “like nobody else you have heard before” (IndieMusic.com ). Carter’s ability to captivate audiences lies in the power of his “phenomenal….goose-bump-inducing voice” (Direct Current). Bringing a real consistency and fluidity to his latest long player Lead Me To Water, Carter’s various influences cohere into a consistent, kickass collection.
I am moving in a new direction, freshly branded, equipped with new original music, management and a new website in an effort to expand my horizons. This is an exciting time and I ask that you please join me in my pursuit.
Browse the new site and all it has to offer with details on upcoming shows, music releases, photos and booking info.
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Born in Mississippi and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Linsey Alexander discovered a down to earth city that truly understands and appreciates music on Chicago’s southside. In much the same way as many great blues artists before him, he grew up in a poor but honest and hard working family, learning early on that music has the power to lift the spirit and comfort the soul. In Linsey’s own words, “Blues is not hard- it’s just a documentary about life.” His first guitar – a gift from a family friend who played on the front stoop of Linsey’s home in Memphis – was never retrieved from the pawn shop where he left it almost 50 years ago. Using the money to help pay his way to Chicago, he now plays a variety of Gibson and Fender guitars. Since 1959, Linsey Alexander has been perfecting the art of entertainment blues for the sheer and simple pleasure of it. His easy smile and unpretentious personality define a charismatic entertainer who loves to perform; and perform he does!
Although having played with B.B.King, Bobby Rush, Buddy Guy, Little Milton, Magic Slim, Johnnie Taylor, A.C.Reed, Larry McCray, Bither Smith, John Primer, Otis Clay, Eddie Clearwater, and other great blues performers, Linsey Alexander has remained resolutely true to his own style. His earlier CD’s released, “Someone’s Cookin’ in My Kitchen,” “My Days Are So Long,” and “If You Ain’t Got It” are all three compilations of original Blues and R&B tunes.
Alexander has been to 10 countries and all across America spreading the joy of blues.
He is thankful for the good things in his life, and now at last, seems willing to realize that the friends that encouraged him to keep playing over the years may have known a thing or two about talent. Linsey has “never truly believed in himself” until now; Now, he is ready to believe. In 2012, He signed with Delmark Records and recorded his first international CD, “Been There, Done That.”
Linsey’s recent CD, released in August 2014, “Come Back Baby,” landed Linsey a spot as number three best Chicago Blues album.
Linsey Alexander was inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame June 8th, 2014.
Linsey Alexander’s tour put him in Mexico, Brazil and France. Alexander plans to return to Brazil and France soon in 2015.
A Quick One is the second studio album by English rock band The Who, released in 1966. The album was also released under the title Happy Jack on Decca Records in the United States, where the song “Happy Jack” was a top 40 hit.
THE KINKS “MUSWELL HILLBILLIES”
Muswell Hillbillies is an album by the English rock group The Kinks. Released in November 1971, it was the band’s first album for RCA Records.
Listener is a spoken word rock band from Fayetteville, Arkansas. Initially an underground hip hop project by Dan Smith, who used the moniker “Listener”, the project evolved into a full-fledged rock band.
‘68 is an American rock duo that formed in 2013. The two-piece band features guitarist and vocalist Josh Scogin, formerly of the hardcore band The Chariot, and drummer Michael McClellan.
Alex Skolnick Trio (AST) are known for sophisticated re-harmonizations of heavy classics as well as quirky originals, performed with a depth, humor, and virtuosity that enthralls fans across the musical spectrum. An AST concert will quickly achieve legitimacy in the eyes and ears of skeptical jazz fans, while at the same time introduce metalheads to the pleasures of music without moshpits.
Alex Skolnick has the unique distinction of being both an original member of Bay Area metal band Testament (which he joined at age sixteen) and a respected improviser of jazz guitar. Emerging as one of the original melodic thrash guitarists (alongside Marty Friedman), Alex later moved to New York and earned a BfA in Jazz from The New School, followed by several critically acclaimed albums with AST, whose recent live album, AST Unbound, was reviewed by Bill Milkowski (author of “JACO” and one of the most widely published jazz journalists since the ’70s): “Skolnick runs the guitaristic gamut from lush chord melodies to Wes Montgomery-style octaves to screaming Sonny Sharrock-esque skronking” (Downbeat Jan 2017).
When not on tour with Testament (the band is currently slated to join Slayer’s massive farewell tour), Alex can be found with AST playing The Blue Note in Milan, Agharta in Prague, New York’s Iridium, Yoshi’s in Oakland and various elegant venues across the world. He is also a first call player for jazz/rock projects including the Stu Hamm power trio, Jane Getter Premonition featuring alumni from Pat Metheny Group (Mark Egan) and Miles Davis (Adam Holzman), as well as “Celebrating Allan Holdsworth,” in which Alex was one of several guitarists with the prestigious position of filling in for the late, great innovator at a series of shows with his (Holdsworth’s) touring band. In 2016, Joe Satriani chose Alex (his former pupil), to be a primary guest instructor at his annual G4 Experience, alongside Eric Johnson, Mike Keneally and Steve Vai, followed by by a stint as the sole guitarist on faculty at Warwick Bass Camp, in which he taught and played alongside Alphonso Johnson (Weather Report) and Dennis Chambers (John Scofield/John McLaughlin).
Conceived during Alex’s stint at The New School, AST came together when he and a fellow student, drummer Matt Zebroski, began incorporating metal melodies into their explorations of standard jazz repertoire. Bassist Nathan Peck, a fellow Pittsburgh Native of Matt’s, was brought in a couple years later.
AST was chosen as support act by the immensely popular guitar duo, Rodrigo y Gabriela, performing in such venues as Paris’s Olympia Theater and New York’s Radio City Music Hall, while an AST tour of the UK elicited the following reactions from music journalists in Dublin and London, respectively:
“A wonderful display of rock infused jazz” (Dublin Concerts)
“Alex Skolnick is that rare thing, a passionate, innovative and adventurous guitarist.” (GRTR UK)
“Originals & metal covers converted into jazz w highly satisfying results. Sumptuous, technically proficient music” (Egigs.co.UK)
Upon their first ever headlining tour in Europe in 2016, the trio enthralled audiences in The Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Austria. The audiences were made up of jazz aficionados and metal heads wanting to see what the lead guitarist from the thrash metal band TESTAMENT is up to. Every promoter on the tour wanted him back, which led to the live album and follow up tour in 2017, including Italy, France and the UK. In concert, AST performs a mix of compelling original compositions, with radically altered yet heartfelt arrangements of Scorpions, Aerosmith, Ozzy, Judas Priest, and more, to standing ovations. Now, AST is releasing Conundrum, their first studio album in several years and their first to consist of entirely original compositions. We are putting together a U.S. tour to promote the release!
Alex Skolnick (guitar and vocals), Matt Zebroski (drums), Nathan Peck (acoustic standup bass) are stellar virtuoso artists who thrive on playing challenging music in front of their fans. AST delights their dedicated audience while breaking hallowed and, supposedly, mutually opposite music genres.
The international music press has been overwhelmingly receptive and effervescent in their support of the Trio. Since the debut, AST had had an entire Jazz notes column in Billboard, garnered 4 ½ stars by Downbeat, reviewed by Jazziz, The Village Voice and much more. With two successful European tours under its belt and more in the works, a new chapter is beginning for AST.
Singer/Songwriter Hassan Jamil Khan, popularly known as Jimmy Khan is widely regarded as one of South Asia’s most talented musicians. Respected for his urban folk music, in 2013, Jimmy Khan formed a collaborative title, Jimmy Khan & The Big Ears, for all the artists he works with. Jimmy Khan & The Big Ears released their first album, in 2014. The album entails 6 songs, both original and covers, with Nadiya as the first single, which he also recorded at the coveted Coke Studio platform. His latest single Baarish as heard in the blockbuster film Ho Mann Jahaan is out now.
Wikepedia describes Bruce Hampton as a “Surrealist American musician.” While that’s a good try, it’s simply impossible to put into words the impact he has had not only as a musician based out of Atlanta for more than 40 years, but as a bandleader who has opened the door to creativity and musical exploration for legions of artists. In the late 60s, Bruce’s Hampton Grease Band played free shows at Piedmont Park with the Allman Brothers Band and recorded the album Music to Eat for Columbia Records in 1971. Bruce has made more than 15 albums solo and with his various groups including the Aquarium Rescue Unit, The Fiji Mariners, the Codetalkers and the Quark Alliance. The 2013 documentary, Basically Frightened: The Musical Madness of Col. Bruce Hampton, Ret. features Dave Matthews, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Billy Bob Thornton and many more artists talking about how Bruce changed their lives and trying to explain why he is the “the coolest extraterrestrial you’ve never heard of.”
Dualstyles is a hard rock band from Chicago that blends elements of hip hop and electronic sound into their music. The band uses a multicultural influence to express the world through their eyes and of those around them.
So many bands nowadays sound alike, and even more shoot for a linear sounding style, it’s due time a band steps forward to break the stale mold of the progressive metal scene. “To create a fresh perspective on progressive metal and help to rebuild their scene” – that’s the mission of The Great Divide. The Great Divide is a three piece collective of best friends based out of Chicago, IL, formed in late 2013. The band prides themselves on doing everything independently, from recording their own music to running all aspects of their business and marketing. The Great Divide believes that with enough hard work, dedication, and a strong vision, anyone can create their own reality, and that much is apparent from their work ethic and devotion to their music.
New Orleans’ EYEHATEGOD is the snarling, bilious sound of dead-end America. Since 1988, they’ve been a soundtrack for the troubled masses. Ugly music for ugly times. That’s the sense of disenchantment and disease that lies the heart of their latest and sixth full-length album, A History of Nomadic Behavior. Anyone familiar with EHG’s story knows this is survivor’s music, a sound unto itself where Sabbathian riffs are meted out with a caustic anger that goes beyond punk. That’s been the blueprint since guitarist Jimmy Bower (also of NOLA supergroup, Down) founded the band in 1988 with vocalist Michael IX Williams joining not long after. With a discography including sludge-punk mainstays like In the Name of Suffering (1990), Take as Needed for Pain (1993) Dopesick (1996) or 2014’s eponymously-titled LP, released in the US through Housecore Records, EHG laid the cracked foundation for their infamous and influential sound. A History of Nomadic Behavior finds the band, now slimmed to a four-piece rounded out by bassist Gary Mader and drummer Aaron Hill, leaner and meaner than ever; road-hardened by recent tours with Black Label Society, Corrosion of Conformity and Napalm Death in the US and abroad. From the bitter pill of opener “Built Beneath the Lies” to the hypnotic haze of closer “Every Thing, Every Day” it’s clear that that EYEHATEGOD hasn’t slowed or mellowed with time. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. This is disorienting, uneasy listening. Music that still hurts.
Very influential British punk rock band which formed in 1977 with the original line up of Terry ‘Tez’ Roberts on vocals, Tony ‘Bones’ Roberts on guitar, Roy ‘Rainy’ Wainwright on guitar, Nigel Bamford on bass and Akko on drums. Shortly after Nigel Bamford left the group, and Rainy moved to bass. This line up sounded much more like the Sex Pistols, but only recorded one demo. The line up and the sound changed in 1979. It became: Kelvin ‘Cal’ Morris on vocals, Bones on guitar, Rainy on bass and Tez on drums, which many consider to be the “classic” Discharge line up.
The band pioneered a heavy, distorted, and grinding guitar–driven sound and anti–melodic shouted or screamed vocals with on a focus on anarchist and pacifist themes and frequent mention of nuclear war.
Discharge also pioneered “D–beat” as a punk subgenre. The band’s sound, political viewpoint and stripped–down aesthetic can be traced to modern hardcore bands like ; Disfear, Tragedy, Nasum
In the fall of 1999 three out of four members of a band called “Exit23” decided to leave home in search of a new and better music scene. They packed up all their worldly belongings and moved 1,000 miles away, ending up in the outskirts of Chicago, IL.It was a slow start for Matty, Dave, and J. They spent the first few months just trying to survive. They lived in an empty apartment, slept on the floor, and for fun played a game they called “Sock,” which was basically baseball with a rolled up sock. It wasn’t easy, but they were determined to make things work.While struggling to keep each other fed and clothed, they put up some flyers in hopes of finding a drummer. As fate would have it, the first drummer to respond to the flyer was a young lad from Oswego, IL named Rich. A meeting was arranged, a practice was held, and a decision was made. The band was complete, and they began writing songs.Then in the spring of 2000, J was forced to return to NY. Family issues, among other things made it impossible for him to remain in Chicago. After a friendly parting of ways the remaining three decided to regroup and start something new, without subtracting any of J’s profound influence. He is missed every single day.Months of playing with different fill-in bass players went by. And finally, an Email response to their calling came in from a punk named Toby from Lockport, IL. Once again… A meeting was arranged, a practice was held, and a decision was made. At long last, “Jinxpack” was in full effect.In the summer of 2001 their debut album “Nobody’s Clean” was recorded and released in October. They began touring hitting most of the states south and west of IL. Since then, they’ve just about covered the entire US. They’re sponsored by Skate Shack of Lisle, IL. And have songs on many compilation discs!Jinxpack is a melodic punk band with big dreams, and has set no limits. They remember all those that have helped them along the way. Now you know the important parts of their past… They hope you’re excited for their future!
VibraphoniX is collective of Chicago musicians all hailing from some of the top acts in the Midwest! This super group features a rotating cast and frequent big sit ins from members of Terrapin Flyer, Fresh Hops, The Dropper, Downers Groove, Shady Grady, The Casual Ties and Zmick for an eclectic, multi genre show of originals, improv sections and select favorite covers that will have you rocking and grooving all night long. Spread the good Vibes!
Singer and rapper Tunde Olaniran works for Planned Parenthood, and is an active supporter of the LGBT pride scene around Detroit and his home base of Flint, Mich. The non-musical side of his resumé hints at the hard and unpredictable work of taking on social issues, so it’s no surprise that his music reveals a restless spirit and seemingly bottomless supply of energy.
According to Olaniran, “KYBM,” which stands for “Keep Your Body Moving,” is dedicated to the social justice community in Detroit, working to better lives in and around the notoriously troubled city. Olaniran’s voice swoops from falsetto to exaggeratedly, artificially lowered echoes in the span of two words, over a brassy synth line and a drum machine like a jumping heartbeat. This is a dance anthem that won’t quit, dedicated to friends and colleagues living by the same principle.
Fronted by REILLY VALENTINE, with JOSH BOYER on lead, SPENCER LOVE on bass, and MIGUEL WHITE on drums, PSYCHIC NURSE is cooking up 90’s desert rock with a glam twist. Blues-inspired and lyrically minded, this grungy foursome will severely impact your hearing in the best way possible.
The Fourmula is one of the hottest up and coming bands from Peoria IL. They’ve been winning over audiences with their smooth style of blues and great live show along with tasteful original music. The Fourmula is Bob Kelly on drums and vocals, Aaron Miller on guitar and vocals, Chris Nix on Harmonica and Keyboards, and Mike Stumpo on bass guitar and vocals.
Cory Henry is a multi-instrumentalist and producer with a catalog worthy of a man twice his age. His primary instrument is the organ, and he began playing at the age of two. At the age of six he competed at the Apollo Theater and made it to the finalist round. In 2010, he co-produced Jay White’s “Larger than Life”. Later that year he released his first album “Christmas With You”, which featured his lively renditions of Christmas classics and prominently showcased his skill as an improviser. Kim Burrell’s Grammy nominated and Stellar Award winning “Love” album released in 2011 boasted several tracks that were written and produced by Henry. Later on that year, he released a single entitled “Leave Me Alone” featuring his vocal artistry.
At the tender age of nineteen he had the opportunity to begin traveling with the Jazz legend Kenny Garrett as his organist in a stint that lasted three years. He has done television work playing on the third season of Sunday’s Best for BET and on the Jimmy Fallon Show. He has worked with Aretha Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Sara Bareilles, Stanley Brown, Ray Chew And The Crew, P. Diddy, Kirk Franklin, Rob Glasper, Ron Grant, Lalah Hathway, Derrick Hodge, Israel Houghton, Joe, Shaun Kingston, Donald Lawrence, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin, Michael McDonald, Boyz 2 Men, NAS, Snarky Puppy, Tommy Sims, Bruce Springsteen, The Roots, Hezekiah Walker, Bishop Jeffrey White, the late Timothy Wright, and many others. Henry’s awe-inspiring impromptu YouTube performances have gained him a loyal and sizable following. His latest release, “First Steps” was released in the July 2014 and was celebrated on iTunes as “New and Noteworthy” and debuted #1 on the iTunes charts. He is currently touring with Snarky Puppy, his own band “The Funk Apostles” and lending his talent to the production of several projects for other artists.
Amongst many attempts to describe The Whiskey Gentry, perhaps the best take was from Paste Magazine, who called them a “toe-tapping, steamrolling kind of band, its fingers picking deep into fields of bluegrass…with a punk-inspired kick drum.”
The Whiskey Gentry’s catchy tunes reel in listeners ranging from young music novices to wider mainstream audiences, while their musical chops earn the professional praise and respect of those with the most sophisticated of musical palates.
Initially a quintet formed by husband and wife duo Lauren Staley and Jason Morrow, the band’s 2011 debut album, Please Make Welcome, became a critically-acclaimed success, garnering official recognition as a finalist in the Chris Austin Songwriting Competition held at MerleFest. While touring in support of the record, the full lineup was solidified, with Michael Smith on mandolin and Rurik Nunan on fiddle/vocals joining Chesley Lowe on banjo, and Sammy Griffin on bass.
For their 2013 sophomore effort, Holly Grove, the band once again sought the talents of engineer and co-producer John Keane (R.E.M., Uncle Tupelo). In early 2013, the band successfully rallied fans to help fund the studio sessions through a Kickstarter campaign. Local artists and established pros alike pitched in as well, creating a true ensemble effort on songs such as a duet with Butch Walker on “One Night in New York,” and cameos throughout the album by Les Hall, the Dappled Grays, and Radiolucent. Mastered by Glenn Schick (Indigo Girls, Drive-By Truckers), Holly Grove infuses elements of country, bluegrass, folk, rock, and punk with a mix of poppy and poignant lyrics, fiery and heartfelt vocals, traditional and progressive sounds, honesty, edginess, and entertainment all around.
With two studio albums under their belt, April 2014 saw the release of Live From Georgia on Goose Creek Music, which captures the raw energy and powerful stage presence fans have come to expect at live shows. Indeed The Whiskey Gentry is riding a wave of momentum. Holly Grove peaked at #16 on the Americana Radio Chart, they continue touring extensively up and down the East coast from Tampa to Boston, through Texas and Louisiana, the Midwest, and many points in between, including Europe. Luring listeners in, capturing their ears, hearts, and minds, and blazing new trails in Americana music and beyond, The Whiskey Gentry is only just warming its heels.
Hunter S. Thompson wrote that “the whiskey gentry” was “a pretentious mix of booze, failed dreams, and a terminal identity crisis.” Though they are never lacking offers from fans for a shot of whiskey, their dreams are becoming reality, their identity is distinct, their future on a steady crescendo.
Har Mar Superstar started as a solo, modern pop R&B side-project for Sean Tillmann in 1999. Hailing from the Twin Cities, Tillmann quickly gained notoriety worldwide for boisterous, sweaty live shows that often ended disrobed down to a pair of briefs, while managing to create a balance of trust and nervous energy from unsuspecting crowds. He toured the world, priding himself on being an “artist’s artist,” championed by his peers The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Gossip, Father John Misty, and The Faint, among others, who repeatedly selected him as a main-support opening act. Lizzo even joined the band for a few tours.
As Tillmann’s songwriting grew stronger, the shtick began to fade and gave way to more honesty in his albums & live performances, while the band grew in size, volume, and restraint. Everything really came together with the release of Har Mar’s landmark, classic soul album Bye Bye 17 in 2013, and he was finally, solidly gaining his own audience globally through a non-stop tour schedule that continued through his most recent album, Best Summer Ever. By 2016, the band had grown into an unstoppable 7-piece behemoth, famous as much for their entertainment sweat equity as they were for their ability to seamlessly morph through sets of widely varying styles, energy, and raw emotion.
After living in London, LA, and Brooklyn for 14 years, Tillmann is back in Minneapolis and proud to call it home. The new album, Roseville, is a love letter to the community, artists & family that drew him back and the experiences he had along the way.
Steve Jr. grew up in the Chicago Suburb Wheaton Illinois. His first instrument was piano; he started playing drums by age 13. Stephen concluded his eclectic early education at the Chicago Academy for the Arts high school. Roosevelt University was the next stop, and there Stephen was able to experience and be educated in Classical, Jazz, and traditional music of many different styles. Composition and arranging was one of the greatest interests that grew for Stephen in college.
PROSTHETIC RECORDS has signed Minneapolis based tech-death metallers, REAPING ASMODEIA. Formed by former members of With Dead Hands Rising, REAPING ASMODEIA self-released their debut album, “Poison of the Earth,” a year later. The album was mixed and mastered by Zack Ohren (All Shall Perish, Suffocation) and received high press in the death metal community. The band spent most of that year touring in support of the album, playing shows all across America with the likes of Abiotic, Beyond Creation, Boris The Blade and many more. They also appeared at the Texas independence Fest, Orange County Death Fest and Austin’s Hoodang Festival. Their intense live show and unrelenting work ethic, made them the go-to regional metal band in the Minneapolis area, having been chosen to support artists like Veil of Maya, The Faceless, The Contortionist as well as last year’s Summer Slaughter. With the signing to PROSTHETIC and a new album planned for Summer 2016, expect REAPING ASMODEIA’s reach to expand worldwide.
Early in his career, Malcolm performed guitar and piano on Bill Ward’s (Black Sabbath) record ‘Ward 1’, which included piano on a track featuring Ozzy Osbourne. He recorded with Dick Heckstall-Smith, and a Brand X compilation featuring 2 of his own songs performed withPercy Jones, John Goodsall and Pierre Moerlan. In the 90s Malcolm toured and recorded with ‘Lost City’, featuring Rue Phillips and Kofi Baker, which included a double headline US tour with Edan Everly (Don Everly’s son).
Malcolm has recently spent time in Nashville at producer Kevin McKendree‘s studio (Delbert McClinton, Brian Setzer, John Oates) and was in the studio as assistant engineer with Little Richard for a tribute to songwriting legend Dottie Rambo. Whilst in Nashville, Malcolm also played bass on fretless guitarist Ned Evett‘s record ‘Treehouse’ produced by Adrian Belew. Malcolm also played bass on a song featuring Elton John playing piano and singing a duet with Frankie Miller, which will be released on a special tribute record to Frankie, with Frankie’s longtime guitarist Ray Minhinnettand producer David Mackay.
Malcolm performed shows with his father over the years, in the UK, US and Europe. He appeared on several of Jack’s recordings, including ‘Shadows in the Air’ on tracks with Eric Clapton, and ‘More Jack than God’ featuring Dr. John, culminating in work on Jack’s final album ‘Silver Rails’, recorded at Abbey Road Studios in 2014.
Malcolm has been touring regularly, playing shows in theatres and clubs across the UK and the US, including venues in London such as The Jazz Cafe, The Troubadour and O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, and in NYC at BB Kings, Iridium and The Cutting Room.
Recent live work has included touring in the US with Leslie West and Corky Laing (Mountain), a 60 date tour as support for Joe Satriani across Europe, the US and Canada as part of Ned Evett’s Triple Double, and a special Jimi Hendrix Birthday tribute at BB Kings in New York City with Eric Schenkman (Spin Doctors) and Corky Laing. Malcolm has also toured with Will Johns (Andy Johns’ son), Kofi Baker (Ginger Baker’s son), and Chris Page playing the songs of Cream, in the USA as well as the UK. He recently completed a 10 concert solo UK tour as support for Andy Fraser (Free), and toured Japan and Germany with guitarist Chris Spedding (Motorbikin’). He played piano for poet / Cream lyricist Pete Brown in Prague and Bratislava, at a CD release event for Czech star Miro Zbirka’s album recorded at Abbey Road with producer Rob Cass. Malcolm played a headline show at The Cutting Room in August, with a band consisting of guitarist David Malachowski (Anthony Rapp, Mamma Mia, Shania Twain), and the cream of the crop of Broadway musicians including drummer Gary Seligson (Rent, School of Rock).
Malcolm is now gearing up to release an album, recorded in Nashville and London, through Pledge Music in early 2016 and will be touring in support of the release through the late Spring.
There’s a free EP download for everyone who makes a pledge towards the Pledge Music campaign. For more info about how to get involved: www.pledgemusic.com/projects/malcolmbruce
Nuclear Waste is a hard rocking power trio that established itself in the 80’s winning H.S. Battle of the Bands performances in Chicago. 34 years later the trio has reunited. The founding members Marcelino “Ace” Diaz – guitar/vocals, George Fludas – drums, and Chris Clemente – bass/vocals have decided to revisit classic tunes and also add some new material. Big influences are Led Zeppelin, Rush, Van Halen and The Police, to name a few. Even though these musicians have carved their own separate music careers respectively in Jazz, Pop or Fusion they have returned to bring back the ROCK! And it’s heavy! Chris Clemente (bass,vox) is a veteran musician/producer/educator. He was a contributing composer for Harpo Studio and Chicago Public Radio. Chris has played with Jennifer Hudson, Kanye, Percy Sledge, Hiram Bullock. Local bands include: Amazing Headgear, General Zod, & BKO. Recently, his band Kick the Cat opened for Stu Hamm at Reggies…and they brought it! George Fludas (drums) A well established jazz drummer, George has played in Chicago clubs with local greats like Von Freeman, Jodie Christian and Lin Halliday, as well as in groups including Bobby Broom, and Ron Perrillo. He was a member of legendary bassist Ray Brown’s trio, and toured with Diana Krall’s group. He also toured and recorded with organist Joey DeFrancesco’s trio. Make no bones about it. George “Fish” is a heavy hitter often compared to John “Bonzo” Bonham. Ace Diaz (guitars/vox) is a driving force behind NW. Ace is a consummate guitarist in many rock styles. His guitar/amp collection is both confusing and impressive. He has played with local bands Arra, Infinity, Epic, and Evolution in many Chicago area night clubs. In NW he doubles on Moog Taurus Pedals and sings lead and background vocals.
Gonzo-Feedback rhythm and poetic space dabs
Cleancut-Leading sonic inspiration rhythm
Ratface-Leveled out tempo rhythm
Richardson J.-Low end fuzz rhythm
Ashbringer was established in 2014 by Nick Stanger with the solo-recorded debut LP Vacant (Avantgarde Music). The project was soon expanded into a full band to tour the United States and Canada. Subsequent releases Yūgen (2016, Avantgarde Music, Vendetta) and Absolution (2019, Prosthetic) further expanded on their kaleidoscopic sound, combining elements of black metal, post-rock, folk, noise and ambient music.
With their lineup now fully solidified, Ashbringer continue to evolve into a sound uniquely their own, drawing from an expansive palette to craft their most experimental yet accessible release to date: We Came Here To Grieve.
Nick Stanger – Guitar/Vocals Jackson Catton – Guitar Nathan Wallestad – Bass Andy Meyer – Drums
Fusing foot-stompin’ bohemian cabaret folk, French chanson and `80’s punk, with vaudeville charm, steampunk flair and pixiespirit this Euro-American duo seamlessly blends raucous, danceable melodies and rhythms with cheeky stories sung in English and French.
The Nathaniel Johnstone Band hails from Seattle, WA, lead by multi-instrumentalist Nathaniel Johnstone (violin, viola, banjo, mandolin, and guitar). Their vibrant sound crosses boundaries and borders, resulting in a blend of European, Middle Eastern, and South American music with Jazz, Rock, Surf, Folk, Gothic, and Steampunk influences.
Joining the band on stage is world-renown bellydance fusion artist Tempest, adding another incredible level to the band’s dynamic stage show. All together, they provide an incredible audio-visual experience that delivers solid, reliable music and high-quality entertainment – all while getting folks up and dancing!
The Men That Will Not Be Blamed for Nothing are a steampunk band from London. Their name is a reference to the chalked graffiti discovered above a section of blood-stained apron thought to have been …
With a high energy blend of punk, surf and power-pop, Northern CA’s, DECENT CRIMINAL, offer catchy, upbeat songs that mercilessly collide with abrasive and often melancholy undertones, to bring forth a style that’s playfully compatible while still feeling inadvertently raw.
Clay Borrell is a 19 year old singer/songwriter and entertainer from Minneapolis, Minnesota. At the age of 12, Clay started filming short comedy skits, school projects and soon keeping up with this hobby by doing cover songs of a current favorite song by Jason Mraz or whatever caught his attention. At the age of 16, Clay’s long time friend and video cohort Alex Ernst (Vine, Digifest) introduced Clay to his current manager on a partnered video project. Soon following, Clay flew out to LA and began to record his very first song and debut single, “Hello L.A.”. Since it’s release, Clay has played concerts across the country and been on multiple promotional tours spreading the word. He has also attended and performed at VidCon, Playlist Live recently. In the midst of promoting and performances Clay has finished his much anticipated debut EP which will be released in 2015! With the accompanying release, Clay’s goal is to share his music and passion for living life to the fullest with as many people as possible. See you in 2015 and on friends, expect Clay in a city near you soon!
Whether performing with Ashish Khan the world’s foremost Sarod Master or opening for Bob Dylan, or performing at New York’s Lincoln Center, Boyd has always had one mission; to do things a little differently; a little off the beaten path. When Boyd decided to join the US Navy and perform in the US Navy Steel Drum Band, this ethic was truly put to the test. Deciding that the normal usage of performing Caribbean Steel Drums was not enough, Boyd set out to recreate the instrument and use it in as many different ways he possibly could, all the while singing and performing as many different musical styles as possible in order to gain a rich understanding of what the instrument can and will do.
Magick Potion is a power ambient duo from Chicago USA.Consisting of Classical Pianist Vivian Yanzhe Yu and Bassist JasonWayne Sneed, melting their individual styles, creating rich textured soundscapes. Known for their signature, eerie dark and beautifully cosmic sound. Using sub sonic frequencies to lull and terrify the listener, taking them on a journey to another dimension.
Cooper’s Grove is a band of brothers doing battle on the local and national scene. Pouring heart and soul into each of their compositions. A band with true Midwest values writing about real life experiences. The listener walks away with a sense of fellowship and a catchy tune to remind them we’re all in this together.
The loving sounds of those passed. The yearly ritual of erasing things. Ocean Days is a simple three piece indie band bringing the not so simple feeling of 20-something angst. You will be reminded of Elliot Smith, From Indian Lakes, Bon Iver, Foxing, and many others.
“The School of Rock AllStars are top teenage musicians from around the globe, touring North America and wowing crowds with classic and modern rock and roll hits. They are joined by School of Rock house bands that showcase the area’s local talent.”
