Upon Ben’s return to Chicago, the “Ben Ripani Music Co.” was formed. Blending the sounds of Indie, Folk, Alt.Country & Americana, with lyric based songs and involved texture and sound, it’s hard not to engage in the honesty, moments of vulnerability and truth that is laid on the stage during their live shows. This 5-piece band is comprised of Ben Ripani (guitar, vocals), Patrick Benson (percussion, vocals), Dave Marshall (bass, vocals), Chris Nakielski (keyboards, vocals), and Chris Lambert (guitar).

Pocketfulofscoundrel’s Josh Rowe is a Chicago based singer-songwriter. Growing up in Lowell, Indiana, Josh became interested in playing music after being inspired by Paul McCartney’s bassline in the song Hey Bulldog, by the Beatles. After playing the bass guitar for years, Josh picked up his dad’s old, beat-up Harmony acoustic guitar, and began to learn that instrument. Throughout the years, Josh has written quite a number of songs, from cute and quirky (The Mustache Song) to deep and heartfelt (Chicago, Make Me Weep). Josh has been influenced greatly by Bob Dylan, Elliott Smith, and Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s, just to name a few. His music is very lyrically driven and comes from the heart (and the half empty bottle of Walgreens brand wine sitting in front of him).

Chicago based country folk and bluegrass band that performs their own original songs mixed with traditional covers.

Founded in 2007, Swift Technique hails from the musically rich city of Philadelphia. Over the last four years, the six piece Funk Ensemble has relentlessly toured, performed and recorded throughout the US. The extremely positive chemistry shared by the band is translated when performing live. Swift Technique brings an electric energy and party style atmosphere on stage. Although the group draws from many world influences, their genre is uniquely Philadelphia.

Williams traveling through time and having a beer with Joe Strummer. Then imagine that they decide to rent a Pinto and drive cross-country, and along the way they pick up Keith Richards and Robbie Robertson. Somewhere outside of Wichita, they run into Aretha Franklin, and she decides to come along for the ride too, but since it’s only a 4-seater, they have to strap her to the roof. None of that describes Divebar in the least, but it’s hilarious to picture two dead guys driving a Pinto while the Queen of Soul rides on the roof like Teen Wolf. Also, she’s wearing a halter top.

Actually, Divebar is an alt-country band out of Chicago, similar in style to Wilco and Lucinda Williams. Since their formation in 2003, Divebar has built an impressive following with their crafty songwriting, rich vocal harmonies, and energetic stage presence. Their unique sound is influenced by each of the band members’ diverse upbringings – the music conjures up images of the vast plains of Kelly’s Texas, the rich farmland of Chris’ Iowa, the carefree charm of Matt and Dan’s small-town Wisconsin, and the ample parking of Aric’s Evanston.