Chip Ratliff & the DirtyBluCrue

The beat hits you in the chest like a jackhammer…your head starts bobbin’…the bass attacks with no mercy…now you wanna’ dance! You look around and people are groovin’ everywhere! You don’t know what’s going on, but it feels good! Don’t be alarmed! It’s a natural reaction to the force of nature called Chip Ratliff & The DirtyBluCrue!!! The band offers fans an unforgettable live experience steeped in the Chicago tradition of a good time!

Throughout the country’s music venues including Chicago’s Navy Pier (Chicago), Buddy Guy’s Legends, California’s Fender Center, and more, people have experienced the colossal low end and tasty grooves that this band dishes out routinely, and with a vengeance! Bassist/vocalist Chip Ratliff and his band is dedicated to not just rehashing classic funk, but to taking his own unique style of Funk, Soul, and Blues to new heights. Fueled by his own original releases, Chip takes his talent, infuses it with the sophisticated funk and showmanship of Prince, the tightness of any one of James Brown’s bands, the grit and excitement of Chicago Blues, the extended live jams of a Parliament-Funkadelic show, combines it into one big pot, and serves it hot!

Every show is different. “The set list is a guideline!” says Chip. “We keep it spontaneous and free flowing throughout. Makes it fun for me, the band, and the audience can feel it! They go on the journey with us. It always comes out good!”

“I just want you to get down and have a good time! If you leave the show happy, exhausted, and wanting more…mission accomplished!”

THE UPSIDE

The Upside is a funk & soul cover band, specializing in well known songs of James Brown, Gil Scott Heron, Parliament & Sly Stone to songs not so well known sampled in 90’s hip-hop. Members are Greg Firak (Mano) on guitar, Asif Wilson (Genome) on keys, Patrick Dinnen (This Must Be The Band) on bass, Sam Sharp (J Davis Trio) on drums & fronted by Jimmy Cobb (Snake Oil Salesman) on vocals.

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CARA DAWN

Cara Dawn is a Chicago native who has been singing since she was a child. After touring the United States, including an overseas USO tour, she returned to the states and began performing locally. She was a rising voice in the Chicago music scene when she stepped off stage to focus her time on raising her son. In 2011 Cara realized that she could no longer go without music in her life. She began studying with Gillian Kelly to find her voice again.

Her return to the stage has been well received, performing at various venues and events around the city. Cara has been working with a core group of musicians regularly for the last year and performs with them when not doing her solo projects or guest spots. She has been honing her songwriting skills and is currently working on her first solo album due out by the end of this year. Cara Dawn sings from her soul in every performance crafting a truly unique experience for the listener. Listen to her original song Free and look out for more Music and Events to come.