CHRIS PICKERING is an exceptionally talented singer, musician and songwriter, from Australia, who writes remarkable songs with beautiful melodies, smart hooks and thoughtful lyrics. He fearlessly tackles all manner of styles and arrangements, fusing flavors of pop, rock, country, bluegrass, folk, blues and, at times, psychedelia into his music. Bridging the gap between indie-pop and alt-country, CP is close to truly claiming a style all his own. His third album, Work Of Fiction, was recorded at Ardent Studios, Memphis, with Stax producer, Don Nix. His new EP ‘Corners’ was released in September 2012 and is the first of three EPs to be recorded and released over the next 18 months.

Headed by Neal Alger, who’s known in Chicago music circles primarily for his jazz guitar work, Needles in the Red is a new project that melds the visceral nature of rock with some of the harmonic sophistication of jazz. Add some thoughtful lyrics and a few of the most versatile musicians in the city and you have the power quartet Needles in the Red. Alger and drummer Eric Montzka of Needles have toured the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Brazil performing jazz together but this project represents a return to their musical roots of rock and pop. Bassist Dan Thatcher has been involved with bands such as Diana and the Dishes and curates the Eyes and Ears Music Series in Wicker Park. The newest addition to Needles is lead/rhythm guitarist Zoey Witz who has led bands that have shared the stage with Foreigner, Poison, Travis Tritt, and the Spinners.

folk tunes about animals, insects and nature