Mano is a Middle Eastern-inspired progressive rock band based in Chicago. Their compositions utilize musical textures and sounds from varied genres of contemporary, classical, and world music. Mano fuses a rock rhythm section with classical and world instrumentation to bring a unique and energetic live music experience that journeys through intense, thematic unison lines contrasted by sections of virtuosic improvisation. Founded in 2013 by flutist/composer Joe LaRocca, Mano includes Greg Firak (guitar), Parker Grogan (electric/upright bass), Collin O’Brien (drums), Najeeba Syed (violin), Desiree Miller (cello), and Marshall Greenhouse (percussion/kaoss).

A side projects of Liquid Soul’s Mars Williams. It’s a free jazz project that sounds like something fans of modern jazz will want to try out.

“XMARSX runs the absolute gamut with their rock-noise-improv-electric-funky-no-wave-jazz-punk, there’s a unified focus to their sensibility. Along with Williams, guitarist Greg Suran (Goo Goo Dolls, Blue Man Group, Slam), drummer Dave Suycott (Machines Of Loving Grace, Stabbing Westward, Slam), and Kent Kessler (Vandermark 5, NRG Ensemble, Brotzmann Tentet) comprise the potent nucleus of XMARSX. Additional contributions from Williams’ longtime associate, cellist Frederick Longberg-Holm (Terminal 4, Witches & Devils, NRG, Brotzmann) adds both color and nuance to this capable ensemble.

Mars Williams is an open-minded musician, composer and educator who commutes easily between free jazz, funk, hip-hop and rock, Mars has played and recorded with The Psychedelic Furs, Billy Idol, Massacre, Fred Frith, Bill Laswell, Ministry, Power Station, Die Warzau, The Waitresses, Kiki Dee, Pete Cosey, Billy Squier, DJ Logic, Wayne Kramer, John Scoffield, Charlie Hunter, Kurt Elling, Swollen Monkeys, Mike Clark, Jerry Garcia, Naked Raygun, Friendly Fires, The Untouchables, Blow Monkeys and virtually every leading figure of Chicago’s and New York City’s “downtown” scene.

Your favorite Regressive Rock band