MR. BLOTTO

Mr. Blotto was born in Chicago as an off-night vehicle for musicians who loved each others playing but were in different bands at the time. The only rule was that they would only play what they loved. That philosophy continues today and has led Mr. Blotto into unique musical situations.

Mr. Blotto takes the Jam band asthetic into areas unfamiliar to the standard Jam Scene. They have been known to cover entire albums by Led Zeppelin and the Who as well as perform entire shows of Country and Reggae. Artists as diverse as the Grateful Dead, the Flaming Lips, Willie Nelson and The Velvet Underground have seen their material interpreted by Mr. Blotto in the 2000+ shows the band has performed in the last 15 years, yet covers only pepper the bands hefty catalog of original material stemming from five studio albums and other unreleased crowd favorites.

PINE TRAVELERS

Pine Travelers create original music that combines the gritty Americana of outlaw country, folk, and bluegrass with old school funk rave-ups and roots rock & roll.

Based in Madison, WI, Pine Travelers have played close to 300 shows in 6 states since their inception in 2013, including Wisconsin, Illinois, Colorado, Texas, Minnesota, and Iowa. In addition to playing notable Madison venues like High Noon Saloon and The Crystal Corner, the band has also held a monthly residency at Alchemy, a favorite venue on Madison’s east side, for a year.

The group’s songs allow for a dance-able, energetic live show paired with honest, meaningful lyrics reflecting their northern midwest roots. Pine Travelers hope their music reflects their modest, hard-working values: rural values meshed with urban sensibility; engaging sets ranging from rustic roots music to funk grooves with a modern twist.

They’ve also performed fresh and exciting sets at quality festivals including: Midwest Music Festival (MN), People Fest, Steel Bridge Songfest, Moondance Bluegrass Fest, Ifdakamp Festival, and Toodeloo Shakedown Fest, sharing the stage with acts like Particle, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Pert Near Sandstone, The Mustache, and many more. The group is currently recording a new album, to be released in Spring 2016. Audio, tour dates, video, and more can be found at the links below!

KARA CAVANAUGH BAND

Singer-songwriter, Kara Cavanaugh with Cornmeal‘s multi-instrumentalist, Philip Roach, perform Kara’s original music and captivating covers.

About the artists-

In the short time since Kara Cavanaugh has ventured into the Chicago music scene, the soulful, dynamic vocalist has accomplished more than most singers in a lifetime. Making a name for herself backing the nationally touring Grateful Dead tribute band Terrapin Flyer and Jerry Garcia Band alumni and organist, Melvin Seals, Kara stretches the genre with powerful performances and sultry lead presence.

It was only a matter of time before the charismatic vocalist sought to move out into the spotlight, fronting her own band to showcase her abilities as a songwriter and strengthen her solo performances. Currently in production on her first full length release, Kara Cavanaugh is poised and ready to introduce a side of her as yet unseen.

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Philip Roach began playing violin at age 5 and soon after was asked to perform with the nationally renowned Midwest Young Artists. During his time with that orchestra, he performed with his long time hero and fiddle great Mark O’Connor. His presence permanently influenced the course of Phil’s musical life, and he soon traveled down to Nashville to attend fiddle camps, where he received lessons from giants such as Vassar Clements, Darol Anger, and Mark O’Conner himself.

Phil then pursued a degree in classical violin performance, where upon graduating, he began a 3-year tenure performing with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestras, and Peoria Symphony Orchestra. Phil began recording session work in Chicago as an outlet for his love of improvisation, where he was featured on multiple recordings as a violinist, guitarist, and mandolinist for artists such as Lupe Fiasco and Company of Thieves. This led to meeting The Giving Tree Band and in 2009 he joined full time, performing hundreds of shows from coast to coast, as well as through Canada and Europe. He currently tours with the band, Cornmeal.