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.

Up-and-coming indie rockers Magatha Trysty are a power-pop force to be reckoned with. Based in Chicago and founded in 2009, this four-piece outfit is making its mark with narrative songwriting, undeniable hooks, and sweet boy/girl harmonies – delivered with a kinetic punch.

Their exuberant live shows – featuring manic guitar riffage, tasteful keyboard color, witty lyrics, in-your-face delivery and bombastic rhythmic energy – bring their solid set of original music to the next level. The husband-and-wife team of Christopher David (lead vocals/guitar) and Catherine Louise (lead vocals/keyboards) front the group, share lead vocals and songwriting duties, and exude an enthusiasm and connection that goes beyond the music.

The commanding stage presence provided by Christopher and Catherine drives the infectious aural assault, and hometown rock veterans Billy Blastoff (bass) and John Monaghan (drums) round out the foursome, putting the “power” into this power-pop extravaganza. Taking their cues from artists both old (Big Star, Cheap Trick) and new (The New Pornographers, The Decemberists), the band’s debut album, “Your Clothes Will Wear Themselves,” was released in Summer 2012.