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.

POLLYWOG

Pollywog is a power trio rock’n’roll circus. This band has a high energy stage show that is engaging, dynamic, and loud. Featuring a rich mix of deep cut covers and originals that ooze that 70’s groove, even their guru sometimes can’t tell the difference. Led by Chicago’s ambassador to feeling good with music, TJ Travelbee (Handler, Badvibes, Blue Sky Fable) on lead vocal and an assortment of vintage Gibson wire wood, Pollywog unleashes an arsenal of tone with alternate tunings and sweet slide. Justin Loftus (Dorian Taj, Tumbling Dice, Crazy Heart, Doug McDonald) owns the low end with a gold sparkled 5 string Fender bass personified with a soul shaking SVT. Behind his drum kit of thunder, none other than mighty Sam Sharp (Elev8r, J. Davis, Ain’t No ‘Er) holds the Pollywog together with a heavy foot and a twinkle in his eye.

What is the Pollywog?

Midway thru Dr. Seuess’ American novel ‘One Fish Two Fish’, there is a picture of an odd bird flying out of the ear of another odd creature. This enigma, this creature of sonic adventure is the Pollywog. She lives in the imagination as the Original Bird – something’s inside of you and you need to let it out! We know what it is and we know what you need. So get your ass to the Pollywog show and prepare for the exorcism of your soul.