RSVP for no cover! Sweetwater Brews on tap!
SUPERBIG
Simply put, Superbig stands out. In a city constantly in search of whatever musical movement is next, the polished, pulsating pop/rock sonic landscape of Superbig married with their mission statement is the result of desperate living, failed relationships and obvious bad life choices. It’s astonishing how fluid and potent their delivery and studio work remains. The band paints a radioready picture that keeps its heart on its sleeve and the hooks coming a mile a minute.
Lead Singer, Guitarist, Jim Fountalas was born and bred in Chicago. As a songwriter and recording artist Jimmy’s objective is to connect his songs with the history behind them and share universal experiences of life and love that connect us all. Producer Chris Steinmetz of Stonecutter Records says “Jim Fountalas has a voice that not only draws you in, but captivates you. His ability to please your ears while he engages you in the lyrics is apparent from the first hypnotic listen. He truly brings his multi faceted background to each performance and leaves one wanting more. He is an elusive wordsmith with the skills and ability to connect emotionally powerful lyrics with colorfully commanding melodic phrases.” Where Jim is the brainchild of Superbig, Drummer Dan Hill, Bassist Chip Znuff, Guitarist and Background Singer Pat Serorsky, and Violinist Heather Boehm lend their talents to create traditional Pop/Rock through a powerfully lush live sound that is unrivaled in the Chicago scene.
SUNSHINE REGGAE BAND
AINSWORTH ROSE, FOUNDER AND MANAGER OF THE SUNSHINE REGGAE BAND of Chicago, IL has been performing the music of his native shores throughout the Midwest for over twenty years. This self-taught musician/entertainer started his US music career as the Jamaican One Man Band in 1995, singing and playing for local events in Bensenville and throughout the Western suburbs. He was the recipient of the 2001 & 2002 Calypso Entertainer of the year, awarded by the Chicago Music Awards.
The transition to THE SUNSHINE REGGAE BAND happened in August 2010. This welcomed progression added female beauty and talent to his band presentation. In 2011 they performed their first band concert at the DuSABLE MUSEUM in Chicago. The band has now evolved to a full ten piece ensemble.
In November 2013, they performed their second annual band concert at John Barleycorn (River North) which was well received and celebrated. They have also become a regular feature attraction on the local CANTV concert show on Channel 19.
On February 23, 2014, they were the recipient of the 2014 BEST CALYPSO/SOCA ENTERTAINER award, presented by the CHICAGO MUSIC AWARD which was held at the COPERNICUS CENTER in Chicago.
They have a very extensive repertoire, comprising hundreds of reggae, calypso, soca, Latin, Hawaiian and American songs. The band is in high demand for weddings, festivals, concerts, corporate events, picnics, country clubs, holidays and private parties.
The sunshine reggae band is a very flexible and perceptive group. Their ability to read and please their audience is phenomenal. Spontaneous audience participation is the highlight of this island act.
Their sunny smiles, harmonious singing and rhythmic movements are very contagious. They’ll have the audience in the island vibes shouting; Yeh Mon!!, singing; “Who let The Dogs Out” and “Hot Hot Hot”, doing the Limbo, the Dollar Wine and having the greatest time.
THEY TAKE YOU TO THE ISLANDS ON THE WINGS OF MUSIC. YEH MON!!
PurP
With lightning speed, thundering drums and a knack for jamming, PurP is a fantastic sample of what the south suburbs of Chicago has to offer. Influenced by bands like Rush, the Allman Brothers and the Grateful Dead, PurP supplies a new chapter to the rock Jam saga with a little heat on it. Drummer Rudy Johnson supplies a perfect powerhouse of rhythm, along with the thumping bass of “Magic Shoes” Marty Arneberg, to give Guitarist Zak Kerkhoven a launch pad from which he can create and display some PurPtastic riffs! Working on the first PurP release, and on setting tour dates for next year!
BRANDON JAMES & SOULOGY
New singing sensation Brandon James is a rising star from Chicago who has set his sights on making an impact with his music across the globe. He first realized his passion for singing at the age of 12 after he was pushed to become involved in various school projects as a means to keep him out of trouble and to find something that he would like to do. Brandon James delivers a versatile style that blends Opera, Sacred, Gospel, Blues, Pop, & R&B. Beyond singing Brandon James is also a gifted song writer that pulls his material straight from the heart. With influences like Luther Vandross, Lyfe Jennings, & Donnie Hathaway he is destined to elevate to a level where he is recognized as one of the world’s greatest entertainers. Despite some of his influences being R&B legends, Brandon James learned to diversify his style after teachers in college introduced him to groups like the Beatles and Rolling Stones. He describes his sound as a mixture of Pop and Soul. Music is more than a passion it is Brandon James life and has been his dream since he realized his ability to sing at a young age. Brandon James along the way has challenged himself to become better at his craft including taking voice lessons from Bobby Wilsyn one of the best Chicago Jazz Musicians as well as Ars Musica and classical singer Andrew Schultze. Seeking to learn music on all levels Brandon James attended Columbia College Chicago where he earned a degree in Music Performance & Music Business in 2009. It was also an amazing moment in 2009 when the young gifted artist got the chance to perform with the legendary band Earth, Wind, & Fire. Through his learning experiences Brandon James has been able to cultivate a unique sound and dynamic stage presence. He decided to take things a step further by forming a band called The 409s while also balancing his solo career. Brandon James primary goal is to share his story and testimony through his music with millions of people all over the world. He seeks to inspire, touch hearts, and provoke thought with his music. In addition to performing live at various notable venues across Chicago including the UIC Pavillion he is working on the completion of his debut solo album Soulfully Divine. Brandon James current singles “Inspiration”, “All I Want Is You”, & “Everytime” can be heard on his website and Itunes. Brandon James will be performing at a venue near you soon but in the mean time Brandon James music can be heard at www.reverbnation.com/brandonjames20