The King of Mars (TKOM) formed in 2015 as a traditional four-piece rock band and has since evolved into a larger group with synths, auxiliary percussion, and a horn section. Their sound shakes the foundation of traditional rock music by encompassing Jazz, Funk, and Soul musicality alongside insightful lyricism.

TKOM consistently performs at many popular Chicago venues. In 2017, they ventured off and successfully completed their first tour where TKOM gained fans along the East Coast and throughout the South and Midwest. In the summer of 2018, they will release two singles followed by the release of their 2nd EP in the fall.

Described as “Snarky Puppy meets Led Zeppelin”, Alabaster is considered to be Chicagoland’s hidden gem of bands. No performance is ever the same.
Since 2015, Alabaster has been steadily performing at festivals and venues across America, growing and developing a unique sound that attracts music fans from all around. Alabaster takes the principles of jazz improvisation and melts them with grooves from around the world with a rock and roll attitude. They point their focus on composing interesting, thought-provoking music and danceable grooves, while exploring uncharted territory through improvisation at every show, assuring no performance is ever the same. This band knows no boundaries. In 2019, the band released the first single “Goin’ Mad” off of their self-titled debute EP and it was featured as an honorable mention in NPR’s Tiny Desk competition. Alabaster released their next single “Excellent Idea” in December of 2022 and their single “Sleepwalker” in June of 2023. Their next single “Life Can Go Our Way” is slated to come out September 2024.

“August Hotel’s music features a depth typically unheard in the soundscape of peers.”

— Chicago Tribune

Combining fresh, modern sensibilities with the influence of ‘80s yesteryear, August Hotel has established itself as one of Chicago’s most energetic and insightful bands. Comprised of Eva Padilla (lead vocals), Landon Hegedus (keyboards/saxophone), Ryan Lammers (guitar), Dean Sinclair (drums), and Cale Singleton (bass), August Hotel has been playing together since 2017, after Padilla sent a grainy smartphone video of herself singing to the rest of the band. Within a month, the band was in the studio working on their first EP, 2017’s Charms.

After an extensive schedule of live shows, the band took a step back to record new music, embracing their evolution and new experiences. Released in 2020, August Hotel’s  second EP, Stations, presents four new songs that expand on the group’s ability to weave together each member’s specific musical background and influences. Stations examines different forms of loss—the end of a relationship, the sacrifice of a trans activist, the loss of personal control when struggling with mental health, and losing a guitar on the train—aiming to convey universal experiences via unique stories.

Lead single “Disaster & Delight” explores reconciliation after the end of a relationship through an infectious melody and cheeky–yet still sincere–lyrics. Stations’ accompanying titles strike various tones and moods: urgency, elevation, and melancholy. Produced by Drew Polovick of Friday Pilots Club, this sophomore EP exemplifies the band’s deep passion for the story telling qualities of their carefully crafted music. Constantly progressing as individuals and as a band to produce captivating and complex tunes, August Hotel is poised for a breakthrough.

Eric Doar – Tubs, Vox
Tion Burke – Guitfiddle, Bass, Vox
Miles Eddy – Guitfiddle, Bass, Vox

Sir Mango is a band committed to the songs that make you want to throw down, throw up, cry, laugh, and think deeply about all that important bullshit.