Fri, Sep 28 - 9pm - $12

Classic soul meets rock and roll in this dynamic eight-piece collective from Chicago. The Congregation features Gina Bloom, a singer whose raw and powerful vocals are underscored by Charlie Wayne’s dynamic guitar riffs, the band’s rock and soul rhythm section and the lively call and response of a three-piece horn section. When it comes to the songwriting, you won’t find any sugarcoated love songs here–you’ll get a little bit of longing and a whole lot of wronging.While the 2012 release of "Right Now Everything" marked the band’s full-length album debut, The Congregation has been steadily gaining steam since the release of its seven-song EP, "Not for Sleepin", in late 2010. The band was named by the Chicago Tribune as one of “11 Bands to Watch in 2011” and was featured in Paste Magazine as one of “10 Illinois Bands You Should Listen to Now”. The Congregation’s stop-and-take-notice sound and electrifying live sets have earned the group the opportunity to share bills with acclaimed artist such as Wilco, Andrew Bird, the Flaming Lips and Buddy Guy! The band has also been featured on the small screen--performing on ABC7's "Windy City Live", WGN's "Music Lounge", Science Channel's "Through The Wormhole with Morgan Freeman" and an upcoming episode of BBC's "Horizon" set to air this spring. The Congregation is currently placing the finishing touches on its upcoming album release,"Record Collection".

Music is supposed to be fun, exciting, thought provoking and daring. On every live performance, The Shams Band makes sure that their audience leaves each concert with a personal feeling of satisfaction. Drawing heavily from their Kinks, Rolling Stones, and Wilco influences, singer/songwriters Biggins/Gulyas create distinct, personal songs. Once completed with unique four-part harmonies, the songs come to life, tell stories, and send audiences singing all the way home.The Shams Band features music trapezing the line between blues, country, and pop music. They have opened for national acts Drive-By Truckers, Dawes, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes and Grace Potter & The Nocturnals.The Shams Band is the epitome of a "do-it-yourself" group. They get every audience excited and dancing from their catchy hooks and rock 'n roll atmosphere. It's whiskey-driven. It's a party. It's rock 'n roll with a banjo.  

Rebecca Sometimes - guitar, lead vocalsSteve Schuster - bass, vocalsMollie Hayward - flute, tambourine, vocalsJulius Otto - organPhil Merker - drumsThe Sometimes Family is an upbeat soul band with old-fashioned backup harmonies, strong bass lines, and songs that might remind you of your parents' music - or your last bad relationship. With spot-on "today" lyrics and a pitch-perfect "yesterday" sound, the band's songs range from mournful and understated to danceable and fun. The Sometimes Family aims to get you out of your seat and onto the dance floor, but also might make you remember those dark times (oh, the heartbreaks and rejections we all know so well...) enough to go order another drink at the bar. 

Chicago-based DJRC plays funk, soul, hip hop, disco, and jazz. Dance music for the listener.Kicking off 2012 by performing back-to-back New Years Eve shows with JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound, he has since performed with Poi Dog Pondering, The Right Now, Céu and Curumin, the MCA/Beastie Boys Tribute, and is booked to play this year’s North Coast Music Festival at the Groupon Silent Disco Tent (8/31).In 2004, DJRC started The Funk & Soul Revue—a weekly dance party at AliveOne in Chicago. And although he’s since moved on to new endeavors, the weekly night continues to this day. He has openedfor such legendary acts as Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears,Trombone Shorty, Nikka Costa, Rebirth Brass Band, Aloe Blacc,Alice Russell, and Clyde Stubblefield.In 2011, he performed at Wicker Park Fest, a North Coast Music Fest after-party with The New Mastersounds, and Taste of Lincoln Ave. Supporting Chicago’s own music scene, DJRC shares bills with amultitude of bands at venues throughout the city, includingLincoln Hall, Schuba’s, Double Door, Martyrs, and Empty Bottle.