100% of PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT PARTNERS IN HEALTH - This great orgainazionprovides preferential options for the poor in health care and have been on the ground in Haiti for the last 20 years. Visit www.pih.org.
NEFARIOUS FAT CATS are a supergroup of Chicago punk legends Jake Burns. (Stiff Little Fingers) John Haggerty (Pegboy) Mark De Rosa (Dummy) & Joe Haggerty (Pegboy).
DRAMA JUNKIES create energetic, poetic and oftentimes angry music, defy description, exceed expectations, champion social injustice, rally against the rich and powerful, understand the Human condition, promote kindness, caring and dignity above all else, despise Special Interest Groups and all forms of oppression, reject bigotry and hatred, remove unwanted facial hair, help you shed those extra pounds, cures depression, puts a new car smell in your otherwise dreary life, always puts the seat down after peeing, will make you rich, increases the size of your penis, stole your girlfriend and made her walk bowlegged, balances your checkbook, is the deposed Chief Financial Officer for the Nigerian Lottery, cures the heartbreak of psoriasis, never lets you down, is dating Britney Spears, gambles all your money, laughs at Chuck Norris jokes, can tell with one glance, eats innuendos and craps out The Truth, bitch slapped Dick Cheney on a dare and knows where Waldo is.
PEARLS MAHONE & THE ONE EYED JACKS combines strong heart wrenching vocals, rockin guitar riffs, a sexy bass line, and a rhythm that just won't quit. Embracing a passion for rockabilly music, moonshine, ratrods, rhythm & blues, bad boys, PBR, and good tattoos--their music tells tales of love, hardship, and vice. Unlike any other band out there, Pearls Mahone & The OneEyed Jacks, are undoubtedly one of the most exciting up and coming rockabilly bands out today! Add the dark gospel of Pearls Mahone & The OneEyed Jacks to your friends, your playlist, and family today!
IZZY & THE KESSTRONICS: Three knuckleheads with all the rhythms and tones of the motherland stewing deep in their blood. We've lived it, we've heard it, we've felt it, we wave our native tongues in your direction.
It was love at first sound check...At the same gig, but with two separate bands, the members of THE CONGREGATION came together when Dan, Charlie and Joe heard a certain singing drummer bust out a sultry version of Marvin Gaye's "I Heard it Through the Grapevine" just to test the sound system. They immediately began plotting a way to woo her into their proposed soul project. Gina meanwhile had also taken notice of the talented guitarist and rhythm section in the country band that went on after her set. Maybe it was fate, maybe just coincidence, but The Congregation was born a week later. The Congregation plays a righteous combination of blues, soul and rock & roll. Sista Gina sings, CW plays guitar, Joey Goldfish plays the bass, D. Hands is the drummer. The newest additions to the band are El Niño on trombone and W. Brocker on the sax.
PHIL ANGOTTI is a household name in the Chicago power-pop community -he has released several top-notch indie-label cds and has performed countless live shows through-out the Chicagoland area, both as a solo artist and with various groups. His new band features MIke Zelenko on drums (Material Issue) Carolyn Engelmann, Casey McDonough (Western Elstons) and Tommi Zender.
Voted 09' Cleveland's Entertainer of The Year by CBC magazine, KRISTINE JACKSON's KJBlues “Is Not Your Average Blues Bland”. KJ has been on the scene since 1998; first as a freelance trumpet player then as a full time singer, songwriter, guitar player and band leader in 2004. With musical roots in Mo-Town, rhythm and blues, country, classic rock and soul combined with a fresh modern sound, Kristine has developed a voice all her own and is unleashing new sounds to the blues world.
In 2007, drummer Paul Obis, seeking a band to match his distinct musical tastes—equal parts Tool and Jeff Buckley—met Andrea Donahue, who wanted a chance to showcase her vocal abilities. Together they created HOLIDAY HOUSE, a duet balancing hefty acoustic guitar and robust, melodic singing. In late 2009 the Oak Park, IL-based duo added Cheryl Tomblin on violin and Jen Donahue on synthesizer, along with rotating bass and drums, to flesh out their vision and create a vibrant style equally at home in an auditorium or a neighborhood hangout on dollar beer night.
GOLEM is a 6 piece Eastern European folk-punk band. The band consists of Annette Ezekiel Kogan - singer, accordionist, and 5-foot powerhouse; and vocalist, tambourine player, crazy-man Aaron Diskin; violin virtuoso Alicia Jo Rabins; trombonist extraordinaire Curtis Hasselbring; elegant upright bassist Taylor Bergren-Chrisman, and unstoppable drummer Tim Monaghan, Golem’s sound evokes wisps of old-world elegance filtered through the successes and disappointments of new-world dreams.
BLACK BEAR COMBO are three tall men with punk/noise backgrounds playing a fractured, turbulent, highly infectious brew inspired by balkan music among many other things. They like when people Dance!!- which they have incited for the last year or two at parties, weddings, rock clubs, and parades in Chicago, Michigan, and New Orleans-
EXOTIC ANIMAL PETTING ZOO is a experimental/mathcore band from the United Stated that formed in 2004 by brothers Brandon and Stephen Carr. In 2005 the band found bassist Scott Certa and after playing shows in the region the band decided to record their first EP in 2006. Though hard to pin down, it is quite evident that their sound is a combination of post rock, mathcore with a progressive edge. The bands current lineup consists of Brandon Carr (guitars, vocals), Scott Certa (bass), Stephen Carr (drums, samples, vocals) and Steve Radakovich (guitars).
"STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS" (Latin: nanos gigantum humeris insidentes) is a Western metaphor meaning "One who develops future intellectual pursuits by understanding the research and works created by notable thinkers of the past." The band Standing on the Shoulders of Giants was formed in 2007 originally as a hardcore band and after a few member changes the band developed into more of a "classic rock with a modern twist" sound. SOTSOG is comprised of founding members Jacob Taus,Alex Garibay and Christopher Foss,as well as former members of the band The Chemist vs. the Computer;Nick Raducha,Jimmy Wernes and the newest addition Tara Murphy. This band does not wish to classify itself under any specific genre but rather explore different options musically and have a kind of "no rules" attitude towards songwriting. Standing on the shoulders of giants' philosophy is simply "have fun" whether in music or in life,so we hope that you enjoy what you hear and we especially hope you "have fun" doing it.
Bringing the new back to New Wave, the sickness back from The Cure and the noise from Sonic Youth, AIRLINES-X hails from Chicago and has already taken the city by the pants. Well, Lauren has anyway. The rest of the guys, well, they just make 'em dance.
JOHN FORTE is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and producer from Brooklyn, New York. A graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy, Forté is a classically-trained violinist who is known for his work with the multi-platinum group “The Fugees”. On November 24, 2008, Forté was granted a commutation by President George W. Bush after having served more than seven years of a fourteen-year federal prison sentence for a first-time non-violent drug offense. Those who campaigned on his behalf include famed singer/songwriter Carly Simon and Senator Orrin Hatch (R) of Utah. Prior to his incarceration Forté released two solo albums, PolySci (Columbia) and I, John (Transparent). On December 22, 2008, Forté walked out of Fort Dix Correctional Institution to resume his life and tell his story through music, film and prose. In addition to working on his album, Forté is a contributor to The Daily Beast and is working with at-risk youth through organizations such as “In Arms’ Reach,” a community-based arts, counseling and mentoring program for the children of incarcerated parents.
THE DRASTICS are modern roots music. Though primarily classified as a reggae group, The Drastics embrace many styles of music both live and in the studio. This can be heard in their songs which draw from roots Jamaican music, hip hop, hard-bop jazz, afro-beat, dancehall, as well as folk music from Asia, Africa, the Midde East and South America.
Cincinnati sextet THE PINSTRIPES takes the raw ingredients of Studio One Reggae, 1st-, 2nd- and 3rd-generation Ska and an absolute flawless sense of Soul, seeds it, stems it and rolls it into an enormous spliff that’s nothing short of pure, unadulterated exhilaration. You can tell that the Pinstripes are having an absolute stratospheric blast every time they’re on stage together and they transfer that feeling of unrestrained joy to the audience with an almost casual effort.
For those of you who grew up in Ireland, Thin Lizzy led by Phil Lynott, were the greatest rock band of all time. For everyone else they were the band that made the summer of '76 memorable with their radio hits "Jailbreak" & "Boys are Back In Town". Although many may think of Thin Lizzy as a hard rock band, Critic John Dugan writes that "As the band's creative force, Lynott was a more insightful and intelligent writer than many of his ilk, preferring slice-of-life working class dramas of love and hate influenced by Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, and virtually all of the Irish Literary tradition. Van Morrison was a major influence, as well as American groups Little Feat, Bob Seger and Bruce Springsteen. Their music covered much territory including hints of country and traditional folk music." Though others had earlier used similar techniques, Thin Lizzy is widely recognised as one of the first rock bands to employ double lead guitar harmony (the twin guitar clash) - a technique pioneered by Wishbone Ash in the U.K., whilst independently in theUSA by Lynyrd Skynyrd & The Allman Brothers Band. This style was later refined and popularised by bands of the emerging New Wave of British Heavy Metal, Judas Priest & Iron Maiden especially. The latter group in particular has praised Thin Lizzy extensively and even covered the song "Massacre" from Lizzy's popular Live & Dangerous album. Come celebrate Ireland's greatest rock band & their leader, Phillip Lynott. Tin Lynott digs deep into the catalogue playing tunes from every record from the band's 1971 debut to Phil's solo pop releases of the '80's. Hear why " IN PHIL WE TRUST"
Food and drink specials! Hurricanes, etouffee, jambalaya and more! We'll also have red beans and rice, greens, & cornbread.
Get ready for some serious soul singing. If you've ever seen Galactic then you've heard the sweet sound of the HOUSEMAN. Straight out of Uptown New Orleans, Theryl de'Clouet (known to his friends and fans as "Houseman") has successfully become one of Hollygrove's most celebrated offspring along with Lil Wayne, Johnny Adams, the Neville Brothers, and many more. After 12 years with his a cappella soul groups The Lyrics and Hollygrove and a 15 year, six album run as the front man of Galactic, you can now find Houseman gigging with his band THE HOUSEWRECKERS. Whether he’s touring the world or throwing down in his own backyard, Houseman knows how to turn the party out. His rich, textured tenor is not the syrupy, one-dimensional crooning frequenting current airwaves, but a raw, dynamic expression that goes down hot like a shot of 180-proof truth and nourishes the spirit with warm, lasting effect. It’s the voice of a man who’s been around the block a few times, with scars to prove it.
CRYSTAL GRAVY is a seven piece instrumental funk band from Chicago with the grease and the sizzle to keep you dancing all night. Combining the punch of three hot horn players with the groove of a thick 4-man rhythm section, there's something for everyone to latch onto. At any given show, you'll hear a bevy of original material and a selection of covers, with forays into Afrobeat, psychedelic jams, soul, Latin, and maybe some funked-up pop. It's Fela Kuti and James Brown tossed in a blender with the New Mastersounds and the Budos Band: all that funky shit that makes you want to move, with a distinctly original twist.
AARON FOX & THE RELIABLES own a unique sound that is propelled by driving guitars, sweeping bass lines, powerful percussion, and infectious Rock/Pop hooks. In Fox's engaging voice, you’ll hear the influences of The Beatles, Wilco, Tom Petty, R.E.M., and Sting. Guitarist and lead vocalist Aaron Fox, who is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music, is backed by “the Reliables:” percussionist Rick Zygowicz, bassist/vocalist Bob Vodick, and lead guitarist/vocalist Mike Burns.
CALEB HAWLEY has always wanted to be a professional baseball player. However, life did not grant him big muscles and outstanding eye contact. Instead, he was dealt the gift of fast fingers and massive vocal cords. After sadly realizing his circumstances, he set off to be a musician. Hawley received a degree in jazz composition from Berklee and set off to make a living in music, or in other words, die. In 2007 he re-located to New York City and released his debut CD, "Greatest Hits", in July of that year. Since then he (along with his dog Fargo) has traveled miles upon miles performing at clubs, colleges, and festivals all over the country. In November 2008, he was a top five finalist (out of 4,000) in the prestigious New York Songwriter's annual showcase. Things are moving along, but he still hopes to be a baseball player someday.
"REED WADDLE is an artist who has arrived "Piece by Piece". His fourth album finds the constantly evolving singer-songwriter at the peak of his melodic dexterity,fusing highly emotional soundscapes with a wide palette of memorable pop/rock anthems. His lyrical vision & depth invites comparison by some as a modern day Paul Simon melding into "a similar relaxed soulfulness that recalls Boz Scaggs' best work that at the end of the day, any day, sounds great." --Joe Hartlaub (Music-reviewer.com)
Dream big. For BIRD ATE MY DONUT, that dream is to one day make the Onion's "Worst Band Names" of the year list. With big guitars, and keyboards strangely reminiscent of video games, this Chicago foursome consistently brings the rock, as in rock music, not to be confused with Dwayne Johnson. Cause that would be weird.
Based in Chicago, Illinois, BLACK UMBRELLA BRIGADE takes its influences from New Orleans brass bands, Chicago Blues guitar riffs, and New York City Cabaret shows. Band Leader and mad scientist, Chris Zonada, carefully and sometimes recklessly assembles together an array of songs that are easily recognizable and infectious to the listener. On stage, this crew of musicians contributes their combined experiences as stage actors, orchestra members, marching band directors, and grunge rockers into every song. According to Zonada, "When we play shows, the last thing I want to be to anyone in that room is just some guy screaming about his feelings over a distorted guitar...what we do is humanitarian work. We show up to blow people's minds and give all their functioning senses something that they're never going to get from sitting at home with an iPod on their head".
Even in a city that doesn't play by the rules, New Orleans' BONERAMA is something different. They can evoke vintage funk, classic rock and free improvisation in the same set; maybe even the same song. Bonerama has been repeatedly recognized by Rolling Stone, hailed as "the ultimate in brass balls" (2005) and praised for their "…crushing ensemble riffing, human-feedback shrieks and wah-wah growls" (2007). Bonerama carries the brass-band concept to places unknown; what other brass band could snag an honor for "Best Rock Band" (Big Easy Awards 2007)?
DISTRICT 97 is the only Progressive Rock and Metal band in the world to feature an American Idol finalist and a Chicago Symphony Orchestra virtuoso cellist. The band was initially formed in the Fall of 2006 by drummer Jonathan Schang, keyboardist Rob Clearfield, bassist Patrick Mulcahy and guitarist Sam Krahn. The foursome from Chicago honed their skills for a year before deciding the right vocalist was needed to complement their sound. Their search led to 2007 American Idol Top 10 Female Finalist, Leslie Hunt, who has a look, sound and stage presence comparable to a young Ann Wilson from Heart. After attending a show and being highly impressed, Katinka Kleijn, cellist extraordinaire from the world-renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra, joined the band, followed shortly guitarist Jim Tashjian, who took over when Sam Krahn departed.
On Feb. 20, the cities that host PechaKucha events worldwide will converge to present one continuous 24-hour edition of PechaKucha Night. Kicking off at SuperDeluxe in Tokyo, where PechaKucha Night was first conceived, the presentation wave will travel eastward, with cities presenting one after the other. Crossing all times zones and cultures, the event will be streamed live online and then finish in Tokyo the following day. Here in Chicago, and around the world, presentations are being prepared - some are intended to offer hope and encouragement through stories of past disaster relief projects, while others offer simple inspiration by showing the power of great creative thinking. Some amazing people have stepped up to the challenge so prepared to be surprised. All of the 2,000 presentations generated from the one-day event - what could be the world's biggest single day globally distributed conference - will be posted online at PechaKucha Presentation. All proceeds will go to Architecture for Humanity for rebuilding Haiti. AFH operates globally, and was instrumental in getting projects built after the Indian Ocean Tsunami and Katrina. The design costs for the new buildings in Haiti have been already covered so all donations will go to tangible built projects. Watch this space as we announce the Chicago presenters. Tell your friends, and join us at Martyrs' on February 20th where passion, creativity and the Power of 20 will make a difference.
Sounding like no other singer of her generation” (Allmusic.com), MARY FAHL is an expressive, emotional singer/songwriter who first achieved fame as lead singer and co-founder of the mid-90’s chamber-pop group October Project. Fahl’s elegant, cinematic songs draw on classical and world music sources, American art song, as well as thinking man’s folk-pop. She sings in an earthy, viscerally powerful contralto that Boston Globe critic Steve Morse calls "a voice for the gods that can transport listeners to other realms”. Since her "October Project" days, Fahl has recorded solo albums for Sony Classical and V2 Records. She has written and performed songs for several major motion pictures, including the lead song (“Going Home”) for the Warner Bros. Civil War epic “Gods and Generals”. In this solo performance, she will perform a number of those songs, several new works, as well as an October Project song or two.
Even in a city that doesn't play by the rules, New Orleans' BONERAMA is something different. They can evoke vintage funk, classic rock and free improvisation in the same set; maybe even the same song. Bonerama has been repeatedly recognized by Rolling Stone, hailed as "the ultimate in brass balls" (2005) and praised for their "…crushing ensemble riffing, human-feedback shrieks and wah-wah growls" (2007). Bonerama carries the brass-band concept to places unknown; what other brass band could snag an honor for "Best Rock Band" (Big Easy Awards 2007)?
Winter is here, and that means it's time for Tributosaurus For Kids to take the stage once again - and this year, they have a special treat....
TRIBUTOSAURUS FOR KIDS BECOMES THE BEATLES!
Why should Tributosaurus be just for adults? They've had so many requests from fans to do a show that is accessible to the little ones that they decided it’s time to give the kids a show of their own. As their fans know, this past November Tributosaurus embarked on a quest to play the entire Beatles catalog with Volume 1, encompassing the first 2 albums and the Singles of the same time period, and they've decided that this is music that speaks to everyone - so they're bringing it to the kids. They've cut down the mega-set to a more manageable 1 hour, and they're offering it to families all over town in special Sunday shows!
Mandolin virtuoso ANDY STATMAN will be making a rare Chicago area appearance at Martyrs with members of the Lucky Break Bluegrass Band. A legendary clarinet and mandolin virtuoso and composer, Statman has received critical acclaim since the early 1970s for his trail-blazing improvisations that brought the bluegrass of Bill Monroe into contact with the free jazz of John Coltrane, Eric Dolphy, and Albert Ayler. Statman's approach is expressive, expansive, emotionally probing, and fluidly improvisational. He can go wherever the spirit takes him; he has unlimited musical interests and mega-chops; takes a repertoire of old time fiddle tunes, blues, klezmer and Hasidic melodies, infused with elements of bebop, free jazz, and ethnic music, and turns them inside out. Yet it all sounds completely natural and organic.
Before mass culture made us all the same from suburb to shining suburb, our dialect told people where we came from. LUCKY BREAK's home is in the music of the Appalachian hills-- in sad ballads of lost loves and hard times, in breakneck fiddle tunes that couild make the dead tap their feet, and in sweet songs of redeeming love, heavenly and otherwise. the oldest songs have traveled well for hundreds of years, becoming a tradition that transcends place and time. Bluegrass music is no longer regional. But the source remains the same and will never change.
Chicago based, Vocal Stylist, Typhanie Monique known for her power throat days fronting, Peking Turtle, Improv outfit - SUMO, and gracing the stages of Chicago's top jazz venues had an itch to get back into the "big band" improv funk scene. So, who is this Booty? This booty is phat, funky, beat-droppin, improv stylin, horn wailing, low-end bumpin', power throatin, tribal groovin, never knowin what's coming out next. The Coalition is Chicago. Musicians who have hit every stage in & out of the city. Performing with talent like: Destiny's Child, Boz Scaggs, Mike Manson, Poi Dog Pondering, SUMO, Mr. Ali, Mr Egg Germ, Peking Turtle, Joss Stone, Rapheal Sadiq, Brian Culbertson, EXO, Tributosaurus, Jazz Mata, Cassuis Clay, 911 Mambo Orchestra, Fareed Haque Group... On last Monday's, they come together not to blow over your head, not to bore you with ballads, but to spontaneously combust with "us"... as we funk it out, you shake it out.
LAST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH - TIX AVAILABLE AT DOOR, NIGHT OF ONLY
The Moth StorySLAMs are open to anyone with a five-minute story to tell on the night's theme. Half an hour before the show, we put the names of all the folks who want to tell a story in a hat. At the start of the show, we start picking names. The 10 featured stories are scored by teams of judges selected from the audience. Each Storyslam generates a Storyslam winner. After ten slams, the winners face off in our Grandslam Championships. Come sign up to tell a story, or just to enjoy the show! Chicago Moth StorySLAMs now join weekly StorySLAM events in New York and twice a month StorySLAMs in Los Angeles.
The NICHOLAS BARRON BAND has been performing together for more than fifteen years under a variety of names but with the same core players — drummer Steve Gillis, keyboardist Vijay Tellis Nayak and bassist Shawn Sommer. Live in Transient Sound combines Nicholas’ love of the blues, passion for lyricism, and subtlety of the ballad with the rich audio atmosphere of the live room at Transient Sound. While his undeniable and original voice is showcased front and center, the strength of the recording is in the notable synergy that occurs between the players in the live studio setting.
Reaffirming the great traditions of American music in all their primitive, archetypal, and often-accidental glory, BENTON HARBOR LUNCHBOX bring you a literate, unpretentious, and undomesticated homage to the American underground—a blend of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Pop, Americana, Gypsy, and Swamp with touch of the musical voodoo … nothing is sacred, nothing is sacrificed. It’s sleazy like Film Noir, and it’s sublime like Sunday Confession. Singer-songwriter Andy Seagram ... has gathered together a motley crew of talented musicians to make an eclectic mix of traditional familiar styles with a swampy campy stompy rockin' twist. It's also quite loungy at times.
A singer/songwriter and guitarist originally out of the State of Iowa, ROB SCHULZ has been performing in and around the Chicago area since 1989. Despite apparent influences, Schulz is no cipher, bringing his own unique personalities and sensibilities to the fore. His work displays a wealth of hook-packed classic power pop that is earnest, tuneful, sincere, dynamic and accessible. His frighteningly memorable melodies and precise guitar motifs are terrifyingly catchy.
PROCESS has recently completed a 6-song demo that showcases the band’s range and quality of songwriting. They have been playing various gigs throughout Chicago and its suburbs for the past 5 years. Having been friends since grade school, they have a bond that most bands don’t. This is evident in their music, and also results in a particularly tight live sound.
FRITZPATRICK IS A BROTHERHOOD: together they stand, united they conquer. They are loyal as the day is long. Working class, they always are hard at work crafting material for live dynamic shows that will blow people away. Their working motto is simple “MAKE NO SMALL PLANS."
If you know anything about good rock n' roll, you know geeks and music go to together like cat-eye glasses and nubile librarians. And appropriately enough you'll still find parts of HALFWAYNORTH at the back of the stacks. Whether that's a stack of physics books or a stack of amplifiers, it depends on the evening and what's on tap.They may pop enough for the radio, but there's always enough of a cerebral twist to annoy Top-40 junkies and earn them comparisons with their influences, the likes of Travis, Wilco, and The Wallflowers.
ANNA SOLTYS was born in Poland to an artist couple. Their guidance along with the influence of a saxophone-playing uncle taught Anna at a young age that art is a way of life. She spent the first part of her childhood in Poland followed by 6 years in Paris before she moved to her self-proclaimed home Chicago. “My goal as an artist is not only to explore my ride on the roller coaster we call life," says Anna, "but also to explore and unveil the strands that make all of us so much the same.” Anna believes that the unrealistic expectations of our generation have many people believing that life is supposed to be easy. Her music explores and documents these elements through lyrically driven and simple melodies and leaves you with a sense of honest sorrow.
PAPER THICK WALLS includes the collective songwriting and production of Eric Michaels and Kate Schell. Their indie/folk style is based on a uniqueness that has created their up and coming album "The Red Room." Kate's main influences as a solo artist include independent female artists such as Joanna Newsom, Catpower, and Regina Spektor. Eric began his musical endeavors in 2006 with his band Glasko, which is most accomplished for playing at some of the great venues in and around Chicago including Double Door, Subterranean, Goose Island, Cubby Bear, Elbo Room, and The Rave.
THE SPARES make twangy, bluesy, roots music—call it alt-country or Americana. The Chicago duo writes and sings about characters in hard places whose stories hint at love and truth in ways that the characters themselves don’t always recognize. Jodee Lewis and Steve Hendershot formed The Spares in 2004, and in 2005 released the group's first CD, Hand Me Down. Roots Music Report called the CD "one of the finest Roots Rock/Americana albums to be released in 2005," and the lead song, "Mexico," was named Best Song -- Country" for 2006 by the International Academy of Independent Artists.
The brainchild of BEN KEELER, the 500 CLUB has been steadily making a name for itself in Chicago music scene over the last year. Keeler released his first solo record "The Cold" in the spring of '07. "The Cold" spurred a new sound in Keelers writing, combining his love for 60's soul with the hooks of 90's rock hits that once ruled alternative radio waves. Fellow music student and friend Tony Hays joined forces with Keeler early in his Chicago career. Hays' Keyboard chops and superb vocal skills immediately added a new energy to Keeler's songs. After a year of rotating rhythm sections The 500 Club has now solidified a Windy City lineup with scene veterans Michael Sommer on drums and Dorian Duffy on bass. With a love for sailing, baseball and tango, the 500 Club is currently putting the finishing touches on their new record "Water Water".
THE JESTERS formed in Chicago, IL in the fall of 1995, guided by the simple mantra of "life's too short." Although their initial influences were strongly rooted in the ska scene, they soon began to incorporate bits of funk, jazz, hip-hop, rock, swing, and punk into their energetic live shows. The Jesters have a varied repertoire of original songs and covers that are guaranteed to move the most stubborn and jaded crowd onto the dance floor. Take a heavy dose of showmanship, a sprinkling of shtick, bunches of rock, crazy costumes, a whole lotta groove and wrap it all up in an explosive bundle of energy and you're on your way to envisioning a Jesters show.
THE RATTLERS are a high powered western swing band with influences coming out of Texas from the music of Bob Wills -Ray Price to the hard hittin honky tonk sounds of Hank Williams-Porter Wagoner and George Jones.They also find a little room for the tear jerkin ballads that can bring a tear to the eye of toughest guy in town.
Ollie Oshea - fiddle John Rice- guitar/fiddle T.C. Furlong - steel guitar Barney Shwarz - bass Bill Schaefer - drums
PechaKucha Night brings prominent and emerging creative minds together for an evening of lightning-fast presentations, networking and fun. The PechaKucha format, where a dozen or so presenters are given 20 slides each shown for 20 seconds to reveal their passions, work and inspirations, is now held in over 190 cities around the world. Chicago events are among the most popular, with over 250 people in attendance at each event.
In August 2002 we became The Who. September was Sly & the Family Stone, followed by CSNY and then The Police. TRIBUTOSAURUS is not just a band…it is a musical event, a happening. Tributosaurus is the Jurassic beast of multiple musical faces, and every month, the beast morphs into a different rock group. Every set is tweaked with the lineup essential to accurately re-create the recorded material of an amazing array of artists. This mandate draws the finest musicians from Chicagoland and beyond to join the core group to sit in…to sing and play songs they’ve wanted to cover all their lives. For Paul McCartney, we had members of the CSO and 30 people on stage, for Ray Charles we had a full big band, for Paul Simon we had an ensemble of native South American flutes -- whatever it takes. If there's a song that requires 2 keyboard players, 3 guitarists, a mandolin and a 6 piece horn section -- you can bet we'll have 'em. The Tributosaurus Core is comprised of 4 of the top musicians in Chicagoland. These players consider themselves the Civil War re-creationists of rock and roll, as they skillfully learn a brand new set of material every month, note for note. The shows have developed into a unique scene — hipsters and musicians mingling with fans in the sell-out crowds, enjoying a one-night experience that will never be performed again. For over 50 bands, we have been joined by members of The Rolling Stones, Umphrees McGee, Mister Blotto, Anita Baker, The Band, Poi Dog Pondering, Local H, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the list goes on and on. If you're in Chicago on the first Wednesday of the month, look us up - you won't regret it!
In August 2002 we became The Who. September was Sly & the Family Stone, followed by CSNY and then The Police. TRIBUTOSAURUS is not just a band…it is a musical event, a happening. Tributosaurus is the Jurassic beast of multiple musical faces, and every month, the beast morphs into a different rock group. Every set is tweaked with the lineup essential to accurately re-create the recorded material of an amazing array of artists. This mandate draws the finest musicians from Chicagoland and beyond to join the core group to sit in…to sing and play songs they’ve wanted to cover all their lives. For Paul McCartney, we had members of the CSO and 30 people on stage, for Ray Charles we had a full big band, for Paul Simon we had an ensemble of native South American flutes -- whatever it takes. If there's a song that requires 2 keyboard players, 3 guitarists, a mandolin and a 6 piece horn section -- you can bet we'll have 'em. The Tributosaurus Core is comprised of 4 of the top musicians in Chicagoland. These players consider themselves the Civil War re-creationists of rock and roll, as they skillfully learn a brand new set of material every month, note for note. The shows have developed into a unique scene — hipsters and musicians mingling with fans in the sell-out crowds, enjoying a one-night experience that will never be performed again. For over 50 bands, we have been joined by members of The Rolling Stones, Umphrees McGee, Mister Blotto, Anita Baker, The Band, Poi Dog Pondering, Local H, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the list goes on and on. If you're in Chicago on the first Wednesday of the month, look us up - you won't regret it!
A night of drinking, dancing, socializing, networking and non-stop music since 1991. For die hard rockabilly devotees and civilian music fans. Over the last decade, this highly organized vibrant jam session, held the first Thursday of every month at Martyrs', has become rockabilly central for many of the musicians & fans of Chicago's American roots scene. Although the monthly jam is devoted to rockabilly, the Big C Jamboree has also offered the span of '40's-'50's Amereicn roots music from Hillbilly Boogie to Western Swing, Jump Blues and 1st generation Rock-n-Roll. The night is run swiftly and simply: a host band performs a short set, followed by a myriad of roots musicians who do 3 songs each. The party like atmosphere includes socializing, drinking & dancing galore while the rotating line-up onstage usually features the raucous sounds of pompadoured rockabilly musicians wailing away on upright basses and hallow-bodied electric guitars; and there's NEVER a cover! It's one of the most dedicated evenings of music in the city.
THE UPTOWN SAVAGES' sound has drawn listeners of all persuasions to Midwest roadhouses and festivals for over six years. The Savages' music isn't programmed and doesn't fit neatly into any one scene. If you're a purist, be warned. There's nothing "pure" about The Uptown Savages. The band plays their music the only way they know-"full throttle, drinking from the bottle."
FLYING MACHINES are that rare breed: A fresh-sounding New York band whose smarts and cleverness don’t interfere with their capital ‘R’ rock. A lineup whose gifted singer-keyboardist is influenced by Ben Folds and Freddy Mercury, while the Zeppelin-loving, Fender-playing guitarist is unafraid to go to 11…and shred on solos.
"...Something of a folk/indie/roots jigsaw puzzle, EMBLEMS’ intricate song structures impress, but the band remains down to earth. Their EP offers a balancing act of catchy songs without simplicity. It’s too easy to say, “just hear it for yourself,” but you need to. Really, you do."
TERRIBLE SPACESHIP: "...And this problematical object came out clear and sharp and bright. And this Thing I saw! How can I describe it? A monstrous tripod, higher than many houses, striding over the young pine trees, and smashing them aside in its career; a walking engine of glittering metal, striding now across the heather..."
The PIMPS OF JOYTIME are a multi-ethnic group that hits all the marks and crosses all the barriers, bridging the gap between underground funk, soul, pop, dance, afrobeat and latin. Brian J started the PJT’s in Brooklyn back in 2005, where they cut their teeth while playing clubs in Williamsburg and the East Village. On stage, he’s the lead singer, guitarist and keyboardist, and in the studio, he’s the funkiest one-man-band this side of Minneapolis.
KINETIC STEREOKIDS are every bit a product of Flint, Mich., a legendary city perhaps better known for its abandoned auto industry, endless unemployment and unflinching crime rate. What started as childhood friends seeking refuge in basement jam sessions has since developed into an inspired, intelligent and innovative brand of modern rock. With comparisons ranging from Beck to Mogwai, and the cited influence of Can, Elliott Smith and the Beastie Boys, the Kinetic Stereokids' sound is beat-heavy, sample-laden, sonic alchemy.
GRAND ATLANTIC are an alternative rock band from Brisbane, Australia. They blast out a stunning mixture of melodic, hard-hitting rock, often compared to Oasis and Jet but recalling the powerpop sensibilities of Redd Kross or Teenage Fanclub. This band is all about immediate hooks, modern production and a swaggering rhythm section. Their new album, titled ‘How We Survive’ was released in July 2009 by Laughing Outlaw Records in Australia.
GIDGETS GA GA is a high energy Chicago-based powerpop trio, crafting their own unique blend of galloping guitars and smoky, grungy allure to create timeless songs with an irresistible jangle. The Big Bong Fiasco is a rock and roll feast for the ears to make you sing along and shake your ass!
AUTUMN OWLS formed and began preparing their sound in September 2006. The four-piece from Dublin, Ireland had already made music and gigged around the local circuit in their teenage years but dissolved the band in order to find their own unique sound. After a two year hiatus which resulted in relentless song writing by Gary McFarlane, the same four members reformed, converted a shed into a recording space and began writing and recording. Autumn Owls were one of the ten bands selected from thousands of entries to represent Irish Music in the New York Tisch School of Arts 2007 Music Video Project. The song became successful, going on to feature on Irish TV show "The Last Broadcast". The band will be touring the USA in March , finishing in Texas to play the renowned SXSW Festival.
With a sound that walks the line between today's singer-songwriters and painful, emotional rock like Ryan Adams, The MICAH WALK BAND is poised to make a run to the top of Chicago's music scene. Having first planted his roots in weekly open-mic nights and solo shows, Micah has managed to grow a respect and admiration within the city's vast underground songwriter circles. With guitarist John Cardoni, drummer Darin Holthaus and bassist Dan Hartman, the band have established themselves as a credible member in the music scene. Their most notable show so far being at Martyrs opening for Blue Rodeo (one of Canada's most popular and successful country-rock bands).
"SHELLEY MILLER binds her ragged tales of urban life in lines of unflinching truth. She's one of those rare songwriters you might rightfully call a poet." - Andrew Calhoun, Waterbug Records With a poet's eye for detail and a heart as warm as it is worn, Shelley Miller writes songs that stick with you long after a show is done. A versatile guitarist and intensely emotional performer, Shelley has turned ears at venues and festivals across the country. Her blend of soulful folk, rock and Americana is at home in rock clubs and intimate cafes alike.
STEVE DAWSON grew up in small town Idaho during the dark ages of Ronald Reagan and the Urban Cowboy soundtrack. Critics from Rolling Stone, Mojo, and the Village Voice, among others, have praised Dawson's gift for melodic, evocative songwriting. His songs have been compared to the short stories of Raymond Carver for their use of language and dark introspective subject matter.
TRAINWRECK has been rocking the LA (and more recently national) scene since August of 2002. The ‘wreck includes Darryl Donald (a.k.a JR Reed) on vocals, Klip Calhoun (Kyle Gass of Tenacious D) on guitar, Boy Johnny (John Spiker) on bass, Shreddy Krueger (John Konesky) on electric guitar, Lance Branson (Chris D’Arienzo) on the keys and Kenny Bob Thornton (Kevin Weisman) on drums. Trainwreck hails from Texas and has quite an eclectic sound. Klip describes it as Grand Funk meets the Allman Brothers, or as Darryl would say, “Chicken-Fried ROCK”. The ‘wreck has written a wide variety of originals and covers some very special tunes, from Kenny Loggins to Eminem. Each show, the band performs in appropriate full Trainwrecked, red-neck attire. Many a special guest has graced the stage with the boys, from Jerry McCraken (John C. Reilly) to Tuffy McFuckalby (Jack Black) to Slim Ribbins (Tim Robbins). The band is currently touring both coasts, gaining fans and new wranglers along the way.
Who was singing vocals for Jeff Beck's Les Paul tribute at the Grammys? None other than IMELDA MAY! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdcUvhq_3do
Imelda May: the sound of 2010. Having fallen in love with rockabilly and blues as a nine-year-old in Dublin, Imelda May has fused them together and given them a modern twist to create the most exciting and original sound you’ll hear this, or any year. With her unique style, sexy look and raw energy, Imelda is taking the music scene by storm. Her latest album ‘Love Tattoo’ recently knocked ‘Bruce Springsteen off the number one spot in Ireland and she will be promoting it by touring the country with her talented band of renowned musicians ; Steve Rushton on Drums, Al Gare on Bass, Darrel Higham on guitar, and Dave Priseman on trumpet.
RICO! creates an immense fiery soulful sound through bass, congas, percussion, drums, timbales, keyboards, guitar, and pure passion. Rico! will move you physically and mentally with their hypnotic blend of afro-cuban rhythms, or purge deep into your soul with their eminent sense of melody. They are influenced and inspired by all the innovative rock, soul, jazz, afro-cuban, blues, funk, reggae, and hip-hop pioneers.
HYPERPOTAMUS makes a'cappella music with four microphones, a loop station pedal and gallons of water. After being involved in a number of bands as a drummer and piano player, he decided to ditch musical instruments altogether and go his own way. What he left behind were bloodsucking labels, abusive rehearsal space rent, impossible transportation of bass drums and cymbals in unwelcoming geography. Freed, he started to rehearse his vocal compositions in the undgerground metro stations of Madrid; just 6 months later he was opening for bands in front of 1400 people. In March 2009, Hyperpotamus self-released his debut album "Largo Bailón", a sonic-artisan craft in which the only instrument he uses is his own voice. The following tour took him all around Spain and led him to play festivals such as SXSW (Austin), Wilsonic (Bratislava) or Crew Hassan (Lisbon). He just completed a month-long tour of California and will continue to play the US in the following months. And all this with hardly any promotional fanfare other than good old word to mouth.
The MUCK BROTHERS craft a unique style of rock music steeped in the traditional Irish sounds of their native country, Ireland. Their music, which ranges from traditional Irish tunes to contemporary rock, showcases the diversity of the band member’s talent. During the past 10 plus years, The Muck Brothers have been a staple performance at Chicago’s top venues, attracting hundreds of loyal fans from all over the midwest. With two albums out, hopefully a third will be in the works soon. This Chicago based band features vocalist Frank Quinn on guitar, Mike Buckley on fiddle, Aidan O’Toole on vocals, bodhran, bass and guitar, and Joe Fitzgerald on Drums.
PAUL SANCHEZ was born in New Orleans two blocks from the Mississippi River. He was awarded Songwriter of the Year, Best Song of The Year for Hey God and Best folk/rock album of the year for Stew Called New Orleans at the Best Of The Beat Awards in New Orleans this January. In May of 2009,Threadhead Records released a book of essays written by Paul, Pieces Of Me, about life, love and music in the new New Orleans. Paul's latest release of songs, Farewell To Storyville, is on Threadhead Records. Having worked with and learned so much from the great jazz and brass band players in New Orleans, Paul brought those influences into the studio but this time it's just Paul, strumming his guitar and telling stories as he has done on stages all over the world. He has recorded and performed with New Orleans musicians John Boutte and Shamarr Allen, has appeared on Ellen Degeneres show, and his music has been heard on the television series Homicide: Life on the Street and in the films The Accused, starring Jodie Foster and in the independent film At Last. He spent fifteen years on the road with the rock band Cowboy Mouth as main song writer, guitarist and vocalist leaving the band after the flooding of New Orleans in 2005. Paul resides in the Treme' section of New Orleans now. He continues to write, sing, live and breathe New Orleans.
Rooted in the tradition of bluegrass, the music of HEAD FOR THE HILLS is a vibrant mixture of homegrown compositions, traditional harmonies, and an innovative approach to improvisation. In the live setting, Head for the Hills can venture into a myriad of musical styles while staying in a context that is still widely respected by the traditional bluegrass community.
PERT' NEAR SANDSTONE came out of the great Minneapolis folk scene. Gathered round a single microphone, these boys play well crafted original stringband music, as well as being stewards of the old-time tradition. Their high-energy and gritty brand of stringband music is sure to get you outta your seat and keep you dancing...
ANITA TIJOUX became famous in Latin America as the female MC of the late 90s hip-hop group Makiza, a group that received wide appoval from audiences not associated in just hip-hop culture due to their evolved production and lyrics, more in line with the New York underground of the Native Tongues, and far from the machisimo and violence prevelant in the rap of the times. In 2006 she crossed over to the Latin mainstream pop after a collaboration with Mexican songstress Julieta Venegas in the radio hit "Eres para mí", while at the same time releasing her first solo album, Kaos. She was nominted to the 2007 MTV Latin awards for Best New Artist and Best Urban Artist. Her latest work, 1977, will be her first album released in the US, this April on Nacional Records.
Compared to Zack de la Rocha, Talib Kweli and others, OLMECA is ranked as one of the most talented bilingual M.C.s; A talented lyricist that transcends demographics within the music and revolutionary communities “a real MC for real times.” Olmeca is a prime example of an artist with music integrity. He is an artist with both the socio-political awareness and with the skills and musical ability that is undeniably good enough to stand on its own. It is a dual task that is certainly hard to find, but that Olmeca has captured brilliantly.
ALL NATURAL (DJ Tone B. Nimble and MC capital D) has become a legend in the hip-hop underground. Respected as one of the most solid and consistent hip-hop acts of the late 1990s and early 21st century, All Natural has raised the bar with every release. Their third album, "Vintage", certified them as hip-hop icons. Featuring the lyrical skills of The Jungle Brothers and El da Sensai, as well as the production work of Dug Infinite (Common), Andy C (Mary J. Blige) and newcomers Kenny Keys and Stoney Rock, the album exhibits modern hip-hop at its finest.
PHILLIP MORRIS has been described as "one of the ultimate word smiths of hip-hop"according to Skope magazine. He is a revolutionary thinker trapped inside of an emcee’s frame. He is a man whose passion for multi-syllabic rhyming borders on obsession.
Chicago based, Vocal Stylist, Typhanie Monique known for her power throat days fronting, Peking Turtle, Improv outfit - SUMO, and gracing the stages of Chicago's top jazz venues had an itch to get back into the "big band" improv funk scene. So, who is this Booty? This booty is phat, funky, beat-droppin, improv stylin, horn wailing, low-end bumpin', power throatin, tribal groovin, never knowin what's coming out next. The Coalition is Chicago. Musicians who have hit every stage in & out of the city. Performing with talent like: Destiny's Child, Boz Scaggs, Mike Manson, Poi Dog Pondering, SUMO, Mr. Ali, Mr Egg Germ, Peking Turtle, Joss Stone, Rapheal Sadiq, Brian Culbertson, EXO, Tributosaurus, Jazz Mata, Cassuis Clay, 911 Mambo Orchestra, Fareed Haque Group... On last Monday's, they come together not to blow over your head, not to bore you with ballads, but to spontaneously combust with "us"... as we funk it out, you shake it out.
"It Shouldn't Work (But It Does)". This is perhaps the unofficial motto of the band. "Let's Try It And See!" might be another. The aspiration of MAGAZINE GAP is to explore musical genres whilst keeping within a consistent and clear overall sound, challenging but delighting audiences by offering songs in slightly different directions, whilst all the time balancing classic and contemporary sounds to create something timeless. Take the folk-rock musings of vocalist and songwriter James Keen, the R&B/Hip-Hop leanings of drumming sensation and producer Brian McCook, add in jazz maestro Alex Ho, blues-rock lead guitarist (and younger brother) Jason Keen and funk bassist Tim Gyton, and you have the makings of one of the most exciting new combinations on the music scene today.
LAST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH - TIX AVAILABLE AT DOOR, NIGHT OF ONLY
The Moth StorySLAMs are open to anyone with a five-minute story to tell on the night's theme. Half an hour before the show, we put the names of all the folks who want to tell a story in a hat. At the start of the show, we start picking names. The 10 featured stories are scored by teams of judges selected from the audience. Each Storyslam generates a Storyslam winner. After ten slams, the winners face off in our Grandslam Championships. Come sign up to tell a story, or just to enjoy the show! Chicago Moth StorySLAMs now join weekly StorySLAM events in New York and twice a month StorySLAMs in Los Angeles.
JOHN LEFLER hails from Dallas, Texas. He writes songs, tries to sing them, and plays them for people as often as he can, usually without them getting mad. John plays guitar and keys in another band as well, Dashboard Confessional. When Dashboard Confessional are not together, he makes records of his own. The latest, "Better By Design," was released in June '09. People have referred to it as, "powerpop'. He loves bands like Jellyfish, XTC, Crowded House, and, of course, The Beatles. He thinks "Ram" is his favourite Paul McCartney record - which is how he wishes he would sound (and sing).
GREAT AMERICAN TAXI brands their music “Americana without borders.” Taxi definitely knows no boundaries and their 21st century brand of Americana music is sure to get you dancing and singing along. Diving into an ever expanding repertoire of their own carefully crafted electric folk music along with a great catalog of influential Folk, Americana, Bluegrass and Rock songs, all in attendance will find something to latch onto at a Taxi show. Whether you grew up listening to Gram Parsons, the Grateful Dead, the Byrds, Bob Dylan, Bill Monroe, Willie Nelson or Woody Guthrie, plan on taking a great American musical journey. All you have to do is pay the fare, get in the Great American Taxi, and enjoy the trip.
"Original", "innovative", "fearless", "ambitious", "propulsive", "a marvel of emotion and razor sharp focus"....these are the words of those that have had a chance to hear the sound that for the past several years has been reverberating out of Texas from one of American music's most compelling bands, CADILLAC SKY. Their music has been coined everything from "experimental acoustic music" to "psychobilly bluegrass" but they themselves, simply hope they just make "good" music. With an admitted dose of naivety, they simply choose to believe that there should be only two categories in which music should be placed: good and bad. "We try to make music we believe in and would like to listen to".
JILL ANDREWS picked up a guitar for the first time when she was 19; armed with only three chords, she had all she needed to create deep and soulful songs with lonesome melodies and haunting lyrics. In 2003, Jill teamed up with Sam Quinn to create the everybodyfields—it was an undeniable musical union. And the face of Tennessee’s roots music would never be the same. Paste Magazine listed them in their “Best of What’s Next” issue in September 2008, saying that they “straddle old and new, bitter and sweet, desperation and transcendence with an arresting command.” Jill’s taking that arresting command into her new solo project, but the themes will be familiar, and fans who’ve fallen head over heels for her material can expect that signature alt-country, roots-rock sound to deliver and grow.
