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.
Some music, because of its originality, timelessness, mass appeal, or perhaps because it is just plain odd, will always be destined for the hallowed halls of cult classicism. No band fits this criteria better than PAPADOSIO. In just 4 years Papadosio has wowed crowds from Denver to NYC, Cleveland to Atlanta, shaking the earth at festivals and clubs alike. Papadosio's music is all about unexpected combinations. From Rock/House to Jazz/Hop to Dub/Breaks, every song has a unique approach to attaining originality. Long improvisational interludes and vocal harmonies quickly set this group in a new category of mass appeal. ...with an amplified message of transcendence, unity, and universal understanding, Papadosio's mission is clear: To combine eclectic musical traditions with modern Electronica to stir the heart and fuel the mind.
While this quartet was officially named in the summer of 2009, members of Chicago-based band FINLEY KNIGHT have been playing music together for nearly a decade. These members include John Detjen on guitar, Connor Detjen, and dueling cousin Brian Borah on keys, and the dolefully unrelated Bryce Axelrad on drums. Some say their music falls somewhere within the funk-rock-groove scene, while others insist it’s a staple of the groove-alternative-jam genre. All will agree, however, that listening to Finley Knight without dancing is nearly impossible.
In the past five years, Great American Taxi has become one of the best-known headliners on the jam band circuit. Their uninhibited sound is a swinging concoction of swampy blues, progressive bluegrass, funky New Orleans strut, Southern boogie, honky tonk country, gospel, and good ol’ fashioned rock ’n’ roll. Great American Taxi was born when singer, guitarist, and mandolin player Vince Herman of Leftover Salmon joined keyboard player and singer Chad Staehly for a superstar jam to benefit the Rainforest Action Group in Boulder, in March of 2005. “We put together a dream band of the best local musicians for a one-off gig,” Herman recalls. “It worked so well we had to do it again, and again, and again.” Great American Taxi quickly evolved into one of the best country-, rock-, and bluegrass- influenced jam bands in the land, masterfully blending acoustic and electric instruments into music they call “Americana Without Borders.”
THE STEAK HOUSE MINTS are Chicago's most refreshing orch-pop ensemble. The Mints are comprised of former and current members of Filter, Back Yard Tire Fire, Cabaret Diosa, Kick the Cat, & Maggie Speaks. "Their sound is an intricate and beautiful style of orchestral pop influenced by the Zombies, Nick Drake and "Pet Sounds"-era Beach Boys as well as more global avatars such as Os Mutantes and Astrud Gilberto." -Jim DeRogatis, Chicago Sun Times The Mints are proud to have been selected by Chicago Metro Mix as one of Chicago's top ten unsigned bands in The 2009 Rock n Vote!
"…one of THE best, one of THE hottest and most important funky bands in New Orleans, we couldn't be prouder." -Quint Davis, producer of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Step into New Orleans' Maple Leaf Bar on a Monday night and through the smoky atmosphere emerges PAPA GROWS FUNK. There are no playlists, no rehearsals; the only constant is the free and easy spirit of the Crescent City. Papa Grows Funk embodies the soul of New Orleans—fun, funky, unpredictable and energetic. From sultry summer nights, to Mardi Gras revelry, to the heart pounding Jazz Fest weekends, New Orleans follows PGF whether it is at their regular gig at the Maple Leaf Bar or Club Quattro in Tokyo, Japan. In 2009 Papa Grows Funk will produce a fifth album and thus a new chapter for the band. The band will promote their fifth album and continue to bring the spirit of New Orleans funk with every performance. They have a loyal fan base and have earned respect from so many musicians. Russell Batiste, Jr. says it best about the band's future: “[Papa Grows Funk has] so much music waiting in the wings that people will have to hang around a long time to hear it. There's no limit to how far this group can go."
The B.S. Brass Band was formed in 2000 by Mike Hogg (sousaphone/leader) and Jason Thor (trombonist with the Brian Setzer Orchestra). After attending a brass band show in Chicago, they realized that this town is ripe for forming a group capable of producing a big, tight horn sound with that infectious New Orleans second-line groove. Rooting themselves in the Dixieland tradition, they began playing venues big and small for audiences hungry to hear everything from Jellyroll Morton to James Brown. 2005 saw the release of there first feature CD “Two for the Show” (pick one up and you may find out what the B.S. stands for!). B.S. has appeared with Dr. John, the Wild Magnolias, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Re-birth Brass Band, Nathan and the Zydaco Cha-Cha’s, and Mojo and the Bayou Gypsies to name a few. Hear clips, see pictures and contact information about B.S. Brass Band at www.bsbrassband.com. How ‘bout that funky Tuba!!!
The music of ASSEMBLY OF DUST could be labeled “hick funk,” and has been compared to the likes of Paul Simon, CSNY, and The Band. Drummer Andy Herrick and bassist/backing vocalist John Leccese lend Reid Genauer and the band a funky, almost Motown vibe, while Wilson’s rolling keys drop in jazz references. Guitarist/backing vocalist Adam Terrell, meanwhile, is the musical glue that holds it all together. He’s able to weave the country and the jazz and the Motown groove into one seamless landscape.
Whereas the idea of a "new sound" might seem like wishful thinking to the modern day music connoisseur, that concept is exactly what keeps Land of Atlantis fans coming back for more. LOA tastefully mixes intricate, progressive song writing with simple hooks and melodies, all the while infusing a healthy dose of improvisation and virtuosity. With their open-minded approach to creating music, each member adds their own distinct flavor to the recipe. Guitarist Dan Rucinski and bassist Josh Hanchar keep it solid with their swanky grooves, yet embellish enough to make things unpredictable. Drummer Nemanja Djorovic and guitarist Nikola Djorovic use an intuition that only twin brothers can share to seamlessly link up and propel the music to new heights, while saxophonist Kevin Davidson blends it all together with his seductive melodies. LOA is known for having a very impressive live show that combines the band's energetic rhythm and harmony with a hypnotic light show for a full night of sensory overload.
BONZO TERKS' mission is to further music, and expand the listeners' ability to become uncomfortable and intrigued at the same time evoking emotions you've forgotten how to feel.
THE QUICK AND EASY BOYS’ highly anticipated second full-length album, Red Light Rabbit, is an amalgamation of funk, psychedelic rock, and garage-soul with a slight pinch of honky-tonk. Imagine the Minutemen, Funkadelic and Willie Nelson rolled into one. Also, these new recordings highlight the undeniable talents of this power trio who have been packing Northwest venues for the past few years.
BC: The Hip Hop version of Simon and Garfunkel. This Comic duo was recently seen in a Project Runway Commercial where they sang their original song. Apart they are Brian Kash ("we must again praise Brian Kash, his hyped-up, almost cartoonish presence is really, truly funny." -Tim Lowery Timeout Chicago) and Chris Froseth ("Whenever Froseth is onstage, laughter is guaranteed."-PHIL MOREHART Chicago Journal). But together they are BC.
Originally from Iowa City, IA, Eufórquestra (pronounced: yoo • FOHR • keh • struh, think Euphoria+Orchestra) relocated to Fort Collins, CO in August 2008 and has made a splash on the Colorado music scene with its progressive, genre-crossing funk fusions and a relentless tour schedule. Emerging as a musical powerhouse, Eufórquestra is quickly spreading its self-proclaimed “Afro-Caribbean-Barnyard-Funk;” a unique, rhythmic blend of sound, integrating such genres as Afrobeat, Reggae, Afro-Cuban, Samba, Soca, Funk, Salsa, and Dub. Eufórquestra’s music is igniting dance floors across the country, with a sound that “explodes, dances and melts in your ear with sheer bliss” (Chris M. Slawecki; AllAboutJazz.com). As percussionist and lead vocalist Matt Grundstad puts it, "we just want to make people dance.”
The roots of THE OPPOSITION PARTY are in funk, reggae, and afrobeat. Heavy grooves and high-energy rhythms come alive in a catalog of songs that features music from artists like Ethiopiques, Fela Kuti, Tony Allen, Thomas Mapfumo, Jackie Mittoo, fresh dub styles, and OP originals that draw from all of it.
B1G T1ME Tom Waits tribute band will be performing Waits' 1976 album Small Change in its entirety.
"Tabitha Rae Lydon has been writing music most of her life. She grew up harmonizing with her mother to any and every song. Songwriting began as therapy and quickly became her passion. Today, her countless compositions inspire awe and deliver a sincereity that is felt universally. Tabitha's songwriting is ingenius and effortless." -Alex Rohlwing
MARVIN TATE is an award winning Performance Poet. His combining of spoken word, poetry, theatrics and music has been acknowledged locally and nationally for over a decade. Tate first got his start performing the poem “We Real Cool” by the late Gwendolyn Brooks, on a schoolyard in one of Chicago’s poorest neighborhoods, North Lawndale, in 1970. Years later the shy and angry Tate became a powerful fixture in the Chicago poetry scene, which introduced him to various organizations and poetry entrepreneurs. Micheal Warr and Luis Rodriguez, award winning poets, published his poems with the independent Tia Chucha Press. This resulted in Tate’s first book of poems,Schoolyard of Broken Dreams. During that same period, Tate formed the experimental funk band D-Settlement, a hybrid of raw spoken word, gospel/soul harmonies and in-your-face theatrics. The band recorded three CDs and received critical reviews from the Chicago Tribune and Reader, sharing the stage with the likes of Ken Nordine, Wilco, the Last Poets, the AACM, Orso, P-Funk’s Bernie Worrell, John Langford, Niki Mitchell, isotope 217, the Spires, and hosts of others. With the demise of D-Settlement in 2005, Tate continued to combine his love for spoken word and sound. In 2007 he collaborated with multi-instrumentalist Leroy Bach (formerly of Wilco) to make his first solo CD, “Family Swim”. Unlike his previous outing Tate reinvented himself as a more “Waitsian” archetype (going for the mind and not the jugular). Presently, Tate plays with an indie all-star cover band consisting of members of Chicago’s local indie/national scene, and with the art band The Black Monks of Mississippi. The band has performed in Europe and various museums and art houses in town.
When Jake Cinninger took the stage as a member of Umphrey's McGee for the first time in September 2000, the recently disbanded Ali Baba's Tahini appeared to be a thing of the past. Though the members decided to go their separate ways, the long time friends and musical cohorts never lost touch and never stopped creating music. On July 13th, Ali Baba’s Tahini will release their fourth album, Living Room. The follow-up to the spontaneous Rockstars and Lawnmowers (2005) is the carefully crafted product of Cinninger and Karl Engelmann's collaborative songwriting. Get comfy, Living Room has room for everyone. Ali Baba’s Tahini is: Jake Cinninger – guitar, vocals; Karl Engelmann – rhythm guitar, lead vocals; Steve “Krojo” Krojenewski – drums; Jeff Hinkle – bass and Justin Powell – keyboard.
It is during MACPODZ’s live performances where the mission of the band and the powers of music culminate, forming the foundation of a unique band-audience experience. "Wherever we go, we try to get people out of their seats and dancing, and we help them to forget about the stresses in their lives. America is not in the greatest of times. We're at war, and it's a hard time for everyone with the economic situation. We show up and try to help people unwind, dance, and feel good about life. It's like a pressure-releaser,” says bassist & founder, Brennan Andes.
20x2 is an ongoing project that exists to showcase the creativity that lurks in each of us. Writers, musicians, filmmakers, web geeks and other bon vivants are asked to take two minutes each to answer the question of the day. The results can be as varied as the emotions and reactions they evoke.
A TRIBUTE TO THE SMITHS AND MORRISEY Tired of not being able to go anywhere in the Chicago area to enjoy The beautiful sounds of The Smiths and Morrissey, vocalist, Joseph De La Mora and his band Terraforma decided to give it a shot in 2008. Originally just for an ICON show with other bands paying tribute to the likes of DM, the Cure and Joy Division. The Chance to emulate the Smiths and Moz was just too addictive and honorable to only do just once. Thus The Handsome Devilz were born. To bring to life the Live sound that was once the Smiths and still is Morrissey. Striving as time passes to Resurrect as many songs as possible from the Catalog of The Smiths and Moz. For all to Enjoy.
The BRANDED is the latest effort from long-time local scene collaborators Brian Bender (A Birdsong Valentine, Elbo Room [talent buyer], Chicago Noise Machine), Masta Shen (D*Frost, A Birdsong Valentine, MariZen, IMV, Chicago Noise Machine), Jay Mishur (Blown, The Euphoric, BC) and Mike Haracz (From the Broken). The four have merged their distinct sounds to create the unique, dirty rock tone.
REDCITY is young Hard Rock n Roll band gigging through Chicago, and playing original music. Screaming Vocals, Blazing Guitar, Heavy Drums, and Thunderous Bass. Their shows have high energy and always a good time!
Kevin, Tony, Chris & John of The Sleepers have decided to move on as THE SOUTH SIXTEENS. Stay tuned for new songs, and show updates.
THE DIRTY VIBE came together in Spring 2008 as the brainchild of cousins Nick (bass) and Pete (drums) after parting ways with their previous band. The goal was simple: put together one bad-ass, funky, hard-rocking band. The first step was to find the right guitarist - someone capable of bluesy grooves, killer riffs, and face-melting shredding. Enter Adam, guitarist extraordinaire. The trio spent several months writing and jamming with Pete and Adam on vocals, but the band knew it was time to complete the lineup and find the perfect singer. Enter Anna (former frontwoman of Leathur Cheetah) the perfect voice and presence for The Dirty Vibe's brand of rock n' roll. Currently in heavy writing mode, the Dirty Vibe plans to unveil itself to the world in early 2009. Stay tuned for show info, song clips, photos and more Dirty goodness....
THUNDERUNDERUS isn’t out to revolutionize Rock N’ Roll or “push the envelope.” They aren’t trying to define a generation, either. They play the music they love and have a damn good time doing it! Straight out of Chicago, Thunderunderus was formed in late 2007 by Jimmy Las Vegas, Kip Lightning and Jonny Rokkyn. The goal was simple; play kick ass, head-banging sing-along Rock N’ Roll.
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"
As a bluegrass band that's anything but traditional, Mountain Standard Time follows in the footsteps of such Colorado greats as The String Cheese Incident and Leftover Salmon. While leading acoustically with guitar, mandolin, and banjo, MST brands its own style, boasting a big, full-band sound with saxophone, electric bass, drums, and electric effects. The members of Mountain Standard Time hail from all over the country, yet their musical paths crossed in Nederland - a small, Colorado mountain town steeped in bluegrass music. Whether you chalk it up to fate or coincidence, music goers everywhere are coming together to enjoy the "explosive bluegrass" that these six friends and musicians have come to create. MST has performed all over Colorado and across the country, with appearances at Wakarusa Music Festival, 10,000 Lakes Festival, and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival contest finals, among other events. Mountain Standard Time's roots stem from late night "picks" among the bluegrass faithful, making music lovers dance from mountain towns to backwoods campfires. Rich lyrics, original melodies, vocal harmonies and driving back beats have been moving fans across the country, while the band's unique charisma has been winning hearts. As a bluegrass band that's anything but traditional, Mountain Standard Time follows in the footsteps of such Colorado greats as The String Cheese Incident and Leftover Salmon. While leading acoustically with guitar, mandolin, and banjo, MST brands its own style, boasting a big, full-band sound with saxophone, electric bass, drums, and electric effects. The members of Mountain Standard Time hail from all over the country, yet their musical paths crossed in Nederland - a small, Colorado mountain town steeped in bluegrass music. Whether you chalk it up to fate or coincidence, music goers everywhere are coming together to enjoy the "explosive bluegrass" that these six friends and musicians have come to create. MST has performed all over Colorado and across the country, with appearances at Wakarusa Music Festival, 10,000 Lakes Festival, and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival contest finals, among other events. Mountain Standard Time's roots stem from late night "picks" among the bluegrass faithful, making music lovers dance from mountain towns to backwoods campfires. Rich lyrics, original melodies, vocal harmonies and driving back beats have been moving fans across the country, while the band's unique charisma has been winning hearts.
The Black Willoughbys: Before Muddy first plugged in, before country and blues, white and black went their separate ways, songsters and minstrels roamed the back country with guitars, harps and homemade percussion, playing rags, breakdowns, moans and even the pop songs of the day. The BlackWilloughbys hark back to that era, when genres mixed freely, and the only validation a song required was a strong rhythm and a satisfied crowd.
Voted Best Local Band of 2010 in the Chicago Reader, MOS SCOCIOUS has been making waves in the Chicago music Scene. Their special blend of funk,soul, rock, hip-hop, blues, etc. make this freak-funk trio one of the best show's in Chicago. They are set to release their latest EP in October 2010.
The one man entertainment system, otherwise known as HEATBOX, has been emerging in the Minneapolis music scene for the better part of a deecade. From rocking crowds in his humble beginnings withthe Root City Band to selling out shows across the country, Heatbox's unparalleled crosssover between Motown, a cappalla, R&B, Hip Hop, Soul, and Funk has gained national attention from both fans and media alike.
A duo comprised of nightclub empress Tawny Newsome and programmer/guitarist Johnny Mathie, GIRL SHY brings a hothouse disco aura backed by rich layers of acoustic and electronic sound. Practically daring the listener to stay off the dance floor, GIRL SHY blends contemporary rock and electro elements into their very own funky, groovy, danceable idiom. Composer, musician, programmer Johnny Mathie is a multi-faceted musician and engineer. His flexibility with genres ranging from rock to hip-hop to dance and world beats is what gives GIRL SHY such an eclectic sound. Vocalist Tawny is also a DJ who's been spinning beats from disco to hip-hop at some of Chicago's hottest clubs and parties.
With years of collective experience under their belts, DREW EMMIT and BILL NERSHI exemplify the forward-thinking modern bluegrass musician. As linchpins of two legendary jam-bands –Drew with Leftover Salmon, Bill with the String Cheese Incident–both men have done the stadium-filling, high-profile rock ‘n’ roll thing to perfection. Along the way, however, they’ve honed their songwriting and playing chops and studied the bluegrass, rock and jazz masters they admire. Above all, Drew and Bill have shared a commitment to keeping music human-scaled and honest.
-“To call him a folk singer or categorize CHICAGO FARMER as a singer/songwriter wouldn’t be wrong. It might, however, not accentuate his commanding poetic voice and passion behind his storytelling.”-Chicago Innerview Magazine “This is a working man’s singer/songwriter. The strident tones of his voice will make you sit up and listen.” -Chicago Acoustic Underground
A MODERN-DAY CLASSIC and a throwback to karmic country’s golden era, Henry Wagons dares to incorporate influences as grand and wildly diverse as Johnny Cash, Adam Green, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Scott Walker, Cormac McCarthy, Haruki Marukami and Rod Stewart. Inspired by the most twisted aspects of traditional country music and flea-bitten western nostalgia, Henry serenades listeners with his insightful songwriting and deep, sonorous baritone. His songs are punctuated by his unique style of commentary, which regularly delights his audiences. Capable of switching between heartfelt romantic sentiment to the depths of grief, in the course of a song or two, Henry’s live performance is one of the most entertaining solo shows involving one man and an acoustic guitar.
Shaped in the Gypsy ghettos (Mahala) around Bucharest, MAHALA RAI BANDA (literally Noble Band from the Ghetto), combines a surprising array of trends and styles. Combining Romanian violins & accordions with a brass section consisting of army brass band veterans and a rocking rhythm section, they're the rising band from the Balkans. They effortlessly combine a knack for inventive arrangements with an indeniable ability to turn every single concert into a wild party.
DJ ROBERT SOKO is among the fathers of BalkanBeats – a genre of party music that is taking some of the most exciting Southeast European sounds and bringing them to a global audience. Soko grew up in former Yugoslavia listening to western-influenced guitar music and spent his early twenties “wandering Europe and learning languages”. Playing DJ sets that bring together east and west, Soko taps into a special energy. He plays regular Balkanbeats nights in Berlin, Budapest, Paris and London (soon to expand to Rome and Ljubljana), and is playing one-off shows everywhere from Belgrade to New York.
"Every time LIZ KNOWLES laid into one of her foot-stomping reels, she'd set the auditorium ablaze." Channing Gray, Providence Journal-Bulletin Arts "Liz Knowles' fire and vibrant energy shine through every track, and she will keep your toes tapping throughout the whole recording." Jo Morrison, Rambles Magazine The Riverdance band is "a nine-piece band which marvelously performs a wide array of music for the various dance forms. Most impressive was hell-for-leather fiddler Liz Knowles.." Rick Pender, CityBeat Liz Knowles has brought her distinctive sound--the fire and finesse of Irish fiddle music combined with the tonal richness of the classical violin--to concert stages and festivals across the world. Her auspicious beginnings as the fiddler for Riverdance and as soloist on the soundtrack for the film Michael Collins established her as a virtuosic and versatile performer, and she has since performed as soloist with such orchestras as the New York Pops and the Cincinnati Pops. Liz was a member of the renowned Cherish the Ladies and today she performs with another all-star female super-group, the highly acclaimed String Sisters. She also travels the world as music director of the wildly popular Celtic Legends, the Irish music and dance show based in France.
Debo Band is an exhilarating eleven-piece Ethio-groove collective created as a means of exploring the unique sounds that once filled dance clubs of 1970s Ethiopia. Made popular through the renowned Ethiopiques series, the musical inspiration behind Debo Band is an unlikely confluence of Ethiopian pentatonic scales and vocal styles, American soul and funk, and the instrumentation of Eastern European brass bands – accordion, violins, horns, and drums. Committed to a broad range of musical collaboration, Debo Band recently performed with Fendika, a group of four outstanding traditional Ethiopian artists, at the Ethiopian Music Festival (Addis Ababa, 2009) and the Sauti za Busara music festival (Zanzibar, 2010). Two-time recipients of Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation's USArtists International grant for travel to East Africa, Debo Band was awarded the 2010 Boston Phoenix Award for World Music Act and the 2009 Boston Music Award for Best International Act.
Led by Ethiopia's top dancer Melaku Belay, FENDIKA is both a musical ensemble and a popular performance venue in Addis Ababa, in a way similar to the dual nature of Zanzibar's legendary Culture Musical Club. With a powerful female vocalist, an exciting male and female dance duo, and a propulsive traditional goat-skin drummer, Fendika adds the vibrancy of Addis Ababa's nightlife to Debo Band's distinctive take on Ethiopian dance music. This is the debut U.S. tour of Debo Band and their Ethiopia-based guests, Fendika.
Hypnotizing, intoxicating and exotic. MAGIC CARPET honors ancient music while taking a bold step into the future. Transcending geographical boundaries, this music group takes the audience on an exhilarating ride through time and space. With the vibrations of Jazz, Reggae, and Funk, blended with the traditions of Africa, the Middle East, and India, Magic Carpet embarks on a spiritual journey every time they take off.
Kenge Kenge (meaning "fusion of small, exhilarating instruments,") explore the origins of benga, a style popular in Kenya comparable to rumba in Congo or highlife in Nigeria. Kenge Kenge play roots music from the JoLuo community of Western Kenya, with lyrical arrangements that reflect influences from the popular Benga pop-music style. Dense textures of rhythm and chant are overlaid with an unusual assortment of self-made traditional instruments including the Nyatiti lyre, Bul drums, the Nyangile sound box, Ongeng’o metal rings, Asili flute, and the Oporo horn.
Born in Gonaïves, Haiti, EMELINE MICHEL has been known as the “Joni Mitchell of Haiti” during her more than 20-year career. Michel grew up in Haiti, and traveled to America to study jazz at the Detroit Jazz Center. From there, she moved back to Haiti to pursue her singing career, recording her first album in 1987. Michel continued to travel and record albums and produce hits in a variety of countries, and many of her inspirational songs have become Haitian favorites during times of turmoil. Michel sings in both French and Creole with a musical style that combines the compas, twoubadou, and rara music of Haiti with jazz, pop, and samba to create a truly individual sound.
DJA-RARA, based in Brooklyn, is a Haitian-American group focused not only on spreading Haitian music and culture, but also awareness about Haiti. The group, which formed twenty years ago in New York, plays Haitian festival rara music, combining drums and horns with a political voice. They were recently the subject of the documentary film “The Other Side Of The Water, which has been featured on PBS and other film festivals.
SELIM SESLER was born into a professional reed horn family in 1957 in Kesan, a village located in Edirne. After the population exchanges of 1923, Sesler's family moved from Greece to Turkey and settled in an enclave of Kesan called Ibriktepe where they lived in the Yeni Mescit neighborhood. Selim began his love affair with music by learning how to play the horn, however during the 1960s many children from drum and reed horn families began to play Turkish Classical ensemble instruments and Sesler followed the trend by jumping on the bandwagon and learning how to play the clarinet. Already a regular at weddings and fairs by the age of 14, by the mid-80s Sesler set out with Roman musician friends to play in Istanbul and to develop his craft. He gained experience and recorded a lot of material by playing at restaurants with fasil groups, as a musician at the Ferhan Sensoy Theater, and by continuing to play at Roman and non-Roman weddings. In 1998 he got the chance to tour Canada with Brenna MacCrimmon, which afforded him the opportunity to represent his Turkish Roman and Rumelian roots. Drawing from his medley of musical experiences, Sesler developed a repertoire and musical style deeply reflective of his region. Whether he is among Roman peers or solo, Selim Sesler stands alone, famous for his master improvisations, expert wedding airs, and repertoire of dance melodies. Aside from being invited to play at many important festivals in countries such as Germany, France, and Sweden, over the past two years Sesler has performed many special concerts and taught at music workshops across the United States of America.
Selim Sesler's backing band will be LAMAJAMAL. Their sound is a unique blend of Balkan, Gypsy, Arabic and North African dance music. Their exciting live performances feature middle eastern vocals, serpentine clarinet melodies, exotic instruments and infectious dance beats. Like their name, a palindrome derived from the Arabic word for beauty, these five creative musicians take the music of our global ancestors and turn it inside out creating something fresh and innovative yet true to its roots.
BALKANO (rhymes with Volcano) is a Chicago-based sextet that melds the soul of traditional Klezmer, the energy of Bulgarian wedding music and the melodies of Turkish Gypsy music into an exciting original mix. The group was founded by bandleader and clarinetist Bryan Pardo as a vehicle to meld the influences of artists like Naftule Brandwein, Selim Sessler, Yuri Yunakov, and John Zorn into a new synthesis that mixes the Old World and the New. Since its inception in 2005, Balkano has played venues and events all through the Chicago area, including the Taste of Chicago, the Chicago Cultural Center, the historic Velvet Lounge and Uncommon Ground on Devon.
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.
Doug Cox—one of Canada’s best slide guitarists, teams up with Salil Bhatt — one of India’s best slide instrumentalists. In a meeting of musical minds using some of the world’s most wildly inventive lap slide instruments, the group creates a blend of blues and Indian music with us of slide guitars and veenas. They are joined by the talented Cassius Khan on tabla, the only known Indian Classical musician in the world who has combined Tabla playing and Indian Ghazal singing simultaneously, thus a remarkable feat in the Indian Classical music scene. Their second release was nominated for a Canadian Juno Award.
An amalgamation of blues, rock, funk, soul and world music, Australian singer/ songwriter "Harper" creates a heady mix of roots jam music through his creative use of the harp, and the haunting drone of the didgeridoo. Borrowing from western and world music, this musical visionary develops a highly original take on the roots genre. Chip Eagle Publisher for Blues Revue/ Blues Wax, USA recently described Harper as "the most exciting act on the live scene today". Carol Borrington from Blues Matters, United Kingdom stated "Harper is going to be huge in the UK"
Harper's latest Blind Pig Records release "Stand Together” is the most artistically realized CD Harper has ever written. The self-produced album marks the first time, Harper has recorded a CD using his Michigan-based touring band, “Midwest Kind”, a collaboration that pays several dividends. For one, he was able to go deeper into the song arrangements, incorporating some of the interplay of their live performances. And his close relationship with his band members enabled him to craft exactly what he envisioned his songs to be. Though Harper has already been acknowledged as an exemplary composer, his current songwriting has matured and his messages have become more powerful. The greater confidence and polish that come as a result of his non-stop touring schedule have only enhanced his considerable skills as a singer and harmonica player. And his proficiency as a didgeridoo player has increased dramatically since picking up the instrument in 2004. Harper's new CD made it to number 10 on the national Blues Charts (Roots Music Report) & is number 2 on the XM/ Sirius Bluesville Charts.
Harper is a huge favorite on the world wide festival circuit (27 major festivals, 2008, 30 festivals, 2009). 2010 is the biggest year yet with 32 festivals booked. On his most recent UK tour Harper's live show was described as " strong, expressive, at times pain- ridden vocals were interspersed with some top class electronic harp playing and the unearthly and soul wrenching call of the didgeridoo" (Blues Matters, United Kingdom,). During this tour a Harper live session was aired world wide on BBC London on the Paul Jones Show. Paul Jones described Harper as "extraordinary". Blues Legend John Mayall was so impressed with Harper that he included one of his songs "Just What Your'e Looking for" as track two on his new CD "Tough" (Eagle) Now based in Michigan, USA, Harper's killer tour schedule of 250+ shows per year has gained him a grassroots US and international following.
Harper is a multi award winning singer/ songwriter in Australia- winning awards for "Best Male Vocalist" "Song of the Year", "Band of the Year" - (Australian Blues Awards) and "Acoustic Artist of Year"-(TREV awards). Harper is backed by his incredible Michigan based band ,"Midwest Kind" featuring Drew Pentkowski on guitar, Chris Wiley Smith on bass guitar and Marc Dixon on timbales/ drums.
STOOP GOODNOISE, A band building, wrecking, and rebuilding again as they lead the way in the new Chicago Rock & Roll scene. Chicago has always been a city of collided cultures coming together to form something amazing and there is no band that encapsulates this like Stoop Goodnoise. A facepunch of 90's grunge fury, punk choruses, and intergalactic guitar solos. One part Chicago street kids, one part classic rock phenoms, but all one original sound that can not be missed, that can not be ignored, that cannot be stopped.
LEFT BRAIN HEART is a rip-roaring explosive amalgamation of feedback meets fireworks. Known infamously for blowing out the sound system at a local dive bar simply based on sheer loudness, Left Brain Heart brings the mayhem wherever they go. Currently, they are promoting 'Wasteland/Wonderland' which was recorded at Million Yen Studio with Andy Gerber (Cheap Trick, Smoking Popes, The Tossers, Local H). Fresh off a west coast tour with Chicago's legendary Local H, Left Brain Heart is here to rock your faces off.
Influenced by Pop Rock bands such as Third Eye Blind, Coldplay, Travis, and Keane, the CORDUROY know how to present pop hooks in fresh and interesting ways. The band consists of Edmund Sinnott (Vocals, Guitar, and Keys), Daniel Laumbacher (Drums and Percussion), Michael Mast (Guitar and Background Vocals), and Zachary Porlier (Bass and Background Vocals), who share a passion of fun, interesting, and fresh rock music.
"DUMPSTAPHUNK is the best funk band from New Orleans right now." The New York Times Formed in 2003, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk was initially put together by keyboardist Ivan Neville on a whim in order to perform a solo gig at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Ivan called in cousin Ian Neville (guitar), the double-bass bottom of both Nick Daniels and Tony Hall, and drummer Raymond Webber to round out the show. Named after a song Ivan had recently written, Dumpstaphunk’s informal performance became that of immediate legend. The project has since grown from chance side-project into what is now widely considered to be New Orleans’ most popular musical export. The band was recently voted 2007’s “New Orleans Best Funk Band” by both Offbeat Magazine and Gambit Weekly, and performs at some of the nation’s largest music festivals such as Bonnaroo, Voodoo Fest, 10,000 Lakes, and High Sierra. Founders Ivan Neville and Ian Neville (sons of both Aaron Neville and Art Neville respectively), along with Nick Daniels, Tony Hall, and Raymond Webber, were brought up in an atmosphere of sounds that have arguably become the most defining in all of New Orleans music. But don’t let the pedigree of lineage from the Meters and Neville Brothers fool you either. Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk now stands on its own as the legitimate torchbearer of all things funky both in New Orleans and beyond with the release of their debut EP, Listen Hear.
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, filling every song with soulful harmonies and uplifting vibes. Brian J is the band’s visionary. He 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.
Scott Miller is best known for non-stop touring with his band the Commonwealth, and for his eight prior critically acclaimed albums including the recent Appalachian Refugee Demos. In fact it was with proceeds from Internet sales of that album (demos from a Marantz hard-disc recorder with handmade cover art for each copy) that he financed his forthcoming release titled For Crying Out Loud. The album, due out April 14 on Miller’s own F.A.Y. Records, was produced by Nashville producer Mike Webb (Allison Moorer, Stacey Earle, Glenn Tilbrook) and features the Commonwealth (guitarist/keyboardist Jeremy Pennebaker, bassist Chris Autry and drummer Shawn McWilliams) and includes guest artists Patty Griffin and Tim O'Brien.
"DUMPSTAPHUNK is the best funk band from New Orleans right now." The New York Times Formed in 2003, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk was initially put together by keyboardist Ivan Neville on a whim in order to perform a solo gig at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Ivan called in cousin Ian Neville (guitar), the double-bass bottom of both Nick Daniels and Tony Hall, and drummer Raymond Webber to round out the show. Named after a song Ivan had recently written, Dumpstaphunk’s informal performance became that of immediate legend. The project has since grown from chance side-project into what is now widely considered to be New Orleans’ most popular musical export. The band was recently voted 2007’s “New Orleans Best Funk Band” by both Offbeat Magazine and Gambit Weekly, and performs at some of the nation’s largest music festivals such as Bonnaroo, Voodoo Fest, 10,000 Lakes, and High Sierra. Founders Ivan Neville and Ian Neville (sons of both Aaron Neville and Art Neville respectively), along with Nick Daniels, Tony Hall, and Raymond Webber, were brought up in an atmosphere of sounds that have arguably become the most defining in all of New Orleans music. But don’t let the pedigree of lineage from the Meters and Neville Brothers fool you either. Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk now stands on its own as the legitimate torchbearer of all things funky both in New Orleans and beyond with the release of their debut EP, Listen Hear.
Based out of Chicago, BUMPUS is a collective of 8 songwriters with diverse backgrounds and diverse tastes who share a love of soulful music in any form. Bumpus has built its reputation largely on live performances, bringing high-energy drums and bass, and fluid gospel vocals to audiences all over the Midwest. Bumpus has played with some of the best jam bands around including Karl Denson's Tiny Universe and Robert Walter's 20th Congress, hip-hop giants such as the Roots and Jurassic 5, and funk and soul pioneers like Maceo Parker and Dr. John. Plans for 2005 include the release of their 4th LP "All the People," and touring throughout the US.
Allan Holdsworth is widely regarded by fans and contemporary musicians as one of the 20th century's most prominent guitarists. He is one of a handful of musicians who has consistently proven himself as an innovator in between and within the worlds of rock and jazz music. Many of music's best-known instrumental masters cite Holdsworth as that rare and shining voice—a legendary player who continues to push the outer limits of instrumental technique and the electric guitar's range of tonal and textural possibilities. Particularly during the 90s, Holdsworth has enjoyed the recognition so many musicians strongly feel he deserves, given that he has developed his career outside the big label mainstream and has consistently produced his own recordings with complete creative control since the mid-80s. Despite the uncompromising nature of Holdsworth's predominantly genre-defying solo projects, he's no stranger to all-star jazz festival line-ups or large venue rock audiences. Musician Magazine placed Holdsworth near the top of their “100 greatest guitarists of all time.” There's never been a shortage of media attention or acclaim for Holdsworth's accomplishments and originality. An inductee of Guitar Player Magazine's Hall of Fame, Holdsworth is a five-time winner in their readers' poll.
The SCHIAVOS (shy-voes) are an eclectic band hailing from Chicago's SouthSide who's sound could best be described as heavy jazz funk rock. They have played a very large number of live shows in the last year spreading from clubs/bars all across the Chicagoland. The Schiavos recently released a 7 song, self titled EP. This album truly has an original sound of it's own, with a flowing blend of heavy bass lines behind smooth guitar solos, mind blowing saxaphone and mysterious lyrics sang by the drummer
The Bergamot, duo Jillian Speece and Nathan Hoff, have been producing passionate, genuine, and heartfelt music for the last seven years. They are a songwriting music-making force. Their music is sweet to the ear, brilliantly organic, and bursting from the seams with color and vibrancy. The Bergamot is made up of real musicians, real music, “period”. Critics have heralded this group as, "Extraordinary" and "Potential Grammy nominees.”
Fusing a mix of funk, rock, jazz, and reggae, SPARE PARTS is a Chicago based group rapidly gaining international acclaim. An eclectic list of influences ranging from Weather Report to the Beatles fuel the creative engines of Spare Parts - both live and in the studio. Spare Parts consistently performs at premier venues and festivals across the United States and even internationally including the Festival de Jazz in Lima, Peru. They have shared the stage with artists such as Victor Wooten, Snoop Dogg, Fareed Haque, Lenny Pickett (SNL / Tower of Power), 2 Live Crew, Liquid Soul, and The Jazz Mandolin Project to name a few. Their 2006 release “Brain Candy” receives regular airplay and the band has scored music for several independent films and commercials. Spare Parts remains focused on expanding their musical boundaries while attracting new listeners around the globe and leaving them thirsty for more. See you at the next show!
The Wee Trio, a bi-coastal band from NYC and NOLA that fans call 'the world's most vicious vibes-led threesome', has been hailed by critics as "a jazz-rock synthesis that goes beyond anything accomplished by the Bad Plus or Medeski, Martin and Wood" (San Francisco Chronicle). They are now on tour supporting their critically acclaimed second album, Capitol Diner, Vol. 2, Animal Style.
CRAWL was born out of a set break at a Chicago jazz venue, when the three musicians backing a great local jazz vocalist decided that they really enjoyed each other's unique approach, and wanted to advance that into a setting that actually highlighted each of their unique playing abilities to create an original, instrumental project. Of course, as any musician knows, talk like this is always present on gigs - its usually a great way to seal the deal on a networking opportunity in order to make sure the calls keep coming. Well, this one only took a year of talk before it was put into action. Three powerhouse Chicago musicians adding yet another project to their roster seemed a daunting task, but as the planets aligned in some supportive fashion, a rehearsal, and then another took place. After only a few rehearsals a show was booked and CRAWL was presented to the public. The response was overwhelming, including high kudos from some of Chicago's most prominent fusion players, as well as bartenders and non-musicians. Even the soundman loved it! So now the band is real and ready to share their music with the rest of the world. CRAWL is comprised of composer, and keyboardist extraordinaire Paul Mutzabaugh playing exclusively Wurlitzer in this band, bassist and composer Chris Clemente, and drummer/percussionist Rich Stitzel. Three totally different backgrounds, one ridiculous sounding instrumental trio. This band has super high energy, very deep grooves, and incredible polyrhythmic interaction in an improvisational approach to original, structured compositions.
In August 2002 they 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 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. If you're in Chicago on the first Wednesday of the month, look us up - you won't regret it!
In August 2002 they 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 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. If you're in Chicago on the first Wednesday of the month, look us up - you won't regret it!
Blending elements of neo-soul, folk, old-time blues and pop, JUSTIN NOZUKA has the guts of Ray LaMontagne and the soul of Lauryn Hill. This guitar slinging aficionado has the street smarts of an urban swinger and the heart-bending soul of a gospel preacher, and is adept at blending a dark, bluesy Americana vibe with warm, acoustic soul where bits of old folk music and flamenco tunes swirl in and out of earshot. Half Japanese, half American Justin Nozuka was born in New York and grew up in Toronto. Raised by a single mother, Justin was the sixth of seven children, where all four of his brothers are artists in some form. As a teen, he spun Motown, folk and hip-hop as he fleshed out his music skills learning guitar with his Mexican friends at boarding school. During his short career, Justin has already snagged stage time with greats like John Cale, Crowded House and Ziggy Marley and with up-and-comers Sam Roberts, Jully Black and Xavier Rudd. It’s open aired honesty tightly knit. You’ve discovered something that’s all your own yet it spans backstories and countries to fill a million yards and a hundred theatres. This could be Central Park, could be Massey Hall.
QUOTES: "In his debut album "Holly", Justin Nozuka has created eleven impressive pieces of thoughtful acoustic-soul. Filled with understated melodies, minimal production and an interesting, sometimes dark take on song-craft...4 Stars." -- BBC "Superior acoustic soul... 4 Stars." -- Q Magazine, UK "...Nozuka is producing material that is unlike any other singer songwriters - and consequently is beyond genre definition. Largely, it is one man and his faithful guitar - but with a voice like his, there really is no need for any other instrumentation. In truth it would only get in the way. 4 Stars." -- Belfast Daily Telegraph “Nozuka seemed very modest, but there was absolutely no reason. He had every eye on him and it was nearly impossible to look away. Every song seemed to outdo the one before it, and when he quietly walked off, we were all aching for more.” --Chartattack.com
Singer-songwriter ALEX CUBA hails from Artemisa, Cuba (1 hour west of Havana) and resides in Smithers, B.C. (14 hours north of Vancouver). Musically, he lives everywhere in between. His trademark sugarcane-sweet melodies, pop-soul hooks and rock chords subtly subvert commonly held notions of what Cuban music is. Alex is on the vanguard, crafting a cross-cultural sound that mirrors his geographical journey. Not tied to tradition, this Cuban-Canadian prefers his vintage Gibson over el sencerro (cowbell) anytime.
Born in the small coastal Australian town of Angourie, RY CUMMING grew up with a surfboard under one arm and his Dad’s record collection under the other. He quickly developed a love for many different styles of music from Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder to The Beatles and The Police. His voracious appetite for music grew while his wide and varied tastes began to mold the sound and style that is uniquely Ry Cuming. Armed with an acoustic guitar and undeniably soulful voice, Ry’s professional music career began to take shape as an 18 year-old traveler and surfer in Costa Rica. One fateful afternoon while playing in the hallway of a hotel for some female pro surfers (Ry is an avid surfer himself), Ry met a young film producer from LA who was taken by his talent and happened to have some very good connections. He became the catalyst for Ry’s journey into the LA music scene, introducing him to a network of musicians that were starting to gain momentum in the area…Maroon 5, Phantom Planet, and Rooney. Ry was now in very good company and was quickly noticed by major label JIVE records, where he recently signed a new, exclusive recording contract. He has just finished his debut album, due out in the spring of 2010, but as a Roxy fan you get a special sneak peak!! Ry has already won two of Australia’s Dolphin Awards for Best Pop Song and Best New Artist, was recently featured on NBC’s EXTRA and MTV’s LAGUNA BEACH: The Real OC, has been seen in the pages of Vogue Magazine, AND been featured in two films including a Quiksilver production about the Mentawai Islands, and alongside Maroon 5 and Jimmy Buffett in the motion picture HOOT. Ry Cuming is about to make some BIG waves in the US and around the world!!!
A night of drinking, dancing, socializing, networking and non-stop music For die hard rockabilly devotees and civilian fans since 1991. 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 American roots music from Hillbilly Boogie to Western Swing, Jump Blues and 1st generation Rock-n-Roll. 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!
The Ragtime Wranglers played their first 100% instrumental concert at the sold out Waterfront in their hometown Rotterdam back in 2004. A year later they released their well received instrumental album "Groove a Tune". At concerts today the band add some vocal tracks in their set, but instumentals remain the major part of the show; 40's swing to 50's rockabilly to 60's surf, mainly originals, often flavoured with an extra bandmember playing percussion / sax / rhythm guitar. Apart from Dutch listeners they already showed US, Belgian, French and Spanish audiences their intimite / modest to loud / wild approach of the inexhaustible world of instrumentals. As the main Dutch music magazine "Oor" mentioned in their review on "Groove a Tune": "One of the best roots-bands in the world just live round the corner" (June 2005).
Simply put, The REBIRTH BRASS BAND is an institution. Formed in 1983, the band has long since graduated from the streets of New Orleans to theaters and festivals all over the world. ReBirth is committed to upholding the tradition of brass bands while at the same time incorporating modern music into their show. Their signature brand of heavy funk has placed them among the world’s top brass bands and they are the hands-down favorite among the younger generation. In reference to the sometimes stringent competition amongst brass bands, Offbeat magazine remarked, “…it’s clear that ReBirth, which boasts 10 albums and has traveled the world, is the band to beat.”
The Revivalists have become a staple to the ever-evolving New Orleans music scene. Seamlessly crossing back and forth between the indie rock bands and vibrant funk and jazz genres, the Revivalists have taken the city by storm and now they are ready to take their music even further…By incorporating both a pedal steel and saxophone, the band puts an unusual twist on what could be a common sound…the Revivalists combination of unique mixture of flavors manages to produce a sound that bends genre and pushes listeners out of their comfort zone.”-Madison LaGrone, Where Y’at Magazine, “Ones To Watch”
Simply put, The REBIRTH BRASS BAND is an institution. Formed in 1983, the band has long since graduated from the streets of New Orleans to theaters and festivals all over the world. ReBirth is committed to upholding the tradition of brass bands while at the same time incorporating modern music into their show. Their signature brand of heavy funk has placed them among the world’s top brass bands and they are the hands-down favorite among the younger generation. In reference to the sometimes stringent competition amongst brass bands, Offbeat magazine remarked, “…it’s clear that ReBirth, which boasts 10 albums and has traveled the world, is the band to beat.”
The Revivalists have become a staple to the ever-evolving New Orleans music scene. Seamlessly crossing back and forth between the indie rock bands and vibrant funk and jazz genres, the Revivalists have taken the city by storm and now they are ready to take their music even further…By incorporating both a pedal steel and saxophone, the band puts an unusual twist on what could be a common sound…the Revivalists combination of unique mixture of flavors manages to produce a sound that bends genre and pushes listeners out of their comfort zone.”-Madison LaGrone, Where Y’at Magazine, “Ones To Watch”
Tim Sparks is an award-winning guitarist whose blending of musical styles has won him extensive praise from all corners of the music world. Guitar Player Magazine has called his music "Fresh, exotic, and totally cool.", Acoustic Guitar Magazine calls it "rich and sensuous", and guitarist Leo Kottke simply says "He's really one of the best musicians I know." From the early traditional country blues and gospel music he learned in the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Jazz, Be Bop, classical and world music from his varied career across the U. S. and Europe, Tim has thrilled and inspired audiences and musicians world-wide.
Brian Wilkie - pedal steele and guitars John Mclean - guitars Matt Ulery - bass Quin Kirchner - drums
Gyan Riley is a classical guitarist and composer from Northern California. While studying as the first full-scholarship guitar student at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, he received a recording contract for his debut CD of original works, Food for the Bearded, released in 2002 on New Albion Records. He has since expanded his career as a composer and instrumentalist, receiving commissions from the Carnegie Hall Corporation, the New York Guitar Festival, the Paul Dresher Ensemble and the Elaine Kaufman Cultural Center.
Riley has performed in ten European countries and across the U.S., both as a soloist and in ensemble with various artists such as Zakir Hussain, Michael Manring, Dawn Upshaw, the San Francisco Symphony, the Falla Guitar Trio, the World Guitar Ensemble and his father, the composer/pianist/vocalist Terry Riley. Last season he appeared at Carnegie Hall and gave a ten-concert tour of Ireland. Among the highlights of his 2009/10 season, this past fall he appeared at Bard College and Le Poisson Rouge in New York, and this winter he is premiering two new solo works at the New York Guitar Festival and a new quartet for the 15th Other Minds Music Festival in San Francisco. Upcoming highlights include a featured performance for the Boston Classical Guitar Society's Festival 21, and two performances of Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez with the Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra. As a teacher, Riley has served on the faculties of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, California State University Sacramento, California State University East Bay, and Humboldt State University.
Hungry… This is perhaps the most accurate way to describe the culmination of musicians that manifests in the form of BAREFOOT FRED. Through constant self challenge, Barefoot Fred continues to push the limits of songwriting and live performance. With a dedication to quality, consistency, and an elevated passion for music, the band allows itself to take on various musical forms and explore the space that can open up new doors of expression.
TEN FOOT TAIL is primarily Paul and Chris Castelli. They are brothers that have been playing together their whole lives. They are accompanied by Daryl Coutts on Keys and Roberto Augusto on Bass, Daryl played with Buddy Guy and Roberto jammed with Robert Plant. The two bring a great sense of experience and flow to the band. The brothers have shared the stage with such acts as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Heart and Disturbed. They also played for the opening act of the 2003 Miss U.S.A. pageant on National T.V. Their music has been played nationally and exclusively on 93.1 WXRT in Chicago. Paul and Chris have also played live in the studio on Chicago's Q101 and WGN T.V.
Formed in the spring of 2008, MODERN CONVERSATION is a mixture of West Coast style with Midwestern charisma. Songwriter and singer David Courtenay had recently taken refuge in Chicago after playing up and down the California coast as a solo artist. In search of a more vibrant and collaborative music scene, he soon met percussionist Devoney Dean, also originally from California. To complete the rhythm section they recruited Chicago native Dan Montgomery on bass, and lastly discovered lead guitarist Andy McLaughlin, a recent transplant from St. Louis, at a local open mic night. After putting new life into David's prewritten material, the group began performing around bars and clubs in Chicago. The blend of David's seasoned voice and melodies, Andy's cutting leads, and the driving rhythm of Devoney and Dan combine in an incredible auditory experience worthy of their musical inspirations.
Versatile Singer-Songwriter/Multi-Instrumentalist and Chicago Music Award Winner blends his Eclectic Rock Sound with a little Humanity on his Debut Album 'Lucid' with Original Cover Art by Jeff Jordan (Mars Volta). World premier performance of songs off of 'Lucid'. Album and CD Release Show Featuring: Kris Myers - drums (Umphrey’s McGee) Matt Nelson - keys (Lupe Fiasco, Matthew Santos) Chris Siebold - guitars (Howard Levy, Kick the Cat) Graham Burris - bass, guitar (Lupe Fiasco, Matthew Santos) **a portion of the proceeds from this album are being donated to Greenpeace, Planned Parenthood, the American Cancer Society, and the Art of Living Foundation to help change the world for the better.
Guitarist, DAVE MILLER, has already built a very impressive and wide-ranging roster of collaborations in the short amount of time he has spent in Chicago. From the traditional to the avant-garde, the concert hall to the dive rock bar, Miller leaves no musical stone unturned. He has been a three time consecutive winner in the Union and Civic Arts League of Chicago Jazz Improvisation Competition and was recently featured in Chicago Magazine and the Chicago Reader. In addition to his sought-after, genre-defying talents in guitar performance, Miller has also become respected and heralded as a serious composer, mainly from the output of his experimental indie rock group, Algernon, whose new album, "Familiar Espionage," was just released on ears&eyes Records. Miller is also a member of, among other bands, Ted Sirota's Rebel Souls (Delmark/Naim Records), Zing! (ears&eyes Records), blink. (Thirsty Ear Records), and Tim Daisy's New Fracture Quartet (Multi Kulti Records). Miller has also composed for classical guitar, film, and theatre.
SKULL ORCHARD, originally released in 1998, was Langford's first solo album after over 20 years touring Europe and The States with bands like The Mekons, The Three Johns and The Waco Brothers. Having relocated to Chicago in 1992 these melodic, bittersweet reflections on his hometown (Newport in old South Wales) are an exile's eye-view of the land of song, sheep, Tom Jones and rugby union. Andre "Mr. Rhythm" Williams is a R&B legend, and you may not even know it. He wrote "Shake A Tail Feather," and sang such uber-raunch cult classics as "Bacon Fat" (covered by the Cramps), "Greasy Chicken," and the epitome of songs about little girls, "Jail Bait." He worked at seminal labels such as Motown, Chess, and Fortune. He wrote songs for, or produced folks Ike Turner, Parliament/Funkadelic, Edwin Starr and Stevie Wonder. The guy is like music's version of Zelig; he's been everywhere, man. Yeah, baby. Sally Timms was born in Leeds, England. She grew up in the Yorkshire dales, sang in the church choir and performed in poetry recitals as a child. In 1985 she joined the Mekons as a full-time member and has regretted it ever since. Unfortunately, the only way out of the Mekons is in a box, so she's still there. Known as one of the laziest women in show business, she frequently calls in favors from her more talented and successful friends so that she can dedicate more time to watching television and eating bananas. She has blonde hair, grey eyes, and appalling mood swings. Despite her fondness for off-color commentary on virtually every aspect of popular culture, she possesses a truly magnificent voice. She also has a soft spot for the little ones, as evidenced by her kiddie band, the Wee Hairy Beasties.
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"
Night of the Living Entertainers is an evening of variety. Performers and artists from the Chicago community will be providing an exciting mix of entertainment varying from video mixing to tap dancing. Improvisers, dancers, musicians, writers, actors, movers, and shakers will all be included in this night of fun.
