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John Kadlecik is a singer, songwriter, and musician based in the DC-area who is primarily known for being a guitar-slinging sideman to Grateful Dead members Phil Lesh and Bob Weir in the band Furthur. Original co-founder of Dark Star Orchestra right here on Martyrs' stage, John has been performing improvisationally-oriented shows and touring nationally for the last 20 years. His work includes several studio releases of original music, and he is currently active with Melvin Seals & JGB in addition his own group, The John Kadlecik Band, and The Golden Gate Wingmen. Martyrs' is thrilled to host 2 nights with John K's Furthurmore! Rob Barraco from The Dead, Dark Star Orchestra, Phil & Friends on Keys! Denise Parent from Brown Eyed Women on Drums! Tom Circosta from the Zen Tricksters on Guitars & Vocals! John-Paul McLean from Melvin Seals & JGB on Bass!

Honky Tonk Sundays! Join us for an afternoon with The Hoyle Brothers. They play every Sunday at 3pm.

Brian Krumm and His Barfly Friends is a project led by Brian Krumm, front man for Chicago’s Americana-noir group The Great Crusades. The band’s debut album, Just Fade Away, was recorded with members of his regular band as well as a who’s who of Chicago music scene notables, with Crusader Christian Moder producing. Just Fade Away was released by Chicago’s Pravda Records in June 2023. Influences like Robyn Hitchcock, the Jayhawks, Warren Zevon, and Dylan shine through all the material on Just Fade Away with Krumm’s storytelling at the forefront. The single “City That Care Forgot,” an ode to New Orleans, debuted on Pravda Records in May 2025.The lineup of the Barfly Friends includes Jessie Hotaling (vocals), Brian Hunt (bass), Brian Leach (guitars, keyboards, vocals), Krumm, and Christian Moder (drums, vocals), with a rotating cast of special guests from the Chicago music scene sitting in frequently.What the Critics Had to Say about Just Fade Away by Brian Krumm and His Barfly FriendsThis is a gorgeous record, where the songs that hit hardest, that insinuate themselves as open questions, change by the day, but each one seems to send down deeper roots, and come up with more history—personal, social, mythical—every time you play it.—Greil Marcus (Rolling Stone, Creem, Village Voice)The 11-song collection produced by Christian Moder and Brian Krumm is a delight with tunes like “Never Do as I’m Told,” excellently performed. —John Apice (Americana Highways)Krumm, who cites influences ranging from the Jayhawks and Warren Zevon to Bob Dylan, has a gravelly voice that at times recalls artists like David Johansen, Tom Waits and Garland Jeffreys. Among the well-hooked numbers are “Barfly Friends,” a ballad that looks back affectionately on a past relationship and the rocking, organ-spiced “Back in My Old Neighborhood,” in which Krumm revisits assorted haunts and concludes “nothing much has changed, except for me.” —Jeff Burger (theaquarian.com) Led by acclaimed drummer Brad Elvis and vocalist/rhythm guitarist Chloe F. Orwell, Chicago's The Handcuffs explore broad sonic territory while believing in the power of a great radio hook. The Handcuffs inhabit some of the same musical domain as T-Rex, Spiders from Mars Era Bowie, Franz Ferdinand and early Blondie - all filtered through a modern lens - and deliver bold, sexy songs with memorable melodies and unexpected twists. Known as much for their dynamic live shows as for being prolific writers and producers, their songs have been featured in dozens of films and television shows. The band has released three full-length albums and is currently working on the fourth. They recently released a special International Cassette Store Day album called "All the Way from Chicago," featuring a "best of" style, remastered sampling of their modern garage-glam songs, plus a never-before released nod to one of their influences, Mott the Hoople. "The Handcuffs are one of the few bands capable of effectively combining the spontaneity and musicianship of glam/punk with the urgency and rough-edged sound of garage rock," says Jersey Beat's Phil Rainone. “There's a sexy, swaggering street vibe throughout,” added Musoscribe's Bill Kopp. And the Chicago Sun-Times exclaims that The Handcuffs are simply "effervescent." Completing The Handcuffs powerhouse lineup are bassist Emily Togni, lead guitarist Susie Q. Winn and keyboardist Alison Hinderliter. Nathan Graham is a musician born and raised in Chicago. His music bridges the gap between South Side Soul and Nashville Americana, creating a new inclusive vision of singer-songwriter. He built his career over the last ten years as a guitar-for-hire, touring internationally with major label and indie acts, but all the while focused on songwriting and honing his skills as a solo performer.“My goal is to show a different kind of singer-songwriter. I don’t look or sound like you’d expect, but I’m writing about universal experiences of love, loss, uncertainty and anxiety. I’m writing music to connect my story to yours, show you all that we have in common, and maybe help both of us feel less alone.”

Chicago guitar wizard Joel Paterson and his trio pay tribute to the heroes of roots guitar with an instrumental set of jazz, blues, Western swing and everything in between!

The 2nd Annual Chicago PrineFest is here! Our annual gathering of Prine fans to honor the Maywood mailman. This is not a tribute show, this is a sing-a-long, a community of Prine fans coming together to let it all out. Losing John during the lockdown-pandemic times became a grief that never achieved resolution by 'saying goodbye' together. When we started this we knew that we needed that release, to revel in his lyrics, his stories, his life in song. What we didn't realise was that so many Chicagoans felt the same way. The cathartic feeling of too many people singing Prine's standards & deep cuts alike showed that we were not the only ones. So once again we gather, this time at Martyrs'. Bring your spirits, you voices, and your phone for lyrics.This year's sing-a-long is once again led by The Barb & Barrett Show with Jonas Friddle, members of The Mudflapps, and more special guests from the Chicago folk/americana/bluegrass scene of Prine fans."The Barb & Barrett Show" - Two piece husband and wife duo, performing charming originals between true stories of marriage, life, love, and loss. Barb with a theater background, and almost two decades of playing in The Mudflapps, brings a smile to all present with her voice and laughter. Barrett, a lifelong multi-instrumentalist, has been working, touring, mixing, and playing stages for over two decades, and will readily explain that music is his first language. The combination offers something for everyone, whether you're in the mood to laugh, cry, or just drink, The Barb & Barrett Show is sure to entertain."Jonas Friddle" - Jonas Friddle is a singer, songwriter and Old-Time banjo player whose songs have received The John Lennon Songwriting Award, First Place in the Great American Song Contest and a nomination for Album of the Year in the Independent Music Awards. His tunes bear the marks of a musician who has done his time in pub sessions and square dance halls, and his writing is full of imagery, honesty and humor.

Think: X, featuring Pink Floyd alumni Scott Page and Roberta Freeman, is a groundbreaking tribute that reimagines the iconic band's music through a dark, heavy lens. Joined by a stellar lineup of musicians including Kenny Olson, Norwood Fisher, Stephen Perkins, Will Champlin, and Derek Day, the band creates an immersive audio-visual experience that transcends traditional performances. With roots in Pink Floyd's rich legacy, Think: X embraces a unique sound characterized by bluesy, jazz-inflected reinterpretations, driven by Freeman's soaring vocals and Perkins' dynamic drumming. Their innovative shows feature surround visuals that envelop audiences, elevating the concert experience to new heights. From the heavy guitar riffs to the pulsating rhythms, Think: X invites fans to explore the darker, more nuanced sides of Pink Floyd's catalog while celebrating the collaborative spirit that has defined the band's nearly 60-year history.

Originated out of Chicago, Illinois in 2022, C.H.E.F. bakes in a strong variety of ingredients to its sound; including funk, psychedelia, blues, alternative, hip hop, jazz, classic rock, and electronic.Cuppla’. Homies. Exchanging. Frequencies.Chicago. Homegrown. Established. Funk.Causing. Healthy. Enjoyable. Feelings.Constructing. High. Energy. Fun.

Honky Tonk Sundays! Join us for an afternoon with The Hoyle Brothers. They play every Sunday at 3pm.

Louder Than a Mom because everyone has a depressing, shocking, miserable, vulgar, hilarious family story! Storytelling is one of the oldest human traditions. Come and share yours. If you’re not ready to talk about your family tragedy, your judgmental mother-in-law, your drunk Uncle Pete who ruins every holiday, or why you hate your four-year-old, come and listen. We all love a good bedtime story!!

The Fretliners are a band defined by their songwriting—stories carried by powerful harmonies, dynamic arrangements, and a sound that feels both timeless and new. Their music leans into the tradition of acoustic string instruments but reaches well beyond genre, resonating with listeners through honesty and craft.​In 2023, they swept both the Telluride Bluegrass and RockyGrass band competitions—an achievement matched only once before. That fall, their debut self-titled album earned widespread acclaim, praised for its originality and heartfelt lyricism.​With songs that balance tradition and innovation, The Fretliners continue to chart a bold path forward, creating music that connects as deeply on record as it does on stage. Grassfed Collective is an original bluegrass/jamgrass band based out of Chicago Illinois. The group seamlessly blends traditional bluegrass feels, big harmonies, powerful original material, and driven jam sections to make every appearance special. Grassfed draws on folk, blues, funk, rock, and a wide variety of bluegrass sounds to herd their unique show.The band made their first national festival appearance at Solshine Reverie 2024 (Summer Camp Music Festival) on the same stage as Henhouse Prowlers, Armchair Boogie and many more big touring acts. They recently had a big set at Shoe Fest 2025 and had Allie Kral sit it. The band has played all over Chicago and the Midwest including a near sold out show at Martyrs' along with guest sit ins from bands like Armchair Boogie, Giving Tree Band, Stan P Band and more. Come graze in the Pasture!Jonathan Dombro - guitarStan Pszeniczka - mandolinElix Smith - banjoEric Michael Fitts - upright bassJosh Muchmore - dobroAdam Sperber - fiddle

Honky Tonk Sundays! Join us for an afternoon with The Hoyle Brothers. They play every Sunday at 3pm.

Honky Tonk Sundays! Join us for an afternoon with The Hoyle Brothers. They play every Sunday at 3pm.

Jamgrass, newgrass, funkgrass, whatever you want to call it— Armchair Boogie is rapidlybecoming one of the country’s hottest acts. With an unbounded sound, this Wisconsin-basedquartet is known for their powerful harmonies, timeless originals, and choice covers, along withunforgettable live performances. Listed as a “Must-See Roots Artists at Bourbon & Beyond'' byThe Bluegrass Situation who wrote, “We recently caught this jammy Wisconsin outfit at EarlScruggs Music Festival, where they burnt down their late-night set.”Armchair Boogie is Augie Dougherty on banjo with Ben Majeska acoustic & electric guitarsbacked by tight, driving rhythms of Eli Frieders on electric bass and Denzel Connor on drums.This unconventional lineup enhances their lightning-fast bluegrass, allowing them to freelyventure into the realms of funk or country. Coyote Riot has its roots set deep in old folk and country/blue grass string sounds of the past and present. The twang of the rockabilly stile guitar sits nicely with the pluc of the bass and the chuck of the tenor banjo, while the harmonica and fiddle harmonize like crickets in heat. A recipe gaurenteed to have you hootin and hollerin with your foot-a-stompin.

TWO-TIME GRAMMY© AWARD-losing drummer Gerald Dowd hails from the Boston area. Since moving to Chicago in the late 1900s, he has played/sung/recorded with Robbie Fulks, Justin Roberts, Frisbie, Nora O'Connor, Chris Mills, Kelly Hogan, Mavis Staples, and Rich Little. Father of two (that he knows of) and husband of one (that she knows of), he took so long completing his solo album, Home Now, that people forgot he'd ever mentioned it. Chicago-based multi-instrumentalist Tommi Zender recently released his first record in 15 years “More Songs About Time” (May 2019). Zender teaches at the beloved Old Town School of Folk Music and privately, as well as doing session/performance work for hire for & with many excellent Chicago musicians you probably know. He often plays intimate solo/duo acoustic shows in the Chicago/midwest area. For Zender’s full band electric shows, his all-star group features Alton Smith (keyboards/vocals) Chris Siebold (guitars) John Abbey (bass) and Jim Barclay (drums).

Mac Saturn supports Darkness to Light - 50c of every ticket sold will be donated to help their cause.

Some music cannot be found on a map or within iTunes categories. Some music is so original it seems snatched from the great, invisible substrata that runs below all human activity, a sound aching to be born without a flag or fixed allegiance – free, questing, overflowing with immediate, tangible life. This is the music of Toubab Krewe, the vibrant Asheville, NC-based instrumental powerhouse that creates a sonic Pangaea that lustily swirls together rock, African traditions, jam sensibilities, international folk strains and more. While nearly impossible to put into any box, it takes only a few moments to realize in a very palpable way that one is face-to-face with a true original who recognizes no borders in a march towards a muscular, original, globally switched-on sound. Formed in 2005, Toubab Krewe has tenaciously honed their craft through relentless touring and a fierce dedication to carving out something they can truly call their own. The fruits of this hard work can be heard on their latest release, STYLO, (March 2nd, 2018). What Justin Perkins (kora, kamelngoni, guitar, percussion), Terrence Houston (drumset), Drew Heller (guitar, organ), Justin Kimmel (bass, keys), and Luke Quaranta (djembe, dunun, sangban, kenkeni, kryn, karenye) have wrought on STYLO reflects the many miles and musical journeys that have transpired since their last studio album, TK2. This is a band that actively draws inspiration from whatever source floats into their purview, something they've exhibited in their decade and a half of heavy gigging, including regular appearances at major U.S. festivals like Bonnaroo, High Sierra, Electric Forest, Wakarusa, Hulaween, and abroad at such legendary gatherings as the Festival In The Desert in Essakane, Mali, Shanghai World Music Festival, and Jam Cruise. Whether on their own or collaborating with luminaries like the Last Poets' Umar Bin Hassan, Uncle Earl's Rayna Gellert, or Weedie Braimah, Toubab Krewe has already earned the attention and respect of a broad musical community. Toubab carries echoes of African greats like Ali Farka Toure, Orchestra Baobab and Salif Keita, no doubt picked up during the group's travels to study and live in Guinea, Ivory Coast and Mali. But what truly differentiates Toubab Krewe from other Statesiders inspired by African music is how they innovate on what they've learned instead of simply recreating tradition. Toubab Krewe carves out a new trail honoring the African originators they admire by making something alive and contemporary.

Violet Crime is an 8 piece pop rock band from Chicago. The release of their 2019 EP "Paper Queen" has garnered attention from press outlets like Substream Magazine, Atwood Magazine, and Midwest action - as well as numerous podcasts and playlist curators. Inspired by pop, funk, and soul music of past decades - their live performance is exciting and emotional, and tends to turn bystanders into fans.Violet Crime is a band that believes music and community are one and the same. Signed to social impact label Play Together, Violet Crime is part of a collaboration whose profits are donated to Chicago after-school music program Intonation Music in an effort to inspire the next generation of Chicago artists and creators. Violet Crime can also be found popping up at Sofar Sounds shows across the city where they provide an intimate, captivating, and humorous performance which makes audience members feel as though they're simply friends of the band.“There’s no shortage of local, up and coming acts in the Midwest— specifically Chicago — but there’s not a lot that are like VioletCrime.” -Substream Magazine"Violet Crime are a band with seamless crossover appeal between pop and rock audiences.” -Atwood Magazine

Virginia's Kendall Street Company are no strangers to having a wild time. The genre-fluid, eclectic rock ensemble has drawn varied comparisons to the dynamic jams of Umphrey's McGee and Widespread Panic, songwriting prowess of John Prine, experimental psychedelia of Pink Floyd, progressive jazz-infused rock of Frank Zappa, and off-color humor of Ween and They Might Be Giants. Including elements of crowd participation, off-the-cuff comedic bits, haphazard choreography, musical improvisation, and surprise musical guests, each Kendall Street Company concert is an experience unlike any other. You'll laugh, you'll cry. Just remember to stay hydrated.In addition to their reputation as must-see live performers, the Company's prolific immunity to writer's block has led them to release over over 100 original songs between seven studio albums, two live albums, and four EPs in a period of just six years. 2023 will see the release of (at least) an additional two studio records, a handful of singles, and who knows what else! You can also enjoy a massive selection of live shows on nugs.net, which often include unreleased and improvised tracks, as well as covers ranging from the Grateful Dead to DEVO to Alanis Morisette to Soulja Boy.Kendall Street Company is: Louis Smith [Rhythm Guitar/Lead Vox], Brian Roy [Bass], Ryan Wood [Drums], Ben Laderberg [Lead Guitar], and Jake Vanaman [Saxophone/Keys]. The five met at the University of Virginia, where they graduated between 2015 and 2020. For such a young band, their accomplishments are commendable. They have performed at festivals including Lockn', Summer Camp, High Sierra, Resonance, Floydfest, Some Kind of Jam, and Rooster Walk. Featured guest musicians at their sets have included Keller Williams, Ron Holloway, Andy Frasco, and Andy Hall. The Company has also shared the stage with Goose, Umphrey's McGee, Papadosio, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Leftover Salmon, the Infamous Stringdusters, Big Something and Melvin Seals & JGB. The outfit draws their name from late-night bonfires at the Kendall Street Beach on the Chesapeake Bay, and the good company who fueled the flames, the jams, and the conversation.

Second Hand News recreates the experience of seeing Fleetwood Mac in their heyday. Made up of veteran local musicians, the band features spot-on vocal harmonies, careful attention to detail, and electric live shows. Through the talents of these seasoned performers, the spirit and musicianship of Mick Fleetwood, John and Christine McVie, Stevie Nicks, and Lindsey Buckingham come to life on stage. Audiences are energized by dynamic deliveries of favorites from the band's extensive catalog of hits as well as deep cuts beloved by superfans. The fun these musicians have recreating these classic songs together is infectious, and will bring you to your feet in shared appreciation for one of the greatest bands of all time.

Honky Tonk Sundays! Join us for an afternoon with The Hoyle Brothers. They play every Sunday at 3pm.

40,000 HEADMEN celebrates the hits and deep-cuts of the legendary British jamband, TRAFFIC! You may also hear tunes from Blind Faith, Spencer Davis Group, Dave Mason, Steve Winwood. Featuring: Wavy Dave Burlingame - bass, vocal, Packy Lundholm - piano, organ, guitars, vocal, Scott Tipping - guitars, organ, vocal, Jonny Reed - drums, Marty Gierczyk - saxophone, vocal, Ray Quinn - flute, guitars, vocal, Drew Littel - percussion.

Join us for the 13th Annual Krampus Fest on Saturday, December 13th, 2025. 12 noon-close. No Cover. All Ages. Started in 2013 as an homage to St. Nick's dark partner, Krampus, because sometimes it's hard to be good! Holiday Artisan Market 12pm-6pm, with local artists, makers, bakers and purveyors of beautiful handcrafted gifts for your holiday needs. Krampus Cafe serves German style street food featuring Paulina Meat Market sausages, potato pancakes + our own Gluhwein (one of the best in town we're told!)6:30pm Krampuslauf! Stomp with the Krampuses along N Lincoln Ave from Martyrs' to Irving Park Rd.7pm Krampus Pageant and Costume Contest on stage! Cash prize for loudest audience response! Wear your best costume.7:30pm Live music with VERY SPECIAL GUESTS

Join us for the next installment of CHIRP's unique storytelling and live music series, The First Time, with the theme "First Shift". Six readers will share true stories of their "first watch," however they choose to interpret the theme. Each reader also chooses a song that relates to their piece, known only to them and our fab house band, The First Time Three. Once the reader finishes their piece, the band plays the related song, often with a unique arrangement.Hosted by Jenn Sodini

13th Annual MobettaHoliday JamOur Favorite Holiday TraditionYear in and year out,Maurice Mobetta Brown’s Christmas gift to Chicago plays out on our stage,and never fails to be THE show of the year.Each year we anxiously wait to hear which musical giants Maurice will get to grace our stage, like little kids waiting to open their stockings. Maurice s own musical star has done nothing but sky rocket since we first encountered him all the way back as a budding high school superstar. Originally from Harvey, Illinois, Maurice’s ticket to musical dominance was punched early on,when he won the prestigious Wynton Marsalis prize. He went on from there to attend Chicago’s own Columbia College. A seven time grammy winner, so far,Mobetta has played, and arrangedfor Lettuce,Tedeschi Trucks Band, Anderson Paak and The Free Nationals as well as Silk Sonic. Maurice is also an accomplished solo artist and a brilliant bandleader, not to mention his amazing resume as a producer. In past years Maurice has brought alonga slew of legendary artists to help him celebrate Chicago and the holidays. FromMononeon to Thundercat and fromTalib Kweli to Cory Henry every year his line up is packed with the heaviest hitters in the game in unimaginable all star arrangements. Last year we had Anderson Paak onstage with Weedie Bramah Isiah Sharkey and Sput. Where can anyone ever see such a thing except once a year? HERE

Honky Tonk Sundays! Join us for an afternoon with The Hoyle Brothers. They play every Sunday at 3pm.

Shoe Fest Holiday Jam 2025Come celebrate the holiday season and another wonderful year of Shoe Fest with some of our most favorite people.One big set of music and collaboration featuring our host band Old Shoe with VERY SPECIAL GUESTS!!

Dead Letter Office has dedicated themselves to faithfully reproducing the music and energy of a live R.E.M. show. Since 2014, they've been thrilling audiences throughout the U.S. & Canada, providing a show that's been sorely missed since R.E.M called it quits. Performing R.E.M.'s major hits, but also diving deep into their catalog to please the die-hard fans! The only R.E.M. tribute band to have members of R.E.M. perform with them (Mike Mills joining them on stage in Buffalo NY....and Peter Buck joining them on stage at Clusterfest in San Francisco!!).