Promotional image for Payton Smith, with Dipper, performing on April 25, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Payton Smith

w/ Dipper
Thursday April 25, 2024

Tickets: $15 in Advance | $20 Day of Show

| Ages: 21+

About Payton Smith

At just 23 years old, Louisiana native singer-songwriter and self-taught guitarist, Payton Smith, has a lot to celebrate. Smith began releasing music in 2019; quickly amassing over 50 million streams on his debut single, “Like I Knew You Would”. Known for not only high-energy guitar slinging and smooth vocals, the CMT 2021 Listen Up artist also composed and played every string instrument on each track of his debut project.

As Taste of Country noted his “raw talent, authenticity and strong work ethic are bound to bring him country music success for many, many years” as one of 2021’s Hottest Country Artists Under 25. Music Row called Smith the 2021 Next Big Thing, while “Like I Knew You Would” charted as the number 7 song of the year on Spotify’s Hot Country.

Payton Smith signed with Combustion Masters in late 2022, releasing “Missed The Boat” in early 2023, marking a new era of music, being produced by Combustion’s Chris Farren. Smith’s debut album, What Colors Your Wild, was released on March 19th, with playlisting features on Apple’s New In County, Spotify’s New Music Friday Country and Tidal’s Country Waves, Rising: Country and Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Country. Payton is hitting the road this summer throughout the country opening for Tracy Lawrence, Gary Allan, Lee Brice, Ashley Cooke and more.

Promotional image for Mike Giannini & the Rhythm Rangers, with Bongiorno and Co, performing on April 26, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Mike Giannini & the Rhythm Rangers

w/ Bongiorno and Co
Friday April 26, 2024

Tickets: $8

| Ages: 21+

About Mike Giannini & the Rhythm Rangers

Mike Giannini of Chicago, IL does his original take on energetic, hard hitting Rockabilly while blending Honky tonk and other roots music.

Promotional image for The Simple Remedy, performing on April 27, 2024, at Carol's Pub

The Simple Remedy

Saturday April 27, 2024

Tickets: $6

| Ages: 21+

About The Simple Remedy

Founded several years ago by Chicago Singer/Songwriter Edward William Ryan, The Simple Remedy has grown into one of the most reliable acts on the music scene.

Also featuring Singer/Songwriter Laura Patricia on Vocals, Michael Pentz on Lead Guitar, Mike Smith on Bass Guitar and Andy Wilmoth on Drums!

The band is a true melting pot of musical influences and keeps the audience guessing as they glide through multiple genres as well as their own original music during their live performances.

Promotional image for Cougar Bingo on April 30, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Cougar Bingo

Tuesday April 30, 2024

Free Event

| Ages: 21+

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About Cougar Bingo

Join us at Carol's Pub for BINGO hosted by Chicago's Musical Comedy Cougar, Aunt Nance! Live music, great food, and it's free to play!

Promotional image for Whaddayaknow Trivia on May 1, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Whaddayaknow Trivia

Wednesday May 1, 2024

Free Event

| Ages: 21+

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About Whaddayaknow Trivia

Join us every Wednesday for Whaddayaknow? Trivia! 8pm trivia starts and it's free to play! Visit freepubtrivia.com for more information.

Promotional image for Michelle Billingsley and Jake Penrod, performing on May 2, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Michelle Billingsley and Jake Penrod

Thursday May 2, 2024

Tickets: $10

Ages: 21+

About Michelle Billingsley and Jake Penrod

Michelle Billingsley wraps charmingly cutting lyrics in boisterous acoustic strumming and along with her dryly dark sense of humor and a (whip)smart-assed vocal delivery, it all sounds a bit like Emmylou Harris went through the looking glass. She'll remind you of the familiar songs you heard playing on the radio in the back of Dad’s old truck cruising down back roads. She’s got a little bit of honky tonkin’ country up her sleeve, and a dusting of folk on her boots. Her shows are undeniably fun—genuine, irreverent, unique and fearless.Billingsley’s new debut album for Western Myth Records, Not the Marrying Kind—produced by multi-instrumentalist Matt Brown—is an Americana gem. Out of the gates, Brown made the sage choice of putting legendary producer/engineer Brian Deck (Modest Mouse, Josh Ritter, Iron & Wine) behind the boards—and the drum kit—for the sessions.The resulting record's intimate, moody vibe draws you in close with your guard down, and once you pause long enough to get your head around the songs, the depth of Billingsley’s talent comes sharply into focus. It’s a deceptively heavy record, yet somehow her fantastic whimsy mixes with black comedy and brisk little melodies that make the journey all the more powerful.

Jake Penrod is a singer, composer, songwriter, and band leader from the Piney Woods of East Texas. Playing the piano since age five and teaching himself guitar at nine, he’s now a multi-instrumentalist whose most recent accolade is a nomination for the Austin Chronicle’s best country artist of the year. In 2017, he was given the Ameripolitan Music Award for Honky Tonk Male. In 2015, he was recognized as the Academy of Western Artists’ Pure Country Male Vocalist of the Year. His songs have been covered by Joey Allcorn, Lonnie Spiker, and the Country Side of Harmonica Sam. He’s worked with and played with some of the greats- Ray Price, Charlie Pride, Asleep at the Wheel, Dale Watson, Bobby Flores, Johnny Lee, Bobby Bare, Moe Bandy, Jody Nix, Two Tons of Steel, Johnny Bush, Earl Poole Ball, and T. Graham Brown, to name a few.

Promotional image for Dry County Line: 10th Anniversary Party, performing on May 3, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Dry County Line

10th Anniversary Show
Friday May 3, 2024

Tickets: $7

Ages: 21+

About Dry County Line

Dry County formed in 2014 in Chicago and have performed in various venues ever since. Our music is a blend of all styles of country and western music, layered with beautiful vocals. Dry County Line is:

Randy Smith - guitar, banjo, vocals
Mike Ritrosi - guitar, lap steel, drums
John Fox - bass
Aaron Slivinski - drums, pedal steel
Gabrielle Schafer-vocals

Promotional image for Patrick Bale and the Pale Ales, performing on May 4, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Patrick Bale and the Pale Ales

Saturday May 4, 2024

Tickets: $7

Ages: 21+

About Patrick Bale and the Pale Ales

Patrick Bale & The Pale Ales is a Chicago-based country. Formed in 2016, their shows are known for their high energy setlists featuring classic country, red dirt, and rock and roll covers intertwined with their own original material. In 2020, they released their debut album “Cheap Shot,” showcasing their signature style of storytelling. They have opened for well known touring acts such as Chris Cagle, Corey Marks, Granger Smith, and played to packed houses at iconic venues like Old Crow Smokehouse, Basecamp, The Forge, and Reggie’s Rock Club.

Promotional image for Pop Up Karaoke on May 7, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Pop Up Karaoke

Tuesday May 7, 2024

Free Event

| Ages: 21+

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We've got all three kinds of music: country, western, and everything else! Join us on the world-famous Carol's stage for some of the greatest karaoke in the city!

Promotional image for Kelsey Waldon, performing on May 8, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Kelsey Waldon

w/ Lydia Cash
Wednesday May 8, 2024

Tickets: $18 in Advance | $20 Day of Show

| Ages: 21+

About Kelsey Waldon

Kelsey Waldon is one of Country music’s most singular voices. Across four acclaimed full-length albums full of both “heavy twang and spitfire pedal steel” and “coffeehouse confessionals” (Rolling Stone), she’s brought listeners into her world and shared her own experiences and perspectives. Her new project, There’s Always a Song (out May 10th via Oh Boy Records/Thirty Tigers), however, is about the singular voices that shaped her into the artist she is today.

“It’s like, I kind of was able to find my voice through these voices, you know?” Waldon says. “A part of me doing this album is expressing so much gratitude for the music that I love, for music that has meant a lot to me and helped me.”

These eight songs, from the earliest pages of the country and bluegrass music songbooks, helped the singer-songwriter from Monkey’s Eyebrow, Ky., find her place in the world before she became an artist whose own work generates buzz, lands on year-end best-of lists, and, in 2019, led Waldon to become the first artist in 15 years to sign a deal with John Prine’s Oh Boy Records. These days, they remind Waldon of why she wanted to make music in the first place.

“There’s a lot of bullshit out there, and sometimes our goals and dreams get clouded by competition or become jaded. [These songs are] like something tapping into me and being like, ‘That’s why you love this.’ It feels like home to me; it feels like the truth,” Waldon shares. “It just brought me so much joy to work with my peers, my friends, people I really admire.”

There’s Always a Song might not even exist, in fact, if not for S.G. Goodman, who in addition to also being a fellow western Kentuckian has been one of Waldon’s good friends since before they were making headlines with their music. During one of their frequent catch-up phone calls, Waldon told Goodman she would love to find a reason to collaborate and asked Goodman if she’d be up for recording a song together. Goodman suggested “Hello Stranger,” specifically citing the 1973 version by Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard.

Waldon didn’t stop with Goodman, though. Fellow John Prine devotee and “kindred spirit” Amanda Shires joins Waldon on fiddle for the Bill Monroe classic “Uncle Pen” — arranged in half time like Goose Creek Symphony’s version from 1971 — while Isaac Gibson, lead singer of 49 Winchester, helps Waldon honor his fellow Virginian, Ralph Stanley, on the devastating “I Only Exist.” Margo Price, one of Waldon’s first friends in Nashville, rounds out the list of guests, singing with Waldon on “Traveling the Highway Home,” which Waldon selected from fellow Kentuckian Molly O’Day’s catalog.

Waldon is featured in the 2024 edition of the Country Music Hall of Fame's "American Currents" exhibit, and she'll perform a special "Songwriter Session" on March 2nd at the museum as part of the exhibition's opening. 2024 tour dates will be announced soon.


About Lydia Cash

Lydia Cash grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. She moved to Chicago on a whim in 2013 with no plan or job leads, only the dream of making her way as an independent painter and musician.

After finding success as a painter, Cash moved to Nashville in 2021 to further pursue her music career. A relative of Johnny Cash, Lydia rediscovered her connection to country music while living in Nashville and bartending on lower Broadway. Missing her adopted home, Cash returned to Chicago in the summer of 2023.

Cash's latest release, "Indigo", boasts her fresh indie take on country music, weaving synths with traditional pedal steel, her airy voice floating with stacked harmonies and emotional, heartfelt lyrics. The five songs share a common theme of longing, whether that be for a person, a feeling, or for the past. While heavy on the nostalgia, there is nothing dated about this EP; honest, full of heart, with confessional lyrics, Cash is creating something new in country music and leaves us feeling good and wanting more.

Promotional image for Bryce Leatherwood, performing on May 9, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Bryce Leatherwood

w/ Mackenzie O'Brien
Thursday May 9, 2024

Tickets: $10 in Advance | $12 Day of Show

| Ages: 21+

About Bryce Leatherwood

Singer/songwriter Bryce Leatherwood aims to carry the torch of country music and continue the legacy of legends prior. Born and raised in Woodstock, GA, his passion for music began at an early age. Working on his grandfather’s farm every summer, Leatherwood was exposed to the classic country hits of George Jones, Merle Haggard and Conway Twitty. Soon thereafter he began picking up guitars and playing the traditional country music that inspires him today. Leatherwood’s music career began to blossom in Statesboro, GA, where he attended Georgia Southern University. During his time in Statesboro, Leatherwood played college venues and continued to grow his stage presence and his country music repertoire. While in college, Leatherwood formed his band and began playing all around the Southeast. Bryce’s goal was to take the stage and play the best of country music to all ages and audiences. Just weeks after graduating college, Bryce set his mind on a new task. In 2022, Leatherwood competed on the NBC hit television show The Voice and was crowned the Season 22 winner in December. Following his success, Leatherwood moved to Nashville where he has been songwriting and recording for a forthcoming project on Universal Music Group Nashville/Republic Records, the first of which is "The Finger," out now. Leatherwood continues to perform live shows, including opening several tour dates for Dwight Yoakum. Online at www.bryceleatherwood.com.


About Mackenzie O'Brien

Mackenzie was given the nickname "Hummingbird" at an early age as she was often found playing alone and humming made up melodies. The name stuck and the hummingbird has become a symbol for her band and brand. Mackenzie developed her skills on guitar, and some banjo, and began singing in bars and coffee houses regularly upon graduation from high school. She also traveled to Austin Texas, and Nashville Tennessee where she built up music alliances and eventual partnerships. Mackenzie recorded and released her first original song "It's Just a Line" in 2017 recorded at Nashville's iconic Omnisound Studios! The solo written song in a singer songwriter style was featured on the Iceman's Nashville based radio show for up and coming original artists in that same year. The song is available for listening on Spotify and other platforms.

Mackenzie continued performing in Chicagoland and In Wisconsin and continued developing her writing style while being known as a melody driven songwriter. Mackenzie was sought out by various writers and built songwriting partnerships in Nashville and with other writers across the US and Canada. In 2019 Mackenzie won a songwriting contest sponsored by Merf Music Nashville which put her path on a new trajectory. To date, Mackenzie has written with Grammy nominated, Grammy winning writers, writers that were BMIs top money earners, and many writers with #1 songs to their credit. Mackenzie continued to be guided by the Merf Music team through which she was introduced to her current partnership with Daredevil Productions Nashville!

Promotional image for Joe Wortell and Band, with Russell Walker, performing on May 10, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Joe Wortell and Band

w/ Russell Walker
Friday May 10, 2024

Tickets: $10

| Ages: 21+

About Joe Wortell and Band

Joe Wortell is a classic outlaw country artist from Chicago that plays clever and inspired arrangements fusing subtle hints of blues, surf, r&b, and pop with the great songs of Hank, Waylon, Merle, Cash and beyond.

Promotional image for Frank Martin Busch and the Names, performing on May 11, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Frank Martin Busch and the Names

Saturday May 11, 2024

Tickets: $7

| Ages: 21+

About Frank Martin Busch and the Names

Frank Martin Busch grew up on a farm outside the rural community of Cuba City, Wisconsin. He is the youngest of seven children in a musical family. Frank started playing music in grade school, even playing a few shows with his father’s Big Band Orchestra on saxophone. It wasn't until he left the small town for The University of Wisconsin and commandeered his college roommates Stratocaster, that he truly fell in love with music.Frank taught himself to play, sing and write songs, his journey has been slow, painful and deliberate. Upon graduating he founded his first band The Mighty Short Bus, and is a founding member of Midwest troubadours WheelHouse. The two bands have released 8 records and played over 3,000 shows over the past 20 years. This is Frank's first foray as a true solo artist. He has brought back the Stratocaster and is living and dying by his ability to play it, He marries the storytelling of a country songwriter with the musicality of a bluesman and a sense of humor that rivals your grade school best friend’s dad

Promotional image for Y'all's Brunch on May 12, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Y'all's Brunch

Sunday May 12, 2024

Tickets: $5

| Ages: 21+

About Y'all's Brunch

Howdy, y’all! Join us at Carol’s Pub for Chicago’s country-western-inspired drag show, "Y'all's Brunch," where all are welcome! Get ready to kick up your boots with sensational performances by Chicago's finest drag superstars. Hosted by the fabulous Coco Sho-Nell, Season 4 of Camp Wannakiki, and the delightful Mini Pearl Necklace, "The Jewel of the Cumberland Clam." Expect Entertainment, delicious food, refreshing drinks, laughter, and prizes, all at Carol’s Pub!

Promotional image for Cole Ritter, performing on May 14, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Cole Ritter

Tuesday May 14, 2024

Tickets: $5

| Ages: 21+

About Cole Ritter

Cole has been playing music as long as he can remember. He first fell in love with music when he picked up the fiddle at the young age of 3. He started touring at the age of 8 with a group of violinists and played all over the southeast. He picked up singing and playing the guitar at 13 when he was gifted his Great-Grandfather's Guitar. This was the beginning of Cole's artistry.Cole’s favorite part about playing with his band is getting to share stories and precious moments with friends and fans. No one has passion for music like Cole. His soulful, jazzy voice mixed with his country and rock and roll roots provides an extremely unique sound.

Promotional image for Whaddayaknow Trivia on May 15, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Whaddayaknow Trivia

Wednesday May 15, 2024

Free Event

| Ages: 21+

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Join us every Wednesday for Whaddayaknow? Trivia! 8pm trivia starts and it's free to play! Visit freepubtrivia.com for more information.

Promotional image for ZG Smith, performing on May 16, 2024, at Carol's Pub

ZG Smith

w/ Lydia Cash
Thursday May 16, 2024

Tickets: $8 in Advance | $10 Day of Show

| Ages: 21+

About ZG Smith

Since moving to Music City in his mid-twenties, ZG Smith racked up a formidable cache of musicalsuccesses including touring extensively throughout the US, Canada, and Europe, being frontman,primary songwriter, and founding member of Americana duo SmoothHound Smith, and sharingstages with acts like The Chicks, Trombone Shorty, Collective Soul, and Devon Gilfillian. His poignantand ethereal debut EP, Nighttime Animal, was released in February of 2023 and has garnered airplayand attention from musical curators and press outlets alike, not the least of which includeMinneapolis’s The Current, NPR’s World Cafe, Nashville’s Lightning 100, PopMatters, The BluegrassSituation, NashvilleSCENE, UnderTheRadar, and more.


About Lydia Cash

Lydia Cash grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. She moved to Chicago on a whim in 2013 with no plan or job leads, only the dream of making her way as an independent painter and musician.

After finding success as a painter, Cash moved to Nashville in 2021 to further pursue her music career. A relative of Johnny Cash, Lydia rediscovered her connection to country music while living in Nashville and bartending on lower Broadway. Missing her adopted home, Cash returned to Chicago in the summer of 2023.

Cash's latest release, "Indigo", boasts her fresh indie take on country music, weaving synths with traditional pedal steel, her airy voice floating with stacked harmonies and emotional, heartfelt lyrics. The five songs share a common theme of longing, whether that be for a person, a feeling, or for the past. While heavy on the nostalgia, there is nothing dated about this EP; honest, full of heart, with confessional lyrics, Cash is creating something new in country music and leaves us feeling good and wanting more.

Promotional image for Wild Earp, performing on May 17, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Wild Earp

Friday May 17, 2024

Tickets: $10

| Ages: 21+

About Wild Earp

Wild Earp slings original country & western music that gives a respectful nod to the masters of the past and a defiant scoff at the purists. Touching on just about every aspect of roots music, Earp brings the listener through the desert, the mountains, and the honky tonks with clever lyricism that mixes humor, heartache, and sinful living. He’s backed by The Free for Alls, a talented and fun-loving cast of characters who give life and depth to the music. Their hootin’ and hollerin’ enthusiasm is matched by their good taste and broad talents, and they leave nothing off of the table. They ain't too hard on the eyes, neither!

Promotional image for The Simple Remedy, performing on May 18, 2024, at Carol's Pub

The Simple Remedy

Saturday May 18, 2024

Tickets: $6

| Ages: 21+

About The Simple Remedy

Founded several years ago by Chicago Singer/Songwriter Edward William Ryan, The Simple Remedy has grown into one of the most reliable acts on the music scene.

Also featuring Singer/Songwriter Laura Patricia on Vocals, Michael Pentz on Lead Guitar, Mike Smith on Bass Guitar and Andy Wilmoth on Drums!

The band is a true melting pot of musical influences and keeps the audience guessing as they glide through multiple genres as well as their own original music during their live performances.

Promotional image for Aunt Nance's Birthday Bingo on May 19 2024, at Carol's Pub

Aunt Nance's Birthday Bingo

Sunday May 19, 2024

Free Event

| Ages: 21+

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About Aunt Nance's Birthday Bingo

Join us for a very special BRUNCH edition of Cougar Bingo in honor of Aunt Nance's BIRTHDAY! Doors open at 11am. Bingo 11:30am-1:30pm.

Promotional image for St. Jams Charity Concert, performing on May 19, 2024, at Carol's Pub

St. Jams Charity Concert

Sunday May 19, 2024

No Cover, Donations Accepted

| Ages: 21+

About St. Jams Charity Concert

Common Pantry, Chicago’s oldest continuous food pantry, is devoted to providing food, personal care items and social service referrals to qualifying individuals and families in its North Side service area. Each month, Common Pantry serves an average of 320 households representing approximately 1,300 people.

Promotional image for Pop Up Karaoke on May 21, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Pop Up Karaoke

Tuesday May 21, 2024

Free Event

| Ages: 21+

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About Pop Up Karaoke

We've got all three kinds of music: country, western, and everything else! Join us on the world-famous Carol's stage for some of the greatest karaoke in the city!

Promotional image for Vincent Lima, performing on May 22, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Vincent Lima

Wednesday May 22, 2024

Tickets: $15

| Ages: 21+

About Vincent Lima

Currently based out of a small town in California called Los Angeles, Vincent Lima is a zero time Grammy winning musician whose music explores the mes of loss, love and growing up. Vincent began singing in 2018 and hit his stride in late 2023 with the help of a rapidly developing fan base after the release of singles "Orpheus" and "Eurydice. ”His latest single "In the Cold,” a story about being seen in love, serves as a potent continuation of the narrative started in Orpheus. As that narrative expands further in upcoming releases, Vincent will continue spending his time touring and writing his own bios in the third person.

Promotional image for Jesse Daniel, with Alex Williams, performing on May 23, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Jesse Daniel

w/ Alex Williams
Thursday, May 23, 2024

Tickets: $15 in Advance | $20 Day of Show

| Ages: 21+

About Jesse Daniel

Jesse Daniel has been a well respected name within traditional

Promotional image for Meg & The Wheelers and Friends, performing on May 24, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Meg & The Wheelers

and Friends
Friday May 24, 2024

Tickets: $10

| Ages: 21+

About Meg & The Wheelers and Friends

Rooted in Chicago's vibrant & growing honky-tonk scene, Meg & The Wheelers are doing their Midwest best.

Missouri-born frontwoman & songwriter Meg Sampson formed the band in 2018, quickly releasing her first single "Bar in the Divorce" & establishing the Wheelers as a local up-and-comer. Their distinct sound is a result of five seasoned musicians & close friends collaborating, drawing on the rich history of country music, with influences ranging from Margot Price to Loretta Lynn. Meg & The Wheelers craft a unique & exciting spin on the music that made them, combining modern lyrics with traditional melodies, weaving tales of love & loss that feel both fresh & timeless.

Meg & The Wheelers' latest EP Midwest Best was recorded at Chicago's legendary Electrical Audio studio & was released in 2023. They have shared the stage with national acts such as Ashley Mcbryde & Joshua Hedley, as well as rising local talent Nathan Graham, Tommy Goodroad, & many others.

Promotional image for Matt Martin Band, performing on May 25, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Matt Martin Band

Saturday May 25, 2024

Tickets: $8

| Ages: 21+

About Matt Martin Band

The Matt Martin Band is a 4 piece Chicago based cover band that formed in 2021. Consisting of members from several different active internationally known cover/tribute bands, The Matt Martin Band specializes in country music but caters to all genres of music at a moments request. Their show packs a punch of high energy and fun that keeps the dance floor crowded and everyone singing at the top of their lungs to all of your favorite singalongs & requests, while also offering the occasional slow dance to some of your favorite “couple skates”! Specializing in all areas of country music from classic country like Johnny Cash & George Strait, to new age country such as Luke Combs & Morgan Wallen...

The Matt Martin Band is sure to deliver powerful vocals and harmonies, driving acoustic guitar, chicken pickin' guitar leads, and even the occasional full version of “Freebird" if you’re lucky!

Promotional image for Cougar Bingo on May 28 2024, at Carol's Pub

Cougar Bingo

Tuesday May 28, 2024

Free Event

| Ages: 21+

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About Cougar Bingo

Join us at Carol's Pub for BINGO hosted by Chicago's Musical Comedy Cougar, Aunt Nance! Live music, great food, and it's free to play!

Promotional image for Whaddayaknow Trivia on May 29, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Whaddayaknow Trivia

Wednesday May 29, 2024

Free Event

| Ages: 21+

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About Whaddayaknow Trivia

Join us every Wednesday for Whaddayaknow? Trivia! 8pm trivia starts and it's free to play! Visit freepubtrivia.com for more information.

Promotional image for Chicago Honky Tonk Review, with Tommy Goodroad & Big Weather, performing on May 30, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Chicago Honky Tonk Review

w/ Tommy Goodroad & Big Weather
Thursday May 30, 2024

Tickets: $8 in Advance | $10 Day of Show

| Ages: 21+

About Chicago Honky Tonk Review, with Tommy Goodroad & Big Weather

CJ Melton is a Chicago based musician and audio engineer. Their part in organizing this series comes from a desire to encourage and deepen a sense of community through celebration of local art, and to see bands they like play good music!

Promotional image for David Graham & The Eskimo Brothers, performing on May 31, 2024, at Carol's Pub

David Graham & The Eskimo Brothers

Friday May 31, 2024

Tickets: $12

Ages: 21+

About David Graham & The Eskimo Brothers

The Eskimo Brothers are a high energy honky tonk trio based out of Nashville, Tennessee. This reckless and manic show has been battle tested and polished from over 300 shows a year, both in the honky tonks of Nashville's historic Lower Broadway and and monthly shows in Memphis on Beale St.

Promotional image for South City Revival, performing on June 1, 2024, at Carol's Pub

South City Revival

Saturday June 1, 2024

Tickets: $10

| Ages: 21+

About South City Revival

South City Revival is a workingman’s band from Chicago, IL. Forged in the city of frigid winters and ferocious wind, the band continues to expand on their vision of Midwest Americana with, "Where There's Smoke, There's Fire". The new album, the band's first full-length effort, is at its core an exploration of country and roots-rock music. Drawing on the energy and story-telling from the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Brooks & Dunn, Tom Petty, and Steve Earle, listeners are immersed in a landscape filled with abandoned steel mills, sticky bar floors and rusted out Chevys.

Promotional image for Pop Up Karaoke on June 4, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Pop Up Karaoke

Tuesday June 4, 2024

Free Event

| Ages: 21+

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About Pop Up Karaoke

We've got all three kinds of music: country, western, and everything else! Join us on the world-famous Carol's stage for some of the greatest karaoke in the city!

Promotional image for Whaddayaknow Trivia on June 5, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Whaddayaknow Trivia

Wednesday June 5, 2024

Free Event

| Ages: 21+

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About Whaddayaknow Trivia

Join us every Wednesday for Whaddayaknow? Trivia! 8pm trivia starts and it's free to play! Visit freepubtrivia.com for more information.

Promotional image for Cody Canada, performing on June 7, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Cody Canada

Friday June 7, 2024

Tickets: $15 in Advance | $20 Day of Show

| Ages: 21+

About Cody Canada

Three bandmates. Fourteen songs that blur the lines between hard-edged country, rock & roll, and all the gritty sounds in between. “3,” the newest album from Cody Canada the Departed, is proof that there's strength in numbers.

The band's first record as a lean power trio, 3 shines a light on the core ingredients of Canada's sound. There's plenty of amplified crunch, Red Dirt twang, roadhouse-worthy guitar riffs, story-based songwriting, and the familiar rasp of Canada's voice — an instrument that's been sharpened by years of raw, redemptive shows. Working with producer Mike McClure, the band tracked their new material during breaks in an otherwise busy touring schedule, approaching the recording sessions the same way they'd approach a live show.

"The idea was to get into the studio and simplify things, remaining as true to a three-piece as possible," says Canada, who pulls triple-duty as the lineup's frontman, songwriter, and lead guitarist.

It's been a quarter century since Canada kicked off his career. A road warrior and prolific songwriter, Canada was the frontman of Cross Canadian Ragweed, a wildly influential band that dominated the Red Dirt scene for more than a decade, and made music that reached far beyond the genre's borders, selling millions of albums and playing for huge audiences across the U.S. Canada formed the Departed in 2011. With 3, he nods to his former band's glory days, brewing up a sound that's inspired by outlaw country icons of the 1970s and rock bands of the 1990s.

He also found inspiration in his bandmates: bass player Jeremy Plato (who's played alongside Canada for decades, beginning with Cross Canadian Ragweed's first album) and drummer Eric Hansen (a longtime friend currently celebrating his third year with the band). Also joining the Departed in the studio was McClure, an acclaimed songwriter and producer who helped oversee multiple albums for Cross Canadian Ragweed. “3” marks McClure's first collaboration with Canada since the Departed's formation.

Songs like "Lipstick" — a heartland rocker, shot through with harmonica and thick harmonies — was partially written in the recording studio, with all musicians contributing to Canada's original idea. Others were written on the road, their compositions cobbled together from iPhone recordings and soundcheck jams. Also tracks like "Sam Hain" deliver a pissed-off, political punch, “3” represent the Departed's happiest album to date — a result of Cody Canada's own attitude toward his life and his band.

Promotional image for SunFallen, performing on June 8, 2024, at Carol's Pub

SunFallen

Saturday June 8, 2024

Tickets: $7

| Ages: 21+

About SunFallen

SunFallen will take you back a few decades to when live music meant something, not like a group of soccer Dads lip syncing to a karaoke backing track. A time when guitars howled, the base drum kicked, and the vocals of a song took you back to a place you've missed. SunFallen continues to draw loyal fans since their debut in 2009 as well as claim new fans with their signature sound and style. The band covers classic and new Rock.

Promotional image for Y'all's Brunch on June 9, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Y'all's Brunch

Sunday June 9, 2024

Tickets: $5

| Ages: 21+

About Y'all's Brunch

Howdy, y’all! Join us at Carol’s Pub for Chicago’s country-western-inspired drag show, "Y'all's Brunch," where all are welcome! Get ready to kick up your boots with sensational performances by Chicago's finest drag superstars. Hosted by the fabulous Coco Sho-Nell, Season 4 of Camp Wannakiki, and the delightful Mini Pearl Necklace, "The Jewel of the Cumberland Clam." Expect Entertainment, delicious food, refreshing drinks, laughter, and prizes, all at Carol’s Pub!

Promotional image for Hodie Snitch, performing on June 15, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Hodie Snitch

Saturday June 15, 2024

Tickets: $10

| Ages: 21+

About Hodie Snitch

Hodie Snitch plays the songs you know and love from the likes of Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, George Jones, David Allen Coe, Hank Williams Jr, Charlie Daniels, and the list goes on and on. We could do this all day. Sometimes we do... This IS your daddy's country!

Promotional image for Chris Acker and the Growing Boys, performing on June 18, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Chris Acker and the Growing Boys

Tuesday June 18, 2024

Tickets: $8 in Advance | $10 Day of Show

| Ages: 21+

About Chris Acker and the Growing Boys

"In a genre full of tall tales and marketable lies, Chris Acker crafts candid songs- weaving his wit and his woes into a body of work that exposes the stale plight of the American Songster to the honest, and sometimes hilarious, light of day" -Nick Shoulders

Promotional image for Jeff BearCat Bunch, performing on June 20, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Jeff BearCat Bunch

Thursday June 20, 2024

Tickets: $7

| Ages: 21+

About Jeff BearCat Bunch

Join us for a night of songs and stories with the one and only Jeff BearCat Bunch. "BearCat"

"My name is Jeff Bunch, I'm originally from east Tennessee, just outside of Knoxville. They call me BearCat. If you know, then you know. And if you don't, well...You'll be wonderin"

Independent and Nationally touring singer/songwriter/storyteller, Originally from Knoxville,TN. Now based in central Texas. Behind the scenes kind of guy for a years working with other artists as a fan, roadie, tour manager, merch guy, driver, etc... honing in on the craft of songwriting and story telling. Over the past few years BearCat has shared stages with names like Josh Morningstar, Jesse Dayton, Billy Don Burns, Alex Williams, Justin Wells, Clint Park, Cass Jones, Casper McWade, Jake Stringer, Dallas Burrow, and Ellis Bullard. Just to name a few.Out touring on debut release "I Can't Help But Ramble" Self produced, self funded, self released, debut record. BearCat has been working on this record for a couple years now and has been patiently waiting to get it out in the world. You can't rush perfection!But, the folks have spoken and have been asking for a release for a while now and we're so happy to share this with our fans and friends.With some help and guest appearances from several friends and known names that appear on the record such as Josh Morningstar, Billy Don Burns, Cass Jones, Chris Rhoades, and Aubrey Richmond. This is a record of songs and stories about the life and times of a man named Jeff Bunch, known to most simply as BearCat.

Come join us for a night of music, stories, laughs and good times at our first time playing at the wonderful Carol's Pub in Chicago, IL.

Promotional image for August Son, performing on June 21, 2024, at Carol's Pub

August Son

Friday June 21, 2024

Tickets: $8

| Ages: 21+

About August Son

August Son is the 2022 reincarnation of the Chicago rock band who performed across Chicagoland from 1988-1993. During those early years, August Son shared the stage with WAR, Three Dog Night, Lonnie Brooks and The Marshall Tucker Band at outdoor festivals and major music venues. Time has passed, but the love of music remains. Come join us for a great rock and roll experience!

Promotional image for Trailer Park Twisters, performing on June 22, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Trailer Park Twisters

Saturday June 22, 2024

Tickets: $6

| Ages: 21+

About Trailer Park Twisters

From small towns to the big city, the Trailer Park Twisters are ripping up all your favorite country tunes and laying waste to prefabricated homes in a 10-mile radius. Formed in 2008 by Paul Cicciarelli, the band features dynamic guitar playing complimented by swelling pedal steel and soaring vocals. From Johnny Cash to Miranda Lambert they’ve got it covered.

Promotional image for Mojohand, performing on June 26, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Mojohand

w/ Reilly Downes & The Acid Cowboys and Saint Marlboro
Wednesday June 26, 2024

Tickets: $8 in Advance | $10 Day of Show

| Ages: 21+

About Mojohand

Mojohand is a Rock N Roll band coming directly to your town! With a resume including 25 states and 25,000 miles driven in 2023 alone, Mojohand has won over audiences from Austin to Boston and beyond with their signature brand of Rock N Roll, Ginger Soul, and Jersey Twang!

Promotional image for  Sparkle Carcass with Wild Bill and the Bruisers, performing on June 28, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Sparkle Carcass with Wild Bill and the Bruisers

Friday June 28, 2024

Tickets: $10

| Ages: 21+

About Sparkle Carcass

Chicago dive bar country meets midwest punk grit meets the energy at a party when someone brings out a box of bottle rockets. That’s Sparkle Carcass.

Formed in 2017 around songwriter Cody Palmer, Sparkle Carcass pulls from all the best music to come out of Texas, California, and the Midwest to give you drinkin’ songs, dancin’ songs, and songs that make you wanna stay a while. Most importantly, each song delivers on the honest storytelling that makes country music worth listening to.

Frontman Cody Palmer is a storyteller through and through, and boy does he have stories. He’s been to nearly every state twice, jumped a car over 12 school busses, and was one sneeze away from losing his legs…though he probably made one of those up.

They don’t make ‘em like Cody outside of Southern Indiana, but with a dozen years steeped in the Chicago music scene, Palmer comes to the stage with an energy that’s a little down home, a little downtown. His songs blend the “don’t bore us, get to the chorus” sensibilities of pop songwriting with traditional country boogie and shake. Whaddya get? Music that tripped and fell somewhere between Garth Brooks and the Space Jam soundtrack.

You’ve seen Palmer’s ostrich cowboy boots stepping onto iconic Chicago stages at Carol’s Pub and The Hideout, and you’ve probably seen him behind the turntables at your favorite mezcal bar. No matter the venue, a Sparkle Carcass show is like a good night out: exciting, surprising, and a damn good time.


About Wild Bill and the Bruisers

Wild Bill and the Bruisers is the rowdiest honkytonk band out of Nashville. They formed in 2019, and their first record is coming out soon!

Promotional image for LC Fest on July 12, 2024, at Carol's Pub

LC Fest

Friday July 12, 2024

Tickets: $35

| Ages: 21+

About LC Fest

On February 19, 2021, the Chicago music scene lost one of its biggest champions, Lane Campbell. At just 50 years old, Lane left us far too early, and his absence is felt throughout the venues and clubs Lane frequented for decades. Lane lived and breathed music, especially across the alt.country/indie scenes, promoting hundreds of bands and artists who he thought deserved a much wider audience.

On July 12, 2024 we are proud to announce LcFest, an every-other-Summer music event honoring Lane and including live performances by the bands that he loved. This summer’s event will include four acts that Lane revered: Slobberbone, Frog Holler, Chip Robinson and Tyne Darling. This is the kind of bill that would’ve had Lane texting, making calls and promoting the event far and wide. We hope to see you there!

Promotional image for Aidan Canfield, performing on July 19, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Aidan Canfield

Friday July 19, 2024

Tickets: $15 in Advance | $12 Day of Show

| Ages: 21+

About Aidan Canfield

Canfield’s artistry infuses a unique combination of Rock and Country influences from thesounds that he grew up on–a little bit of Bob Seger and Bruce Springsteen, a little bit of KennyChesney meets Zach Bryan. His heartfelt lyrics and melodies have struck a chord of relatabilityhe’s witnessed on the road on support dates with Riley Green and, most recently, the CameronSacky Band. When the pandemic hit in 2020, Aidan used the time to discover his passion forplaying the guitar, and he started singing and writing songs. In two short years, he startedgrowing a following on social media platforms and released his first single, “The Idea Of Me,” inApril of 2022. Since then, Aidan has released six additional singles, an album and his music hasnearly 3 million streams. Aidan’s heartfelt lyrics and melodies are what make his musicrelatable to his fans. Featured in country music YouTuber and critic Grady Smith’s “Best MusicUnder the Radar of 2023,” Canfield’s growing popularity has also led to his first CMAFestperformance on the Hard Rock Stage and a feature on the Tidal Wave Festival in Atlantic City.

Promotional image for Painted Canyon, with Nick Dittmeier & The Sawdusters, on July 25, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Painted Canyon

w/ Nick Dittmeier & The Sawdusters
Thursday July 25, 2024

Tickets: $10

| Ages: 21+

About Painted Canyon

Loosely defined as Americana/Indie Rock, Painted Canyon is a rock band hailing from Chicago. Formed in the summer of 2019, they released their first full length album Permanent Reflection in March 2021, working with renowned engineer-producer, Mike Hagler at Kingsize Sound Labs. With his fingerprints all over Wilco, Billy Bragg/Wilco, Neko Case, Waco Brothers, Maps & Atlases, Califone, Calexico and My Morning Jacket, the band put their debut in good hands. The album was mastered by Chris Frasco of Master Frasco Audio Lab in East Nashville. The band has again joined with engineer-producer, Mike Hagler and mastering engineer Chris Frasco to release a stagger of new singles “Long Slow Curve”, “Say You’ll Come with Me”, “Watch Me Burn”, and “Joy”. The band’s original members (Evan Burns, Eric Gannon, and Dan Powell) have packed in a lot of playing in the Chicago area, Central Illinois, and Wisconsin. They broke into the scene performing at famous Chicago-area venues such as FitzGerald’s, The Hideout, Reggies, Law Office Pub, Tonic Room, Carol’s Pub and Urbana’s historical Rose Bowl Tavern, to name a few. In spring of 2022, they added a fourth member with friend guitarist/keys player, Adi Kanlic (Heat Stroke, The Second Winds, The Lusitania). The rock group has also played in theaters like Castle Theatre in Bloomington, Illinois where they opened for international touring band, Heartless Bastards. They’ve also shared bills with other national touring artists such as Magnolia Boulevard, Jesse Dayton, Jason Hawk Harris, Them Coulee Boys, Volk, Goodnight Texas, and The Dirty Streets.

Promotional image for Hannah Dasher, performing on August 1, 2024, at Carol's Pub

Hannah Dasher

Thursday August 1, 2024

Tickets: $15 in Advance | $18 Day of Show

| Ages: 21+

About Hannah Dasher

Music Row predicted she’ll be the Next Big Thing, about the same time the guitar goddess became a Fender Next artist and a CMT Next Women of Country. But Whiskey Riff believes Hannah Dasher is still “one of Nashville’s best kept secrets, much like Chris Stapleton used to be.” They claim she’s one of the best live acts they’ve seen in a long time. A true entertainer, she’s amassed over 1.5M followers on TikTok and has become a viral sensation on other platforms.

Walk into her “Honkytonk Graceland” home and find that this artist is no character. She lives like she looks. Preserving the best of nostalgic Country music and building upon it with a fresh, new sound, Hannah Dasher feels like the big piece of the puzzle we’ve been missing for a while. She recently released her new album, “The Other Damn Half” and is gearing up for her second headlining tour.

Stephen Hubbard -ABC Country