For the Gayz
A Celebration of all things Pride!
Join us every Tuesday for Cougar Bingo with Aunt Nance! Bingo starts at 7:30 PM and it's free to play! Live music, great food, and fun surprises await!
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
Come listen to classic rock and support Pipeline Worldwide. From development healthcare, education, and empowerment, Pipeline Worldwide is committed to making a positive impact in the East Africa communities they serve.
Stage Fright is Fun Classic Rock band from Chicago. We are made up of Scott on drums, Hillard on lead guitar, Nate on bass; backup vocals; keyboards, and Yoana, lead vocals. Stage Fright has graced the stage at the Hard Rock Cafe, House of Blues, and the Lyrc Opera House in the last year and will be playing Buddy Guys Legends in August.
All ticket sale proceed will benefit Pipeline Worldwide, a non-profit for children in Africa.
The Big Rig Band plays nothing but the hits! With an electric sound and authentic charm, this band brings the party to every performance. Their seamless vocal harmonies and Telecaster twang captures the essence of classic country while infusing the energy of modern country hits. From heartwarming ballads to lively singalongs, get ready for a blend of nostalgia and contemporary vibes that'll have you two-stepping and singing along to your favorite tunes!
The Lowdown Drifters are a hard living, hard loving and hard leaving group of Ft. Worth based musiciansblending country, rock and Americana into a sound of their own; the epitome of a rock band with afiddle problem. With heartfelt and sincere melodies crafted by their accurately named frontman Big John Cannon, the Drifters live show is a high energy experience, highlighting their songs that capture the highsand lows of the human experience. The Drifters have been propelled to over 500,000 monthly listenersand 50 million total streams by their wildly successful album Last Call for Dreamers which has led themto share the stage with artists including Randy Rogers, Koe Wetzel, LeAnn Rimes and Zach Bryan. The Lowdown Drifters have crisscrossed the country in 2024 while still makingtime to record their new album, In Time, with Grammy Award nominated producer Wes Sharon (Turnpike Troubadours, American Aquarium, John Fulbright) to be released on October 25th.
The Back Country Boys, a dynamic rockin’ country band, based in Southwest Florida, has been entertaining crowds locally and nationally for over 4 years. The band began in 2020, at a small high school in Southwest Florida. When the Coronavirus forced many students out of the classrooms, Michael Joyce and Brayden Reites decided to make effective use of their time and brought their musical talents together.
Over the next several years, Joyce (Vocals & Guitar) and Reites (Drums) would be joined by current bandmates including Matt Byrne (Bass and Vocals), Vinnie Cilli (Lead Guitar), and others. Together they have played more than 400 shows, appearing multiple times on iconic stages including Chicago’s Joe’s on Weed, Carol’s Pub, and Bub City, as well as Fort Myers’ The Ranch, New Jersey’s Barefoot Country Music Festival, and more. They have shared stages as supporting artists for Jake Owen, Chris Janson, Eli Young Band, Parmalee, Ian Munsick, and more. Current originals include Magnolia, Wild Card (available May 9th), and more, available on their EP which kicks off their summer tour on June 6th in Myrtle Beach at the Carolina Country Music Festival.
Kendell Marvel is a Grammy-winning songwriter and powerhouse vocalist whose gritty blend of outlaw country and southern rock has made him a standout in Nashville and beyond. Born in Southern Illinois, Marvel began performing in bars at age 10 and penned his first major hit, Gary Allan’s “Right Where I Need to Be,” on his first day in Nashville. Since then, he’s written for artists like Chris Stapleton, George Strait, Jamey Johnson, Jake Owen, Brothers Osborne and more.
Marvel launched his solo artist career with 2017’s Lowdown & Lonesome, followed by Dan Auerbach produced Solid Gold Sounds (2019), and 2022’s Come On Sunshine, a raw, genre-blending record featuring a collaboration with Chris Stapleton.
Known for his deep baritone and no-nonsense storytelling, Marvel continues to tour nationally and host his celebrated “Kendell Marvel’s Honky Tonk Experience” shows in Nashville, sharing the stage with artists like Cody Jinks, Alison Krauss, Randy Houser, Foo Fighters, Ashley McBryde, Brothers Osborne and more.
Rundown is a Chicago-based alternative Americana band. They blend vibrant rock and grassroots folk to create an exciting live show that accumulates sounds and stories from past lives in dive bars and back porches across the country. They are currently working on their debut record planned to release in the Fall of 2025 that brings indie and country into the same garage.
The one constant in Dalton & the Sheriffs’ remarkable rise from three-hour sets in the barrooms of Boston, to national stages such as CMA Fest, is the band’s authenticity. Brian Scully (vocals/acoustic guitar), Jon Silva (lead guitar), James Zaner (drums), Sam Bouve (bass) and Ryan Jackson (keys/guitars) rip through shows with frenetic energy, perhaps best described as country music, tinged with Americana heartland vibes, and played with a bar-friendly edge-of-punk rowdiness. Everyone sings along. The patrons are as much a part of the show as the band itself. The result is a live band that manages to make every show -- from small clubs to the largest of festivals -- feel a little like a reunion of like-minded souls at their favorite local bar.
Ages: 21+
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.
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.
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!
Mitchell Ferguson is a country-soul artist from Texas whose gritty vocals and genre-blending sound have earned him comparisons to Chris Stapleton and Teddy Swims. Rooted in raw emotion and steeped in southern swagger, his music walks the line between soulful storytelling and rock-driven energy.
A true independent, Ferguson built his fanbase from the ground up—connecting through viral moments, powerful live shows, and a voice that feels both familiar and fresh. He’s shared the stage with artists like Parker McCollum, Whiskey Myers, Charley Crockett, and Allen Stone, bringing an undeniable presence wherever he plays.
Whether he’s delivering a stripped-down ballad or lighting up a packed venue, Mitchell brings authenticity to every line. His songs speak to heartbreak, resilience, and the messy beauty of chasing something real—and he’s only getting started.
Joe Rian and the AM Drinkers play roughed-up alt-country and roots rock with elements of blues and folk. As a songwriter, Rian pulls from five decades of life experience and performs blistering live sets with his old pro band The AM Drinkers.
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.
FREE SHOW
Ages: 21+
Zack Fedor is from the humble farming community of Waverly IL. As early as 2011 Zack could be found in the local taverns playing songs and making friends. Little did he know his love of music, fun times, and good company would become his way of life.
Zack Fedor and The Long Goodbyes takes listeners on a musical journey through the backroads and bars of small town USA. hardship, love, drinking, loss, partying, relationships, and being born in an area often forgotten about.
Zach John King is from Fayetteville, GA, a small town outside of Atlanta with a population of18k. His grandfather worked on the line at General Motors and his grandmother introducedhim to country music on Saturday mornings at avery young age. The Georgia native writesheartfelt lyrics inspired by multiple events from his own life intermixed with a genre-bendingsound of country, americana and indie rock. King's songs carry twist-heavy lyrics,memorable melodies, and heartache coming from an artist who considers himself "kindacountry" pointing back to small town life and love lost.
Seamlessly weaving together authentic original music with covers of country music legends like Hank Williams, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Merle Haggard, the Kurtis James Band will bring you back to the glory days of vinyl-filled Wurlitzers and smoke-filled barrooms. With the clickety-clack rhythms of Johnny Cash, the swinging bass lines of the Bakersfield Sound, the driving drums of the 70s outlaw country movement, and wailing steel guitar reminiscent of the Drifting Cowboys, come remember what made country music great in the first place.
From the Elgin, Il area, the Kurtis James Band is Kurtis James (Guitar and Vocals), Cris Velez (Bass), Rich Becker (Pedal Steel Guitar and Electric Guitar), and Pete Steele (Drums).
The Bootleggers are a back-to-basics cover band perfect for any honky-tonk. Hailing from Chicago, the band blends guitar, fiddle, upright bass, drums, and powerful vocals, exuding the best of country music. Their sets range from bluegrass to an alternative twang, resulting in a true ‘jukebox’ experience. Their variety and energy are bound to make boots bounce in any venue.
Amy Kelly and her band are leaving an indelible mark upon audiences in Chicago’s clubs and mainstream venues. This formidable ensemble has a substantial following and is in demand for club, festival and touring work. Amy sings a diverse set of music mixed with rock-a-billy, blues, and classic rock n roll, which always produces a hypnotic groove for her audience. A truly gifted performer, Amy’s powerful and compelling voice really captivates an audience. She is raw potent talent, cut with professionalism and class. Amy has electrified crowds at some of Chicago’s finest stages such as The Hideout, B.L.U.E.S on Halsted and Buddy Guys Legends, as well at local bars and street festivals. Her incredibly soulful vocal style was influence heavily by Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, Dolly Parton and Bonnie Raitt. Amy is backed by the dynamic rhythm section of Paul Rzewuski on drums, Jon Richter on bass, and Sweet Lou Hallwas, who brings it all together on the guitar. Paul and Jon have played together for over 30 years in some of Chicago biggest venues, toured Europe with Chicago Blues greats, Big time Sarah and Syl Johnson and have played many of Chicago’s outdoor festivals. Newcomer Lou Hallwas brings his soulful energy to the band with his eclectic and energetic playing style. Lou just finished up his summer playing with Material Reissue, The Differents and Decoy Prayer Meeting.
While he was born from the dust of Jayton, Texas, Slade Coulter started his musical career about 100 miles west, in Lubbock, while attending Texas Tech University—forever linking the young songwriter to the bloodline of the ones who came before him: Buddy Holly, Waylon Jennings, Pat Green, Charlie Shafter, and Wade Bowen.
With the release of his 2020 debut EP Here We Go Again, Slade quickly began garnering a large following of fans throughout the state. Between his high-energy live shows, impactful lyrics, and one-of-a-kind voice... Slade Coulter is quickly becoming a household name among Country and Americana Music.
Diamondback has been a popular staple of the Chicago Country Music scene for quite some time. We bring our female fronted, multi-instrumentalist, tight harmonied party to clubs, private gatherings and festivals throughout the Midwest. We serve up a patented mix of Classic/Prime Country, Americana, Country Rock and New Country that’s guaranteed to have folks singing along and joining the party from the first song. Our extensive song list promises something for everyone.
Diamondback remains committed to bringing Classic Honky Tonk music to the urban masses!
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.
Canfield’s artistry infuses a unique combination of Rock and Country influences from the sounds that he grew up on–a little bit of Bob Seger and Bruce Springsteen, a little bit of Kenny Chesney meets Zach Bryan. His heartfelt lyrics and melodies have struck a chord of relatability he’s witnessed on the road on support dates with Riley Green and, most recently, the Cameron Sacky Band.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, Aidan used the time to discover his passion for playing the guitar, and he started singing and writing songs. In two short years, he started growing a following on social media platforms and released his first single, “The Idea Of Me,” in April of 2022. Since then, Aidan has released six additional singles, an album and his music has nearly 3 million streams. Aidan’s heartfelt lyrics and melodies are what make his music relatable to his fans.
Featured in country music YouTuber and critic Grady Smith’s “Best Music Under the Radar of 2023,” Canfield’s growing popularity has also led to his first CMA Fest performance on the Hard Rock Stage and a feature on the Tidal Wave Festival in Atlantic City.
Ben Gallaher fires twin barrels of melody-driven country music and heartland rock and roll with his new EP, Bullet, available now. Produced by Neil and Patrick Thrasher, Bullet is the latest release from a self-taught, modern-day guitar hero who hit the highway as a teenager, kickstarting an acclaimed career that has taken him from small-town Pennsylvania—where he grew up listening to ’90s acts like Brooks & Dunn, Tim McGraw, and BlackHawk—to stages across the country, opening for the likes of Blake Shelton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hank Williams Jr., Lee Brice, and more.
The road eventually led Gallaher to Nashville, where he established himself as a triple threat—a singer, songwriter, and head-turning lead guitarist. In a town full of guitar slingers, Gallaher immediately stood out, playing riffs and solos that were every bit as melodic as his songs.
Lauded as “a promising young songwriter” by American Songwriter and praised by CMT for his “authentic artistry,” Gallaher’s recent “Stomp” guitar riff quickly became a viral sensation. It has generated over 36 million organic social views and earned the rising star nearly 400,000 social media followers. The riff has inspired more than 10,000 fan-created videos to date and earned praise from A-listers including guitar legend Peter Frampton and multimedia superstar Kristin Chenoweth. Wide Open Country even named Gallaher one of its “10 TikTok Country Singers That Need To Be on Your Radar.”
For more information on Ben Gallaher, including summer tour dates as they are announced, visit bengallaher.com and follow him on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X."
Anthony Orio has come a long way since bursting onto the Nashville scene as an up and coming singer/songwriter featured by ASCAP’s “Hot On The Row Series.” His unique blend of country mixes the traditional sounds of the genre with progressive contemporary vocals and production. Known for his electrifying live performances and strong ability to connect with the crowds, his talent has led him to perform at The Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and become a top draw at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge in both Nashville and Panama City Beach, Florida.
Zach Bryan recently called Chasen Wayne, “The only fuck’n legend left in Texas.” Willie might have something to say about that.
Of course that’s hyperbole, but listening to Chasen’s new album Strange Places, you kind of understand what Zach was getting at.
Wayne is also the guy who books Austin’s Honky Tonk SAGEBRUSHalong with slinging out authentic honky tonk tunes like “No Stranger” when he can.
- Kyle “Trigger”
Coroneos (Strange Places Album Review 2024)
Rachel Swain doesn’t mind when people two-step to her pain—she welcomes it. Raised on the sounds of country, bluegrass, and soul, Swain’s powerful voice and poignant songwriting have earned her recognition in the Americana scene over the past two decades. A native of Austin, Texas, and later Houston, Swain grew up surrounded by music, learning to play fiddle, guitar, and bass, and honing her skills in projects ranging from indie rock to 60s French pop. With an unmistakable sound that’s rooted in her Texas upbringing, Swain's music is as gritty as it is tender, capturing the full spectrum of human experience. Her upcoming full-length album is set to cement her place as one of the most exciting voices in Americana music today.
With a style that’s defined by melodic grit and a craftsman’s approach to songwriting, John Morgan brings a blue-collar toughness to country that’s pulled straight from the only life he knows. Hailing from a tiny town called Sylva, deep in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, John grew up immersed in bluegrass tradition and even toured the festival circuit each summer in a family band, before diving into songwriting, inspired by six-string legends from Tony Rice to John Mayer. Now, “a Music City songwriting star” (Tennessean), he has earned cuts with Jon Pardi, Dustin Lynch, Thomas Rhett and an outstanding 16 for Jason Aldean, including the superstar’s #1 songs - “Trouble With A Heartbreak” and the GRAMMY® nominated, ACM Single of the Year “If I Didn’t Love You” with Carrie Underwood, along with Aldean’s latest single at country radio “Whiskey Drink” currently climbing the charts. Praised by People as an “accomplished songwriter,” Aldean signed the sought-after, powerhouse artist “with guitar skills that will knock your cowboy boots off"" (Nash News) to Night Train Records, his imprint with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Having made his Grand Ole Opry debut and logging hours on the road opening for Aldean, ERNEST, Riley Green Nate Smith and Jameson Rodgers, his party starter smash “Friends Like That” - featuring Jason Aldean - is currently surging into the Top 10 at country radio. With the Tennessean praising the “live concert favorite whose banjo and steel underpinnings still allow room for a hard-rocking core,” John's breakout radio single has Billboard applauding, “Broken hearts aren’t typically pleasurable, although the breezy melody and pulsing guitars on ‘Friends Like That’ make loneliness sound attractive.” Giving fans a taste of new music with the jaunty “Crickets,” confident “I Know Better” and heartrendingly smooth “Long Ride Home,” John Morgan’s highly anticipated debut album, Carolina Blue, drops April 25.
Anchored by slamming 808s meeting slick steel guitar, Graham Barham’s distinct sonic can be summed up in two words: CLUB COUNTRY. With his roots in Oak Ridge, Louisiana (population: 124), Barham grew up the son of a farmer and a schoolteacher, inspired by country stalwarts like George Strait as much as pop and hip-hop icons such as Justin Bieber. Named an artist to watch by Spotify and Amazon Music, Barham has made waves with his signature word play and swaggering musicality. As naturally as he writes and performs fiery country bangers, he pens cuts for fellow rising stars such as Wyatt Flores, Chase Matthew, and Tyler Braden. Signed to Sony Music Nashville and Disruptor Records, Barham’s latest viral hit “OIL MONEY” earned the largest debut of his career and is the title track of his accompanying EP, which features standouts like “WHISKEY WHISKEY,” “LIE TO ME,” and “SHOOT THE LOCK.” With more than 132 million career streams, Barham is burning his own path within the country landscape.
