Heads Carolina

You know what this town needs?
A band that plays nothing but 90s country.
You know: Garth, Shania and all points in between.

So come Boot Scoot, say Goodbye to Earl, & get yourself into T-R-O-U-B-L-E (or Something Like That) with the boys from Heads Carolina, Chicago’s 90s country band.

Dennis Leise and Tiny Horse

Dennis J.Leise is a country, folk, and rockabilly artist whose music is inspired by his lifestyle. "For the past few years, Leise’s farm life has run in parallel with another life as a singer-songwriter. Now 46, he’s played guitar in country and bluegrass groups since he moved to Chicago 16 years ago, but he only started to record his own songs under his own name in 2016. That year he released an EP of originals called Once in a Black Moon, and three years later he put out a full-length called State of Fairs. The latter included his breakout song, “Nobody’s Comin’,” whose country-gospel ebullience and clever video have helped it rack up more than 65,000 YouTube views since its debut in December 2019. In the video, Leise plays a country preacher setting up a revival tent and waiting for the faithful, who never show up. Not since Robbie Fulks’s “God Isn’t Real” has atheism been expounded with such a loving touch."

Kurtis James Band

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)

Pop Up Karaoke

Join us for Pop Up Karaoke! No Cover. $7 Old Fashioneds, $5 Craft Drafts and $4 Fireball shots to get you singing!

Duke

& THE AMERICAN DREAM

Duke Oursler is an American heartland country singer/songwriter from Macomb, Illinois. His thoughtful, honest and direct lyrics speak to the nostalgia, virtue and aspirations of midwestern life and experience. Duke's songs are rooted in the Illinois banks of the Mississippi river. His unique brand of American country rock speaks to the tumultuous floods and hard working blue collar life. His music is often a critique of the notion of the “American Dream” by contrasting the economic and cultural tropes against unifying and spiritual stories of, friendship, and family found on in rural America. With honesty, authenticity and whit, Duke and his band The American Dream deliver tight harmonies and an energetic live performance belting stories of midwestern life in America's Heartland. Their live performance is professional, energetic and a fantastic mix of his original country rock music as well as a few select covers of real country music, from Johnny Cash to Zach Bryan and Tyler Childers. Duke has been writing and playing his original music for the past two decades and has shared the stage with many regional and national acts such as Miles Nielsen and The Rusted Hearts, Chicago Farmer, Joe Stamm, Them Coulee Boys, Hello Dave and others.

Michele McGuire

'Getting Here'
Album Release
w/ Pie Eyed Pete

Chicago native Michele McGuire has been writing and performing music for over a decade. Blending candid lyrics, a soulful voice and a splash of whiskey; she creates an alt-country sound that you can’t quite put your finger on. Her charming stage banter along with her band’s foot stompin’ melodies will stick with you long after the show ends.

Stoned at the Jukebox

Originally conceived as a summer Honky Tonk party, Stoned at the Jukebox became a celebration of Classic Country, Outlaw, and Honky Tonk sounds. Featuring music selected and DJ’d by Chicago country singer songwriters Reilly Downes and Cody Palmer, enjoy a night of throwback country tunes that you can dance to from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, and outlaw selections from today.

Dry County Line

Hellin' from Chicago since 2014, Dry County Line has a strong regard for classic country music, and that's what they love to share. But they like "countrifying" non-country songs too. You never can tell. One thing's for certain, DCL is all about singing (and dancing). With this band, it's harmonize or go home. We'll take the bourbon.

Alex Williams

Waylon Jennings said it best back in ‘78, realizing the line between his life and art had all but vanished. “Don’t you think this Outlaw bit’s done got out of hand?” the legend sang – and it’s a feeling Alex Williams knows all too well.

Portrayed in 2017 as the heir to the Outlaw Country throne, the Lightning Rod Records artist played his part to perfection, living out the words to gritty hits like “Little Too Stoned” and the rest of a Nashville-produced album debut, Better Than Myself. But after five years of waging war against himself, it’s time to put the guns down.

Craig Gerdes Band

Gerdes hails from rural central Illinois, and is now on the journey of constant touring through a club circuit that’s growing from this populist form of rebellion against the current crop of pop country music, while searching for real ties to real things through heartfelt songs. He got his start playing and singing in his dad’s band, wrote his first song at age 11, and hasn’t looked back since.

Cropduster 4

Cropduster 4 radiates an authentic honky-tonk vibe - we're loud enough to make you dance, but not so loud that you can't hear yourself think about your lost loves and that new hottie sitting one table over...

Pop Up Karaoke

Join us for Pop Up Karaoke! No Cover. $7 Old Fashioneds, $5 Craft Drafts and $4 Fireball shots to get you singing!

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.

Sparkle Carcass & Mose Wilson

Sparkle Carcass - Chicago based band playing countrified rockers and belt buckle polishers.

Mose Wilson is a singer/songwriter/guitarist based out of Nashville,TN. With heavy bluegrass and blues influence, a voice like Vince Gill, and writing like Billy Joe Shaver, Wilson is a cool drink of water for those thirsting for “real country music.” The country and blues singer-songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee picked up his first instrument at the age of 2, was leading worship in church by the age of 5, and was touring with his blues band (members of which have gone on to join the Tedeschi-Trucks Band and Marcus King) by his early 20s. Wilson released his self-titled debut album on November 5th, 2021.

When he’s not playing Nashville’s iconic honky-tonks, Mose Wilson enjoys being in nature — hiking, camping, floating the river, or doing a little fishing. He is currently touring the US supporting acts like Melissa Carper and Hayes Carll. Catch him at a show near you!

Joe Stamm Band

w/ Joe Rian & AM Drinkers

Joe Stamm Band, established in 2013, offers distinct storytelling mixed with a signature Black Dirt Country Rock sound- a sound that Stamm defines as “a nod to our Midwestern roots, as well as the Red Dirt music scene.”

No Joe is certainly not a Bluesman, but a songwriter that likes to stir the sounds of Roots, Country and Folk styles into a nice pot of soup. Songs best consumed in your local tavern with a dirty floor.

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. Featuring Singer/Songwriter Laura Patricia Felker on Vocals, Pat Keiner on Lead Guitar, Mandolin, Steel Guitar and Vocals, 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 during their live performances.No Joe is certainly not a Bluesman, but a songwriter that likes to stir the sounds of Roots, Country and Folk styles into a nice pot of soup. Songs best consumed in your local tavern with a dirty floor.

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!

Ryan Curtis & Brandon Good

Over the last decade, Ryan Curtis has made a name for himself as a songwriter not easily packaged into any specific genre. He’s bounced almost seamlessly from folk and bluegrass to rockabilly, blues, and vintage rock n’ roll. Never to be pinned down, his latest release and solo debut, Rust Belt Broken Heart is steeped in the kind of vintage twang more common in a 1960s honky tonk, than a modern club. Ryan’s songs are usually about life’s harder learned lessons, featuring picaresque heroes whom he gives a very personal feel. His new record dives deep into the different styles of country and western while telling tales from his youth in the Midwest from Michigan to Illinois. The gravelly voice of the Michigan born, Boise-based singer has been praised on KEXP and earned acclaim from the likes No Depression and Saving Country Music. Rust Belt Broken Heart is out now, on American Standard Time Records. You can catch Ryan and his band out on the road most weekends bringing their unique brand of high desert twang and Idaho honky tonk to the dives and haunts of the great American West and beyond.

Brandon Good enters the Americana parking lot through the side door of the punk club. Leaving Manhattan, Illinois in 2008 to move into the city, he found a place as multi-instrumentalist in Chicago heavy-hitters Flatfoot 56. Years of heavy international touring, festing, and studio albums later, punk cred intact, his first solo material The Anvil emerges. Swimming in the same stream as other punk-goes-Americana acts before him, Brandon makes good on the precedent and lets the muddy waters of rock ‘n roll, folk, and country converge and roll him to the Promised Land. These divergent worlds are expressed not only in his person, but in the record of his original compositions.

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.

Southern Draw Band

Chicago based southern rock/country cover band. We play all your favorite country songs!

Y'all's Brunch

Howdy, y’all! Come on down yonder to Chicago’s very own country western inspired drag show “Y’all’s Brunch” where ALL are welcome. Get your boots scootin’ with performances by talented Chicago Drag SUPERSTARS. Hosted by Mini Pearl Necklace, the “Jewel of the Cumberland Clam” and former co-host of Nashville’s 6-year running comedy drag show “SheHaw.” One-of-a-kind ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD, DRINKS, FUN, LAUGHS, PRIZES at Carol’s Pub!

Meg McRee

w/ Collin Nash

After attending Vanderbilt University on a full ride, Meg McRee traded her newly earned degree for the pursuit of an unpredictable dream as a songwriter. McRee was validated as more than a driven idealist with the signing of her first publishing deal at Hang Your Hat, a creative joint venture with Concord Music Publishing and hit-songwriter Hillary Lindsey. Since, she has had songs cut byGrace Potter, ElleKing, Caylee Hammack, Paul Cauthen, Carter Faith, Ben Chapman and others. Meg has released four tracks off her forthcoming debut project as a songwriter-turned-artist with early support from playlists such as Apple Music’s Southern Craft,Spotify’s Indigo andFresh Finds, and Amazon Music’s Emerging Americana. McRee co-wrote the most recent groove-driven release “Tried & True”with tour mate Lainey Wilson, alongside songwriter/artist Harper O’Neill, and producer Andrew Petroff, painting a vivid picture of the feelings that go hand-in-hand with a love that is true, despite being tested time and time again.

Amy Kelly and the Beaver Moon Band

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.

Kurtis James Band

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).

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!

Jake Worthington

For La Porte, Texas native Jake Worthington, traditional country music has been ingrained in his DNA since childhood. Raised on his grandfather's porch performances of Ray Price, Merle Haggard, and George Jones, he soon picked up his own Gibson acoustic and realized the breadth of his soon-to-be-classic, wide, and wild voice. Now, Worthington breathes fresh life to dance halls, beer joints, and ballrooms from Texas to Tennessee with his just released 13-song, self-penned debut album, Jake Worthington. Captivating the masses with his honky-tonk stylings, the singer-songwriter has already started bringing two-step anthems to venues across the country, opening for Cody Johnson, Riley Green, Pat Green, Hank Williams Jr., ERNEST, and more, with headline dates on the horizon for 2023. Worthington is also a newly sought-after feature artist across the Nashville landscape, including guest spots on Hixtape: Vol. 2 with Ronnie Dunn and Jake Owen on the rowdy “Jonesin',” Ronnie Dunn's 2022 album 100 Proof Neon on “Honky Tonk Town” and ERNEST's 2023 extension FLOWER SHOPS (THE ALBUM): Two Dozen Roses on “Heartache In My 100 Proof.” “I believe in country music as much as I believe in my next breath,” Worthington declares, and “blame it on my raising, but I think there ought to be room for country in country music.”

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!

Dry County Line

Hellin' from Chicago since 2014, Dry County Line has a strong regard for classic country music, and that's what they love to share. But they like "countrifying" non-country songs too. You never can tell. One thing's for certain, DCL is all about singing (and dancing). With this band, it's harmonize or go home. We'll take the bourbon.

Them Dirty Roses

w/ Ace Monroe

Born and raised in the Bama clay, these boys are as authentic as they come. Taught how to bend a string and break a heart by Skynyrd and Hank, brothers James and Frank Ford along with their hometown friends Andrew Davis and Ben Crain formed the southern rock band known as Them Dirty Roses. Piling into an RV with their belongings and instruments they made their way from Gadsden, AL to Nashville, TN. All living all under one roof, Them Dirty Roses are a living example of the quintessential rock and roll American Dream.

Heads Carolina

You know what this town needs?
A band that plays nothing but 90s country.
You know: Garth, Shania and all points in between.

So come Boot Scoot, say Goodbye to Earl, & get yourself into T-R-O-U-B-L-E (or Something Like That) with the boys from Heads Carolina, Chicago’s 90s country band.

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. Featuring Singer/Songwriter Laura Patricia Felker on Vocals, Pat Keiner on Lead Guitar, Mandolin, Steel Guitar and Vocals, 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 during their live performances.No Joe is certainly not a Bluesman, but a songwriter that likes to stir the sounds of Roots, Country and Folk styles into a nice pot of soup. Songs best consumed in your local tavern with a dirty floor.

Kassi Ashton

With a little bit of rock, a hell of a lot of soul, and a throwback R&B groove, MCA Nashville’s Kassi Ashton is set to take the music world by storm.

“Kassi Ashton is in line for Nashville domination, and she’ll do it her way – unapologetically,” proclaims PEOPLE Magazine. Kassi brings a whole new attitude to country music. The California, Missouri singer/songwriter touched down with a string of critically acclaimed tracks released by UMG Nashville in conjunction with Interscope Records. Her introductory release “California, Missouri” stirred widespread critical acclaim from Taste of Country, CMT, The Boot, and many more. Named “Who to Watch” by Huffington Post, The Tennessean, and radio personality Bobby Bones. Rolling Stone lauds her as “a devilish songwriter who isn’t afraid to flip convention on its head,” while Refinery29 claims, “she blends pop aesthetics with a presence doused in no-fucks-left-to-give authenticity,” PAPER Magazine calls her “the next big country superstar,” and American Songwriter notes, “Ashton brings powerful storytelling and a sense of poetry in every release.”

Kassi defies convention and defines her signature style with confessional, catchy storytelling and dynamic delivery on songs including her latest, “Drive You Out of My Mind,” and critically acclaimed releases “Dates In Pickup Trucks,” “Heavyweight,” “California, Missouri,” “Hopeless,” “Violins,” and more.

Hannah Dasher

From engaging over 1.5M TIKTOK FOLLOWERS with her “Stand By Your Pan” viral cooking and music series, to her breakout single release with “Girls Call The Shots” earning her critical acclaim by Rolling Stone and Billboard, Hannah Dasher is proving that she knows exactly who she is, her music is as authentic as her homemade recipes, and people want more of it!

No stranger to the hustle of the road, Hannah has opened for many of her heroes such as HANK WILLIAMS JR, LYNYRD SKYNYRD, & REBA. Spend a little time listening through her releases and following her on social media, and you understand just how she earned her nickname “HANNAH DAMN DASHER.”

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. Featuring Singer/Songwriter Laura Patricia Felker on Vocals, Pat Keiner on Lead Guitar, Mandolin, Steel Guitar and Vocals, 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 during their live performances.No Joe is certainly not a Bluesman, but a songwriter that likes to stir the sounds of Roots, Country and Folk styles into a nice pot of soup. Songs best consumed in your local tavern with a dirty floor.