Lunar Ticks

Lunar Ticks are an eclectic Improvisational/Alternative Rock band from Chicago, IL.

The band is influenced by the songwriting and studio experimentation of 90's and 2000's innovative Alternative/Indie rock bands like Wilco, My Morning Jacket, Ween, Pavement, and Dr. Dog, and fuses it with genre-bending, progressive musicality, and exploratory improvisations in the vein of The Grateful Dead, Phish, and Umphrey's McGee.

Each setlist is curated from their diverse and expansive song list of originals and covers; debuting new material at almost every show. Extended improvisational passages can turn on a dime or meditate and unfurl in unexpected ways. Lunar Ticks aim to create a unique and memorable experience every time they pick up their instruments.

Mike Giannini & The Three Dollar Pistols

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

South City Revival

w/ Adam Gafney

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.

Brad Redlich

Brad Redlich is an upcoming Chicagoland Country/Rock artist. His high energy and catchy original tunes coupled with popular covers and ripping guitar solos, make for an exciting full-band performance. Brad has a sound that takes inspiration from Country/Southern Rock legends such as Tom Petty, Eagles, Allman Brothers Band, etc. and molds them with the modern sounds of Country Music, such as Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen and Jason Aldean. Brad has performed at Navy Pier, Old Crow, Bub City, Cubby Bear and plenty more. His new EP "Chi-Rock" just released this summer and he is currently working on his full-length debut album. Be sure to check out his website for his latest content uploads for streaming services, podcast interviews, recap videos and plenty more. #BRnation

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!

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.

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!

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!

Chris Knight

After 23 years as a recording artist, singer-songwriter Chris Knight remains boldly empowered to make music that always delivers the unflinching truth. In fact, the man raised in Slaughters, Kentucky uses a simple, direct barometer to regularly check his muse: “If I can’t believe myself, I won’t sing the song.”

That brutally honest, no-frills philosophy fits his Americana-fueled, backwoods-grown merger of folk, country, and rock. It’s been at the backbone of nine studio albums, beginning with 1998’s acclaimed self-titled debut and traveling through scorchers such as the one-two punch of 2001’s A Pretty Good Guy and 2003’s The Jealous Kind, two demo-styled discs (2007’s The Trailer Tapes and 2009’s Trailer II), and the recent, electric guitar-fortified opus, 2019’s Almost Daylight.

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.

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

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!

Deadfest Band

Deadfest Band is a Grateful Dead tribute band that encapsulates the vibe and sound of one of the most famous jam bands in rock and roll history. Come enjoy this group of fantastic musicians that offer that unique sound with rich textured guitar solos and smooth harmonies. Only Deadfest Band can re-create the iconic sound in the style of the Grateful Dead for every generation of fans to enjoy!

Yankee Cowboy

Introducing the Midwest's most wanted country rock band: Yankee Cowboy! Upbeat, exciting, modern country music with rockin' blasts from the past!

Patrick Bale & 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.

Alana Springsteen

Columbia Records NY/Sony Music Nashville artist-songwriter Alana Springsteen is TWENTY SOMETHING. Making her anticipated debut as a three-part album, her first installment, TWENTY SOMETHING: Messing It Up, delivers a bold introduction with “you don’t deserve a country song.” Hailed by Billboard as possessing “a classic female voice packed with angst and determination,” E! News praises “one of Nashville's most buzzworthy emerging artists,” as PEOPLE applauds Springsteen as representing “the future of country music.” Quickly nearing 100 MILLION streams, the 22-year-old is among the Class of 2023 for CMT’s Next Women of Country and MusicRow’s Next Big Thing; a Celebrity Ambassador for the Ryan Seacrest Foundation; and previously named a Country Artist to Watch by Pandora. Next supporting Adam Doleac’s ‘BARSTOOL WHISKEY WONDERLAND’ TOUR, she’s appeared at the Grand Ole Opry and has already been spotted on the road with Mitchell Tenpenny and LANY.

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.

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.

Nolan Taylor

w/ Logan Halstead

Nolan Taylor is a singer songwriter based out of Cincinnati, Ohio. His voice ranges from the soft fall of rain to a heavy crack of thunder, underlining songs of hard times, wild nights and heartbreak. The emotional impact of his sound is not only heard, but felt, in the bones and in the blood. Themes of longing, desperation, joy and sorrow ring true and genuine from his lips. When Nolan sings, it will make you feel like all of the heartbreak you have ever experienced found a voice and learned how to play guitar. His passion and his energy are contagious and will draw you into his stories

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!

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).

Diamondback

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!

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!

The Machete Holiday Pageant

Presneted By The Paper Machete

On December 14, the Paper Machete crew rings in the season for ONE NIGHT ONLY at Carol's Pub, presenting a scrappy holiday pageant trimmed with roasted chestnuts, silver bells, gay apparel, geese-a-laying, figgy pudding, Zuzu's petals, myrrh, a can of Who Hash, and anything we can possibly think of to make your season bright (or at least temporarily less dark).

Headlined by legendary rockers Baby Teeth, the evening will feature hilarious comedy and other reindeer games from Machete stalwarts Adam Burke, Erin Diamond, Gena Gephart, Jill Hopkins, Julia Weiss, Kristen Toomey, Shannon Cason, Chad the Bird and many more.

All are welcome, from pagans to Presbyterians, from anarchists to altruists, from Buddhists to nudists; everybody loves a holiday pageant! This show is a great present to give a loved one, or just a chance to treat yourself at the end of a brutal year. Heads up: This event show is GA / Standing Room Only, in order to make more the proverbial merriest. Deck your hall with these holiday hams, and you’ll never have to deck them again!

The Simple Remedy

w/ Bryan Ruby + River Road

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.

Wicked Drawl

An original music experience that criss-crosses through textures of folk, country & classical while hinting at the spirit of musical theater/cabaret. The songwriting is led by composer/arranger, Keith Kusterer and is amplified by the genre-bending vocal stylings of Christina Pecce, sonorous upright bass slaps of Jeff Parker and Chicago's own virtuoso gem of a pianist, Casey Cross.

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!

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.

John Mackey, Keaton Schiller and The Bunch, The Band

John Mackey is an alternative folk rock band from Chicago that is excited to make its anticipated return to Carol's after playing at the bar for their record release show of 'Road Noise' this past summer. Along with songs from that same record, the band will play some classic rockers and may even get festive with a Christmas song or two!

Keaton Schiller is a New Orleans-based singer and songwriter. With her warm yet gritty melodies and strikingly intimate lyrics, Schiller’s songs live in a world of contradiction. They carry conflicting emotions, multiple perspectives, and confront both dreams and reality. Schiller’s atmospheric music and candid voice create an indie rock sound that is both fresh and familiar. Her songs are filled with hooks, loaded with feeling, and begin at the moment where things fall apart.

Matt Martin Band

Come join Carol's for a fun filled night of live country music featuring Matt Martin Band!

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.

New Year's Eve Party

w/ Joe Wortell

Ring in the new year at Carol's Pub! We're bringing our friend Joe Wortell to ring in the New Year in style!

This year our tables will include a drink package from 8:30pm - 12:30am, along with champagne toast, table snacks, and a round of Jell-O shots. So come ring in the New Year at your favorite Chicago Honky Tonk! GA is standing room only and does not include drink package.

Joe Wortell & The Natural Law are a five-piece classic outlaw country band from Chicago that play 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.

Jeff Givens Band

"I've got boots, guitars and whiskey, that's all I ever need"
- Girl in Carolina, from the album, "Bourbon Cowboy"

Singer/Songwriter Jeff Givens is a road-seasoned troubadour. A musical gypsy, Jeff travels the country, meeting folks from all walks of life and listening to their stories. He lives this life, documenting it all in his songs. Somehow, writing through the haze of self-destruction like his heroes before him, (Kerouac, Burroughs, Lennon, Hank, Townes and others) he has prevailed and come out the other side, battling his demons by writing about them. Born in Tennessee and raised in Chicago, Mr. Givens is a music veteran of over 40 years and has played in many bands, from Chicago to Boston to Nashville.. Recording two albums at the iconic FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals AL., and working with Jay Bennett from Wilco are a few career highlights. Back in 2001, Jeff went all-in; he left his day gig and everything else, to fully embrace this musical journey. Tramping around America, like a prince of skid row, he continues to write songs that define his life.

Michelle Billingsley and Cory Grinder and the Playboy Scouts

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.

Cory Grinder and the Playboy Scouts, a 2023 nominee for Ameripolitan Honky Tonk Band of the Year, more than exemplify their Playboy Scout oath of “On my honor I will do my duty to Two Step Dancers and Honky Tonkers everywhere.” The band, who play original country tunes inspired by artists like Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, formed in the Cleveland-Akron area in 2016. Since then, the band has taken to the road and toured through half of the country. They are affectionately known for their blue bus and encouraging others to join their troop. The band has an exciting live show that is quite adaptable to any setting. They are more than at home playing dancehalls for two steppers and aren’t afraid to turn it up at a rowdy bar gig. Frontman and songwriter, Cory Grinder leads the group on guitar and fiddle with his commanding voice that pairs well with that of pedal steel player and fellow founding member of the band, Tebbs Karney. The rhythm section of the band is well equipped with Bee Roberts on Drums and Alex Buchanan on bass. Virtuoso guitarist Anthony Papaleo adds another great voice and splits fiddle duty with Grinder. Following the release of their debut album(Cahoots & Other Favorites) in 2018, the band has signed to Blue Arrow Records and released two more full length albums(“Honky Tonkin’ Beauty Supreme” & “Snacks”) along with a slew of other material. Fans are anticipating the announcement of their next album which is expected to come out late-2023. The band has also continued to establish themselves in places across the country like Tennessee, Texas, California, and more. “We love taking our brand of country music around the nation and we sure hope you’ll join us at a show soon! Ask me for a dance!” - Cory Grinder

Ward Davis

American Singer Songwriter from Monticello, Arkansas by way of Nashville, Tennesse, Ward Davis has had songs recorded by Trace Adkins, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Wade Hayes, Sammy Kershaw, Bucky Covington, Jimmie Van Zant, Buddy Jewel, Carolina Rain, The Roys, and more. Most recently, Ward Davis co-wrote “I’m Not The Devil” with Cody Jinks, with whom he subsequently toured with nationwide.

Memphis Kee

Austin-based Memphis Kee, formed in 2020, channels the songwriting influences of Hayes Carll, Robert Earl Keen, and Evan Felker and a wide array of musical influences spanning the full spectrum of genres. Their music blends raucous barroom country, love and loss stories, and gritty murder ballads into what they call "Shred Dirt" country rock, infused with Memphis blues and soul.

The band members are Memphis Kee (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Spencer Carlson (lead guitar, vocals), Paul Pinon (drums), Joey Sisk (bass), and Jake Waylon (mandolin, keys, guitar, vocals).

Their full-length record, "Wimberley," recorded at Yellow Dog Studios with Grammy-winning producer Adam Odor, gained international recognition, including a notable cover of Ryan Adams' "Come Pick Me Up." Media outlets like Saving County Music and Whiskey Riff praised the album, with Saving County Music listing it among their "Essential Albums List" for 2022, while Whiskey Riff predicted Memphis Kee's rise to household name status in the near future.

Sam Grow

Country singer Sam Grow is a small-town kid from Southern Maryland who’s been fortunate enough to cash in on big dreams thanks to hard work. Recently crossing more than 125 Million Spotify streams on his music, Grow is showing no signs of slowing down as he prepares to release of his 4th studio album Avalon Avenue in January 2024.

It began with his first studio full-length album, 2019’s Love and Whiskey which debuted at #1 on the iTunes chart and a lot has changed since then. He followed its success with his sophomore album This Town and the smash hit ‘Song About You’. Grow didn’t wait long to release his 3rd studio album and step into the role of full-time producer, releasing Manchester in November of 2022 featuring ‘Without You’.

Named one of Billboard Magazine’s coveted “7 Country Acts To Watch” list, and touted by Music Row as a sure-bet for future superstardom, Grow is showing no signs of a slowdown. Making his Grand Ole Opry debut in November of 2021 and following that with a second appearance on that hallowed stage in 2023.

Next Grow is embarking on his ‘Cigars & Bars Acoustic Tour’ crisscrossing the US from January to March of 2024. Confirmed dates include Massachusetts, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Oregon, California, Kansas, Nevada and many others.