Telander is a genre-blending artist whose sound sits at the intersection of classic rock, Americana, and modern country. Born and raised in Lake Forest, Illinois, he grew up playing music alongside his father, developing a deep appreciation for the storytelling and grit of classic rock and blues.
In 2019, Telander relocated to Austin, Texas, where he immersed himself in the city’s rich live music culture. The move marked a turning point in his sound, bringing new influences of country, Americana, and southern rock into his songwriting while maintaining the raw energy of his roots.
Now, with three full-length studio albums to his name, Telander continues to evolve as both a songwriter and performer. His latest record, This Rules, captures his philosophy of finding meaning in the present moment, blending introspective lyrics with driving, melodic instrumentation.
Fresh off a successful tour of Australia supporting the new album, Telander has built a reputation for high-energy, authentic live performances that resonate with audiences across genres.
Travis Bolt is a fighter. Though not just in the literal sense, it's his never-give-up spirit that not only serves as a mission statement for how he lives, but what makes his emotionally poignant music so relatable. Born, bred, and residing in East Texas, Bolt has never had it easy.
Bolt first got the itch for performing through his father, who provided barbecue for Larry Joe Taylor. Taylor hosted a music festival in Texas, and Bolt’s father provided the meals for artists. There, a young Bolt was exposed to artists like Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen. Having backstage access as a kid didn’t hurt matters and gave him a view into what really went on at a music festival.
“I got to be around all of those artists at a young age,” he says. “I remember I wanted to get on stage and have everyone screaming at me, even though I didn’t have a guitar that I could play.”
Seamlessly weaving together authentic original music with covers of country music legends like Hank Williams Jr, Waylon Jennings, and Merle Haggard - The Kurtis James Band will bring you back to country music’s glory days of vinyl-filled Wurlitzers and smoke-filled barrooms!
The Kurtis James Band is Thirdfire Records recording artist Kurtis James (Acoustic Guitar and Vocals), Rob Campbell (Fiddle/Pedal Steel/Electric Guitar), Mo Pippy (Bass), and Pete Steele (Drums)
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 during the COVID-19 pandemic by Mike Joyce, Brayden Reites, and Colton Pointz while they were still students in Southwest Florida, the Back Country Boys have grown into a standout live act that now also includes lead guitarist Vinnie Cilli and bassist Matt Byrne. With a distinctive blend of country and Southern rock, the band delivers high-energy performances featuring covers that span six decades alongside their own original music. Having performed more than 500 shows across Florida, the Northeast, and the Midwest, the Back Country Boys have also opened for country stars including Jake Owen, Dustin Lynch, Eli Young Band, and Parmalee, further solidifying their place as an emerging act in today’s country music landscape.
The Riley Brothers are a Chicago-based electric trio bringing a high-energy mix of country, rock, and soul favorites to bars and live music venues across the Midwest. With strong vocals, killer guitar work, and a setlist packed with crowd favorites, they keep audiences singing and engaged all night long. From classic rock anthems to modern country hits, The Riley Brothers deliver a fun, upbeat live show built for a great night out.
Florida-born country singer-songwriter Kaylee Rose is known for her magnetic personality, infectious melodies, and high-energy live show. A songwriter first, her music blends both tongue-in-cheek and honest, relatable storytelling. Kaylee has built her career as a fully independent artist, amassing a global fanbase of over 3 million highly engaged followers via social media. But she’s not just an online presence - this momentum has translated powerfully on the road. From cutting her teeth on Nashville’s Broadway strip early in her career to now playing her own headline shows, Kaylee has become a must-see performer delivering a live show packed with funny crowd banter and emotional connection that consistently turn audiences into fans, many of whom now travel several hours to see her live. This year, she plans to continue feeding her fanbase with a new song release every 3 weeks through the summer as she tours across the U.S., U.K., and Europe.
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.
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!
With a distinctly raw, plainspoken form of instinctual song craft, 23-year-old Hayden Blount has grown into the epitome of a real-deal country outsider... and he’s got no intentions of changing that up. A native and current resident of Savannah, Tennessee, the self-taught talent wields a no-B.S. sound and a drive to cut his own path, earning breakout acclaim with the God’s-honest-truth as his only creative requirement. Because where Blount comes from, a man’s word is his bond. Living out the lines of countless country songs, the rising star played baseball throughout high school before an injury derailed his plans, and rule-breaking country innovators like Zach Bryan and Tyler Childers refocused his attention. Proving a quick study with a gift for rural realism, the D.I.Y. singer-songwriter released his first independent tracks in 2023, and in 2024 the romantic rough edges of “To Know You Were Mine” cut through. Leading to a distribution deal with Santa Anna, Blount followed up with the 2024 EP debut Up, Out, and Leaving–nine-songs which solidified his rustic sound and stripped-down melodic instincts, driven by a vocal built on character, not theatrics. Likewise, brutal honesty formed the bedrock of a unique creative vision, with solo-written songs keeping Blount focused–and never chasing trends. The burning desire behind 2024’s “Good God, Hot Damn” gathered steam, and later that year “Heaven on Earth” became a bonafide hit. Built on a dusky but propulsive guitar-and-fiddlepairing, it’s racked up more than 25 million streams while standing in sharp contrast to the mainstream. Still based in Savannah, Blount will spend 2026 on the road. And with a new debut album in the works, that style is bound to evolve... but never stray from the truth.
Wyatt Flores celebrates the release of his new album Scared of Heights with an extra special acoustic full band album release show at Carol’s Pub on Thursday July 6 at 7pm. Tickets are extremely limited and will be selected via a lottery system. Sign up by July 28 at 5pm CST for entry.
With a vocal so expressive it builds into jaw-dropping eruptions of power and emotion,22-year-old artist Preston Cooper represents the start of a new generation in Country Rock. The biggest voice to ever hail from the tiny town of Fredericktown, Ohio, Preston’s soulful and blues inspired vocal is a potent force of nature, drawing comparisons to icons like Chris Stapleton and Bob Seger. First picking up guitar as a high school freshman, he joined the US Postal Service after graduation and found local fame as “The Singing Mailman”–walking up to 14 miles each day while belting out raw, raspy vocal runs, then clocking out to perform across the region. Hundreds of shows later, hit-making legends Brad and Brett Warren (Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley, Keith Urban) discovered Preston at a Toledo songwriter’s round, and quickly recognized his once-in-a-lifetime talent. With his debut album,Toledo Talkin’, released August 29, the first chapter of this generational talent’s story unfolds. With 12 incendiary tracks–all but three co-written by the no-frills newcomer–Toledo Talkin’ was recorded with an old-school, full-band process, lashed together with sheer vocal intensity miles different from the Music Row norm. The album wields a mix of raw, organic Country and edgy Alt Rock, as evidenced on his show-stopping debut track “Weak,” emotive “One More Place I’ve Never Been,” shot of nostalgia “Numbers On A Mailbox,” highway rocker “One For The Road,” and personal reflection “The Takedown.” Preston recently wrapped his run as direct support for Kameron Marlowe’s Keepin’ The Lights On Tour and select dates of Riley Green’s Damn Country Music Tour. Preston made his Grand Ole Opry Debut on October 24th and was introduced by Vince Gill. Preston will keep busy in 2026 as he tours fairs, festivals, and a run of headlining shows. For more information, visit www.prestoncoopermusic.com.
Growing up just outside of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Braden Jamison found inspiration in the eclectic mix of sounds he discovered in the local music scene. Each style and genre—from gospel, blues, classic and southern rock, to traditional country music—has influenced him and become part of his own sound. From the time he first picked up a guitar at eleven years old, he has been writing songs and creating his own distinct sound, which is undeniably country. His love for country music and storytelling brought him to Nashville in 2020, where he landed his first publishing deal as an artist-writer at Sea Gayle Music in 2024.
He has been featured in numerous podcasts and publications and identified as a rising star in country music. His music has been described as a blend of 80s and 90s country with lots of soul, a little blues, and a touch of outlaw. He proudly wears the title, “Your Mom’s Favorite Country Singer.” Listeners can easily identify many of his influences in his voice, lyrics, and melodies, including Merle Haggard, Keith Whitley, Randy Travis, George Strait, Chris Stapleton, John Mayer, and the Eagles.
When performing live, Braden Jamison is often backed by his band, The Neon Strangers. Together, they perform shows in a variety of venues across the United States. Braden Jamison and The Neon Strangers have opened for artists like Toby Keith, Randall King, and Jake Worthington, and they have played notable venues such as Cain’s Ballroom, Gruene Hall, John T. Floore’s Country Store, and many more. Braden released his latest EP, Criminal Record, in May, and he has plans to release more music in 2026.
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!
Emily Nenni and Movin’ Shoes is all about the right fit. Made in Memphis, the Nashville based singer-songwriter’s fourth full length album is as much about dancing as following the steps of understanding and respect. Nenni’s songs reflect her solicitude, but are much more soulful in this setting - taking inspiration from the many impassioned performers of the region, to 60’s girl groups and honky tonk heroes.
Pairing once again with producer John James Tourville (The Deslondes), Movin’ Shoes was cut at Matt -Ross-Spang’s new Southern Grooves studio. The 13 tracks tie up nicely with added covers from Paul Simon, Delbert McClinton and Cass Elliott.
Mojo Thunder is the combination of pop sensibilities, thoughtful lyrics, and shamelessly loud rock & roll. Self described with a smirk as music for "socially conscious townies," the guys deliver a field party approved performance worth the price of admission.
Windy City Rev & The Hootenanny Band is an evolution of a well-established group, boasting 12 online releases and numerous performances overseas and throughout the Chicagoland area, including notable venues such as Joe's Live, Bub City, and Joe's on Weed St. Fronted by singer-songwriter Rich "Rev", the band showcases his exceptional talents on vocals, guitar, and harmonica. Rich's stage name "Rev" was coined early in his career, reflecting his high-energy music style and captivating live performances. As the frontman of the popular Chicago band "Windy City Rev Ups", Rich along with the Hootenanny Band ensemble demonstrate their commanding stage presence at every live performance. The Hootenanny Band ensembles rocking country western sound is driven by a full throttle rhythm section, and burning rubber, smoking guitars! Their repertoire features a wheel popping array of cross-country tunes, including popular old-school covers and fresh new country fried originals. Be sure to follow their social media and streaming platforms for updates on their new releases!
Strawdawg. Chicagoland’s answer to great Country Music/Classic Rock/Original Music. Featuring awesome Female and Male lead singers and an awesome band, Strawdawg will keep you dancing all night long and if you like to line dance, we are your answer to great line dance music. With some classic rock thrown in and some original music it’s time to get your boots on and grab your hat and Let’s Kick it Country Style.
Gannon Fremin & CCREV’s tunes are heavy, with a sonic heft to match the outsize emotions at play. The Oklahoma four-piece deals with the tough stuff of existence by churning out big blasts of hard rock dusted with the red dirt roots music of their home state and—ironically—it’s that catharsis that makes their shows such a helluva good time. While Fremin howls in his twangy growl about crushing breakups, toxic cycles, and more unhealthy coping mechanisms than you could shake a Fender Jazzmaster at, the band delivers meaty post-grunge riffs, and the crowd, fully immersed in the wall of sound, rises to meet their energy. They can work an audience into a frenzy anywhere, but it’s at home that people show up ready to party. Because after nearly a decade playing out around the Sooner State, a CCREV show feels like a family reunion.
“It’s loud, everybody’s crashing into each other everywhere, they’re throwing stuff...” Fremin says with a chuckle and more than a hint of pride in his voice. “Yeah, it’s a good time.”
Part of the reason for that, despite the rocky territory their songs traverse, is the camaraderie bred into the group’s bones. CCREV is a brotherhood. Fremin handles rhythm guitar on top of vocals, while the group is rounded out by Tyler McCartney’s driving drums, Wade Cartwright’s thundering bass, and Travis Julian’s blistering lead guitar.
Fremin, McCartney, and Cartwright have all known each other since they were little kids growing up in Walters, Oklahoma (motto: “Small town; big heart”). Julian linked up with them in their teens when the band was formed.
Hannah Dasher is a country music artist, songwriter, and viral internet personality with over 1.6M TikTok followers. She’s a Fender Next artist and a regular on the Grand Ole Opry. Based on her popular cooking series, Stand By Your Pan, her debut cookbook is already gaining several No.1 and Top New Release flags, worldwide.This Spring she gifts us with a fresh new sound... a new EP... with more music on the way.
Intertwining the rich traditions of Americana, The Simple Remedy crafts a distinctive sound that blends Country, Folk, Rock, Blues and Soul, anchored by authentic storytelling and emotional depth. Their music is honest, unfiltered and deeply rooted in the diverse influences that brought the band together. A performance by The Simple Remedy is more than a concert--it's an unforgettable journey through the heart of American Music.
Riplock, the co-lead of Matt Ripsch and Elijah Somlock, delivers the latest sound for contemporary country-rock! Influenced by classic country and rock trailblazers, Riplock emanates a familiar sound to any audience while packing a bold, modern punch!
Sidecar is a young Americana/Roots Indie Rock band based in Nashville, blending heartfelt storytelling with raw rock and deep soulful sound. Drawing from a wide range of influences - from the classic grit of the early Rolling Stones and The Band to the modern edge of Marcus King, Tyler Childers, and The Black Keys- Sidecar delivers a sound that feels both timeless and refreshingly original.Formed by a tight-knit group of seasoned players who have cut their teeth in different corners of the Nashville scene, Sidecar’s foundation is built on the diversity of their own musical backgrounds. Their songs explore emotion and lyrical depth, creating a genre-bending sound that resonates with authenticity and groove. Sidecar is quickly carving out a space in Nashville with their new single “Double Down” out March 6, 2026.
"The Golden Bucks" are a Chicago-based Americana project that blends the most iconic sounds of the American music experience. They choose a mix of Western Swing, Blues, Old Country, Rockabilly, Early Jazz, and Folk from the 20's through the early 60's. The result is a mix of the most pivotal musical influences from the American soundscape.
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.
Wade Forster doesn’t just sing country music - he’s lived it. Born, raised, and still working on a cattle station deep in the Queensland outback, his life has been built on dust, hard work, and long days in the saddle. A professional rodeo cowboy, he’s spent years on the circuit, chasing buckles, riding hard, and living the kind of stories most country singers only write about.
Music was always there - blaring through truck speakers, rattling off tin roofs, or belted out the back of a Gooseneck. But it wasn’t until 2017, when he moved to Mount Isa for a refrigeration job, that he decided to buy a guitar - just a $50 find off Marketplace. Teaching himself to play in his free time, he started sharing rough covers online. People told him he had a good voice, but rodeo always came first.
Then, in 2021, a simple cover of Tyler Childers’ Oneida changed everything. It racked up views fast, and for the first time, Wade wondered if music was more than just a pastime. With winnings from a few hard-earned rodeo checks, he booked time at Simon Johnson’s Hillbilly Hut Studio and recorded his debut album, The Beginning.
The album doesn’t dress things up or shy away from the hard stuff - depression, loss, love, and the struggles of rural life. Wade sings about the things most blokes in small towns don’t talk about out loud - the quiet battles, the moments that knock you flat, and the weight that doesn’t always lift. His songs aren’t poetry - they’re real stories, told with the kind of honesty that makes you feel like you’re living them right alongside him.
Billy Gray Music has released two full-length albums—Earned Not Given and The Outlaws Who Shaped Me: Vol. 1—along with two singles, Restart and Come O’ Come Emmanuel.
Released in 2023, Earned Not Given is a tribute to the American spirit, traditional values, and good old-fashioned outlaw country music. Featuring 11 original songs, the album showcases Billy’s signature blend of rowdy, rockin’ country with heartfelt storytelling and a healthy dose of attitude. The record also introduced Billy’s debut single, “Restart,” giving listeners their first taste of his authentic songwriting and unmistakable style.
In 2024, Billy followed with The Outlaws Who Shaped Me: Vol. 1, a heartfelt tribute to the legendary artists who inspired his love for country music—the real kind. The album features fresh interpretations of timeless classics made famous by icons such as George Strait, Toby Keith, and Hank Williams Jr., while also introducing Billy’s original song “How Bout You” and “Ghost of Music Row,” written by legendary Nashville songwriter Chris Gantry.
On stage, Billy Gray Music delivers an unforgettable live experience. Combining outlaw country classics with an expanding catalog of original music, the band brings unmatched energy, musicianship, and audience engagement to every performance.
The five-piece lineup features:
Billy Gray – Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar
Alan Ward – Lead Guitar
Sean DeChant – Pedal Steel Guitar
Bobby Goss – Drums
Gena Roche – Bass Guitar
Special guest fiddler Natalie D Music joins the band for select performances, adding another layer of authentic country sound to an already dynamic show.
Whether performing at festivals, fairs, theaters, casinos, or honky-tonks, Billy Gray Music delivers high-energy, rockin’ country music that stays true to the roots of traditional and outlaw country while creating an experience today’s audiences won’t soon forget.
He is also a Josie Music Award nominee for Vocalist of the Year, Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and Fans Choice.
Intertwining the rich traditions of Americana, The Simple Remedy crafts a distinctive sound that blends Country, Folk, Rock, Blues and Soul, anchored by authentic storytelling and emotional depth. Their music is honest, unfiltered and deeply rooted in the diverse influences that brought the band together. A performance by The Simple Remedy is more than a concert--it's an unforgettable journey through the heart of American Music.
FREE SHOW
Ages: 21+
FIRST FRIDAY was formed in the spring of 1968 at the University of Notre Dame where all the band members were students. The original members were Bob Ewan, Norm Zeller, Andy Wallace, Jack Prendergast and Jim Stynes. In the fall of 1969 the band recorded their self-titled first album "First Friday." The record was recorded at Golden Voice Studio, a four-track studio in Pekin, Illinois in just two days. The album has a worldwide cult following, and the original copies of the vinyl record command astronomical prices on the collectibles market.
FREE SHOW
Ages: 21+
Trace Hamilton is a seasoned singer/songwriter from Chicago, IL who needs nothing more than a stage and a cold drink to show a crowd a good time. He first picked up a guitar at the age of 12 and has been writing songs and performing ever since. Hamilton’s charm comes from his ability to connect with his audience at all times while performing, making for an incredibly unique experience every time you see him.
Joe Rian grew up in Rock Falls, Illinois — raised by a Tool & Die man and a school bus driver, a steady helping of Kenny Rogers and Hee Haw, and a blue collar upbringing that never quit.
Both parents were gone before he turned twenty-five. He bounced around the country, but ended up back in Chicago in 2006 — on a motorcycle with a bag full of clothes.
Formed The Additives in 2006, met his wife, and released two records — Back In Bridgeport and Should It End. Toured the country behind those records, and when the recession hit, scraped by on odd jobs and gigs.
After a 2009 tour he spent the next few years working on vintage motorcycles, recorded Switchyard Sessions, sold everything in the garage to put it out, and released the record in 2019 to multiple Best of 2019 lists.
He found funding through NFTs in 2021 and 2022 to bankroll the Midwest Boy double EP — which charted at #2 Alternative Country for seven weeks and was named one of the Top 20 Alt Country Records of 2023 by Roots Music Report.
Think Yer In Luv is his new full-length — ten songs about love, road trips, lemonade stands, Friday nights, and the quiet beauty of ordinary life. Out October 2, 2026.
After an acclaimed album debut and a year-plus on the road with stars like Morgan Wallen, Riley Green, and Lainey Wilson—plus Billboard accolades and a monumental first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry—Big Loud Records / Songs & Daughters artist Lauren Watkins has emerged as a proudly defiant projection of pure country-music moxy. But with her second full album, In A Perfect World, Watkins learns that the highway life is only part of her path.
A Nashville native inspired by crowd-pleasing outlaws like Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Lee Ann Womack, and Miranda Lambert, Watkins’ 17-track 2024 debut, The Heartbroken Record, introduced a mainstream maverick with a thirst for lyrical truth—an old-school country rebel whose modern instincts never succumb to trends.
Coming to know the fast lane by heart, the modern-classic singer-songwriter has racked up millions of streams and rocked full-on stadiums while learning from legendary songwriters like Nicolle Galyon, Luke Laird, and The Warren Brothers.
Yet In A Perfect World finds Watkins in a fresh phase, with her dreamy vocal awake to new charms and challenges. Featuring an earthy mix of sunset country and hazy heartland grit, she’s no longer expecting to get her heart broken—or pushing the idea of home away.
Produced by husband and CMA/ACM Award winner Will Bundy (Ella Langley and Riley Green’s “you look like you love me”), with additional co-production from hitmaker Joey Moi on select tracks, Watkins builds on her of-the-moment yet always-organic sound. The album features 10 co-written songs capturing the passion and promise of a new outlook.
Steel guitars and ethereal atmosphere create a sense of wide-open space, while bold twang and rootsy rhythms keep the Tennessee songbird’s vocal grounded. Steeped in a coming-of-age shift many experience, her modern country packs a timeless punch.
Country storyteller Laci Kaye Booth has made her name on raw, honest songs that blend the tragic swoon of dream-pop with the lush songcraft that flows out of her home base of Nashville. In 2026, freshly signed to Lost Highway Records, she emerges renewed, grounded in a healthy mindset and career set to bloom like never before — but it hasn’t always been that way. Inspired by her and others’ journeys in and out of lover’s hell, Laci has poured her many lessons learned into her cinematic third album, Love Ain’t For The Faint Of Heart. Produced by Ben West, the LP is a rewarding ride through diverse sounds, harsh reckonings, and serious growth — a moment of actualization on a rich trip thus far. Laci grew up in smalltown Livingston, TX, about 75 miles north of Houston. Mom bought her first acoustic guitar and though her dad, country artist Jody Booth, wasn’t around much, they bonded over a shared love of legends like Merle and Patsy. Following in his footsteps, she moved to Music City and, after 2021’s more straightforward self-titled debut, Laci found her footing. The Loneliest Girl In The World, released on Geffen in 2024, was an authentic expansion of her sound that won her sound that won her time on the road with Ella Langley, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Marcus King Band, and more, not to mention her Grand Ole Opry debut. Last year, as the new songs crept into her setlist, Laci felt two things: a sense of catharsis as she let out old ghosts, and certitude that she’s in the right place now.
If you love Cougar Bingo then you'll love Aunt Nance's Game Night, because, well, she knows how to play other games too! Come drink, laugh and compete to more low-stakes high-fun parlor games and more! A night full of songs, silliness and audience participation that you won't want to miss, hosted by everyone's favorite Musical Comedy Cougar and chosen-family messy Aunt, Aunt Nance!
Owen Riegling is a songwriter from Seward, Nebraska, whose work reflects the grounded nature of his Midwestern upbringing. Raised on a cattle farm, he learned early the value of patience, humility, and consistency, all of which are qualities that still shape his writing today.
Before music became his focus, Wolverton spent years traveling the Midwest playing college baseball, and later coached at the junior college he once competed for. Those seasons on the road – making long drives, stopping into small towns, and meeting new faces – quietly prepared him for a career that keeps him on the move.
Wolverton’s sound is rooted in traditional country storytelling with a modern Americana edge. With a weathered voice and honest lyrics, his songs explore love, restlessness, faith, and the quiet moments that define everyday life. Drawing inspiration from classic country and heartland songwriters, Wolverton blends the real life experiences from his midwest upbringing with a raw and nostalgic lived-in sound.
His debut project, Chasing a Simple Feeling, helped launch his career before he relocated to Nashville. Since then he has continued to refine his voice with releases such as “Do Si Do” and “Cattleman’s Call,” establishing himself as a songwriter comfortable with honesty and restraint. Live performance is central to Wolverton’s identity. He prioritizes playing for audiences wherever he can – clubs, listening rooms, fairs, backyards, and small-town venues – believing music works best when shared directly and without pretense.
Wolverton’s strength lies in pairing Midwestern humility with an understated ability to articulate longing, movement, and reflection. He isn’t interested in spectacle; he’s interested in telling the truth in a recognizable way that listeners can easily relate to.
David Graham is the modern-day King of the Honky Tonks. His rowdy, hillbilly rock n’ roll show has been forged from countless 4-hour performances in legendary venues on Nashville’s Lower Broadway and Beale St. in Memphis. David’s grit and blue-collar approach keeps his wheels on the road, averaging over 275 shows per year while playing everything from roadside beer joints to concert halls around the World. Graham’s vast musical influences resonate through his songs, with a full range from Traditional Country Western to Classic Rock N’ Roll. His high-octane performances have become staples at Layla’s Honky Tonk in Nashville, Blues City Café in Memphis and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Chris’s musical apprenticeship began very early as he cut his musical teeth playing fiddle and singing country classics with his family band at a Wild West show geared towards tourists visiting Dodge City, “The Cowboy Capital of the World.” Now based in Nashville, Chris Housman has realized a dream that seemed impossible when he was a young man growing up on a cattle farm a 40-minute drive from Dodge City, Kansas (30 minutes if you know the backroads). His debut album’s title track, “Blueneck,” hit No. 1 on the iTunes country chart, earned praise from Rolling Stone, Billboard, Good Morning America, and The Tennessean, and scored him an nomination for GLAAD’s Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist Award. USA Today praised Chris’s strong vocals and “rich Southern charm,” calling him the “gay-me-changer” country music needs right now. Chris’s sophomore album, appropriately titled Dodge City, set to release August 28th, is an homage to the place that shaped him, but that he knew he’d ultimately have to leave in order to realize his dreams as a country artist and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. With an audience of more than 400,000 social media followers and over 7 million streams on his songs, it's clear folks recognize themselves in his clever, close-to-the-bone songwriting that captures our modern time in a way few current country artists dare.
Elizabeth Nichols is a singer-songwriter who, in just a few short months since moving to Nashville, has accumulated millions of streams with her clever turn of phrases and unabashed take on life in the modern age. Born in Texas, raised in Louisville, Kentucky and educated in Tulsa, Oklahoma and… Australia, Nichols has lived a lot of life in her 23 years and channels her observations and experiences into her songs, often infusing commentary on everything from society and small-town life to current cultural trends into her lyrics.
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.
A defining country sound from the heart of the Midwest, Brady Lee is an award winning, nationally touring country artist. With viral songs like I Thank God, duets with Kelsey Lamb and Jake Banfield, and an independent top 40 single to country radio, Brady has shared stages with Riley Green, Cameron Whitcomb, Old Dominion, and others.
Riplock, the co-lead of Matt Ripsch and Elijah Somlock, delivers the latest sound for contemporary country-rock! Influenced by classic country and rock trailblazers, Riplock emanates a familiar sound to any audience while packing a bold, modern punch!
With commanding vocals, honest songwriting, and a rock-driven edge, Will Dempsey creates country music that feels both powerful and personal. The South Louisiana artist has built a strong connection with listeners through songs rooted in real life and a compelling live show that brings every lyric to life.
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.
The Riley Brothers are a Chicago-based electric trio bringing a high-energy mix of country, rock, and soul favorites to bars and live music venues across the Midwest. With strong vocals, killer guitar work, and a setlist packed with crowd favorites, they keep audiences singing and engaged all night long. From classic rock anthems to modern country hits, The Riley Brothers deliver a fun, upbeat live show built for a great night out.
Night after night...show after show, The Messengers leave audiences dancing, singing and screaming for more. The sound, based on their incredible harmony and raw power, tears through the best pop, rock, and modern country! A huge set list that includes everything from Miranda to Mumford...from Queen to Pitbull. Sing-a-long favorites follow unexpected medleys that mix classics with today's current hits. Every show is different, and every night offers another chance to get the message.
Chasen Wayne Mitchell was born on a team roping ranch in Kennedale, Texas and raised in a world fueled by rodeo, drag racing, and blue-collar grit. After his family relocated to Granbury, Texas in hopes of a safer life, he found refuge in music when it seemed that trouble wasn’t something he could easily escape.
He set his sights on Austin for a fresh start At 17 years old - making his way by working nights as a bouncer on 6th street and days digging tunnels for a plumbing crew. His journey hasn’t been clean or easy—marked by addiction, close calls, and a long road of hard-earned experience that’s deeply embedded in his songwriting while incorporating Psych, Jazz, Rock and country all into one piece of art that is always chasing down his own unique sound.
Iris Marlowe is a gothic country musician straight from the sultry pits of hell. Her latest album Dead By Dawn is a collective of spaghetti western tunes inspired by 80s horror movies that will chill you to the bone. Iris creates music for the eccentrics and folks that are looking for something a little different in the country and folk music landscape.
Seamlessly weaving together authentic original music with covers of country music legends like Hank Williams Jr, Waylon Jennings, and Merle Haggard - The Kurtis James Band will bring you back to country music’s glory days of vinyl-filled Wurlitzers and smoke-filled barrooms!
The Kurtis James Band is Thirdfire Records recording artist Kurtis James (Acoustic Guitar and Vocals), Rob Campbell (Fiddle/Pedal Steel/Electric Guitar), Mo Pippy (Bass), and Pete Steele (Drums)
The Midwest's Hottest Country Rock Band: Yankee Cowboy! Upbeat, exciting, modern country music with rockin' blasts from the past! This dynamic group is known for their big sound, Soaring harmonies, energetic stage presence, and tight musicianship. Come out to a show and see what all the buzz is about!
Chicago1971 presents the stories and songs of the night Steve Goodman introduced Kris Kristofferson to JOHN PRINE.
As Prine recounts it, Kristofferson was booked to play three nights at a Chicago club called Quiet Knight, where Goodman was the opening act. Kristofferson was impressed by Goodman’s songs; Goodman, in turn, would play at least one song a night by Prine and repeatedly encouraged Kristofferson to go hear Prine in person during his Chicago visit.
“The third night Kris was at the Quiet Knight, Steve really put the hammer down to get Kris to come see me,” Prine recalled. “It was late on a Sunday night, and I had just finished at The Earl of Old Town. I was sitting around with the waitresses and dishwashers, waiting to get paid. And Goodman calls and says: I’m bringing Kris, Paul Anka, and Samantha Eggar over. Get ready to do a show!"
Chicago1971 presents the stories and songs of the night Steve Goodman introduced Kris Kristofferson to JOHN PRINE.
As Prine recounts it, Kristofferson was booked to play three nights at a Chicago club called Quiet Knight, where Goodman was the opening act. Kristofferson was impressed by Goodman’s songs; Goodman, in turn, would play at least one song a night by Prine and repeatedly encouraged Kristofferson to go hear Prine in person during his Chicago visit.
“The third night Kris was at the Quiet Knight, Steve really put the hammer down to get Kris to come see me,” Prine recalled. “It was late on a Sunday night, and I had just finished at The Earl of Old Town. I was sitting around with the waitresses and dishwashers, waiting to get paid. And Goodman calls and says: I’m bringing Kris, Paul Anka, and Samantha Eggar over. Get ready to do a show!"
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!
Abe Partridge is a heralded musician, singer/songwriter, visual artist, storyteller and documentarian based in Mobile, Alabama. Since the release of his debut album Cotton Fields and Blood for Days in 2018, Partridge has toured relentlessly, including several tours throughout Europe. He is a regular at several great music festivals such as the 30a Songwriters Fest, and the Laurel Cove Music Fest as well as listening rooms across the country including the legendary Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Eddies Attic in Atlanta, and Duke's in Indianapolis. Recently, he toured extensively with Matthew Sweet, Drivin' N Cryin', and Dar Williams in support of his latest release Love in the Dark. He has performed on several syndicated NPR radio programs including, Mountain Stage and Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour. Partridge along with co-producer Ferrill Gibbs created the Alabama Astronaut podcast, where Abe attempts to properly record songs previously undocumented at holiness, serpent-handling churches in Appalachia. It was in the Top Ten documentary podcasts on Apple Podcasts within days of its release and now has over 100k downloads and a 4.9-star rating.
Clark Paterson doesn’t write songs from a safe distance. He writes them from the middle of the wreckage: hospital rooms, court dates, bar shifts at Robert's Western World, old farmhouses mid-restoration, garages cluttered with vintage car parts, and the strange emotional territory between heartbreak, survival, and redemption.Raised on his family’s farm near Sandusky, Michigan, Paterson grew up around hard work, old machinery, and the kind of rural honesty that eventually found its way into his songs. Before settling in East Nashville, he studied at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago and then traveled the world with a backpack and a guitar, absorbing stories everywhere he landed. In Clark’s words “I became a backpacker dude and had a good run. I’ve played country music in the most unlikely places. I’ve also had the shit beat out of me and been deported.” Those experiences shaped a songwriter who can move seamlessly between grit and poetry. Humor and heartbreak."
If you love Cougar Bingo then you'll love Aunt Nance's Game Night, because, well, she knows how to play other games too! Come drink, laugh and compete to more low-stakes high-fun parlor games and more! A night full of songs, silliness and audience participation that you won't want to miss, hosted by everyone's favorite Musical Comedy Cougar and chosen-family messy Aunt, Aunt Nance!
