About Payton Smith
At just 23 years old, Louisiana native singer-songwriter and self-taught guitarist, Payton Smith, has a lot to celebrate. Smith began releasing music in 2019; quickly amassing over 50 million streams on his debut single, “Like I Knew You Would”. Known for not only high-energy guitar slinging and smooth vocals, the CMT 2021 Listen Up artist also composed and played every string instrument on each track of his debut project.
As Taste of Country noted his “raw talent, authenticity and strong work ethic are bound to bring him country music success for many, many years” as one of 2021’s Hottest Country Artists Under 25. Music Row called Smith the 2021 Next Big Thing, while “Like I Knew You Would” charted as the number 7 song of the year on Spotify’s Hot Country.
Payton Smith signed with Combustion Masters in late 2022, releasing “Missed The Boat” in early 2023, marking a new era of music, being produced by Combustion’s Chris Farren. Smith’s debut album, What Colors Your Wild, was released on March 19th, with playlisting features on Apple’s New In County, Spotify’s New Music Friday Country and Tidal’s Country Waves, Rising: Country and Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Country. Payton is hitting the road this summer throughout the country opening for Tracy Lawrence, Gary Allan, Lee Brice, Ashley Cooke and more.
About The Simple Remedy
Founded several years ago by Chicago Singer/Songwriter Edward William Ryan, The Simple Remedy has grown into one of the most reliable acts on the music scene.
Also featuring Singer/Songwriter Laura Patricia on Vocals, Michael Pentz on Lead Guitar, Mike Smith on Bass Guitar and Andy Wilmoth on Drums!
The band is a true melting pot of musical influences and keeps the audience guessing as they glide through multiple genres as well as their own original music during their live performances.
About Dry County Line
Dry County formed in 2014 in Chicago and have performed in various venues ever since. Our music is a blend of all styles of country and western music, layered with beautiful vocals. Dry County Line is:
Randy Smith - guitar, banjo, vocals
Mike Ritrosi - guitar, lap steel, drums
John Fox - bass
Aaron Slivinski - drums, pedal steel
Gabrielle Schafer-vocals
About Patrick Bale and the Pale Ales
Patrick Bale & The Pale Ales is a Chicago-based country. Formed in 2016, their shows are known for their high energy setlists featuring classic country, red dirt, and rock and roll covers intertwined with their own original material. In 2020, they released their debut album “Cheap Shot,” showcasing their signature style of storytelling. They have opened for well known touring acts such as Chris Cagle, Corey Marks, Granger Smith, and played to packed houses at iconic venues like Old Crow Smokehouse, Basecamp, The Forge, and Reggie’s Rock Club.
About Kelsey Waldon
Kelsey Waldon is one of Country music’s most singular voices. Across four acclaimed full-length albums full of both “heavy twang and spitfire pedal steel” and “coffeehouse confessionals” (Rolling Stone), she’s brought listeners into her world and shared her own experiences and perspectives. Her new project, There’s Always a Song (out May 10th via Oh Boy Records/Thirty Tigers), however, is about the singular voices that shaped her into the artist she is today.
“It’s like, I kind of was able to find my voice through these voices, you know?” Waldon says. “A part of me doing this album is expressing so much gratitude for the music that I love, for music that has meant a lot to me and helped me.”
These eight songs, from the earliest pages of the country and bluegrass music songbooks, helped the singer-songwriter from Monkey’s Eyebrow, Ky., find her place in the world before she became an artist whose own work generates buzz, lands on year-end best-of lists, and, in 2019, led Waldon to become the first artist in 15 years to sign a deal with John Prine’s Oh Boy Records. These days, they remind Waldon of why she wanted to make music in the first place.
“There’s a lot of bullshit out there, and sometimes our goals and dreams get clouded by competition or become jaded. [These songs are] like something tapping into me and being like, ‘That’s why you love this.’ It feels like home to me; it feels like the truth,” Waldon shares. “It just brought me so much joy to work with my peers, my friends, people I really admire.”
There’s Always a Song might not even exist, in fact, if not for S.G. Goodman, who in addition to also being a fellow western Kentuckian has been one of Waldon’s good friends since before they were making headlines with their music. During one of their frequent catch-up phone calls, Waldon told Goodman she would love to find a reason to collaborate and asked Goodman if she’d be up for recording a song together. Goodman suggested “Hello Stranger,” specifically citing the 1973 version by Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard.
Waldon didn’t stop with Goodman, though. Fellow John Prine devotee and “kindred spirit” Amanda Shires joins Waldon on fiddle for the Bill Monroe classic “Uncle Pen” — arranged in half time like Goose Creek Symphony’s version from 1971 — while Isaac Gibson, lead singer of 49 Winchester, helps Waldon honor his fellow Virginian, Ralph Stanley, on the devastating “I Only Exist.” Margo Price, one of Waldon’s first friends in Nashville, rounds out the list of guests, singing with Waldon on “Traveling the Highway Home,” which Waldon selected from fellow Kentuckian Molly O’Day’s catalog.
Waldon is featured in the 2024 edition of the Country Music Hall of Fame's "American Currents" exhibit, and she'll perform a special "Songwriter Session" on March 2nd at the museum as part of the exhibition's opening. 2024 tour dates will be announced soon.
About Bryce Leatherwood
Singer/songwriter Bryce Leatherwood aims to carry the torch of country music and continue the legacy of legends prior. Born and raised in Woodstock, GA, his passion for music began at an early age. Working on his grandfather’s farm every summer, Leatherwood was exposed to the classic country hits of George Jones, Merle Haggard and Conway Twitty. Soon thereafter he began picking up guitars and playing the traditional country music that inspires him today. Leatherwood’s music career began to blossom in Statesboro, GA, where he attended Georgia Southern University. During his time in Statesboro, Leatherwood played college venues and continued to grow his stage presence and his country music repertoire. While in college, Leatherwood formed his band and began playing all around the Southeast. Bryce’s goal was to take the stage and play the best of country music to all ages and audiences. Just weeks after graduating college, Bryce set his mind on a new task. In 2022, Leatherwood competed on the NBC hit television show The Voice and was crowned the Season 22 winner in December. Following his success, Leatherwood moved to Nashville where he has been songwriting and recording for a forthcoming project on Universal Music Group Nashville/Republic Records, the first of which is "The Finger," out now. Leatherwood continues to perform live shows, including opening several tour dates for Dwight Yoakum. Online at www.bryceleatherwood.com.
About Joe Wortell and Band
Joe Wortell is a classic outlaw country artist from Chicago that plays clever and inspired arrangements fusing subtle hints of blues, surf, r&b, and pop with the great songs of Hank, Waylon, Merle, Cash and beyond.
About Frank Martin Busch and the Names
Frank Martin Busch grew up on a farm outside the rural community of Cuba City, Wisconsin. He is the youngest of seven children in a musical family. Frank started playing music in grade school, even playing a few shows with his father’s Big Band Orchestra on saxophone. It wasn't until he left the small town for The University of Wisconsin and commandeered his college roommates Stratocaster, that he truly fell in love with music.Frank taught himself to play, sing and write songs, his journey has been slow, painful and deliberate. Upon graduating he founded his first band The Mighty Short Bus, and is a founding member of Midwest troubadours WheelHouse. The two bands have released 8 records and played over 3,000 shows over the past 20 years. This is Frank's first foray as a true solo artist. He has brought back the Stratocaster and is living and dying by his ability to play it, He marries the storytelling of a country songwriter with the musicality of a bluesman and a sense of humor that rivals your grade school best friend’s dad
About 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!
About Cole Ritter
Cole has been playing music as long as he can remember. He first fell in love with music when he picked up the fiddle at the young age of 3. He started touring at the age of 8 with a group of violinists and played all over the southeast. He picked up singing and playing the guitar at 13 when he was gifted his Great-Grandfather's Guitar. This was the beginning of Cole's artistry.Cole’s favorite part about playing with his band is getting to share stories and precious moments with friends and fans. No one has passion for music like Cole. His soulful, jazzy voice mixed with his country and rock and roll roots provides an extremely unique sound.
About ZG Smith
Since moving to Music City in his mid-twenties, ZG Smith racked up a formidable cache of musicalsuccesses including touring extensively throughout the US, Canada, and Europe, being frontman,primary songwriter, and founding member of Americana duo SmoothHound Smith, and sharingstages with acts like The Chicks, Trombone Shorty, Collective Soul, and Devon Gilfillian. His poignantand ethereal debut EP, Nighttime Animal, was released in February of 2023 and has garnered airplayand attention from musical curators and press outlets alike, not the least of which includeMinneapolis’s The Current, NPR’s World Cafe, Nashville’s Lightning 100, PopMatters, The BluegrassSituation, NashvilleSCENE, UnderTheRadar, and more.
About 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!
About St. Jams Charity Concert
Common Pantry, Chicago’s oldest continuous food pantry, is devoted to providing food, personal care items and social service referrals to qualifying individuals and families in its North Side service area. Each month, Common Pantry serves an average of 320 households representing approximately 1,300 people.
About Vincent Lima
Currently based out of a small town in California called Los Angeles, Vincent Lima is a zero time Grammy winning musician whose music explores the mes of loss, love and growing up. Vincent began singing in 2018 and hit his stride in late 2023 with the help of a rapidly developing fan base after the release of singles "Orpheus" and "Eurydice. ”His latest single "In the Cold,” a story about being seen in love, serves as a potent continuation of the narrative started in Orpheus. As that narrative expands further in upcoming releases, Vincent will continue spending his time touring and writing his own bios in the third person.
About Meg & The Wheelers and Friends
Rooted in Chicago's vibrant & growing honky-tonk scene, Meg & The Wheelers are doing their Midwest best.
Missouri-born frontwoman & songwriter Meg Sampson formed the band in 2018, quickly releasing her first single "Bar in the Divorce" & establishing the Wheelers as a local up-and-comer. Their distinct sound is a result of five seasoned musicians & close friends collaborating, drawing on the rich history of country music, with influences ranging from Margot Price to Loretta Lynn. Meg & The Wheelers craft a unique & exciting spin on the music that made them, combining modern lyrics with traditional melodies, weaving tales of love & loss that feel both fresh & timeless.
Meg & The Wheelers' latest EP Midwest Best was recorded at Chicago's legendary Electrical Audio studio & was released in 2023. They have shared the stage with national acts such as Ashley Mcbryde & Joshua Hedley, as well as rising local talent Nathan Graham, Tommy Goodroad, & many others.
About Matt Martin Band
The Matt Martin Band is a 4 piece Chicago based cover band that formed in 2021. Consisting of members from several different active internationally known cover/tribute bands, The Matt Martin Band specializes in country music but caters to all genres of music at a moments request. Their show packs a punch of high energy and fun that keeps the dance floor crowded and everyone singing at the top of their lungs to all of your favorite singalongs & requests, while also offering the occasional slow dance to some of your favorite “couple skates”! Specializing in all areas of country music from classic country like Johnny Cash & George Strait, to new age country such as Luke Combs & Morgan Wallen...
The Matt Martin Band is sure to deliver powerful vocals and harmonies, driving acoustic guitar, chicken pickin' guitar leads, and even the occasional full version of “Freebird" if you’re lucky!
Chicago Honky Tonk Review
w/ Tommy Goodroad & Big WeatherTickets: $8 in Advance | $10 Day of Show
Ages: 21+
About Chicago Honky Tonk Review, with Tommy Goodroad & Big Weather
CJ Melton is a Chicago based musician and audio engineer. Their part in organizing this series comes from a desire to encourage and deepen a sense of community through celebration of local art, and to see bands they like play good music!
About David Graham & The Eskimo Brothers
The Eskimo Brothers are a high energy honky tonk trio based out of Nashville, Tennessee. This reckless and manic show has been battle tested and polished from over 300 shows a year, both in the honky tonks of Nashville's historic Lower Broadway and and monthly shows in Memphis on Beale St.
About South City Revival
South City Revival is a workingman’s band from Chicago, IL. Forged in the city of frigid winters and ferocious wind, the band continues to expand on their vision of Midwest Americana with, "Where There's Smoke, There's Fire". The new album, the band's first full-length effort, is at its core an exploration of country and roots-rock music. Drawing on the energy and story-telling from the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Brooks & Dunn, Tom Petty, and Steve Earle, listeners are immersed in a landscape filled with abandoned steel mills, sticky bar floors and rusted out Chevys.
About SunFallen
SunFallen will take you back a few decades to when live music meant something, not like a group of soccer Dads lip syncing to a karaoke backing track. A time when guitars howled, the base drum kicked, and the vocals of a song took you back to a place you've missed. SunFallen continues to draw loyal fans since their debut in 2009 as well as claim new fans with their signature sound and style. The band covers classic and new Rock.
About Hodie Snitch
Hodie Snitch plays the songs you know and love from the likes of Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, George Jones, David Allen Coe, Hank Williams Jr, Charlie Daniels, and the list goes on and on. We could do this all day. Sometimes we do... This IS your daddy's country!
Chris Acker and the Growing Boys
Tickets: $8 in Advance | $10 Day of Show
Ages: 21+
About Chris Acker and the Growing Boys
"In a genre full of tall tales and marketable lies, Chris Acker crafts candid songs- weaving his wit and his woes into a body of work that exposes the stale plight of the American Songster to the honest, and sometimes hilarious, light of day" -Nick Shoulders
About Jeff BearCat Bunch
Join us for a night of songs and stories with the one and only Jeff BearCat Bunch. "BearCat"
"My name is Jeff Bunch, I'm originally from east Tennessee, just outside of Knoxville. They call me BearCat. If you know, then you know. And if you don't, well...You'll be wonderin"
Independent and Nationally touring singer/songwriter/storyteller, Originally from Knoxville,TN. Now based in central Texas. Behind the scenes kind of guy for a years working with other artists as a fan, roadie, tour manager, merch guy, driver, etc... honing in on the craft of songwriting and story telling. Over the past few years BearCat has shared stages with names like Josh Morningstar, Jesse Dayton, Billy Don Burns, Alex Williams, Justin Wells, Clint Park, Cass Jones, Casper McWade, Jake Stringer, Dallas Burrow, and Ellis Bullard. Just to name a few.Out touring on debut release "I Can't Help But Ramble" Self produced, self funded, self released, debut record. BearCat has been working on this record for a couple years now and has been patiently waiting to get it out in the world. You can't rush perfection!But, the folks have spoken and have been asking for a release for a while now and we're so happy to share this with our fans and friends.With some help and guest appearances from several friends and known names that appear on the record such as Josh Morningstar, Billy Don Burns, Cass Jones, Chris Rhoades, and Aubrey Richmond. This is a record of songs and stories about the life and times of a man named Jeff Bunch, known to most simply as BearCat.
Come join us for a night of music, stories, laughs and good times at our first time playing at the wonderful Carol's Pub in Chicago, IL.
About August Son
August Son is the 2022 reincarnation of the Chicago rock band who performed across Chicagoland from 1988-1993. During those early years, August Son shared the stage with WAR, Three Dog Night, Lonnie Brooks and The Marshall Tucker Band at outdoor festivals and major music venues. Time has passed, but the love of music remains. Come join us for a great rock and roll experience!
About Trailer Park Twisters
From small towns to the big city, the Trailer Park Twisters are ripping up all your favorite country tunes and laying waste to prefabricated homes in a 10-mile radius. Formed in 2008 by Paul Cicciarelli, the band features dynamic guitar playing complimented by swelling pedal steel and soaring vocals. From Johnny Cash to Miranda Lambert they’ve got it covered.
About LC Fest
On February 19, 2021, the Chicago music scene lost one of its biggest champions, Lane Campbell. At just 50 years old, Lane left us far too early, and his absence is felt throughout the venues and clubs Lane frequented for decades. Lane lived and breathed music, especially across the alt.country/indie scenes, promoting hundreds of bands and artists who he thought deserved a much wider audience.
On July 12, 2024 we are proud to announce LcFest, an every-other-Summer music event honoring Lane and including live performances by the bands that he loved. This summer’s event will include four acts that Lane revered: Slobberbone, Frog Holler, Chip Robinson and Tyne Darling. This is the kind of bill that would’ve had Lane texting, making calls and promoting the event far and wide. We hope to see you there!
About Aidan Canfield
Canfield’s artistry infuses a unique combination of Rock and Country influences from thesounds that he grew up on–a little bit of Bob Seger and Bruce Springsteen, a little bit of KennyChesney meets Zach Bryan. His heartfelt lyrics and melodies have struck a chord of relatabilityhe’s witnessed on the road on support dates with Riley Green and, most recently, the CameronSacky Band. When the pandemic hit in 2020, Aidan used the time to discover his passion forplaying the guitar, and he started singing and writing songs. In two short years, he startedgrowing a following on social media platforms and released his first single, “The Idea Of Me,” inApril of 2022. Since then, Aidan has released six additional singles, an album and his music hasnearly 3 million streams. Aidan’s heartfelt lyrics and melodies are what make his musicrelatable to his fans. Featured in country music YouTuber and critic Grady Smith’s “Best MusicUnder the Radar of 2023,” Canfield’s growing popularity has also led to his first CMAFestperformance on the Hard Rock Stage and a feature on the Tidal Wave Festival in Atlantic City.
About Hannah Dasher
Music Row predicted she’ll be the Next Big Thing, about the same time the guitar goddess became a Fender Next artist and a CMT Next Women of Country. But Whiskey Riff believes Hannah Dasher is still “one of Nashville’s best kept secrets, much like Chris Stapleton used to be.” They claim she’s one of the best live acts they’ve seen in a long time. A true entertainer, she’s amassed over 1.5M followers on TikTok and has become a viral sensation on other platforms.
Walk into her “Honkytonk Graceland” home and find that this artist is no character. She lives like she looks. Preserving the best of nostalgic Country music and building upon it with a fresh, new sound, Hannah Dasher feels like the big piece of the puzzle we’ve been missing for a while. She recently released her new album, “The Other Damn Half” and is gearing up for her second headlining tour.
Stephen Hubbard -ABC Country