Chicago Honky Tonk Review
w/ Brandon Good + Sara Jean StevensTickets: $8 in Advance | $10 Day of Show
Ages: 21+
About Chicago Honky Tonk Review, with Brandon Good + Sara Jean Stevens
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 Decoy Prayer Meeting
Once upon a honky-tonk time, Decoy Prayer Meeting emerged from the smoky backrooms of dive bars, bringing a raucous blend of country and rockabilly that makes you wonder if you've stumbled into a time machine, or twisted juke box dream. Covering legends like Webb Pierce, the Everly Brothers, Stray Cats, and ever-charming hit machine Marshall Crenshaw, the band’s shows are a wild ride through the decades, with an attitude that would make your grandma's apron strings curl.
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.
Ellis Bullard
w/ Alex WilliamsTickets: $10 in Advance | $12 Day of Show
Ages: 21+
About Ellis Bullard
In the wake of 2024’s Honky Tonk Ain’t Noise Pollution, Ellis Bullard has left no doubt that country music is still yearning for the true-blue honky-tonk experience he brings to the stage and studio. Listen to Bullard, and you’re listening to a life of barnstorming, hard living, and layers of musical influences.
“I’m just a person, just a guy out there having a good time and trying to make sure other people are too,” Bullard says. “I give my time to people, and I think that means a lot to them. I’m genuinely trying to forge relationships and have meaningful interactions with all the fans I meet on the road.”
After sharing the stage with Texas mainstays like Shinyribs, Reckless Kelly, Randy Rogers and Cody Jinks, Bullard has come into his own, and these days finds himself headlining clubs and dance halls from coast to coast. For his part, Bullard knows he’s on to something, and he’s enjoying the ride.
JD Clayton
w/ Leon MajcenTickets: $15 in Advance | $20 Day of Show
Ages: 21+
About JD Clayton
The Fort Smith Arkansas native, JD Clayton, released his debut album Long Way FromHome,early last year which has received overwhelming critical acclaim. There’s no artifice surroundingthe Arkansas-born singer and songwriter. No glitz. No pretension or mythology. JD Clayton’ssound, and where he chooses to make it—Arkansas, the most western of the southern states—isa bridge between the southern rock on which he was raised, and the truth telling tradition from the70s era of country music that he most favors.As a result, the songs on his thrilling new album Blue Sky Sundays, feel both lived in andcompletely free. Like any great songwriter, Clayton is both leader and follower, telling his ownstory but reveling in how it unfolds in live time and relates to listeners individually. “The album isabout clarity. It’s about leaving the things that let us down behind,” Clayton says. “It’s about loveand family and joy. It took me about four months of being sober to have a clear enough head toprocess this. I think I finally understand that piece of the puzzle at least.
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!
About The Messengers
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.
About Y'all's Brunch
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!
William Clark Green
w/ Erin KinseyTickets: $20 in Advance | $25 Day of Show
Ages: 21+
About William Clark Green
In the proudly independent Texas-country scene, it’s not easy to separate yourself – or to evolve once you have. But for almost 15 years, William Clark Green has done both with a nod to his home state itself, both rooted in the past and barreling toward the future.
Boasting sandpaper vocals and country-rock sound at the crossroads of back-alley grit and gravel-road grace, the Flint, Texas, native emerged like many others before – sauntering out from Lubbock’s live music loving college-bar scene. But he has since carved a space that is uniquely his own. Pairing singer-songwriter tradition with a progressive musical mindset, he’s both a troubadour of troubled souls and maestro to lyrical mischief, renowned for underdog anthems filled with sardonic wit, vivid characters and even historical curiosity.
Over five previous albums, multiple Number Ones on Texas Regional Radio have joined iTunes Country Album chart toppers, the respect of critics and peers and a vibrant touring profile anchored on Texas’ biggest stages. But even after so much success, two years of treading water left Green looking to get beyond his comfort zone.
“My whole mentality is that if my voice went out tomorrow, or I lost my arm and my career ended, I’ve got nothing but gratefulness,” Green explains, flashing his signature sense of dark humor. “But in some ways, we wanted to reach and see what else is out there. I think the band is ready, I think I’m ready, and it’s not really about money or anything. It’s about feeling that high again, feeling that new-ness.”
About 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!
About Ginger Road
Regularly featured at the finest venues and festivals across Chicagoland and all the way to Nashville, Ginger Road has been Rockin’ This Country since 2013 with a contagious, high energy mix of modern and classic Country and Rock covers that will have you singing along and dancing in your boots. If your hankering for a huge dash of good old fashioned FUN that leaves everyone in a great mood, is time to Saddle Up and ride the Ginger Road!
About The Rangers
The Rangers’ “Wild West Tour” will feature a hearty serving of Honky Tonk tunes from their recent full length album “Roll The Dice”, as well as their most recent single, “Winds of 67”. The Rangers have been diligently working in the studio to bring you some fine-tuned and exciting new music; some of which will also be featured on this tour. Be sure to catch one of these dates to hear The Rangers’ one of a kind show!
About Zack Fedor and The Long Goodbyes
"Zack Fedor is from the humble farming community of Waverly IL. As early as 2011 Zack could be found in the local taverns playing songs and making friends. Little did he know his love of music, fun times, and good company would become his way of life.
Zack Fedor and The Long Goodbyes takes listeners on a musical journey through the backroads and bars of small town USA. hardship, love, drinking, loss, partying, relationships, and being born in an area often forgotten about. "
Bayker Blankenship
w/ Tyler NanceTickets: $10 in Advance | $15 Day of Show
Ages: 18+ (with parent or guardian)
About Bayker Blankenship
Nineteen-year old Bayker Blankenship from Livingston, Tennessee has had one heck of a few months, going from playing his first home town gigs to signing his first record deal and going viral with his first hit “Maxed Out" in a short amount of time. “Maxed Out” is hitting new peaks at such an incredible speed- to name a few, it reached #2 on the Spotify Viral charts, #43 on Apple Country, and has over 100k creates on TikTok. Bayker has garnered over 40M+ streams in just a few months. “Maxed Out” highlights Bayker as one of Country’s rising stars, with fans falling for his bright personality and warm heart along the way. Bayker's debut EP “Younger Years" released in July 2024, hitting over 4M+ streams the first week and making it obvious he is far from a one-hit wonder.
About Cody Ikerd and the Sidewinders
Cody Ikerd and the Sidewinders are a high energy country music band that are tailor-made for original music fans and audiences that love 80's/90’s country music hits. Whether you’re looking to do some boot scootin’ or slow dancing, Cody Ikerd and the Sidewinders are here to bring the country.
About Windy City Rev & The Hootenanny Band
Windy City Rev & The Hootenanny Band” emerged from an established group that has eight on-line releases, performed multiple times overseas and all over Chicagoland including Joe’s Live, Bub City and Joe’s on Weed St. The band is fronted by singer songwriter Rich “Rev”, he’s a triple threat on vocals, guitar & harmonica. Rich was given the nick name “Rev” as a young musician because of his revved up style of music and exciting live stage shows. He started out performing in Denver where he began rabble rousing on stage in a wide variety of bands at the early age of 19. He eventually ended up in Chicago where he has performed alongside many of Chicagoland’s top ranked musicians and he fronts the popular band “Windy City Rev Ups”.
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The band’s sound is driven by a thundering rhythm section, full throttle guitars and soulful harmonica playing. Their songs feature a kaleidoscope of cross country and blues rock tunes, both covers and originals. Their music takes inspiration from classic/latin rock legends and country music icons. The band is currently working on a new all original release. Be sure to check out their social media and music that is streaming worldwide.
About Wire & Nail
Nothing better than a Saturday Night in a Northwoods Tavern. Longnecks & Shooters. Darts & Pool. Romance & Good times. Wire & Nail. This tight combo from Milwaukee loves nothing better than to supply the soundtrack. Equal parts Honky Tonk and Rock n Roll, Wire & Nail have the chops to keep the evening rolling. Loaded like shotgun, the band comes stacked with tight harmonies, great tone, an on point rhythm section and enough swagger to back it up.
About Y'all's Brunch
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!
About Brad Tursi
Brad Tursi, an award winning songwriter and member of multi-Platinum selling band OldDominion, is welcoming his first solo collection,Parallel Love. A batch of songsthat have beenwritten over the past 10 years,Parallel Lovereflects where the accomplished artist, guitarist,and writer is in the present moment.Created and released with the band's full support,theproject features co-writes with Stephen Wilson Jr., Dan Isbell, Jessi Alexander, and MattJenkins. Tursi producedthe entire project as well, with Ben West and Marc Scibilia co-producingselect tracks. In addition to his role with the reigning CMA and ACM Vocal Group of the Year,Tursi has earned multiple CMA Triple Play Awards for writing three No. 1 songs in a 12-monthperiod, been named AIMP Artist Writer of the Year, and co-written hits for Kenny Chesney, LukeBryan, Tyler Hubbard, Josh Turner, Darius Rucker, and Cole Swindell, among others.
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 The Sugar Hill Band
Sugar Hill pays tribute to women in country music. We are a country band that perform songs written and performed by women country artists ranging from Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette, to Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson. Lead vocalist Becky, violinist and backup vocalist Nancy, guitar players Doug and Gary, and Jim & Lee from the drums and bass coalesce to give Sugar Hill their unique and vibrant country sound. We fill any evening with a combination of old school and new school country songs and mix them with a dose of guitar/violin solos, memorable vocal & violin harmonies, and new melodic violin/guitar arrangements. Sugar Hill is sometimes twang country, sometimes line-dancing country, and sometimes rock n roll/blues country. Regardless of the style of country we’re playing, we are sure to put on a fun, singable, danceable, and exciting show playing the songs from so many great women country artists. Sugar Hill was originally formed in the Gurnee/Antioch area several years ago, and have played various venues and clubs in the northern Illinois and southern wisconsin area. Learn even more about us on https://linktr.ee/SugarHillBand.
About Iris Marlowe
Iris Marlowe is an alternative-country songwriter that uses her love of classic country music and horror films to create cinematic songs that paint a southern gothic landscape. Her latest album ‘Where the Devil Bid the Owl Goodbye’ features songs driven by revenge, terror, and a yearning for the danger of the old west. Iris creates country music for the eccentrics and folks that are looking for something a little different in the country music landscape.
About Olivia and the Lovers
Olivia and the Lovers are a queer cowboy band based in Chicago.
Taking inspiration both from classic American folk music and cowboy standards, Olivia Love writes music as a vehicle for vulnerability and reflections on queer love, loss, and healing. They were named the Best Emerging Band and Best Country Band in the 2023 Chicago Reader Poll.
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 Scott Scovill
Scott Scovill has been penned as a modern day Johnny Cash. His booming baritone barks out classic Cash tunes with a modern, hard hitting full sound. Beat after beat his incredible band pumps life into Cash as well as Scovill’s originals. The fun they have on stage is contagious, and Scovill’s delivery infectious! This show will be one that you don’t want to miss!
For more information on Scott Scovill, visit www.scottscovill.com.
About Braxton Keith
Braxton Keith calls San Antonio home, but the 20something songwriter hasn't spent much timethere in recent years. As one of the newest exports of Texas' country music scene, he leavestown nearly every weekend, driving his band — and his own tour bus — toward the next show."That bus is actually the only vehicle I own," he says. "I drive it everywhere I go."
Whether he's onstage or behind the wheel, Braxton doesn't just play country music. He lives it.Inspired by the traditional twang of storytellers like Marty Robbins and Merle Haggard, hewrites songs that blend modern sounds with the best elements of old-school country. It's abalance of the contemporary and the classic, glued together by a proud Texas native who'slearned to create autobiographical music about universal experiences. "These are songs aboutlove, heartbreak, and drinking, which are things everybody knows about," he explains. "I'm notthe only person to write songs about those things. But I'm the only person to do it my way."
About Kurtis James
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).!
About Trey Knepp
Trey Knepp was born and raised in small town Loogootee, IN. where as a teenager he began developing a passion for music. Trey has been writing and performing original material since 2018. His first single, “Small Town Somewhere USA,” was recorded by Grammy award-winning producer, Elliot Elsley, and mastered by Grammy legend, Vlado Meller. His love for country music has inspired Trey to write songs that will take your soul home and turn the volume up. Trey’s music flourishes best performing live. You can find Trey Knepp’s music streaming on all digital platforms. Be sure to follow Trey Knepp on all social platforms @Trey_Knepp
Hippies & Cowboys
w/ Calico MantraTickets: $15 in Advance | $18 Day of Show
Ages: 21+
About Hippies & Cowboys
It’s not every day we get to watch the rapid rise of an American rock ‘n’ roll band, from performing as an unknown at an open mic night to soon after selling out the venue multiple times, then moving rapidly to major stages.
With Hippies & Cowboys, we are witness to what appears to be a meteoric rise, including a growing loyal fanbase of “Dreamers,’ as their tribe is called. Hippies & Cowboys, feeling the vibrations of momentum after their discovery at Fox & Locke’s Open Mic Night, released a live album recorded at one of their sold-out shows at Fox & Locke, and soon was one of the major stages at Pilgrimage Festival, one of the most popular music events in the eastern half of the U.S. They had already been tapped as regulars at Kid Rock’s place on Lower Broadway in Nashville, stirring up the crowd with energy to burn.
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 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 Deadfest
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!
About Ginger Road
Regularly featured at the finest venues and festivals across Chicagoland and all the way to Nashville, Ginger Road has been Rockin’ This Country since 2013 with a contagious, high energy mix of modern and classic Country and Rock covers that will have you singing along and dancing in your boots. If your hankering for a huge dash of good old fashioned FUN that leaves everyone in a great mood, is time to Saddle Up and ride the Ginger Road!
About 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!"