Alan Zreczny’s songs are narrative poems set to spirited melodies, which he performs on the guitar and piano, solo and with his band bluefront. Over the years Zreczny has created an imaginative and truly original body of work with lyrics that often put a new twist on age-old sayings giving them a fresh, surprising new meaning. Melding the vintage sound of Television, The Modern Lovers and early Talking Heads with the current but equally timeless approach of The War On Drugs, the Chicago outfit celebrate the sound of classic guitar-driven rock. bluefront is Alan Zreczny, Keith Heric and Scott Paeth.

Matthew Morgan is a indie/alternative/folk troubadour of the most anachronistic sort, who pulls from Nick Drake as much as Neil Young. His baritone voice floats above delicate arrangements, but its warm, soulful character gives the feeling of great depth. A multi-instrumentalist, he crafts his songs playing the guitar, piano, organ, harmonica, and a variety of other stringed instruments. An openly queer artist, Matthew understands the importance of writing songs that allow everyone to be seen, especially giving a voice to the outliers and members of marginalized communities.

Winners of the weekly Open Mic perform for top three prizes!

Step into a world of electrifying talent and vibrant performances at Uncommon Ground's Open Mic Grand Finale Competition! Join us for an unforgettable night of music as we celebrate the rising stars of the arts community.

Performers each get two songs. The songs must be an original written by the performer in order to win.

Seating starts at 5:30pm. We will begin promptly at 6pm.

Free Admission

Marcela Ossa (she/they) is a Colombian-American multi-dimensional artist: singer/songwriter, musician, poet, actor, mover, and yogi. With her angelic voice, soft guitar, and introspective lyrics, the music they write is meant to transport you to your inner world.

Jocey is a singer, actor, and writer from the southside of Chicago. Her work centers women’s voices, cultural duality, and vulnerability, using music as a bridge between heritage, resilience, and self-expression. Jocey's recent projects include starring in her one woman musical, Jocey y las Mariachis, and performing at the Selena Tribute held annually at Millennium Park.

Redwood is an acoustic duo composed of Riley Sanders and Cassidy Campbell, both from Rockford, IL. Redwood's unique sound is filled with soul, grit, and emotion. Even with a blues and soul forward style, Redwood aims to encompass a variety of genres, doing so seamlessly and dynamically with a sound you won't soon forget. Their original music is inspired by all facets of the human experience. Redwood has been nominated twice in 2024 and 2025 for the Rockford Area Music Industry (RAMI) Awards for Acoustic duo and once for the Peoples Choice Award, and both Cassidy and Riley have been nominated individually in the Male and Female vocalist categories.

Lola Blu is a rising country singer-songwriter from Rockford, Illinois, known for her striking voice—effortlessly elegant with a rasp—and a captivating stage presence that commands every stage she steps on. With a sound that seamlessly blends country and southern rock, she creates a style all her own. Lola channels real-life emotions into songs that explore love, heartbreak, self-discovery, and even the occasional party anthem.Her electrifying live performances have earned her opportunities to share the stage with notable artists such as Terri Clark, Trey Lewis, Tanner Usrey, Walker Montgomery, and Mackenzie Carpenter. Lola was nominated for the 2023 Josie Music Award for “Vocalist of the Year (Multi-Genre),” and in 2024 received nominations for “Artist of the Year (Southern Rock/Country Rock),” “Songwriter of the Year,” and “Song of the Year (Multi-Genre)” for her breakout single “3.” She was also named 2024 Breakthrough Artist of the Year by the Midwest Country Music Organization. Lola Blu turned heads with her highly anticipated EP, “Good Ole Days”, released summer 2024, her singles, “Neon Night” & “Redneck Rock n’ Roll” which are both summer country anthems.

Frank Viele’s brand of New England blues rock tugs at the heartstrings, pulling the listener on a surprise journey that transcends genre. Yet even as he’s racked up accolades over the past 7 years — including New England Music Awards for Album of the Year, Male Performer of the Year, Songwriter of The Year (X2), and Live Act of The Year for gutsy, gritty tracks like “Broken Love Song” and “‘Til The Bourbon’s All Gone” — he’s rarely paused to savor the moment before moving on to yet another tour, album, or collaboration.

Brandon Good and Frank Viele bring together two distinct voices rooted in soulful songwriting, gritty storytelling, and dynamic live performance. With Brandon’s sharp lyrical edge and Frank’s blues‑driven Americana sound, the duo delivers a powerful, heartfelt set that blends authenticity, humor, and musicianship.

Amanda Giles (she/they) is a Canadian singer-songwriter, actor & writer living in Chicago. Her music blends elements of indie, alternative and folk music, characterized by atmospheric soundscapes, minimalist composition and poetic lyrics. Their album Asheswas once described "as if you were at Lilith Fair, watching Alanis Morissette and Sara McLachlan perform and then go backstage and...well, you know". Let her know if you agree.

Sign up at 4:00pm | open mic starts at 5:00pm

Join us for our Shure sponsored Open Mic! For over 25 years, we have hosted Chicago’s up and coming musicians at our Shure Sponsored open mic that was recently voted “Chicago’s best open mic” by the Chicago reader. Ours is a competition where the winners of each week are entered into the semi-finals, and the winners from the semis are entered into the finale. Prizes from the finale have been many things of value to musicians in the past such as Shure microphones, studio time, and cash prizes. If you think you have what it takes to be our next open mic winner, come on down and give it a shot!

Born and raised in Missouri, Emily Haden Lee is a singer-songwriter and artist living in Chicago, IL. She grew up surrounded by music and performing in various choirs and groups, but it wasn’t until the end of college that she began writing her own songs and playing guitar. This creative leap opened a profound emotional outlet for her as she discovered the power of expressing her own experiences through music. In her debut album titled “The Woman I Would Be”, Emily delves deeply into the journey of heartbreak and growth that accompanies the loss of those you love. Written over the course of several years that included the passing of her father and brother, this album chronicles Emily’s navigation through grief, relationships, self reflection and new beginnings. Paul McGee of Lonesome Highway called the album "a work of real insight, impressive depth, and hard-earned wisdom" while Americana UK states "over the course of twelve deeply emotional songs Haden Lee has made an undeniably strong and powerful album, with some exemplary musicianship".

Chicago-based Indie-folk singer-songwriter Chris Rawlins released his much anticipated sophomore album, Flyover, on October 24, 2025 — a spacious, haunting, and deeply personal exploration of place, memory, and the quiet emotional weather systems of adulthood. The album arrives six years after Rawlins' critically-acclaimed 2019 debut Bring on the Rain, and stands as both a sonic evolution and a return home, in more ways than one. Flyover has been praised by Michael Doherty’s Music Log as “delivered with a voice that is true, a voice with a desire to make sense of experience, a voice that is easy to connect to.” Americana Highways writes of the album: “No matter what words Rawlins sings, his pristine voice is ever so convincing and sincere.”

Qrunch is a jazz/funk/r&b band comprised of some of the top pro musicians in the Chicago area. Oozing jazz and funk flair, we bring crunchy chords and sweet reharmonizations to pop songs, jazz standards, VGM, and contemporary jazz! Experience your favorite songs like you’ve never heard them before!

Heralded by Rolling Stone, Billboard Magazine and The New York Times and featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered”, Amy Speace was discovered by Judy Collins, who signed her to her record label and has recorded her songs. She’s the 2020 winner of the AMA UK’s International Song of the Year. Her newest record, “The American Dream,” was released October 18th and became the #1 record and the title track was named #1 song in the FAI Radio Charts for its first month out. Her song, “The Weight of the World” was named the #4 record of last decade by WFUV, NYC. As well, her song, “The Sea and the Shore” was named as one of the 100 best folk songs of the era. She will be releasing a single of Woody Guthrie’s “Plane Wreck at Los Gatos” this summer accompanied by a video, to help raise awareness for the ACLU. A writer’s writer, her forthcoming debut collection of poetry will be published by Red Hen Press in Spring 2027. She holds an MFA in poetry from Spalding University and is a professor of creative writing at Cumberland University. This summer, she published, “To The Performer: A Singer-Songwriter’s Handbook” based on her 20 years of teaching performance.

Sign up at 4:00pm | open mic starts at 5:00pm

Join us for our Shure sponsored Open Mic! For over 25 years, we have hosted Chicago’s up and coming musicians at our Shure Sponsored open mic that was recently voted “Chicago’s best open mic” by the Chicago reader. Ours is a competition where the winners of each week are entered into the semi-finals, and the winners from the semis are entered into the finale. Prizes from the finale have been many things of value to musicians in the past such as Shure microphones, studio time, and cash prizes. If you think you have what it takes to be our next open mic winner, come on down and give it a shot!

Originally from Chicagoland, Becky Wills is a writer based in the UK. She received a BA from DePaul University, an MFA from The New School, and a PhD from University of Surrey, where she teaches creative writing. She is the founder of Own Your Life Writing, a not-for-profit organization offering educational resources and tools to give people the confidence, skills, and support to write their own life experiences. Her novel-in-fragments, Stun, is forthcoming from Tortoise Books.

The Graduate Reading Series is hosted by Depaul University's Graduate Creative Writing and Publishing Program and will feature six graduate student writers who will share their works of poetry, fiction, and/or creative nonfiction. It's an opportunity for writers and readers to come together and celebrate creative storytelling!

The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required for entry. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and the reading will start at 7 p.m.

Sign up at 4:00pm | open mic starts at 5:00pm

Join us for our Shure sponsored Open Mic! For over 25 years, we have hosted Chicago’s up and coming musicians at our Shure Sponsored open mic that was recently voted “Chicago’s best open mic” by the Chicago reader. Ours is a competition where the winners of each week are entered into the semi-finals, and the winners from the semis are entered into the finale. Prizes from the finale have been many things of value to musicians in the past such as Shure microphones, studio time, and cash prizes. If you think you have what it takes to be our next open mic winner, come on down and give it a shot!

The St. John Family Hour is a dad/daughter trio celebrating the recent release of their third album Lots of Love. Their evocative original songs feature their patented harmonies and lyrics that hit home. Their eponymously titled debut came out in 2023 followed by 2024’s Come Right In. They were finalists last year in the DCASE Chicago Made contest, and over the years principal songwriter Marlon St. John has appeared several times on the Uncommon Ground stage as well as many other venues in the region as a solo performer and with Houston based singer-songwriter Mark Zeus.

Ella St. John released her self-penned debut EP Space and Time in August of 2025 with a few of the songs getting added to playlists on Spotify garnering a quickly growing following. She followed that up by releasing a single “Lucky” with the band Midnight Blue in February. She has made two notable Get Amped appearances at The Metro as a solo singer-songwriter, and on her own or with a band her well crafted songs have a maturity that belies her seventeen years.

Langdon Kennedy is a singer-songwriter on the fringe of popularity and on the cusp of a complete Corporate America exodus. He was born Eric Langdon Kennedy in Joliet, IL, in the shadows of Stateville Prison. He lived in an island town called Wilmington, growing up blocks away from the historic Route 66. Surrounded by water and farmland, Langdon and his four siblings relied on homegrown entertainment, peppered with musical influences like Johnny Cash, comedians like Richard Pryor and cross-culture, hybrid entertainers like Steve Martin and Spike Jones.

If you catch Langdon live on stage, you’ll be treated to an evening of stories, tall tales, catchy hooks, basic harmonica riffs and a Wisconsin-made Porch Board. He’ll take you back to a time when people gathered in living rooms and screenless entertainment abounded.

Just the Tim is a Chicago-based acoustic singer-songwriter blending Americana, folk, and blues into moody, melodic storytelling. His songs mix warmth, grit, and subtle humor, carried by a raw vocal style and a rhythmic, percussive guitar approach.

Performing across Chicago’s bars, breweries, markets, and intimate listening rooms, Tim brings a grounded presence and an honest delivery that resonates with audiences. His original material explores the quiet corners of everyday life, love, loneliness, late nights, early mornings, all with a style that feels both familiar and uniquely his own.

Whether solo or collaborating with fellow artists, Just the Tim is easy to listen to, easy to book, and hard to forget.

Chicago has produced incredible music over the years. Joe Di Zillo continues this tradition with his brand of rock and roll, indie pop/rock, bluesy rock, and folk rock music. His ability to infuse different genres into his sound has helped him stand out and capture the attention of music lovers everywhere. Whether it's his heartfelt ballads or his energetic anthems, Joe's music has a way of resonating with audiences and leaving a lasting impression. He continues to captivate fans with his voice, imaginative lyrics, and electrifying performances.

Since 2002, Joe Di Zillo has been writing his contagious music. He’s played at legendary venues in Chicago such as Double Door, Beat Kitchen, Empty Bottle and the Fireside Bowl. On top of that, he has played many successful shows across Illinois and internationally. He has been on live radio in Illinois and in Manchester, England. His two albums, Concrete Trees and Abstract Clouds, have been sold to numerous people. Bringing It Back, is his latest album that has been released on vinyl records.

Sign up at 4:00pm | open mic starts at 5:00pm

Join us for our Shure sponsored Open Mic! For over 25 years, we have hosted Chicago’s up and coming musicians at our Shure Sponsored open mic that was recently voted “Chicago’s best open mic” by the Chicago reader. Ours is a competition where the winners of each week are entered into the semi-finals, and the winners from the semis are entered into the finale. Prizes from the finale have been many things of value to musicians in the past such as Shure microphones, studio time, and cash prizes. If you think you have what it takes to be our next open mic winner, come on down and give it a shot!

Irene Phillips is an acoustic cover artist currently based in Chicago, IL. Growing up in Milwaukee, she was always a singer, but decided to take up guitar during 2020. She graduated with her BA in Theatre from Loyola University Chicago in 2023 and decided to start performing live music to continue that creative outlet. It was in live music she found her true passion! Covering songs from multiple eras and genres, Irene has often been inspired by the great singer/songwriters: ranging from Joni Mitchell, to Carole King, to Taylor Swift. With her midwestern roots and pure love for performing, she hopes to bring audiences of all generations joy through her music. @irenephillipsmusic

This is an intimate, seated dinner show featuring Lynn Live Vocals!

Lynn Live Vocals is a pop chill acoustic duo that has been playing all over Chicago and suburbs for years. The charming lead vocalist Lynn Nardelli & her fabulous guitarist, Mikey Harms are sure to entertain with their amazingly curated playlist, originals and harmonies. A perfect night out! Enjoy this wonderful duo as a cool part of the Chicago live music scene. Follow on Instagram @lynnlivevocals

Sign up at 4:00pm | open mic starts at 5:00pm

Join us for our Shure sponsored Open Mic! For over 25 years, we have hosted Chicago’s up and coming musicians at our Shure Sponsored open mic that was recently voted “Chicago’s best open mic” by the Chicago reader. Ours is a competition where the winners of each week are entered into the semi-finals, and the winners from the semis are entered into the finale. Prizes from the finale have been many things of value to musicians in the past such as Shure microphones, studio time, and cash prizes. If you think you have what it takes to be our next open mic winner, come on down and give it a shot!

Born and raised in rural central Illinois, David Singley is a singer- songwriter-guitarist living in Saint Paul, Minnesota, whose music is born of the street, the country, and the academy. An experienced veteran with decades of backing world-class artists and performers, he has recently joined the “Great Resignation” and set his sights on his own artistic pursuits. His music evokes the golden era of the singer-songwriter: the late ’60’s and early-to-mid ’70’s; with its chameleonic stylistic twists and turns, as well as its memorable melodies and insightful, poetic lyrics. His music expresses a point-of-view that is at once highly personal and triumphantly global. His voice evokes traces of many of his influences: James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, Jim Croce, Jackson Browne, Dan Fogelberg, and many others. His guitar playing is at once highly focused and passionate, impressive, yet always absolutely appropriate to the song at hand.

Donna has been present in the Chicago music scene for many years, soaking up the influences of Steve Goodman, John Prine and other Chicago icons like Tom Dundee.She is noted for having a beautiful singing voice, writing catchy short-story-like songs, with a style ranging from folk/Americana and sometimes country. Donna has a history that goes back to the early days of the Uncommon Ground on Clark, lending a song to their Compilation CD, Live at the Uncommon Ground, Volume I and she participated in the first 2 Jeff Buckley Tribute shows.

The Emily Chloe Quinn Ensemble is an original baroque-pop music group based in Chicago. The songs feature prominent piano with mellotron, flute, bass guitar, and sometimes drums/percussion, with a modern pop spin on a classical chamber style. Emily's pointed, story-like lyrics and infectious melodies inspire introspection with philosophical musings. The ensemble exhibits a vintage-modern aesthetic with a glimmer of timelessness.

Members of the ensemble include singer-songwriter Emily Chloe Quinn on voice/piano/keys, Paul Vincent on bass and backing vocals, Caylee Wells on flute, and Eric Pancer on drums. They are working on their first full-length album with hopes of releasing it before the close of 2026.

Sign up at 4:00pm | open mic starts at 5:00pm

Join us for our Shure sponsored Open Mic! For over 25 years, we have hosted Chicago’s up and coming musicians at our Shure Sponsored open mic that was recently voted “Chicago’s best open mic” by the Chicago reader. Ours is a competition where the winners of each week are entered into the semi-finals, and the winners from the semis are entered into the finale. Prizes from the finale have been many things of value to musicians in the past such as Shure microphones, studio time, and cash prizes. If you think you have what it takes to be our next open mic winner, come on down and give it a shot!

Rolled Oats for dinner. This up-and-coming Chicago band is wrapping up their debut EP. Come join them for a bite and a sneak peek at the music the Oats have been hard at work creating. Pulling inspiration from Jack Johnson, Norah Jones, Hiss Golden Messenger, and others, Rolled Oats has a sound that is acoustic at its core and expanded from there, into the band. Their music is honest, warm and inviting, perfect for a casual & intimate night at Uncommon Ground.

Backstory SparkNotes: Previously known as What's Her Face... her face has since been identified, the name suddenly less relevant, and the next chapter of live performances kicking off Wednesday, April 29th under Rolled Oats.

Midnight Blue composed of members Asher Buttice(drums), James Heitz(guitar), Marvin Salinas(bass) and Ella St. John(vocals) formed in August of 2025. They made their unofficial debut at the Uptown Tap Room on October 5th of that same year. On February 10th they released their first single ‘lucky’, a passionate and intense indie rock song. Since then, they have appeared on WZRD radio and have continued writing new music.

Adam Cotton is an independent songwriter, singer, multi-instrumentalist and producer. Born in Connecticut and raised by his single mother, Cotton found inspiring space in music early on, growing up with the sounds of Bill Withers, Culture Club, Springsteen and Bowie on repeat. When his family moved to Florida while in grade school, Cotton was introduced to bluegrass and folk scenes before moving to and studying music in Chicago where his affinity for blues and soul grew.

Matt Augustine is a Chicago-based performing songwriter blending folk, indie, and country influences into heartfelt, lyric-driven songs about love and loss. His writing is deeply personal yet universally relatable, drawing listeners in with an emotional honesty that feels both raw and familiar. On stage, Matt creates a sense of shared emotion — moments where the songs feel like they belong to everyone in the room.

Elsie Eastman is a singer-songwriter based in Chicago, IL. Originally from the coast of Maine, Elsie brings joy and positivity to audiences everywhere with her playful, goofy vibe and personal, heartfelt lyrics. As a young, queer artist, her songs range from fun pop anthems about becoming an adult and one night stands to finding one’s way in the city, falling in love, and making all kinds of mistakes along the way. ​

roseli is a solo artist born and raised in Chicago, IL. Pulling influences from power pop and singer-songwriter genres, she displays a wide range of dance anthems and ballads. Since starting her project, roseli has performed at historic venues, such as the Canopy Club, and the basements of DIY house shows. Whether it's a full band performance or a stripped acoustic set, roseli captivates audiences with her honest lyrics and lively energy!

He has lived all across the Midwest, but now he calls Chicago home. Kyle J-E always brings catchy melodies and emotive harmony on the keyboard. His music is often somewhere near either the jazz or the soul realms, but his wide variety of influences takes him in many different directions. He is a piano teacher in Chicago and he also enjoys getting on stage every chance he gets. You will hear his unique approach to keyboards with his own tunes and covers of his favorite songs, often in a different genre than the original. You can hear him playing his original compositions on the organ with his band at Uncommon Ground.

A Milwaukee native, Bridget Cushman is a vocalist/performer currently based out of Minneapolis. She leads multiple bands within the Twin Cities ranging from her own original funk/pop band, B n' the Spice Cabinet, to cover music that stretches hits from the 70's to now in the Minneapolis cover band EXPRESS. You can find influences such as Stevie Wonder, Sara Bareilles, and Lawrence within her original music, highlighting smooth vocal lines and relatable lyric material throughout her writing.

Instrumental Theatre Company is a Chicago based performing arts organization whose mission is to inspire harmony through ensemble storytelling crafted at the intersection of actors and musicians. Their work revolves around the idea that music and story go hand in hand and amplify the work in new and exciting ways. 

ITC kicked off their work with the Mixtape New Play Festival Vol.1 at Uncommon Ground in spring 2025, producing three new short plays with music / musicals, performed by a cast of actor-musicians. They then went on to a sold out run of their adaptation of Anton Chekhov's The Seagull, featuring original music devised and performed by the cast. Most recently, ITC produced a 48 hour musical theatre festival celebrating the idea that "done is better than perfect" in which 42 artists were assigned to six teams and tasked with writing, rehearsing, and performing a 15 minute original musical in just one weekend.

Instrumental is excited to return to Uncommon Ground this year with an even bigger and better festival celebrating new musically inspired storytelling. Four Wednesdays in a row, ITC will be performing a new musical or new play with music as a staged reading at UG. This new work development process will serve to continue incubating and highlighting the vast talent of theatre and music writers in Chicago, and lead to the eventual production of one or more of these new works in a future ITC season.

Indie-folk storyteller ZG Smith and rising Americana voice Madison Hughes are joining forces for a one‑of‑a‑kind tour that blends raw lyricism, magnetic harmonies, and the kind of onstage chemistry that only happens when two artists truly get each other.

Smith, known for his soulful vocals and cinematic songwriting, brings a warm, roots‑driven sound that feels both timeless and freshly carved. Hughes, whose voice moves effortlessly between tender and powerful, adds a modern edge to classic folk sensibilities.

Together, they create a live experience that’s intimate, dynamic, and deeply human—two distinct artists weaving their stories into something bigger than either could alone. Expect stripped‑back moments that hush the room, soaring duets that hit straight in the chest, and a shared energy that makes every show feel like a gathering of friends.

This tour marks a rare chance to see two fast‑rising artists at a moment of creative spark, sharing the stage, the songs, and the journey.

Instrumental Theatre Company is a Chicago based performing arts organization whose mission is to inspire harmony through ensemble storytelling crafted at the intersection of actors and musicians. Their work revolves around the idea that music and story go hand in hand and amplify the work in new and exciting ways. 

ITC kicked off their work with the Mixtape New Play Festival Vol.1 at Uncommon Ground in spring 2025, producing three new short plays with music / musicals, performed by a cast of actor-musicians. They then went on to a sold out run of their adaptation of Anton Chekhov's The Seagull, featuring original music devised and performed by the cast. Most recently, ITC produced a 48 hour musical theatre festival celebrating the idea that "done is better than perfect" in which 42 artists were assigned to six teams and tasked with writing, rehearsing, and performing a 15 minute original musical in just one weekend.

Instrumental is excited to return to Uncommon Ground this year with an even bigger and better festival celebrating new musically inspired storytelling. Four Wednesdays in a row, ITC will be performing a new musical or new play with music as a staged reading at UG. This new work development process will serve to continue incubating and highlighting the vast talent of theatre and music writers in Chicago, and lead to the eventual production of one or more of these new works in a future ITC season.

Scott Gilmore and Sarah Vitort are Fox and Bones—energetic offbeat folksters with a retro-tinged, soul-stirring, modern vintage bent. The indomitable duo has brought their optimistic Americana polish to international stages shared with the likes of Rayland Baxter, The DeadSouth, ZZ Ward, Fantastic Cat and ALOamong others. Fox and Bones’ fourth album titled "Long Time Honey” is a collaboration with esteemed songwriter Greg Holden and was awarded Best Folk/Americana Album of 2024 by the PNW Music Awards. Americana Highways(US)beamed Long Time Honey “should rightly be considered one of the best Americana albums of the year” and Naga Mag (Greece)lauded, "The much-loved vocals are so familiar and warm that you feel the love overflowing inside you" Their hardworking artistic output has earned them first place at the 2023 Tucson Folk Festival songwriting contest and second place in the International Acoustic Music Awards, amongst other accolades. In between their rigorous tour schedule, the duo founded Portland’s FolkFestival: an annual celebration of folk and Americana music at the iconic Crystal Ballroom in their hometown of Portland, Oregon.

Ever find yourself laughing at a folk song? Or getting surprisingly emotional listening to musical comedy? This show will explore the intersection of these two genres - they’re more alike than you may think!

damsel. is a Chicago-based indie folk singer-songwriter. She was nominated for the Chicago Reader’s Best Singer Songwriter of 2025 and her album soft animal was nominated for Best Local Album of the Year.

Matthew Hawkins is a folk musician out of Belfast, Maine. Their newly-released debut album Get Right! is just a pure romp.

Lizzie Kaniecki is a Chicago-based standup, sketch, and musical comedian. Her songs will make you laugh, dance, and go “oh you know that’s right”. Among many other ventures, Lizzie co-produces “Sunday Best” a weekly stand-up showcase at the Lincoln Lodge.

Pretty Lee is a local, bona fide multi-hyphenate! As a musical comedian and singer-songwriter with an upcoming EP, their music will have you experiencing the full range of human emotion.

Madeline Wilson is a local writer and musical comedian who on top of contributing headlines to Reductress is currently transitioning from playing ukulele to guitar, which is huge.

Like a clowder of cats, Fret Knot is what it’s called when Lizzie Kaniecki and Madeline Wilson play together, comedically.

Instrumental Theatre Company is a Chicago based performing arts organization whose mission is to inspire harmony through ensemble storytelling crafted at the intersection of actors and musicians. Their work revolves around the idea that music and story go hand in hand and amplify the work in new and exciting ways. 

ITC kicked off their work with the Mixtape New Play Festival Vol.1 at Uncommon Ground in spring 2025, producing three new short plays with music / musicals, performed by a cast of actor-musicians. They then went on to a sold out run of their adaptation of Anton Chekhov's The Seagull, featuring original music devised and performed by the cast. Most recently, ITC produced a 48 hour musical theatre festival celebrating the idea that "done is better than perfect" in which 42 artists were assigned to six teams and tasked with writing, rehearsing, and performing a 15 minute original musical in just one weekend.

Instrumental is excited to return to Uncommon Ground this year with an even bigger and better festival celebrating new musically inspired storytelling. Four Wednesdays in a row, ITC will be performing a new musical or new play with music as a staged reading at UG. This new work development process will serve to continue incubating and highlighting the vast talent of theatre and music writers in Chicago, and lead to the eventual production of one or more of these new works in a future ITC season.

Instrumental Theatre Company is a Chicago based performing arts organization whose mission is to inspire harmony through ensemble storytelling crafted at the intersection of actors and musicians. Their work revolves around the idea that music and story go hand in hand and amplify the work in new and exciting ways. 

ITC kicked off their work with the Mixtape New Play Festival Vol.1 at Uncommon Ground in spring 2025, producing three new short plays with music / musicals, performed by a cast of actor-musicians. They then went on to a sold out run of their adaptation of Anton Chekhov's The Seagull, featuring original music devised and performed by the cast. Most recently, ITC produced a 48 hour musical theatre festival celebrating the idea that "done is better than perfect" in which 42 artists were assigned to six teams and tasked with writing, rehearsing, and performing a 15 minute original musical in just one weekend.

Instrumental is excited to return to Uncommon Ground this year with an even bigger and better festival celebrating new musically inspired storytelling. Four Wednesdays in a row, ITC will be performing a new musical or new play with music as a staged reading at UG. This new work development process will serve to continue incubating and highlighting the vast talent of theatre and music writers in Chicago, and lead to the eventual production of one or more of these new works in a future ITC season.

Attack the Sound is a Chicago-based Chi-Pop (indie soul/pop) band blending soulful songwriting with alternative and modern pop production. Led by Davo Sounds, ATS broke through with “FADIYA” and now builds a fast-growing audience across Chicago and Mexico City, supported by international playlists and award-winning visuals

Wicked Drawl fuses country, classical and soulful folk with a theatrical edge. Based in Chicago, they craft a sound that's as rich in tradition as it is boundary-pushing. Led by composer Keith Kusterer, the group features the powerhouse vocals of Christina Pecce, the driving upright bass of Jeffrey Parker and the virtuosic piano & songwriting of Casey Cross.

With dynamic harmonies, genre-defying original arrangements and a memorable live presence, Wicked Drawl delivers music that resonates deeply with all audiences. Their first full-length album will be released on vinyl this Fall.

The Buffalo Ryders - singer-guitarist Joe Risdon, drummer Mike Lupica, bassist Mike Coduto hail from Akron, Ohio. Known for their blend of raw, riff-heavy alternative rock, the band is touring the midwest and southeast in support of their latest album “Never on Time." Risdon and Lupica founded the band with their debut EP “Egghead” (2019) followed up by their debut full-length album “Where the Liars Go” (2021), sophomore album “Going Nowhere” (2022), and newest album “ Never on Time” (2024). More information on The Buffalo Ryders can be found on social media and at www.buffaloryders.com.

Founded by songwriters Allen Rein and Mark Burns, The Real Jane Martin has been bringing its unique brand of catchy, insightful acoustic rock to Chicago-area venues since 2007. They have released two studio EPs: Simple Math and North of Nowhere, blending pop hooks and folk-rock instrumentation with bittersweet lyric imagery. TRJM continues to expand its sound, adding innovative percussionist Jonathan Singer to the mix in 2026.

Hannah Frank is an indie songwriter creating lyrical pop music that tips its hat to blues, traditional folk, roots, spoken word and rock. Highlights include releasing a jazz vocal 7″ record on NYC-based Random Chance Records, and performing with her original band Hannah Frank Group at Chicago’s House of Blues and Mayne Stage. In this show, she is joined by collaborator Meg Thomas on percussion.

Lucy Holden is a singer/songwriter from Chicago. She travels around the country full-time, drawing lyrical inspiration from alpine hikes, canyon camping, and desert flowers. Her musical style is heavily influenced by her background of folk music, having grown up playing Irish tunes, attending Bluegrass festivals, and obsessing over Québécois foot-tapping fiddlers. She brings a multi-instrumental perspective to her music, often switching between guitar, mandolin, and violin during each performance. Her songs read like journal entries, honest and fluid, driven by percussive playing. Her first album will come out in August 2026.