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.

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 Mixtape New Works Festival Vol. 2 Presents CODE by Brandon Jackson Baird

Code is a contemporary musical that follows the brief, brilliant life of Ben, a young doctor whose future is stolen by a catastrophic complication during a biopsy for terminal cancer. At its heart is Jane—Ben’s closest friend and a perfectionist physician-in-training—who freezes at the moment he needs her most.

Code confronts the emotional terrain of mortality, duty, and guilt, urging audiences to face the conversations we so often avoid: how we want to live at the end of our lives—and how we want to be remembered. Its pop-infused score is underscored by a continuous, orchestrated heartbeat—a sonic embodiment of the body that lies motionless on stage, pulling the audience into Ben’s lived memories, his fading sensations, and his quiet, urgent desires.

This is a concert reading of a new musical in development. 

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. 

ITC is excited to return to Uncommon Ground this year with a festival celebrating new musically inspired storytelling. This new work development process provides time and space to workshop new musicals and new plays with music, highlighting the talent of Chicago's theatre and music writers.

The Mixtape New Works Festival Vol. 2 Presents CODE by Brandon Jackson Baird

Code is a contemporary musical that follows the brief, brilliant life of Ben, a young doctor whose future is stolen by a catastrophic complication during a biopsy for terminal cancer. At its heart is Jane—Ben’s closest friend and a perfectionist physician-in-training—who freezes at the moment he needs her most.

Code confronts the emotional terrain of mortality, duty, and guilt, urging audiences to face the conversations we so often avoid: how we want to live at the end of our lives—and how we want to be remembered. Its pop-infused score is underscored by a continuous, orchestrated heartbeat—a sonic embodiment of the body that lies motionless on stage, pulling the audience into Ben’s lived memories, his fading sensations, and his quiet, urgent desires.

This is a concert reading of a new musical in development. 

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. 

ITC is excited to return to Uncommon Ground this year with a festival celebrating new musically inspired storytelling. This new work development process provides time and space to workshop new musicals and new plays with music, highlighting the talent of Chicago's theatre and music writers.

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.

The Mike Hershenson Band features the unique chemistry between composer and keyboardist Jeff Kier, guitarist Mike Hershenson, and master drummer Harold Morrison.  The band delights their audience with unforgettable melodies and jazz grooves.

THE TIM HORT PROJECT with SECRETS OF THE BEEHIVE and NO HERO

“Tim Hort is experienced at performing powerful music. I highly recommend seeing this guy play live.” — AllWhatsRock.com

THE TIM HORT PROJECT  has been described as a “modern throwback to the 80s with a poetic twist.” (lndie Arts Alliance) Hort, who has recorded with Grammy-winning contributors, charted in the Top 100 US College Radio in 2025, and again in 2026.   Illinois Entertainer writes, “Hort is a fine songwriter, and the band grabs the material and runs with it."

SECRETS OF THE BEEHIVE was formed in 2014 by multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Jason Winslade as a vehicle for music written around the fire with his shruti box. Loosely fitting into the category of alternative folk rock, Secrets of the Beehive wears its post-punk roots on its sleeve, along with touches of jazz, prog rock, ritual music, and traditional forms.

NO HERO is going unplugged this time around with its roots-driven songwriting from frontmen Allen Rendel and Freddy Harboe. The music is true to the Americana tradition and to the melodic sounds reminiscent of 1960s folk rock.

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 Mixtape New Works Festival Vol. 2 Presents Ikkan and the Sunweaver by Bennett Petersen, with music by Samuel Perlman

Uri, an immortal child of Helios and Gaia, lives on a hidden island with his Brother Tree and his animal friends, where he quietly maintains the natural world by weaving sunlight. On an island where he has everything he could need, Uri wants nothing... until Ikkan, a human, washes ashore with no explanation. Ikkan has everything that Uri doesn’t: cleverness, ambition, and a song in his heart that begs desperately to be heard. Uri has everything Ikkan doesn’t: humility, self-assuredness, and the ability to shape sunlight itself. But as they try to find a way off the island for Ikkan, the two men are inexorably drawn closer together, and Uri will discover just how much must be sacrificed for Ikkan to stay.

This is a concert reading of a new play with music in development. 

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. 

ITC is excited to return to Uncommon Ground this year with a festival celebrating new musically inspired storytelling. This new work development process provides time and space to workshop new musicals and new plays with music, highlighting the talent of Chicago's theatre and music writers.

The Mixtape New Works Festival Vol. 2 Presents Ikkan and the Sunweaver by Bennett Petersen, with music by Samuel Perlman

Uri, an immortal child of Helios and Gaia, lives on a hidden island with his Brother Tree and his animal friends, where he quietly maintains the natural world by weaving sunlight. On an island where he has everything he could need, Uri wants nothing... until Ikkan, a human, washes ashore with no explanation. Ikkan has everything that Uri doesn’t: cleverness, ambition, and a song in his heart that begs desperately to be heard. Uri has everything Ikkan doesn’t: humility, self-assuredness, and the ability to shape sunlight itself. But as they try to find a way off the island for Ikkan, the two men are inexorably drawn closer together, and Uri will discover just how much must be sacrificed for Ikkan to stay.

This is a concert reading of a new play with music in development. 

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. 

ITC is excited to return to Uncommon Ground this year with a festival celebrating new musically inspired storytelling. This new work development process provides time and space to workshop new musicals and new plays with music, highlighting the talent of Chicago's theatre and music writers.

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.

From theater performer to full-time busker and wanderer, performing at festivals and cafes, Sam Ness has shared the stage with America, Styx, Night Ranger, Chris Barron (Spin Doctors), and many others. Mixing Traditional Folk/Americana roots with an Indie feel, Sam Ness finds inspiration in the ancient cobblestone streets across the globe. Sometimes wild and dance oriented, other moments raw, emotional, and punctuated by moments of silence, Sam’s show changes every night. His percussive playing paired with an assortment of special effects including a loop system, have built a sound larger than some full bands.

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.

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 Mixtape New Works Festival Vol. 2 Presents Heel Turn by Eric Matthew Richardson

It's no stretch to compare wrestling and theatre. But this isn't about the goings on within the ring – those poor players who strut and fret their hours upon the stage. It's about the intersection of art and commerce. The structures of power that prey upon desperate artists, using and abusing them in a never-ending game of he-said, she-said. It's about co-opted social movements. It's about the normalization of crypto-fascism and the American theatre's complicity. 

This new rock infused musical challenges the conventions of the stage through the world of professional wrestling in the sort of chaotic, frenzied, and raw way that Chicago storefront theatre does so well.

This is a concert reading of a new musical in development. 

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. 

ITC is excited to return to Uncommon Ground this year with a festival celebrating new musically inspired storytelling. This new work development process provides time and space to workshop new musicals and new plays with music, highlighting the talent of Chicago's theatre and music writers.

The Mixtape New Works Festival Vol. 2 Presents Heel Turn by Eric Matthew Richardson

It's no stretch to compare wrestling and theatre. But this isn't about the goings on within the ring – those poor players who strut and fret their hours upon the stage. It's about the intersection of art and commerce. The structures of power that prey upon desperate artists, using and abusing them in a never-ending game of he-said, she-said. It's about co-opted social movements. It's about the normalization of crypto-fascism and the American theatre's complicity. 

This new rock infused musical challenges the conventions of the stage through the world of professional wrestling in the sort of chaotic, frenzied, and raw way that Chicago storefront theatre does so well.

This is a concert reading of a new musical in development. 

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. 

ITC is excited to return to Uncommon Ground this year with a festival celebrating new musically inspired storytelling. This new work development process provides time and space to workshop new musicals and new plays with music, highlighting the talent of Chicago's theatre and music writers.

Chris Kent is a natural born singer/songwriter who lands somewhere between folk and rock & roll, with deep country roots. Known for their big pipes and vulnerable strength, they fill up space with their unapologetic sound. They credit legends like Johnny Cash, Tracy Chapman, The Judds, and Judy Garland for helping them hone a knack for fearless release.

Mario McClean is a singer-songwriter from Columbia, SC, whose music blends the storytelling of alternative folk with the deep, soulful melodies of modern soul.

Urban Hours proudly presents The Uptown Series. A live music experience featuring Black Harmonix with special guests Mykah Estelle & D’vana D!

Experience an unforgettable night of live music and elevated sound, featuring Mykah Estelle, a soulful songwriter whose rich vocals and honest storytelling bring depth, warmth, and emotional clarity to every performance.

Also taking the stage is D’vana D, a prodigious young talent with exceptional vocal ability and electric penmanship as an artist, rapidly rising through the ranks with a sound and presence that commands attention.

At the center of the experience is Black Harmonix, a Chicagoland-based collective of elite musicians featuring vocalist Krissy Love, guitarists Robert Sykes and Mayo, bassist Tae, and drummer DJ—known for seamlessly blending multiple genres into one cohesive, high-level sonic experience.

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 Mixtape New Works Festival Vol. 2 Presents The Incredible and Definitely True Tale of Franz Mesmer by Rachel Chin and Sammy Grob

In 1776, a man of no importance among Vienna's idle rich, discovers the power of "Raw Animal Magnetism" and sets out to heal all of Austria, aided by his butler-turned-disciple Antoine and his dutiful wife Anna Maria. This farcical play with songs follows Franz Mesmer's rise as the purveyor of the trendiest cure-all in Europe, navigating exile, encounters with Marie Antoinette and Benjamin Franklin, and ultimately a royally commissioned investigation that pits his miracle cure against the scientific method itself.

This is a concert reading of a new play with songs in development. 

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. 

ITC is excited to return to Uncommon Ground this year with a festival celebrating new musically inspired storytelling. This new work development process provides time and space to workshop new musicals and new plays with music, highlighting the talent of Chicago's theatre and music writers.

Lily & The Vow is determined to bring back guitar solos. This classic rock inspired indie band from Chicago fuses folk, blues, and pop to create something eerily familiar yet fresh. Music to flip pancakes to. Their debut EP Was This Fun for You? is set to release this Summer featuring their groovy unrequited love tune, “Lovers”. Catch them performing at Chicago staples like Montrose Saloon, Uncommon Ground, The Underground Lounge, and Lakeview Porch Fest in June!

Created in 2021, Chipotle Friday is the passion project of Natalie Briggs and Haley Wilson. The singing duo met at the University of Illinois while completing their degrees in Music Education. They bonded during the pandemic over their passion for singing covers and eating Chipotle, eventually turning to Instagram Live every Friday to perform their favorite songs for friends and family. The pair primarily performs covers, working up unique arrangements for two voices and guitar. They adapt a wide variety of songs to fit their folk style, and are well versed in many genres of music including Americana & Roots, Musical Theater, and Pop. Chipotle Friday can be seen performing around the Chicagoland Area and posting semi-regularly on their Instagram and Youtube accounts.

Zach Sorkin is a Chicago-based jazz drummer and composer who brings a broad musical background and sense of musicality to the drum set. With a background in piano and other instruments, and deep roots in numerous musical styles, Sorkin’s music draws on a wide range of influences and approaches. He has shared the stage with world-renowned musicians such as Jaleel Shaw, Warren Wolf, Marquis Hill, Steve Davis, and Tia Fuller. Sorkin was recently selected to participate in the prestigious Ravinia Steans Institute’s Program for Jazz, and is currently in his third year at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he is studying drum set performance and jazz composition. His quintet will play a set of his original compositions mixed with standard jazz repertoire and other contemporary jazz selections.

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

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!

This show features local artists Danny McDermed with his soulful and reflective style and Lainey Jean with her folk and pop style. With headliner Jessie Vespera from Michigan showcasing her emotive soundscapes. Join us for a show layered with depth, deep emotions and explore the realms of storytelling with us!

Michael Cali, a Filipino-American Indie-Pop/R&B artist, is based in the Chicagoland area. Michael competed in an international singing competition based in Los Angeles, California where he won the People’s Choice Award in 2024. He was a headliner for the Midwest Filipino American Summit (MFAS) at St. Louis University and most recently was one of the opening acts for TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan’s “In Between” Tour show in Chicago. He was a finalist for DePaul University’s Battle of the Bands competition and sold out his first headlining performance at BookClub Chicago.

SIMM is an Indie-Americana musician and recording artist based in Chicago, Illinois. His latest single, 'Reckless' combines Indie Rock influences with a 1950s Motown style, all while depicting the falling-headfirst feeling of falling for someone new. After recently returning from Austin, Texas where he performed in 4 unofficial SXSW showcases, SIMM opened a sold out hometown show for Ellie Banke at Beat Kitchen.

Michael Quiroz is a 23-year-old singer-songwriter from Chicago, Illinois. 12 years of music experience has given Michael a solid intellectual base of music theory and lyricism. Drawing upon the grungy sounds of the early 2000s era of pop rock and the emotional melodies of 90s RnB, Michael transports you back to the age where love conquered all.

GIO is a singer/songwriter from New York who writes and performs authentic, introspective original music. Their forthcoming album “Even Now” explores life, love, and loss told through confessional and honest lyrics paired with Spanish guitar. In addition to music, they have published films and writings and have recently received a Wagner Fellowship from the Byrdcliffe Society for their art.

Born on the roads of America - Gandy Gumbo are music archeologists exploring the stories of America through original music. Bringing stories to the stage, Gandy Gumbo is all about the original songs we play and the deep tracks we unearth. Stirring a pot of Americana, Folk and Blues, Gandy Gumbo acoustic trio is: Albie Powers, Mark Blank and Danny Yo.

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!

Fielder is the Nashville-based duo of Addison Agen and Skye Peterson. Inspired by artists like Patty Griffin, Phoebe Bridgers, Noah Gundersen, and Kacey Musgraves, Fielder's music is thoughtful, spirited, and heartfelt. Their debut self-titled album released in August 2025, and they spent the rest of the year touring the country opening for The Arcadian Wild.

Caryn Dixon’s journey in country music is rooted in authenticity, resilience, and emotional connection. Hailing from central Pennsylvania, she discovered her passion for songwriting at just seven years old and has grown into an artist deeply committed to sharing honest, lived-in stories that resonate far beyond the song. Caryn has been recognized by Cowgirl Magazine and The Women of Country, and she regularly collaborates with Nashville’s top songwriters and producers.

Zack Fedor is an Illinois-based singer-songwriter and Americana/country artist, hailing from the small farming community of Waverly, IL, where he began performing in local taverns as early as 2011. Known for his raw, engaging solo shows that feel like an "amplified hangout session"—complete with heartfelt storytelling, witty sarcasm, philosophical twists, and sing-along barroom vibes—he blends rootsy country, rock 'n' roll, and twangy influences drawn from personal experiences of hardship, love, loss, drinking, and small-town life.

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.

Phil Yates is the songwriter behind the Chicago power pop band Phil Yates & The Affiliates. His songs have been described as "hyperliterate pop-rock with shades of Elvis Costello and Big Star," although his solo sets leans into what he describes as songs that are "too folky for the rockers and too rocky for the folkers." His last album with the Affiliates, 2022's A Thin Thread, was released by the power pop boutique label Futureman Records. Through the years, Phil has shared the stage with a variety of artists that include The Mountain Goats, The Babies, The Dead Milkmen's Joe Jack Talcum, The Folk Implosion's John Davis, Holly Golightly & The Brokeoffs, and Anderson East. Phil has also shared a basket of chips and salsa with The Apples in Stereo’s Robert Schneider. Buy him a drink and he will gladly tell you that story!

Shannon Baker and her catalogue of melodic original songs have been a mainstay in musical venues all over Chicago. Her backing band The Burners (Dan Kane, Michael Fitz, Bobby Puetz, and Pat Corbett) add sonic layers to a rich collection of songs that leave an echo of nostalgia for the classics while remaining consistently fresh throughout.

Axons is the songwriting project of Chicago civil rights lawyer Adele Nicholas. She writes pop songs that reflect on questions that she wrestles with in her professional life — the boundary between justice and vengeance, the limits of compassion, and the ways, quotidian and dramatic, that regular lives can go off the rails.

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!

Henry Alanna is a folk/alternative singer-songwriter with a love of all things earnest and absurd. They make their music for the freaks and geeks, the lovers and fighters, and the make-it-alright-ers. Whether you’re having a breakdown, a breakthrough, or just need a break, Henry’s songs are an invitation to cradle the soft parts of yourself with care.

Sunflower Summit (she/they) is a queer Latinx Chicago based artist, writing and performing music that hits right in the feels! Sunflower Summit blends pop, country, and folk, to tell a story of hope and community. “Keep on Hoping” - a collection of politically charged music - is set to release Summer ‘26! Made up of vocalist and writer Maria Requena, cellist Allison Hill, lap steel guitarist Jackie Walter, drummer Dan Munck, and guitarist Justin Merchan, the group creates intimate and cozy energy for every performance that any listener can connect with!

dmb the etymology is the groovy and explosive indie project of devyn-marshall brown.

Do you yearn? Are you in awe of the world around you? Do you feel sexy and a little haunted? Ask your doctors about Apres Pompeii. Apres Pompeii is a singer-songwriter known to treat these symptoms, and more. Side-effects of listening to Apres Pompeii include existentialism, falling in love with everyone you meet, and feeling like The Main Character in your life. Some listeners of Apres Pompeii may find themselves moved by the soaring vocals and poetic lyrics, genre experimentation may cause dizziness–if necessary, swoon into the arms of the person next to you. You can find Apres Pompeii on all streaming services and social media.

Mathieu Mieling is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter blending sass and soul into a modern jazz experience. Drawing inspiration from artists like Diana Krall, Fiona Apple, Macy Gray, and Nat King Cole, Mieling takes his deep love for jazz and reshapes it through a fresh, contemporary lens. With appearances at respected Chicago venues and a debut album set for release in late summer 2026, Mieling is carving out a sound that feels both classic and undeniably new.

Franki is a singer-songwriter blending pop, soul, and R&B into a raw, emotionally charged live experience. Influenced by artists like Adele, Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin, and Brittany Howard, she delivers powerhouse vocals grounded in honesty, grit, and modern storytelling. A current student at Berklee College of Music, she has released two singles and is building momentum toward her debut album. With a sound that balances vulnerability and force, Franki is carving out her space as a bold new voice in contemporary soul-driven pop.

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!

Over the course of a prolific 40+ year career, 32 releases and 17 solo albums, Rees Shad has crafted music that is both poignant and profound. He is dedicated to crafting short story songs that cross genre lines to serve the spirit of each tale he weaves and engage his audiences in deep and meaningful ways. Shad’s latest release Porcelain Angel is being lauded for its “grace and elegance” (Americana UK), “all-knowing tonality” (Americana Highways), and for “pushing the boundaries of musical storytelling” (The Rogovoy Report). For additional information, please visit www.ReesShadMusic.com.

Tim Cheesebrow started writing songs in the 90’s as a way to make sense of the world. He studied the craft in earnest while getting his degree in classical music composition, and cemented his style while volunteering at a monastery and school near New Orleans. 20 years later and he’s still at it, playing over 120 shows per year. He now has seven full-length solo albums under his belt, a published book on songwriting, a studio, a music education non-profit, and is showing no signs of slowing down. His music layers an eclectic mix of styles to create a sound with modern grooves, catchy melodies, and a sense of being grounded in deep roots. He’s known for his percussive guitar work, capo-wizardry, and an expressive voice big enough to fill any room. Tim’s lyrics are heartfelt and honest, bringing audiences with him to explore concepts of family, self-doubt, hope, grief, and the many facets of love. He looks to music as a source of healing and puts that magic to work at each performance so listeners leave with more than they expected to find. Tim’s calm and passionate presence, combined with his thoughtful song-craft, make him a favorite of intimate listening rooms.

Barely Carvallo is ambience & darkness, indecision & resolution. This emotive project from Dave Ratzek explores melancholic themes guided by chords that rest at the juxtaposition of dreamful tranquility and shadowed sorrow. Ahead of his upcoming third EP 'Sky-Lit Silhouettes', which is set to be released later this year and played in a full band setting, he'll be performing arrangements of those same songs for the very first time as a solo acoustic set.

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.

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!

Leading up to Independence Day, The Pinkerton Raid’s songwriter Jesse James DeConto will release “The Fight for Freedom was in VOGUE,” about Lee Miller, Solange D’Ayen and the Parisian artists who stood up to the Nazi occupation in the ways they knew how. “VOGUE” is among a series of narrative-driven protest singles from his upcoming full-length album, IF YOU LOVE SOMEBODY, TELL THEM, singing his story as a dad trying to hold onto hope and imagine a future for his kids in the face of American fascism and climate catastrophe.

Back home in Durham, NC, with partners like Indivisible, Jesse often leads singalongs of classic protest songs from Bob Dylan, NENA, Neil Young, 4 Non-Blondes, Crowded House and others. “The sane response to tyrants is to sing,” Jesse says on “VOGUE,” inspired by a famous quote by revolutionary painter Pablo Picasso.

On July 9 at Uncommon Ground in Chicago, he’ll trade sets with Midwestern-born, NYC-based multi-instrumentalist Claire Wellin (San Fermin, Youth in a Roman Field), who will be playing music from her new record, The Sun and Fun Capital of the Midwest, which she made with support from the New York State Council on the Arts and is comprised of songs written about her family history. Claire is active with the Kairos Center’s Songs in the Key of Resistance and is a proud member of SURJ NYC.

giverupper is the solo project of J.T. Teichert. The music represents an attempt to “give up” the masks that we wear every day. giverupper blends formally trained saxophone sounds and informal, casual guitar textures. Songwriting and style draws upon many influences, with a focus on indie rock, alternative, piano pop, and jazz. it is J.T.’s ultimate goal to “give” music and lift others “up.” giverupper’s debut EP, shorty, released on 12/20/25. 

"How can you feel nostalgic for a song you’ve never heard before? That’s how it feels when listening to ‘i like you’. The track is a fresh release." - The Limelight Chicago

“The debut of alt/indie newcomer, giverupper impresses. J.T. Teichert has exhibited a talent for songwriting and composition. The appeal is catchy melodies, simple yet vibrant progressions, and a knack for being able to produce music with familiarity to what is currently relevant while introducing a unique element.” - Fifteen Minutes of Fame

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.

Dan Navarro’s long and eclectic resume includes “songwriter,” “recording artist,” “singer”, “voice actor”, “producer”, “road warrior” and “arts advocate” in its extensive range of credits.   

His former acoustic duo, Lowen & Navarro, released 13 albums from 1990-2008, enjoyed widespread Triple A radio airplay and performed 1500 shows before Eric Lowen’s retirement in 2008 and passing from ALS in 2012. Dan set out solo in 2006.

Dan Navarro’s music probes life at its most resonant. In his rich baritone, he sings songs of heart and insight, steeped in experience, soulful tales from a long road well-traveled. 

Born and raised in upstate New York, Simon Elijah is a young Americana singer and songwriter with a clever wit and passion for storytelling. Simon blends the powerful simplicity of folk icons such as John Prine with a soaring lyricism inspired by contemporary greats such as Brandi Carlile and Jason Isbell. The result is an emerging talent who offers listeners an array of songs that are timeless, catchy, and deeply felt. His live performances are generously seasoned with humor and audience participation. Simon got his first guitar when he was 11 years old, and has been playing ever since.His debut album, Fly Out, was released in 2025 and his second album, Nameless, is scheduled for release in May 2026 with a summer tour to follow!

Simon is currently a student at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT where he is taking classes in a wide variety of subject areas. Outside of music and school, Simon enjoys many other hobbies such as woodworking, running, cycling and almost anything outdoors.