Mythology evokes images of gods, titans, demons, and beasts of every kind. Yet, it’s the spark of humanity that keeps us telling and retelling myths. It’s these stories of seduction, inheritance, and hubris that Nashville-based folk duo Haunted Like Human rekindle in the 14 songs on their third album American Mythology. Since the release of 2021’s Tall Tales & Fables, Dale Chapman and Cody Clark have been refining their sound rather than departing from it. The result is a shapely set of songs that borrow from universal lore in order to reveal intimate truths.Led by Chapman’s warmly capacious voice and Clark’s classical techniques on a steel-string guitar, the pair prove they write songs like novelists write their books, using careful detail and well-shaped characters to tell even the heaviest of stories. Whatever the topic, the songs shine with restrained arrangements and entwined harmonies. This duo tells stories so well that there’s no need to cloak them with heavy-handed production or vocal processing. Instead, Haunted Like Human lets the humanity shine through.

Ben Reneer is a self-produced indie-folk singer/songwriter who loves almond butter very much. He grew up in Utah, and currently resides in Phoenix, AZ. His childhood influences include Peter Gabriel, Coldplay, and Pete Yorn. More recently he’s been drawn to the delicate songwriting of Donovan Woods and Gregory Alan Isakov. Ben’s mom forced him to take piano lessons as a kid – which Ben violently resisted. But her persistence paid off – he may have won some battles, but she won the war. Ben worked as an industrial designer after attending college, but now applies his technical and creative mindset to his songwriting and music production. A few T.V. shows have taken note of Ben’s melancholy folk sound. His songs “27 Years”, “Swallow”, and “Off My Mind” have accompanied significant moments in Showtime’s Shameless and ABC’s The Good Doctor. On October 25th, 2024 Ben released a 12-track album -- "The Cosmos", and Ben has much more music in the pipeline.

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

The Semi-Finals include all of the individual winners from each week of this season. Performers get two songs. The two songs must be original songs written by the performer in order to advance to the Finals.

We will begin promptly at 5pm.

Free Admission

The Devil Said Jump is a queer, Americana band from Chicago. Combining the honest storytelling of old Cowboy Country music with gut-wrenching harmonies and indie production. Their new song "Make Me Buy A Gun" is out everywhere now.

Aly Wojo is a singer-songwriter from Chicago, Illinois. Her 2024 EP "Scratch the Surface," draws inspiration from early Adrianne Lenker albums, showcasing Aly's rich lyrics and sweet melodies. She is currently working on recording her debut album with plans to release in early 2026. Aly is also the lead singer and songwriter of Chicago-based indie-rock band Lace for Leisure. The group just released their debut album "It's a Gift, It's a Cage" in July 2025.

When you listen to Chris Rawlins it comes as no surprise that he was first a poet before he was a songwriter. The lyrics draw you right into his world of Midwestern landscapes, childhood homes, cities full of shadows, past lovers and dreamlike memories around every turn. His voice is quiet and humble, yet confident, and will ease all the tension around you— and could ease you to sleep if you weren’t so captivated at every word.

Dallas-born, Chicago-based Marian Runk’s life-long fascination with storytelling evolved from book arts and comics to songwriting and performing. Her second album, Two Wires and a Spark, is filled with powerful imagery shaped by this diverse artistic background. Her songs have been described as "honestly and humorously reflecting the ambiguities of being a fallible human."

King Elessar is a genre-bending Chicago rock band led by Casey Lutz (guitar, vocals) and Javon Thompson (drums, vocals). Formed in 2025, the group takes inspiration from sources ranging from Kurt Cobain to Fela Kuti. Their debut album, Dreamcatcher, released in July, starting the recording journey of the band.

Guests will be served food and beverage throughout the show by one of our attentive servers. Check in starts 30 minutes before the show. Upon arrival, the music coordinator will receive and show you to your correct seats based on the ticket you have purchased. Once sat, please do not move to a different seat, as it may have been bought by a different guest. We are excited to host a night of delicious food and amazing music for you!

The Elite Four Jazz Band is a Chicago-based quartet focused on creating jazz and synth covers of iconic video game music. The group creates music enjoyed by gamers, musicians, and everyone in between. The members of the Elite Four Jazz Band include Tommy Shermulis on woodwinds, Andy Maya on keys, Sam Frosch on bass, and Will Lawton on drums. The band met as students at Illinois State University, and continue to gig together 5 years later.

Guests will be served food and beverage throughout the show by one of our attentive servers. Check in starts 30 minutes before the show. Upon arrival, the music coordinator will receive and show you to your correct seats based on the ticket you have purchased. Once sat, please do not move to a different seat, as it may have been bought by a different guest. We are excited to host a night of delicious food and amazing music for you!

Rundown is a Chicago-based Americana band. They blend vibrant rock and grassroots folk to create an exciting live show that accumulates sounds and stories from past lives in dive bars and back porches across the country. They are currently working on their debut EP planned to release in the Fall of 2025 that brings indie and country into the same garage.

Guests will be served food and beverage throughout the show by one of our attentive servers. Check in starts 30 minutes before the show. Upon arrival, the music coordinator will receive and show you to your correct seats based on the ticket you have purchased. Once sat, please do not move to a different seat, as it may have been bought by a different guest. We are excited to host a night of delicious food and amazing music for you!

Rachel Kirby is a 23-year-old singer-songwriter from Chicago, Illinois. Inspired by all kinds of music ranging from jazz to folk to rock, her music crosses borders between genres with the heaviest influences being alternative rock and pop. These ambient and dark yet warm productions combined with her uniquely deep, rich, and powerful voice create a deep emotional experience for the listener to sink into.

Rooted in the Midwest, Caradoc Crandall crafts songs that live somewhere between folk, alt-country, and life left of the dial. His music leans into the beauty of imperfection—what manysimply call authentic.

Lainey Jean is a singer-songwriter whose music weaves the sincerity of folk withthe warm, melodic charm of acoustic pop. With a voice that invitesconnection and storytelling that lingers, Lainey Jean continues to carve out aspace where vulnerability and melody meet.

Get ready for a night of unforgettable music with What's Her Face, AG & The Groove, King, and Cam - you won't want to miss it!

Emerging folk-rock artist Allie Sandt is carving her own path in the indie scene. At just 23 years old she has made her mark with “complex and entrancing originals that mix folk, blues, and jazz together” (New Haven Independent) while finding her home onstage telling stories and joking with audiences throughout the northeast. This fall she'll be on the road on her first U.S. tour.Allie has been paving her way in the indie rock scene since she started as the frontwoman for her NY-based band Seeing Double, whose viral single “Leah” gained over sixmillion Spotify streams. Throughout the band’s two-year run, they opened for acts such as Brooke Alexx, HUNNY, Charlie Burg, Melt, and more. Sandt has since released five singles as a solo artist, including her Steely Dan-inspired “The Right Time,” which received impressive attention on TikTok garnering almost half a million Spotify streams, and a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide.” She continues to impress audiences with her vocal versatility and skillful guitar technique, while her songwriting emulates the nostalgia of the 70s rock records she grew up listening to.

Guests will be served food and beverage throughout the show by one of our attentive servers. Check in starts 30 minutes before the show. Upon arrival, the music coordinator will receive and show you to your correct seats based on the ticket you have purchased. Once sat, please do not move to a different seat, as it may have been bought by a different guest. We are excited to host a night of delicious food and amazing music for you!

Ken Markovic has been penning songs since his college days at Millikin. His music blends Americana, Indie Folk, Alternative, and Pop. Ken's songs may remind you of the music of Sam Beam (Iron and Wine), Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), Wesley Schultz (The Lumineers), and Joe Pug. Ken is also a social worker and therapist. His Practice -The Listening Star, is currently accepting clients. Ken uses music in therapy, teaching coping skills, self-expression, and self-reflection, helping to facilitate students emotional healing and personal growth.Ken moved to Nashville for a year where he signed and recorded with Lower Broadway Records and has performed at such venues as Bluebird Cafe, Cafe Coco, and Tin Roof. Ken worked with the late Drew Neely (of Drew Neely and The Heroes) at Thrifty Records. Together with Drew, Violinist Dan Fearn, and Grammy Nominated artist Jenny Franck, they released two singles, "Waves" and "Wild Things," which can be found i-Tunes, Amazon, Pandora, Spotify, and most digital distributors. Ken's songs are spiritual. He weaves intricate stories, rich with moral quandary, empathy, and recovery from trauma and addiction. His album "Grit to Gold" is out on all major streaming platforms."

Guests will be served food and beverage throughout the show by one of our attentive servers. Check in starts 30 minutes before the show. Upon arrival, the music coordinator will receive and show you to your correct seats based on the ticket you have purchased. Once sat, please do not move to a different seat, as it may have been bought by a different guest. We are excited to host a night of delicious food and amazing music for you!

The Doc Talk Show- Produced and Hosted by Jeff Spitz

Reconnect with Chi filmmakers featured in The Doc Talk Show (2016 – 2022).

Come for dinner and drinks, stay for the convos and film clips.

Non-fiction and networking for documentary lovers.

Hosted by Jeff Spitz, Producer & Co-Host of The Doc Talk Show.

Free entry

Ticket Purchase Required. Limited to 46 seats.

With over 20 years of writing and performing experience, Kim Schaefer is a self-described "twang-pop" singer-songwriter from the Chicago-area with a sound that combines folk-rock, Americana and a healthy dose of Rumours-era pop. Alongside original tunes, you never know what favorite cover songs will be performed with new rootsy reinterpretations, ranging from The Beatles to Nirvana. Early musical inspirations include 10,000 Maniacs/Natalie Merchant, Indigo Girls, Brandi Carlile, Elvis Presley, and others. On hearing Kim Schaefer perform, famous music executive and producer Clive Davis said "You're a talent. You have a beautiful voice and you're a unique songwriter. Keep it up."

Guests will be served food and beverage throughout the show by one of our attentive servers. Check in starts 30 minutes before the show. Upon arrival, the music coordinator will receive and show you to your correct seats based on the ticket you have purchased. Once sat, please do not move to a different seat, as it may have been bought by a different guest. We are excited to host a night of delicious food and amazing music for you!

Horns! Guitar! Feet Drums! Pizzaz!

Born n' raised from the vibrant music scene of Chicago, Cataplasia is a dynamic rock-n-roll band that defies categorization with their genre-blending original songs. Fueled by a potent mix of horns, guitar, and infectious foot-stomping drums, they deliver a high-energy performance packed with pizzazz that catapults audiences out of their seats and onto the dance floor. Their sound is a thrilling rollercoaster, weaving together hard rock anthems, catchy pop tunes, heartfelt love ballads, fiery protest songs, funky breakdowns, soulful blues, folk rock, metal and beyond—each track a unique testament to their creative versatility.

As one of Chicago’s hottest up-and-coming acts, Cataplasia is carving out a distinct space in the city’s storied musical landscape with their innovative approach and electrifying live shows. Cataplasia promises an unforgettable musical experience that will tickle your ear drums and get your toes tapping.

Guests will be served food and beverage throughout the show by one of our attentive servers. Check in starts 30 minutes before the show. Upon arrival, the music coordinator will receive and show you to your correct seats based on the ticket you have purchased. Once sat, please do not move to a different seat, as it may have been bought by a different guest. We are excited to host a night of delicious food and amazing music for you!

ROSA AND THE BAND:

Rosa’s bio, according to a drunk man she talked to after a show one time: “Radiant! She smiles when she sings and writes real lyrics!” Rosa is joined by The Band : Geoff Hills on bass (man beloved by lesbians) and Emily Ahrens on drums (tough arm tats, sweet heart). Together they create catchy, vengeful, romantic music and will treat you to a nice time.

Rosa’s first EP’s Not Your Good Girl and Lipstick are available on all streaming platforms. Follow her on instagram @sitwithrosa

GOOD BOY JACKSON:

Good Boy Jackson thinks a lot about sunk cost fallacy and the wildflowers in Texas. They’ve been working hard writing music for a newly changing testosterone voice and just released their first songs on Spotify this week. Give it a listen and buy them a drink before they move to California next week.Good Boy Jackson is joined by Ian Fletcher (aka Bad Boy Jackson) who has been a godsend in production, guitar, and background vocals. You can find Ian’s solo work as Chique Amoeba, wherever you stream music.

DMB THE ETYMOLOGY:

dmb the etymology is the beach rock, emo pop, indie project of vocalist and guitarist Devyn-Marshall Brown. Brown’s songs are soulful, polyrhythmic sonic worlds that cradle earnest and poignant lyrics. just come to a show.

Guests will be served food and beverage throughout the show by one of our attentive servers. Check in starts 30 minutes before the show. Upon arrival, the music coordinator will receive and show you to your correct seats based on the ticket you have purchased. Once sat, please do not move to a different seat, as it may have been bought by a different guest. We are excited to host a night of delicious food and amazing music for you!

Zach Sorkin is a Chicago-based jazz drummer and composer. His quartet will play a set of original compositions mixed with jazz standards and other covers, influenced by both classic and contemporary jazz as well as other genres. His band will feature Miriam Goroff-Behel on alto sax, Lucas Labeau on piano, and Connor Sullivan on bass.

Guests will be served food and beverage throughout the show by one of our attentive servers. Check in starts 30 minutes before the show. Upon arrival, the music coordinator will receive and show you to your correct seats based on the ticket you have purchased. Once sat, please do not move to a different seat, as it may have been bought by a different guest. We are excited to host a night of delicious food and amazing music for you!

*Any Molly's that show photo ID on the day of show at entry, receive free entry!

Molly Durand is a classically trained singer and songwriter who began her career performing under legendary conductors Sir Georg Solti and Christoph Eschenbach with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. She later starred in the American premiere of Philip Glass’s minimalist opera, and has worked with the Ladysmith Black Mambazo choir and gospel legend Richard Smallwood. She performed a musical reading for HEART’s Kick It Out alongside Nancy and Anne Wilson at Playtone Studios, and toured with The Second City. Her theater credits include collaborations with Holland Taylor (ANN) and Leslie Jordan. Based in LA, Molly is an actor and session and live vocalist with original music featured in film, TV, and podcasts. Her band, Lyra & The Light, will release an album in winter 2025. www.mollydurandmusic.com

Molly Conrad is an indie-folk pop singer/songwriter based in Buffalo, NY. Originally from Iowa, she spent a few years in Nashville recording and toured many parts of the U.S. as well as western Europe. She has four studio albums, her most recent being "Light of the Dark". Molly shares her many inner thoughts and relatable stories of heartbreak with honest, introspective lyrics, accompanying herself on acoustic guitar. Expect an unabashed authentic stage presence, as Conrad loves sharing her truth, however goofy or deep it might be. www.mollyconradmusic.com

Molly Rose is a jazz vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter in the Chicago area. She performs regularly with her own self-titled jazz group, as a solo artist, in swing bands, and in collaboration with other local musicians. Her particular passion for combining music and story has opened doors to work with artists in other media as well, including theatre, film, painting, installation, and performance art. Her music blurs genre lines, venturing into sacred, swing, modern jazz, pop, Americana folk, and rock. Molly received her undergraduate degree in music at Wheaton College. She released her first album, “Hidden Talents” in 2016, following it up with “What You Need To Find” in 2019 and “Better Together” in 2022.

Guests will be served food and beverage throughout the show by one of our attentive servers. Check in starts 30 minutes before the show. Upon arrival, the music coordinator will receive and show you to your correct seats based on the ticket you have purchased. Once sat, please do not move to a different seat, as it may have been bought by a different guest. We are excited to host a night of delicious food and amazing music for you!

After losing a parent, ending a relationship and leaving unhealthy friend circles all within a few months, theRave was forced to start a new chapter in life by exercising unfamiliar feelings of love and loss: so he turned to music and formed Spells and Curses.

But it was the loss of a family member to suicide that gave his work a focused purpose; to prove that despite our past trauma, surviving and making a better life is the ultimate revenge. Spells and Curses attempt this by creating music to explore one's "inner space", with songs that act as a “spell” to enhance the moment, or a “curse” to damn it.

Since then, the mission has been to inspire those looking to free themselves from toxic and traumatic environments. To empower people whose attempts at improving their lives are met with resistance or negativity. To show anyone that the venom of opposition can be turned into the basis of courage. This focus on love, hate, vitriol, and freedom has been the tenet of Spells and Curses’ entire output; as seen through self-produced albums (such as SUADADE and Sinful Things), to currently releasing a new song and music video every 2 months.

Billowing chords, weaving harmonies, and smartly-written melodic pop songs are what you'll hear from Sweet Hello, a Chicago-based acoustic rock band, created by Laura Doherty and Cat Tager back in 2002, where they met at Chicago's venerable Old Town School of Folk Music. Armed with acoustic guitars and mandolin, the duo's intimate and honest voices shine through on both of their albums, "Well of Wishes (2004)' and "The Pause and the Rest" (2008) produced by John Abbey. While both artists have been busy with other projects the past few years, Sweet Hello is excited to once again take the stage at Uncommon Ground.

Guests will be served food and beverage throughout the show by one of our attentive servers. Check in starts 30 minutes before the show. Upon arrival, the music coordinator will receive and show you to your correct seats based on the ticket you have purchased. Once sat, please do not move to a different seat, as it may have been bought by a different guest. We are excited to host a night of delicious food and amazing music for you!

Whitney Mongé is a Nashville-based Americana Soul singer-songwriter and guitarist whose smoky, soulful vocals and poignant lyrics reflect a journey rooted in raw authenticity. Raised in the Pacific Northwest, she honed her craft as a street performer in Seattle, where her powerful voice and heartfelt storytelling forged deep connections with audiences. Her signature style—an evocative blend of blues, rock, and indie folk—draws comparisons to artists like Tracy Chapman, Richie Havens, and Brittany Howard.A seasoned performer, Mongé has toured internationally, released four acclaimed records, and collaborated with the Seattle Symphony. Her latest release, What Would Love Do Now (2024), continues her tradition of music with heart, soul, and purpose as she prepares for her full-length debut in 2026.Cry Queen is an Appalachian drama-pop project from Asheville-born and Chicago-based musical artist Kathryn O’Shea. Known for her unmistakable voice and poignant confessional songs, Cry Queen got her name from her uncanny ability to lead listeners into a state of raw catharsis. By fusing her powerful signature vocal melodies with minimalistic electric fingerpicking, Cry Queen creates a distinctive sound as rich with ear worms as it is with emotion. Don’t worry if you find yourself crying it out, chances are you’re far from alone.

Guests will be served food and beverage throughout the show by one of our attentive servers. Check in starts 30 minutes before the show. Upon arrival, the music coordinator will receive and show you to your correct seats based on the ticket you have purchased. Once sat, please do not move to a different seat, as it may have been bought by a different guest. We are excited to host a night of delicious food and amazing music for you!

Jimmy Gnecco is…

the iconic voice, presence and multi-instrumentalist behind the US band OURS and an island unto himself.  He has earned the love and respect of musicians from all genres of music, as well as some of the greatest music producers and industry executives of our time.

Jimmy has also lent his voice to many other songs and projects including work under his own name and additional projects with Brian May of Queen, Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots, Never Ending White Lights, and of1000faces.

Either with his band OURS or solo, Jimmy has toured with everyone from Lana Del Rey to A-Ha, The Cult, The Wallflowers, Powderfinger, Filter, Blue October, Peter Murphy, Circa Survive, Royston Langdon of Spacehog, Citizen Cope, Pete Yorn, Ocean Colour Scene, and The Gutter Twins (Greg Dulli and Mark Lanegan).

Ours and Gnecco have received worldwide acclaim from critics and fans for their live shows and for Gnecco's dynamic voice and songwriting style, and both have developed a cult-like following that continues to grow.  

New Album Coming Soon

"A priest's daughter with a poet's tongue", Lydia Saint George, is an 18 year old singer-songwriter from North Carolina, recognized for her unique blend of contemporary folk, southern gothic and alternative pop. Her parents first brought a keyboard into the house when she was 5 years old and it was love at first sight. Lydia spent most of her education homeschooled, began writing songs consistently at 14 years old and dabbling in any and every instrument she could get her hands on. She has been praised for her rich, emotive voice, and her ability to weave deep, introspective lyrics with intricate musical arrangements. A self taught singer, instrumentalist and producer, Saint George's music is often described as cinematic and ethereal, with lush arrangements that complement her smooth vocal style. Her work draws comparisons to artists like Weyes Blood, Lana Del Rey, Amy Winehouse, and Joan Baez.

Wanye (Wan) Williams, is a Chicago based African American musician, who grew and started as a classical percussionist but has dedicated these past two years to learning and performing music as a jazz vibraphonist, drummer and pianist.

Looking to following in the footsteps of the musicians who inspired him the most like Joel Ross, Milt Jackson, Bobby Hutcherson, Stefon Harris, and Warren Wolf who he will be studying under in college, he is looking forward to using his music to inspire and teach people who are eager, spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, and help prove to the world that Jazz is not Dead.

Guests will be served food and beverage throughout the show by one of our attentive servers. Check in starts 30 minutes before the show. Upon arrival, the music coordinator will receive and show you to your correct seats based on the ticket you have purchased. Once sat, please do not move to a different seat, as it may have been bought by a different guest. We are excited to host a night of delicious food and amazing music for you!

Olivia Helen is a folk singer-songwriter. Her music has folk instrumentation such as acoustic guitars, banjo, mandolin and cajon creating a strong foundation for her strong voice. She writes about heartbreak, losing yourself, and finding peace all over again. Her inspiration comes from personal stories and deep emotions, she prides herself in being an emotional artist, drawing similar sounds to Gracie Abrams, Phoebe Bridgers and Stevie Nicks.

Guests will be served food and beverage throughout the show by one of our attentive servers. Check in starts 30 minutes before the show. Upon arrival, the music coordinator will receive and show you to your correct seats based on the ticket you have purchased. Once sat, please do not move to a different seat, as it may have been bought by a different guest. We are excited to host a night of delicious food and amazing music for you!

A keen listener and conversationalist, Joe Armstrong can be laugh-out-loud funny, but he’s

dead serious about the music and social commentary reflected in his 2024 release Burn It

Down. In the spirit of Neil Young, Armstrong is equally comfortable entertaining a loud,

sweaty rock and roll audience with fist-raising anthems as he is laying bare the beautiful

vulnerability of the human experience with hushed acoustic guitars, catchy melodies, and

clever songcraft. Since relocating from his native Chicago to Los Angeles he has released

three albums, toured the world as a technician with a top-tier Emo band, and launched a

podcast showcasing fellow independent musicians called Independent’s Day, on which

he has hosted wide-ranging conversations with artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Sean Watkins

of Nickel Creek, Freedy Johnston, Dustbowl Revival, Steve Dawson of Dolly Varden,

Calexico co-founder John Convertino, Robbie Fulks, Hem, Mark Spencer of Son Volt,

Elizabeth Goodfellow of Iron and Wine, and many others. He has also worked the better

part of a decade in political media, giving him an inside perspective on our turbulent and

divisive times. Burn It Down is a logical and passionate evolution of those experiences that

leans on valuing uncomfortable reality over convenient illusions. “There is a dearth of

empathy in our society,” says Armstrong, “and Burn It Down serves as a call-to-arms in a

raging fight to stand up and make our voices heard and advocate for decency and

democracy," as well as a warning to those who would prefer to forsake our humanity and

the progress we've made towards a more equitable future.

Patrick Gemkow of Aimont Moon, has been performing original music in Chicago since 2005. Patrick is well-known for his soulful voice, and his unique and deeply moving compositions. Patrick is joined by his long-time friend and collaborator, jazz-guitarist Tony Richards. They have a wonderful chemistry together which you will see when you hear them live. This will be a unique and special musical experience.

Guests will be served food and beverage throughout the show by one of our attentive servers. Check in starts 30 minutes before the show. Upon arrival, the music coordinator will receive and show you to your correct seats based on the ticket you have purchased. Once sat, please do not move to a different seat, as it may have been bought by a different guest. We are excited to host a night of delicious food and amazing music for you!