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!

Anaïs Chance is a 23 year old singer and actress hailing all the way from Brooklyn, New York. She specializes in golden age musical theatre, torch songs, and everything tongue-in-cheek. Taking inspiration from Blossom Dearie, Sarah Vaughan, and Nancy Wilson; she blends jazz, blues, and theatre to make one vibration. Anaïs found her love of music and art growing up watching classic MGM musicals, and from there she decided singing, acting, and sometimes dancing was the path she was going to take for the rest of her life. Soon after, she went on to study at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School for drama and took a plane (for the first time!) to Chicago to study film with a minor in comedy at Columbia College Chicago. After leaving Columbia, Anaïs dove head first into the local Chicago theater and jazz scene, creating a name and sound that is distinctly hers.

Harriet Moxon is a folk singer-songwriter whose sound is defined by resonant open tunings, intricate fingerpicking, and pure, airy vocals. Their most recent album, Metamorphosis, explores themes of change with a warm, 1960s folk flair.

Emma Heller is a Chicago-based folk singer-songwriter. She combines abstract lyrics and progressions that define the moments “in-between.” Her new EP is currently in production and will be released later this fall.

Aliejha is an indie-folk singer/songwriter whose wistful stripped-back arrangements and forefront vocals envelope vulnerability and encouragement into one compound. Based in Chicago, Aliejha grew up a self-taught multi-instrumentalist, primarily opting for an acoustic guitar. Aiming to garner an exceptional understanding of music, Aliejha began songwriting within reason to track personal development, which quickly became a sacred outlet. Throughout his academic career, Aliejha has self-engineered and published a homemade EP, “Amulet” 2025, along with a small number of single releases.

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

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.

Nick Wilkinson isn't begging you to listen to them, but they're going to say it whether you're listening or not. Hailing from the Midwest, Wilkinson has built a career on performing live and eluding the studios. The songs that make it out into the ether are so catchy that people know every word, even without a record. They draw from their rural Ohio upbringing to write modern folk songs for over-thinkers. 

Luscia Jane is a 6-piece Forest Funk band from Chicago with a unique style that mixes soul, psychedelic rock, jazz, world, folk, and funk, embodies inspiration from nature, and holds environmental activism via spiritual connection at the helm of its message.Bredia Santoro, lead vocals; Dante Nottoli, lead vocals, bass; Gabriel Medina, saxophone; Jayson Verrett, guitar; Miles Pretel, keyboard; Paris Catura, drumsFor the show, Luscia Jane will be performing a stripped down set, with bass, guitar plus hand percussion.

Casey Rivers is currently working on her debut album inspired by her obsession with all things water, love and the little irksome, yet nostalgic, things in life, called qualms. She uses her old time, effortless vocals and songwriting to tackle heartbreak and nostalgia with an americana sound. She recently received recognition for her songwriting and performed at the Levitate Music Festival's Songwriters Showcase in Marshfield, MA. Although she currently lives out on the east coast, she loves coming back to her hometown, where it all started.Casey Rivers, guitar and vocals

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!

River writes poignant folk-pop. His lyricism is evocative, intellectual, heart-centered, and cleverly rhythmic. He sings with powerful, dexterous vocals, and River's no slouch on his instruments either, tastefully utilizing a looper pedal to incorporate guitar, violin, and mandolin. His songs have "something to say" and they're also darn tasty. A natural entertainer, helping create a sense of connection.

Bella Moss is a recent transport to Chicago, IL, with a pure, mellow voice that has the power to captivate an audience. Her heartfelt folk style is clear and transcends genres. Recently named Iowa Public Radio’s Artist of the Month September of 2023. Bella’s debut album “Midwestern Daydreams” is available on all streaming platforms. 

This is an official Uncommon Ground 35th Anniversary show featuring Leonum!

Leonum is an Acoustic Rock / Americana band with hints of blues, classic rock, country and bluegrass. The Leonum sound incorporates dynamic musicianship for the most discerning ear and great harmonies, melodies and rhythms for even the casual listener. Leonum performances feature a mixture of original compositions and unique versions of classic covers that are sure to turn ears and move a room. Leonum has performed at some of the finest Chicago music houses including House of Blues, Metro, Schubas, Martyrs, Lincoln Hall, Uncommon Ground and numerous other city and suburban venues, festivals and private events.

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.

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!

Hailing from the Chicagoland area, Kevin’s musical journey began like it does for many — with a mix of family influence and a deep need to carve out his own artistic voice.

Over the years, he cycled through various touring bands and projects before stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist on NBC’s The Voice, where he joined Nick Jonas’s team. That appearance introduced a wider audience to Kevin’s gritty, soulful sound — a blend of introspective lyrics and infectious melodies.

Since then, he’s collaborated with fellow Midwesterners like Matt Walker (Smashing Pumpkins, Morrissey, Filter) and Jim Peterik (Survivor, The Ides of March), all while continuing to write and perform in support of his latest EP.

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.

Outlaw Jackie is an acoustic guitarist and singer. His setlist and style are heavily influenced by the California music scene of the late 1960s and early 1970s, as well as country and English artists from that era. Jackie sings from the soul, performing songs of peace, love, loss, and hope.

Raj is a singer-songwriter blending folk and country with heartfelt lyrics and catchy tunes. Currently paying his dues as a tech bro in Seattle, he’s back in Chicago with friends, bringing songs, stories and plenty of laughs.

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!

dadweed is an acoustic trio based out of Portland, OR. Reimagining pickin' and thumpin' by blending elements of jazz/folk/pop/R&B within a traditional bluegrass lens, their sets explore a wide variety of styles and dynamics – with a focus on improvisation – showcasing both covers and originals. Leaning heavily into three-part vocal harmonies and virtuosic instrumentation, dadweed strives to redefine what's possible in bluegrass. The trio has toured throughout the west coast since 2024, appearing at festivals, venues, and private events. dadweed released their first EP in Summer 2024 and will continue to release new singles throughout 2025.

Kris grew up on a farm in Florida making up songs with her sister in their treehouse.

In 2019, kris toured in all 50 states in less than 5 months while writing and recording an album that debuted at #1 on the iTunes singer/songwriter chart and as the highest ranked indie release on the Billboard Top Current Albums chart. The title track was featured on Netflix’s “Atypical”

She has performed at Folk Alliance International, SXSW, and Life is Beautiful Festival in the US as well as in the UK and Europe as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Your Roots Are Showing Festival, and the Songs & Whispers Tour.

It all started when...
Two passionate artists met at an all women’s music festival in 2022. Austin-based cellist, Mollie Fischer, and touring singer-songwriter, Tiffany Christopher performed in multiple acts that weekend together and quickly became fans of each other’s musicality. Within a few weeks TC was inviting Mollie to jump in the sprinter and join her on tour around the Southwest. There is something truly deep and honest about the energy these two humans manifest together on stage. It’s heavy like the mountain, yet as fluid and playful as the ocean. Multi-instruments, loops, improv, harmonies...somewhere between folk/rock, hip-hop and Americana this duo is coming to move you.

Isaac Lieb is a jazz guitarist and musician from Evanston, Illinois. Initially drawn to hip-hop and R&B, Lieb developed a passion for jazz throughout high school while being a member of the Jazz Institute Student Council, often performing around the city as a result. Having studied with the likes of Steve Knight, Chris Coles, Scott Hesse, Luis Perdomo and Jonathan Kreisberg, Lieb is going into his Sophomore year at Oberlin Conservatory under the mentorship of the great Bobby Ferrazza; continuing to refine his sound both in Ohio and Chicago. His main influences include Jim Hall, D’Angelo, John Coltrane, A Tribe Called Quest, Stevie Wonder and Sonny Rollins.

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!

Todd Kessler is back after seven years with a brand new album and a story to tell. His 2017 album About Memory served as a return to his singer-songwriter roots after a momentous few years following his stint on NBC’s The Voice, a time spent touring both solo and with his band while achieving success writing for TV and commercials. His new album, Here Is All We Have, was forged in the solitude of lockdown and lays bare the soul, grappling with identity, mortality, and the relentless pursuit of meaning. Seeking a sonic pilgrimage, he journeyed to Ireland, the wellspring of his musical inspiration. Under the spellbinding direction of producer Hally, and anchored by the rhythmic alchemy of Robbie Malone (David Gray) and Graham Hopkins (Glen Hansard), Kessler conjured a collection of songs that are both intimate and expansive. The album pulses with raw honesty, where Kessler's arresting vocals intertwine with organic, evocative arrangements, creating a soundscape that is both timeless and deeply personal.

This is an official Uncommon Ground 35th Anniversary show with Sweet Hello and Laura Glyda!

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.

Laura Glyda is a veteran storyteller and songwriter, illuminating familiar struggles of the heart and soul through song. Her unique and rich guitar playing blends elements of folk, rock, and Americana, and beautifully complements her powerful and personal lyrics.  Her latest album, "This Heart Is a Machine," listens like an intimate memoir, detailing the end of a marriage while affirming the power and beauty one can find in a new and glistening solitude.

This is an official Uncommon Ground 35th Anniversary show featuring Mike Borgia and Marleah Joann!

Mike Borgia is an Italian American singer-songwriter & multi-instrumentalist from New York. Best known for his dynamic 5 octave vocal range and unique melodic approach, Mike jumps seamlessly between genres of blues, alternative rock and indie. With a large back catalogue of releases, Mike's sound is a captivating example of musicianship that translates effortlessly into a captivating and dynamic live experience. 

 Mike Borgia has crafted a signature style that has received high praise. His uniqueness stems from his history in post hardcore and metal and the discovery of what he is today. 

Defiant of labels or the desire to fit in is what adds to his appeal and stand out quality.

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. 

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!

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.

Rosa’s bio, according to a drunk fan: “Radiant! She smiles when she sings and writes real lyrics!” She’s performed at many classic Chicago venues and events including Market Days, Martyrs, California Clipper, Uncommon Ground, Bookclub, and the MCA. Hear her “real lyrics” on the EP’s Not Your Good Girl and Lipstick (available on all streaming platforms)

Rachael Davis recordings are few and far between, having dedicated more time to both the art of performance and the art of raising her frankly delightful children, but a few have escaped: Minor League Deities (2000), Live In Bremen, Germany (2004), Antebellum Queens (2008), Bandbox Jubilee (2014), plus releases with Shout Sister Shout! and The Sweet Water Warblers. And, great news, more recordings are coming very soon!  A new compilation called A Few Good Ones, available exclusively at tour dates for now, contains two unreleased songs from about a decade ago that were recently unearthed, and brand new sessions are under way for a (fingers crossed) 2024 release.  The world needs more Rachael Davis music, and Rachael Davis needs more of the world to put down their sorrows and raise a communal voice in celebration of the hilarious beauty of life.  You know how something embarrassing or awful happens, and we say, oh we'll laugh about it later?  Rachael knows life is short:  laugh now.

Robin Bienemann is a singer & songwriter from Chicago. His wickedly funny and poignant original songs mix contemporary themes with old musical styles. He combines dry humor and sophisticated songwriting with a deep sense of history. At his musical core is a reverence for the guitar as an instrument to accompany songs and as a vessel to express the American psyche in all its strange beauty and complexity.Robin revels in the delicious history of Chicago music. He combines Blues, Jazz, Country and Latin music with fingerstyle guitar to create a playground for his lyrical musings on science, animals and the whole scope of human experience. His songs are poetic, comical and educational. A flow of images ranging from vampires, insects, dinosaurs, dodo birds, work and romance.Robin has shared the stage with Dan Hicks, Christine Lavin, Susan Werner, Junior Brown andSouthern Culture on the Skids. He performs regularly solo, with his trio, and as a duo with his wife Jenny Bienemann. With his duo Twang Bang he toured the U.S. and Japan.

When Mississippi John Hurt and the Reverend Gary Davis were sitting alone in their rooms in the 1920s figuring out how to make their guitars sing like pianos, no one could have anticipated that their efforts, emerging from a haze of poverty, would influence generations of guitarists thereafter. Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones and The Grateful Dead are some of the current-day legends who discovered the blues genre of these pioneers and adapted it to their own covers. Another contemporary who as a kid also recognized the genius in the blues fingerpicking of Hurt and Davis was Chicagoan Eric Lugosch, who likewise sat alone in his formative years in his room figuring out the puzzles of how it was all done. Lugosch, though, unlike the Stones and Dead, was intent on successfully duplicating the virtuosity and difficulty of the art of solo guitar. Fast forward several years later, and already a resident of the blues capital of the world in Chicago, Eric Lugosch found his place of residence to be fortuitous in helping him to claim his own bit of legend as a guitar instructor at the renowned Old Town School of Folk.

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!