Corey Medina is Diné (Navajo), based in the north woods of Anishinaabe land in Bemidji, MN. He’s the first musician in his family, a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and the lead vocalist for his band, Corey Medina & Brothers. The band has been drawing packed rooms across the upper Midwest and building a loyal following one show at a time. Corey’s sound is grounded by the blues and pushed forward by life experience, gritty, emotional, and honest. The music reflects lived experience, the hard moments and the humor, and it brings people together to enjoy themselves and actually feel the music. For this Uncommon Ground performance, Corey is joined by bandmate Brock Beaulieu of White Earth Nation, who plays bass and rhythm guitar. This duo setup strips everything down to the essentials. Every note, story and emotion will be heard. This will be a preview of what’s coming as Corey Medina & Brothers expand farther into the Chicago scene. Come through and catch it early!

Rooted in Chicago’s vibrant music scene, The Front Desk is a six-piece band fusing funk, soul, rock, and jazz into a sound distinctly their own. Since forming in 2023, The Front Desk has built a reputation for shows that get people singing along while laying down playful, improvisational tunes.

Keefer and Ben are lil baddies with an appetite for destruction and keys to a truck.

PYRE BLUE is a female-fronted indie rock project from Chicago. Their music is rooted in exploring themes of transformation, tension, and the emotional honesty of the Midwest sound.

Rye Valley is a heartfelt Americana band rooted in Northeast Ohio. Core member, Brett Auerbach, is an indie singer-songwriter and guitarist based in Akron, Ohio. Blending claw-hammer and fingerstyle guitar with open tunings, Auerbach crafts a sound rooted in delta blues and Americana, marked by raw emotion and vivid lyrical storytelling.

Nick Wilkinson is a part songwriter but mostly just a guy currently residing in Chicago, Illinois. Wilkinson pulls inspiration from his midwest upbringing to sing unapologetically about wanderlust and love. Whether it's the lightness of 70's fingerpicking songwriting or the heavyfisted strums of an early 2000's indie band, the music finds its way into your heart and stuck in your head.

Brandon Reisdorf is a folk-rock songwriter with a poet’s eye and a bleeding heart. His songs weave dark humor, sharp protest, quiet grief, and the stubborn hope for a kinder world. His voice is honest and his ears are open — music for the disillusioned and the defiant.

Ohio-born singer and songwriter Krista is known for songs about love, loss, and transience that combine striking vocals with lilting, folk melodies. Krista’s sound and purpose reflect the struggles and charms of nomadic life, and creating home as it is found rather than where it is supposed or assumed to be. Krista can be found on Instagram at @littlethinglikeme.

Mikaela Sullivan is a Chicago-based performing artist, songwriter, and creative. She combines her classical training, musical theater experience, and admiration for “sad girl” music to craft bold melodies and unabashedly honest, vulnerable lyrics. More information can be found at mikaelaraesullivan.com and @mikaela_music on Instagram.

Jade Wesp is a songwriter and visual artist living in Chicago. Her debut EP, Dizzy, explores themes of loss, regret, and wishes with songs that are raw, unambiguous, and relatable to anyone who has experienced profound grief. She can be found on Instagram at @jadewesp.

Rebsey is a Korean indie singer-songwriter who has been writing songs since she was thirteen. She began performing her songs in Chicago around 2023. With stripped-back melodies and emotionally resonant lyrics, her confessional songs explore themes of love, longing, and self-reflection. She can be found on Instagram at @rebseymusic.

Robby Hecht has been captivating audiences as a touring singer-songwriter for over two decades, combining quietly impactful songwriting reminiscent of Tom Waits or Jim Croce with the graceful vocal resonance of James Taylor. With a remarkable blend of insightful lyricism, memorable melodies, and a voice that carries both strength and tenderness, his music resonates with audiences from all walks of life.

Emily White is a quiet force - a singer, songwriter and trained guitarist who stands out "conspicuously from the pack…..with her hushed, preternaturally haunting vocal delivery" (Connect Savannah). Her potent images and dynamic melodies are things you hold onto, like (to quote one of her lyrics) "a stone in your pocket rubbed smooth." Shunning the social media spotlight, White has slowly and steadily built her fan base the hard way - by dedicating herself to her songwriting craft, forging lasting musical friendships, and logging thousands of miles in her car.

It’s time to come together for a Beatles takeover at Glee Pub! CME’s annual cabaret-style fundraiser returns with a joyful celebration of the Fab Four’s greatest hits, reimagined through inventive vocal arrangements and CME’s signature camaraderie. From heartfelt ballads to irresistible rock anthems, Beatles Mania! promises a night of nostalgia, laughter, and community in the warm setting of Chicago’s Uncommon Ground in Wrigleyville.

WILL OVERMAN is a Virginia raised singer-songwriter living in Nashville, TN. Often referred to as “Appalachian John Mayer,” Overman is known for his dynamic vocal delivery and heart-worn lyrics wrapped in a mixture of Alternative and Country music, that is as restless as the writer himself.

Working with producers Bobby Holland and Brad Sample, Overman’s sophomore album, Stranger (releasing September 26, 2025), finds the Virginia-raised singer-songwriter developing as both a storyteller and a musician. Singles such as “Held Up by a Woman,” “Virginia Is For Lovers” and “Names” build on his penchant for poetic lyrics bound by endlessly catchy tunes, and are a great representation of the energy that Will delivers live.

Award-winning Detroit singer-songwriter Mike Ward is known for his lyrically-centric, vocally-charged folk songs. He grew up through the conscious-raising 60’s with influences like Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, John Prine and today, Jason Isbell and Lori McKenna. Mike has an intimate songwriting style that reflects family, community and the world around us.

Lisa P. Medina’s eclectic debut “Wishes” offers bilingual songs for all ages that explore love, motherhood, great joys, deep sorrows, and that mysterious feeling called hope. Discover the soulful voice of this talented singer-songwriter who playfully weaves rich storytelling, folk melodies, and vibrant Latin influences. Learn more at www.lisapmedina.com

Maximiano’s music is rarely about just one emotion, moment, or person. Their debut album, “The Real Truth,” instead explores the way that experience flows through periods of growth and change. The songs shimmer, echo, and glide through tales of memory and identity that Piet Levy of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel called “one of the most piercing and emotionally resonant collections of songs from a Milwaukee artist of the year… a towering achievement.” With this ringing endorsement, The Journal Sentinel ranked "The Real Truth" as the 3rd Best Milwaukee Album of 2024.

Their highly anticipated second album, Rokeby, showcases Maximiano’s well-honed skills as a producer, expanding upon the lush arrangements of their debut while also capturing the intimate solo performance style that they have become known for on the road. "Rokeby" releases on April 1st and features the lead single "Countryside" which will be available to stream on Feb 7th.

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

Fusing lush electronic instrumentation with atmospheric, layered vocals, Chicago synth-pop band Course weaves elements of dream-pop, 90s new-wave, alt-electronic, and indie rock into their breezy, ethereal-meets-industrial sound. Fronted by multifaceted lead singer and songwriter Jess Robbins, the group draws inspiration from a broad spectrum that includes Canadian indie-pop act Alvvays and genre-bending favorites Radiohead.

Sundew is a folk-rock project based in Chicago. Nico Beau and Maxine blend voice and guitar to create melodies embodying coming-of-age themes. The two began collaborating the moment that they met, instantly inspired by their shared love for artists such as Adrianne Lenker, Alex G, Pinegrove, and Slowpulp. They are currently in the process of recording their Debut EP, “Special Case”, to be released soon. Stream "One Track Mind" by Maxine and "Keep Climbing" by Nico Beau to support their solo projects.

Widemouth is a scrappy young indie band with a big heart. Their music is full of words and chords and most importantly, love. They’ve been playing around Chicago for about 2 years, and are putting out a big beautiful record in May; their first full length! Keep your eyes peeled.

Grey Morgan is a 17 year old singer-songwriter and producer from Chicago, IL. Her debut project, “atrophy”, is currently out on all streaming platforms. They draw inspirations from modern indie artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Lizzy McAlpine, and The Backseat Lovers, as well as classic folk artists like Elliott Smith, Nick Drake, and Sufjan Stevens. She is also in the beginning phases of recording their debut album, and at the final stages of putting out a separate song, “card game”.

Cordell Winter is a humble and passionate singer-songwriter whose journey embodies resilience, authenticity, and a deep love for music. Blending rock ‘n’ roll with folk and poetic introspection, his songs explore themes of rebellion, self-discovery, and connection, resonating with listeners on a profound level. Inspired by legends like Bob Marley, Jim Morrison, John Lennon and Bob Dylan, as well as modern innovators like Cage the Elephant and Radiohead, Winter’s sound bridges the timeless with the contemporary.

Zombie Mañana is an Indie Electronic/Art Rock artist from Chicago, IL. This dreamlike music is made with love by creator Danny Biggins, crafting adept songwriting paired with potent/thought-provoking lyrics. He most recently performed at Uncommon Ground for the 28th annual Jeff Buckley tribute shows. ZM's first two albums, 2015's Idle Brains and 2017's S'more R'morse are available on soundcloud. He is currently finishing his follow-up album to 2021's You Make Sense to be released in early 2026.

Lily & The Vow is determined to bring back guitar solos. This folk-inspired indie rock band from Chicago has been making music together since high school, fusing folk-rock themes with pop melodies to create the inexplicably familiar feel of the project. Lead singer Lily Reighard takes an instinctual approach to songwriting that defies traditional genre boundaries, drawing inspiration from modern artists like Maggie Rogers, Samia, and Lizzy McAlpine alongside childhood staples like Fleetwood Mac, Sheryl Crow, and Carole King. Look out for their debut EP, “Was This Fun for You?”, set to release in Spring 2026 and listen if you feel like making pancakes and kissing your friends.

Lauren Gottshall’s powerful vocals, storyteller’s heart, and magnetic stage presence have quickly made her one of Music City’s most exciting new voices. Originally from just outside Chicago, Lauren has been immersed in music her entire life—playing instruments by the age of three, performing on stage at five, and writing songs by twelve.

Blending country roots with a modern edge, Lauren’s sound captures the heart of everyday life—love, resilience, and chasing big dreams. Her heartfelt lyrics and ear-catching melodies reflect the depth of an old soul, paired with a youthful energy that connects across generations. Influenced by artists such as Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, The Chicks, Billy Joel, and Maroon 5, her music bridges timeless storytelling with contemporary flair.

Daughter of Nkem Obiekwe and Marvin Morton, Ngozzi's music comes from a place that can only be known by having journeyed down to the depths of her own soul and (almost) back again. She describes her music as the wine in her cup that runneth over. It wells up, fills the chalice, and the overflow is then shared poetically and melodically.

“Wilderness. The word itself is music." S.R Batterson points to this quote by the great outdoors writer Edward Abbey as a kind of compass for his songwriting. But, he also likes to say the reverse is just as true, "Music. The word itself is wilderness." His writing invites you on an expedition into the wild that we must go out to find, as well as that which is inside all of us. His debut EP Firewood Burning — seven tracks recorded partly in nature and partly in the studio — was released on March 1, 2024.

This is an intimate, seated dinner show featuring Oyeme, dmb the etymology, and The Epiphany!

Full dinner service is available during the show. Seating will begin 30 minutes before the start of the show. Seating is assigned to ensure efficiency of service. Ticket price DOES NOT include food and drink.

dmb the etymology is groovy and explosive indie rock in a forest clearing.

Urban Twang is lead by the quixotic songwriting team of lead vocalist Trish Clausen and guitarist Max Twang. Trish and Max are joined by cellist Molly Rife, a native of Tucson, AZ who is also a member of the 30-piece critically praised band Mucca Pazza.

Urban Twang has a resumé that boasts opening for nationally touring acts, songs appearing in indie films, and numerous performances for radio and television all the while still gathering new fans to enjoy their music and stage shows.

Special Guest Laura Glyda will be sitting in with Urban Twang adding her stellar harmony and lead vocals and her reassuring guitar rhythms.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.