Joe Wortell

Country music has always been about the voice and the story. Well, Joe Wortell sure has the voice and he sure as hell has some stories. Hailing from the City of Chicago where he works at his family's metal fabrication factory Joe cut his teeth in the bars and Honky Tonks playing the hell out of his songs about leather tanned mavericks, hard luck hussies, runaway cats, two stroke boat engines and accidental overdoses, all while mythologizing the easy life off some remote beach in Florida. The songs are earnest, the lyrics are at times hilarious, his band is smoking and his voice is unforgettable.

Insta: @joewortell

Wire & Nail

#Milwaukeetonk. Nothing better than a Saturday Night in aNorthwoods Tavern. Longnecks & Shooters. Darts & Pool.Romance & Good times. Wire & Nail. This tight combo fromMilwaukee loves nothing better than to supply the soundtrack.Equal parts Honky Tonk and Rock n Roll, Wire & Nail have thechops to keep the evening rolling.Loaded like a shotgun, the band comes stacked with tightharmonies, great tone, an on point rhythm section and enoughswagger to back it up. 

Instagram @wireandnail

Website www.wireandnailband.com

Wild Earp makes 21st American music steeped in the country & western tradition.

www.wildearp.com 

www.instagram.com/wildearpmusic

www.facebook.com/wildearpmusic

Kent Rose has blazed a trail in Chicago of original roots-country songs, hillbilly fashion, and soulful performance. Inspired by Hank Williams, Sr., Merle Haggard and Billy Joe Shaver, Kent carries the torch with his motto: The Roots Tradition Rolls On. His band, The Remedies, is composed of veteran talent that came together and forged a sound unlike any other. “Kent Rose: Chicago country music royalty.”  - Jon Langford of Waco Brothers and the Mekons“He's an old school yodeling honky-tonk dude! He writes some righteously twangin' originals.” - Chris Gillock of Evanston RoundTable“A great voice and outstanding material.” - Chris Casello, guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer, showman "He’s a throwback to the guitar-toting country troubadours of yesteryear and at the same time a product of the rock and roll era, certainly the only performer of his kind in the greater Chicagoland area". - Bill Dahl, music historian and journalist

Lydia Cash grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. She moved to Chicago on a whim in 2013, and her love for the city has since become a wellspring of inspiration for her music.​Listening to Lydia Cash’s newest EP, “Blush,” feels almost like reading a secret– the five songs are beacons of authenticity where she reveals the innermost workings of her heart’s loves and losses. Each song is a unique confessional, a portrait of a moment in time, poured out of her like the best bottle of wine on a back porch. Heartache, new romance, and introspection are all common themes that are held together with threads of vulnerable moments– a shared cigarette, a head on a shoulder. Her delicate melodies, enrapturing voice, and a pedal steel twang showcase this native Alabamian/Chicago transplant’s dichotomy of grit and sweetness.

Kimmi Bitter

Dubbed "the future of classic country" by Saving Country Music, Kimmi Bitter is painting a whole new tapestry that drapes golden-era Countrypolitan with coastal desert twang. A rising force in the underground Americana scene she's mixing the old school with the new cool by capturing the attention of music fans and critics alike. That boundary-pushing spirit burst onto the scene when her 2024 debut album Old School, which landed in the Top 25 on the Americana Album Radio Chart and earned eight award nominations across outlets like Saving Country Music and the San Diego Music Awards. Of those, she took home three San Diego Music Awards, including Song of the Year (2024 & 2025) and Best Country Album (2025). The album also topped the Alt-Country Specialty Charts for four consecutive weeks, and her live performance was recently regarded as "one of the biggest takeaways" from Austin's SXSW.

Joshua Hedley is “a singing professor of country & western,” he declares on his raucous and witty new album, Neon Blue. It might sound like a punchline, but it’s not. An ace fiddle player, a sharp guitarist, and a singer with a granite twang, he’s devoted his entire life to the study of this genre. Ask him about it and he’ll explain: “When all my friends went off to college, I went to Nashville. I was 19 years old playing honkytonks and getting an education.” His 2018 debut, Mr. Jukebox, showcased his deep knowledge of country’s history, in particular the beery ballads of the 1950s and ‘60s. His mentors were George Jones, Ray Price, and Glen Campbell, but his most remarkable accomplishment was putting his own spin on their style. Hedley has been a presence in Nashville for nearly twenty years, although you have to know where to find him. You have to brave the tourists on Broadway, bypass the three-story bars blasting Journey, and make your way to Robert’s Western World, a time-capsule honkytonk from a different era, an oasis in a town where twang is constantly being run down by pedal pubs.That place informed the sound and style of Mr. Jukebox, which introduced him to a wider audience beyond the city limits and established him as one of Nashville’s most knowledgeable and exciting artists. After making Mr. Jukebox with a loose group of hell-raising friends, Hedley decided to record his follow-up with professional session players—a Nashville tradition. Producers Skylar Wilson (Justin Townes Earle, Lindi Ortega) and Jordan Lehning (Rodney Crowell) corralled an all-star crew featuring some of the city’s best players, who made Hedley step up his game. During the process of co-writing and recording Neon Blue, the singing professor became the student, learning lessons he’ll apply to everything he does next.

The Lawrence Peters Outfit play un-ruined country music, a term Lawrence coined to describe the band’s original, deep-rooted, honky tonk sound. They are 2019 and 2018 Ameripolitan Award nominees, in the Best Honky Tonk Group category, two time winners of the “Best Country And Western Entertainer” trophy (Chicago Music Awards), and “Best Country Band” in The Chicago Reader’s “Best Of 2022” poll. Their LP “What You Been Missin’” is cited as one of the essential Chicago country and folk albums, in Mark Guarino’s 2023 book “Country & Midwestern” (University Of Chicago Press). Lawrence may be best known for his lead vocal on “The Old Black Hen”, on Jason Molina’s watershed "Songs: OHIA- Magnolia Electric Company" album. Peters leads the "Outfit" through his own finely crafted originals and cherry-picked classics. The band is a super-group of Chi-Town pickers, including Matt Gandurski on lead guitar, John Huber on rhythm guitar, and Josh Piet on upright bass.

THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door

https://link.dice.fm/H55f5598bb4e

Olivia and the Lovers are a queer cowboy band based in Chicago.

Taking inspiration both from classic American folk music and cowboy standards, Olivia Love writes music as a vehicle for vulnerability and reflections on queer love, loss, and healing.

Joe Wortell

Country music has always been about the voice and the story. Well, Joe Wortell sure has the voice and he sure as hell has some stories. Hailing from the City of Chicago where he works at his family's metal fabrication factory Joe cut his teeth in the bars and Honky Tonks playing the hell out of his songs about leather tanned mavericks, hard luck hussies, runaway cats, two stroke boat engines and accidental overdoses, all while mythologizing the easy life off some remote beach in Florida. The songs are earnest, the lyrics are at times hilarious, his band is smoking and his voice is unforgettable.

Insta: joewortell

Lucas Wayne

Lucas Wayne is a storyteller at heart, singing about the quirks of everyday characters and the experiences of growing up in rural Eastern Kentucky and Southern Illinois - where he is based today. Classically trained, his vocal range and natural vibrato leaves crowds stunned. Wayne’s songs move between simply sweet, utterly silly and seriously sad. They all resonate with a humble honestly that is inviting and refreshing.For a few years Lucas Wayne has been captivating audiences as a solo artist. Now he is touring with his band The Cottonmouths - whose members have toured extensively with Vince Herman Band, Rev Peyton’s Big Damn Band, The Whistle Pigs and more. Together they present an emotionally and sonically dynamic show that instantly connects with people. It features a truly impressive vocal performance, red-hot lead guitar/pedal-steel and a perfectly seasoned rhythm section.

IG: @lucaswaynemusic Tik Tok: @lucaswaynemusic

"The Illegal Smiles are a group of Chicagoland songwriters and musicians with a deep love for the songs of John Prine, from his stunning debut to The Tree of Forgiveness, and everything in-between. The beauty of Prine fans is that we all know the words, whether they make us sob or smile, so come sing-a-long, it don't cost very much, but it lasts a long while."

THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT

tickets can be bought online or at the door for $12

https://link.dice.fm/J4e89b3226a6

“Zach Bryson writes songs and sings them wherever people will let him and the Greyhound will take him. Currently residing in Nashville, TN he enjoys playing music and writing about himself, in the third person.”

@officiallyzachbryson

“Marina Madden is a songwriter and farmer who grew up in the Charlottesville Irish and old time folk communities. Her songwriting leans Americana with threads of the people, places, and artists who have influenced her along the way. Though she'll always call the mountains of Virginia home, she currently lives in Nashville.”

@_marina_madden

The Revenirs are a Chicago Alt-Country band that embrace a sonic sensibility reminiscent of Lucero, 16 Horsepower, Centro-matic and the Drive By Truckers. The Revenirs sound revolves around singer/songwriter Daniel Rey's tales of "sorrow and solitude" and features Dennis Kardys on lead guitar and Dean Radzik on drums–both alums of Chicagoland alt-country darlings, "The Dirty Green"– alongside former "The Soup" (Denton TX) bassist, "Dodgy Mary" (Chicago) vocalist and Lone Star Native "Catfish" Willy Hudson on bass.“Daniel Rey” began as the solo Alt-country, side-project of singer/songwriter Dejan Kralj (day-on kraal), who has spent the last three and a half decades as the bass guitarist and one of the primary songwriters for Milwaukee's reclusive alternative-rock band, The Gufs. The former Atlantic Recording/EMI Publishing Artist and 2012 Wisconsin Area Music Industry Hall of Fame Inductee is a life-time resident of the Midwest, Rey (the Spanish translation of Kralj) and divides his time between his current home in the Veltway community of Berwyn on Chicago's near-westside and a small farm in Southeastern Indiana, which has been the source of his alt-folk/alt-country musings over the last twenty-five years. Daniel Rey has been performing throughout the Midwest since 2018 and released his debut LP “Living Low” on Milwaukee’s Red Submarine Records in 2020. Daniel Rey & the Revenirs are currently working on Rey’s follow-up and the band’s debut LP “Too Busy Dying” for release later this year.

danielreymusic.com, instagram.com/danielreymusic, Facebook.com/danielreymusic

Beth Lee

Based out of Austin, TX, Beth Lee grew up on the grit and soul of the Houston music scene, her dad a long time musician of the Bayou City. Since recording her first album in 2008, Lee has been playing her evolving blend of blues, soul, country, and rock 'n' roll in the studio and onstage with a handful of Capital City’s best. Her 2021 LP Waiting on You Tonight and 2024’s Hardly Matters, produced by Chuck Prophet drummer Vicente Rodriguez, received praise from Glide Magazine, Americana Highways, and No Depression, among others. “Hardly Matters is an album for the ages, one which she’s been building towards throughout her storied career. If you only pick up one LP this year, do yourself a favor and make it Hardly Matters. And remember one important bromide…It’s all in the voice.” - Vents Magazine

Reilly Downes

Reilly Downes, known as the Sad Cowgirl of Chicago, is an Americana artist whose music blends heartfelt storytelling with the rich traditions of her Texas Hill Country roots. She began as a session musician in Nashville before stepping into the spotlight with her 2022 debut album, Spent, which topped Americana charts and earned acclaim from The Boot. Her haunting cover of “Wicked Game” secured radio play and a spot on Spotify’s “Vibes” playlist.After a quieter 2023, Reilly returned in 2024, sharing stages with Jaime Wyatt, Brennen Leigh, Kaitlin Butts, and Sarah Shook & The Disarmers. Described as “small but mighty,” her powerful voice and presence have earned her festival appearances and recognition in Rolling Stone.

@reillydownes on instagram

Brother and The Hayes is a Texas born, Tennessee based Americana-roots band led by siblings Jennie Hayes Kurtz and David Bingaman. They combine thoughtful lyrics with infectious grooves, blending traditional and whimsical elements of folk, blues, country, and western swing to make a sound uniquely their own. Brother and The Hayes’s primary influences include Guy Clark, John Prine, Bonnie Raitt, Norah Jones, Emmylou Harris, and Willie Nelson. Both prolific writers, Jennie Hayes and David's songs will capture your imagination whether they are playing as an acoustic duo or with their full electric band made up of some of Nashville’s most talented players. You would be hard pressed to find a band that writes more authentically and has more fun playing together. The rapport between brother and sister is something to behold as they draw you in and make you feel like part of the family. 

@Brotherandthehayes

The Rust Riders (record release show)

Inspired by the rambunctious twang of hand-me-down Americana, the Rust Riders crank out a hearty helping of raggy roots music like a hot steam engine. Their musical hooch is distilled from equal parts honky tonk, folk, and swing, spiced up with a dash of riverboat blues. When the Rust Riders leave the station, don't be alarmed if your caboose starts shakin'

Diamondback has been a popular staple of the Chicago Music scene for decades. We bring our high energy sound to clubs, festivals and private events throughout the Midwest.  Our extensive song list is truly a history of Country, and for that matter, American pop music, and promises something for everyone. 

Female fronted, tight vocal harmonies and multi-instrumentalists (lead guitar, fiddle, mandolin) bring texture and excitement to our sound.  We perform regularly as a 5-piece band, with the capability of adding additional instruments (steel guitar, mandolin, banjo, keyboard) and vocalists. Our lineup features Chicagoland’s most talented and experienced musicians, some from the Old Town School of Folk Music, and many others.

The band has established itself as a standout act in Chicagoland, performing at popular venues such as Fitzgerald’s, Carol’s Pub, Firewater Saloon; family-friendly Summer Festivals at Kendall County Fair, Plano’s Midweek Music, Skokie’s Wednesdays on the Green, Northman Riverwalk, Oak Park Thursday Night Out; Corporate Events and many Private parties.  

Claire Chm is a line dance instructor and a member of the Line Dancers of Chicago community. She and her friends are excited to bring line dancing back to Broken Hearts! Whether you have two left feet or you’re a line dancing pro, we’ve got lessons and song selections that will keep you on the dance floor!

Hannah Juanita has toured heavily around the country since 2021 headlining and supporting acts like Kaitlin Butts, Hayes Carll, Braxton Keith, Nick Shoulders, Emily Nenni, & Jesse Daniel. Her debut record ‘Hardliner’ established her reputation as a full-hearted, free-spirited, and irresistibly genuine honky tonk angel. Hannah Juanita's second full length record, 'Tennessee Songbird' was released August 30, 2024 to high acclaim, breaking into the top 40 Americana Radio Chart and top 3 on the Alt Country Chart. Named one of the five female artists creating the future of country music by Grammy.com, in 2025, Hannah will be touring across America, Europe and the UK.

Mose Wilson is a talented artist blending roots, country, Americana, and bluegrass with influences of soul, funk, and rock & roll. Starting his musical journey at six, he became the first traditional musician in his family, inspired by legends like Hank Williams and Johnny Cash.His self-titled debut album, “Mose Wilson,” released in 2021, received critical acclaim and showcased his ability to explore themes of love, heartbreak, and the complexities of life. As a guitarist, songwriter, and producer, Mose has collaborated with artists such as Melissa Carper and Eliza Thorn.With his upcoming album, “That’s Love,” set for release on July 17, 2025, and a nationwide tour to follow, Mose invites listeners to experience the heartfelt connection of his music.

Brandon Good is a Chicago artist with a penchant for Country music. Nodding to a wide range of notable genre influences, he brings in rock n’ roll, soul, singer-songwriter, and blues into his songwriting, all while remaining true to the dance hall and honky-tonk heritage he loves. </p><p>Brandon is no stranger to life on the road, having spent a decade playing with celebrated Chicago Celtic Punk outfit Flatfoot 56. During his time with the band they toured internationally and even charted on Billboard’s Heat Seekers chart. After moving to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Brandon wrote and recorded his first solo EP, breaking into the Country scene with the release of “The Anvil” and the subsequent, stripped down, two-track EP titled “The Spitzer Sessions”.  With fervor and fire licks, Brandon then returned to the studio to begin recording his first full length record, “Restless”, which is set to release spring of 25’. After hosting several highly respected residencies and Booking himself and other touring bands countless shows in his home base of Chicago he’s revving up to start touring nationally and bring his songs and style to a town near you.

Doc Brown has been making music in Chicago since 2011. He’s been fortunate to play with some of the best country acts in Chicago and beyond. Now after being a sideman to the stars, he is stepping out with his own trio that seamlessly blends country, jazz, blues, rock, and Americana styles through the band’s own unique lens.