How does one describe the band Divebar? Well, first imagine Hank Williams traveling through time and having a beer with Joe Strummer. Then imagine that they decide to rent a Pinto and drive cross-country, and along the way they pick up Keith Richards and Robbie Robertson. Somewhere outside of Wichita, they run into Aretha Franklin, and she decides to come along for the ride too, but since it's only a 4-seater, they have to strap her to the roof. None of that describes Divebar in the least, but it's hilarious to picture two dead guys driving a Pinto while the Queen of Soul rides on the roof like Teen Wolf. Also, she's wearing a halter top.Actually, Divebar is an alt-country band out of Chicago, similar in style to Wilco and Lucinda Williams. Since their formation in 2003, Divebar has built an impressive following with their crafty songwriting, rich vocal harmonies, and energetic stage presence. Their unique sound is influenced by each of the band members' diverse upbringings - the music conjures up images of the vast plains of Kelly's Texas, the rich farmland of Chris' Iowa, the carefree charm of Matt and Dan's small-town Wisconsin, and the ample parking of Aric's Evanston.In their 5 years of existence, Divebar has released 2 critically-acclaimed EPs, one phenominal full length records, and played numerous venues and festivals in the Midwest, most recently the Taste of Chicago festival and 101.9 The Mix's "Party In The Park" in Chicago's Millennium Park.The name of the band came to them organically in 2003. One summer day, Matt, Dan, and Kelly went to a local dive bar to think of a good band name. After a few beers at the dive bar, they remained stumped. They decided to leave said dive bar and head down a block to a different dive bar. After a few hours at that dive bar, it seemed almost too obvious - they would name their band "Johnny Awesome & the Metal Thunder".Over the course of 5 years, Divebar has replaced 2 bass players, 2 femurs, and 2 knockers. In 2010, they are hoping for better consistency.
Hailing from Chicago, IL, Shady Grady & The Nobodies (SGN) play a uniquely diverse brand of funk, blues, and rock. Beginning in a high school band room, guitarist Bill Grady, keyboardist Jack Weisenberger, and drummer Jimmy Walsh would jam late into the night after their high school jazz band rehearsals. After years of improvising in the blues and jazz styles, the three enlisted funk bassist Mike Palma to join them. Their newfound blue-funk sound gave birth to Shady Grady & The Nobodies, the newest and funkiest member of the Chicago music scene. SGN bring their 4-piece tour-de-force to the masses and have since been performing their brand of funky, bluesy, triptacular rock at local Chicago venues. With influences like The Allman Brothers, P-Funk, Jimi Hendrix, and Pink Floyd, the electric pulse wave of a live Shady Grady show is more than enough to get the brain sizzling and the bodies moving. SGN released their debut LP, This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things, on July 24th, 2011 and are currently preparing for their summer 2012 tour of the East Coast and the Southern U.S.
A rock blues jam funk folk band which features complex rhythms, rich vocal harmony, and brilliant guitar interplay. They are known for their amazing live performance and extensive repertoire.