We'll always cover the old favorites, but it's also worth keeping a lookout for artists that may be on their first few swings through Chicago. This feature, 8-UP, showcases eight acts on the way up -- catch 'em before they're big.
Check them out in this Spotify Playlist and read a little more about when they'll be in town below.
Low Cut Connie is described as "good old rock and roll sleaze" in their Spotify bio. Can't say I disagree, and it's kind of a breath of fresh air. The "no style" style is my kind of style. They play Beat Kitchen on August 26th.
PigPen Theater Company has actually be around for eight years... so how is it they make a list of bands who haven't performed here much? Well, they're actually a theater company, so they don't do much recording or touring. See what that's all about 7/21 at SPACE.
Bluegrass fans, should check out The Steeldrivers who will be at City Winery 10/14. They're a newish band, but all members veterans are veterans of the Nashville scene and you can hear that experience in their music. If you like new grass sounds of Infamous Stringdusters or Steep Canyon Rangers, this could be for you.
Nikki Lane may be the female answer to new country acts like Jason Isbell or Sturgill Simpson who have shot up to the top of our playlists. She'll be at Fitzgeralds on 9/16 but I'm thinking she won't be staying at that sized venue much longer.
Another great female-fronted band, Valley Queen (8/20 at Hideout) goes for the that hybrid of indie, classic and funk rock that a band like My Morning Jacket has been successful with. I'd say keep an eye out.
The first of two British bands on this list. James Hunter Six plays a lived-in, horn-and-vocals-driven retro soul. They hit SPACE on 9/22.
The Temperance Movement has opened gigs for the Rolling Stone so their British rock bona fides are real. The tune "Three Bulleits" -- the drink, not the ammunition -- is featured on our list, and it's boozy, bloozy rock in the mold of Exile-era Stones They hit 7/14 at Bottom Lounge.
Finally, Allah-Las set back the clock some 50 years to mid-sixties garage pychedelia, but their new tune "Famous Phone Figure" has a real 21st century bend to it. See them at Double Door on 9/23.
And here's onen bonus since this post didn't go to press before the show (it was 7/12 at Livewire), nor is CHEW on spotify. An Atlanta based psych trio that dips their toes into the experimental waters. Check out their EP below.
