Divebar is an alt-country band out of Chicago, similar in style to Wilco and Lucinda Williams. Since their forming 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.

www.myspace.com/divebarchicago

Chicago’s Medicine Hat combines roots-rock, Americana, and southern boogie romp with a gritty attitude emphasizing substance over style. Creating a sound reminiscent of countrified 1970’s-era Rolling Stones, while giving a nod and a wink to artists such as The Drive-By-Truckers and Son Volt, the members of Medicine Hat are carving out their own niche, oblivious to trends or fads that fade away as soon as they appear. The good folks at Mile Long Records liken the band’s sound to “Wilco being channeled through the Black Crowes’”.

www.medicinehatband.net

The Nashville Wreckers have deep country influences but also balance their sound with some catchy pop hooks. The combination of two seasoned songwriters like Don Melas and Andrew Wetmore make the music border in deep drunken sadness and philosophical wondering. The twang of their country is there and is more subtle than is reminiscent of artists like Smog and Will Oldham. It will be exciting to see this up and coming band grow before our eyes and really become part of the Chicago and Midwest country music scene.

www.myspace.com/thenashvillewreckers

Chicago’s Penthouse Sweets play a ragged and fun kind of rock íní roll. Smart, pop songs played loud and hard. Their loose, energetic live shows have earned them much respect locally as well as comparisons with The Replacements and The Faces. However, Penthouse Sweets aren’t interested in recreating the past. They may have spent too much time listening to old records, but they have their own distinct sound and character. The songs are pop songs: catchy and immediate but well-written and with a lyrical depth.

www.penthousesweets.com

Sawbuck’s original music is a blend of Rock and Roll, Country and Blues. Some call it “Alt. Country”, others call it “Roots Rock”. Regardless of the labels, Sawbuck plays thoughtful, catchy rock music written and played the way it should be...simple and good. With songs about love, heartbreak, drinking and becoming sober again, there is sure to be something for everyone.

www.sawbuckmusic.com

Scattergun doesn’t mind being compared to Wilco, Oasis, REM, Tom Petty, Ryan Adams or even the Replacements. Since their inception, Scattergun have sought to build on the sounds of their influences. The result is music that blends alt-country swagger with an all-or-nothing garage rock passion, but their original songwriting explores the bare essentials of rock n’ roll in a way that is distinctly their own.

www.scattergunrocks.com

Once fairly accurately described as “Mason-Dixon melodicism in a low fidelity package”, Twilight Revival creates a unique blend of rock n’roll rebellion and American folk tradition. Formed in Chicago in 2007, the band released their debut album, Parlor, on Mile Long Records in 2009 to much critical acclaim. Three-part lead and harmony vocals weave tales of heroes and ghosts, loss and redemption, despair and salvation.

www.twilightrevival.com