Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana
Live Music Performances
- Council Oak Bar and Hard Rock Café performances are FREE.
- Hard Rock Live performances are ticketed.
- All shows 21 and up!
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana * 5400 West 29th Ave. in Gary, IN, 46406 * 219-228-2383 + https://www.hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com/
December 2022
Friday, 12/30/2022
Mike Wheeler Band – Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Mike Wheeler is a brilliant staple in the Chicago blues community and was inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame in 2014. From Jazz to Rock, from popular music to Top 40, Mike slides in and out of musical genres with sophistication, ease and indulgence.
Boy Band Review – Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Boy Band Review is the best Boy Band Tribute Show in the country! Bringing full production lights, video, choreography, harmonies and energy, Boy Band Review has captured the hearts of fans with their #boyband shows that transport audience members back in time to the days of frosted tips and hunky frontmen professing their undying love. Bringing some sweet hip thrusts and air grabs performed perfectly “N SYNC”, Boy Band Review, shows are an incredible throwback experience where fans relive the best years! Boy Band Review is everyone's favorite show since the 1990s!
Saturday, 12/31/2022 New Year’s Eve!
Wayne Baker Brooks – Council Oak Bar Stage – 9 p.m.
Wayne Baker Brooks is considered one of today’s top guitarists whose signature style combines powerful vocals with liquid fire guitar playing that honors his rich blues heritage yet effortlessly expands the boundaries of the genre. Chicago Blues laid the foundation to Wayne's innovative style. Growing up Brooks was a regular visitor to such historic places as Chess Studios, Checkerboard Lounge, Wisefools, and many other blues landmarks at which he witnessed many live performances by blues masters like Buddy Guy, Jr. Wells, Luther Allison, KoKo Taylor, the great Muddy Waters, & his father. The youngest son of blues master Lonnie Brooks - Wayne Brooks was literally born into the blues! Wayne Baker Brooks and this Band continue to play the world over with WBB's signature top shelf brand of guitar playing and a live show that should not be missed.
Ronnie Baker Brooks – Council Oak Bar Stage – 11 p.m.
Ronnie Baker Brooks is a Chicago Blues and Soul staple. Brooks has been declared "blues royalty", as his style honors the true torch bearers of this unique sound which includes Willie Dixon, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Luther Allison as well as his father - Lonnie Brooks.
Nerdvana – Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Nerdvana delivers a memorable performance that will keep an audience on their feet for hours while they experience the best hits of the 90's.
Everclear – Hard Rock Café Stage – 11:15 p.m.
Considering Everclear has written and recorded some truly iconic ’90s alt-rock hits, it would be all too easy these days for the band to be a victim of its past successes, relegated to performing as a glorified jukebox, existing to satisfy the nostalgic cravings of Gen Xers everywhere. But singer-guitarist Art Alexakis isn’t about to start phoning it in now. Everclear continues to tour extensively, and while it’s a virtual surety that no Everclear gig is complete without a rendition of “Santa Monica” and “Father of Mine,” lately the band has found that exploring the full range of past material—especially the “deep cuts”—not only gives fans a rare treat, it also injects new life into the band’s live dynamic. “By mixing it up and digging into the catalogue, it still makes it fun and relevant for us, and I think for the fans as well,” says Alexakis. “It’s still important to play the hits, but by playing those other songs as well, it makes it all seem more vibrant and real. Even though I recorded some of those songs 20 years ago, I haven’t played them in a long time, so it’s like reinventing the wheel. I’m having more fun now than I have in years. I think all of us are.” Formed by Alexakis in 1991 in Portland, Oregon, Everclear has enjoyed a lengthy career spanning 11 studio releases, numerous videos, thousands of shows and accolades that include a 1998 Grammy nomination. Like a true survivor, Alexakis has soldiered on through multiple lineup changes over the years: During the “classic” era, the band also included Craig Montoya on Bass and Greg Eklund on drums; the current touring lineup features longtime members Davey French (guitar) and Freddy Herrera (bass), as well as drummer Brian Nolan (also with American Hi-Fi), who has performed with Everclear on multiple past tours.
January 2023
Friday, 1/6/2023
Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular – Birthday Edition– Hard Rock Live – Doors open at 7 p.m.
The Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular Birthday Edition celebrates the music, memory and magic of Elvis era-by-era. The show begins with the early rockabilly years, the military years and the movie years. His memorable and iconic performance in the ’68 Comeback Special follows, where TV viewers joined Elvis dressed in black leather and performing on a bare set. The show closes with the Las Vegas and concert years where memories were made, night after night, by visiting fans from around the world. Tickets $35 and up. www.Ticketmaster.com
Demetria Taylor – Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
With only two albums, Demetria Taylor shares the torch of Chicago blues with the likes of Shemekia Copeland & Deitra Farr. Demetria is a unique singer, her vocal strength is amazing & she dominates each song with force and deep devotion. She sings the blues with a personal recipe from the most rebellious side.
The Crawpuppies – Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Formed in 1995, the band has performed over 2500 shows together. Having shared the stage with acts like Sublime, Styx, CCR, Blues Traveler, Mathew Sweet, Hansen, John Waite, Cracker, Live and Counting Crowes, the band has gained a huge following in Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland. The band will be playing selections from their very popular original albums which are often heard of X-Rock Radio as well as lots of classic rock and 80s pop music covers.
Saturday, 1/7/2023
Mississippi Heat– Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Led by harmonica master and songwriter Pierre Lacocque, Mississippi Heat is a world-class Chicago Blues Band. Their motto is “Traditional Blues with a Unique Sound” as they present fresh yet vintage-based musical ideas.
LP Vinyl – Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Ladies and Gentlemen! Please welcome to the stage Chicagoland's newest performance showcase "LP Vinyl"! Fronted by Chicago legend Pete Greco (of Arra and the Lounge Puppets), this amazing five piece explosion boasts over 20 years of industry experience. Pete is joined by Lenny Vertucci, Gino Buonamici, JET! and Mike Gerbitz who collectively have performed all over the Midwest in 7th Heaven, Hi Infidelity, Anthem, HairBangers Ball, and other well-known groups. LP Vinyl is a high-energy performance, paying extreme attention to detail to the world's greatest classic rock songs!
Friday, 1/13/2023
Smiley Tillmon Band Featuring Kate Moss – Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
One of the busiest blues outfits in Chicagoland, the Smiley Tillmon Band is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. There’s an obvious reason why the veteran guitarist’s booking schedule is so jam-packed: Smiley knows how to have a good time and makes sure his audience does too. After 55 years on the local blues scene, Tillmon serves up the blues and soul standards that people never seem to stop craving, his rich vocals and fluid guitar backed by a band that keeps his grooves tight and right. He joined forces with bassist Tom Rezetko, and they’ve been inseparable onstage ever since. Kate Moss shares guitar duties with Tillmon. Drummer George Baumann completes one of the Windy City’s toughest blues combos, one that’ll keep you smiling from ear to ear.
Erin Coburn – Hard Rock Café Stage – 8 p.m.
Ohio native Erin Coburn is known for her prolific songwriting and modern approach to American Rock and Roll. Her relatable lyrics and soul gripping vocals are a striking compliment to her scorching guitar solos. Writing songs and performing across the United States since a young age, Erin released her debut album, ‘Chaos Before Conformity’ (2015) at age 14, followed by her second and third albums, ‘Queen of Nothing’ (2017) and ‘Out from Under’ (2019). Her latest single releases, ‘Flip’ and ‘The MiSFIT’ her natural progression to a more mature sound with edgier lyrics with a dash of humor. Not only is Erin a talented vocalist, lyricist, and multi-instrumentalist, she is a proudly endorsed artist for Strandberg Guitars, Bad Cat Amps, DR Strings, Westone Audio and Gravity Picks.
Ally Venable – Hard Rock Café Stage – 10 p.m.
This is no time for faint hearts. The pandemic might have silenced the music scene, shuttered the live circuit and divided artists from their fans. But with Heart of Fire, Texas’s favorite new gunslinger Ally Venable is coming off the ropes swinging. Defying dark times and rolling up the amps, this fourth release from the acclaimed singer-songwriter is a record to rattle your speakers and signpost better times ahead. “My vision was to really spread a positive message of love,” says Venable. “The world needs that right now.”
Saturday, 01/14/2023
Vino Louden – Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Vino Louden is a Chicago Blues Hall of Fame Inductee born in the small town of Hayti, Missouri. Since fronting his own band, Vino Louden Band has played venues locally and abroad, including Buddy Guys Legends, Hollywood Bowl, Windy City Live, House of Blues, Chicago Theater, and in Brazil, France, and Japan. He has recorded with Jimmy Johnson, Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, Otis Clay, Martin Scorsese Film and his own CD Vino Louden Live. Vino also acts as the bandleader of the “the Queen of the Blues” Koko Taylor. Also, he has worked with acts such as John Lee Hooker, B,B, King, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Cray, Led Zeppelin, Jim Belushi and the Blues Brothers. Vino is currently preparing an acoustic/electric project.
The Spazmatics – Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Internationally renowned as “The Ultimate 80s New Wave Tribute,” the Spazmatics come with all the awesome sounds, styles, and way cool dance steps from the decade we'd love to forget. Complete with skinny ties, Brill Creamed hair, and horn-rimmed glasses, The Spazmatics recapture all the best of the worst. Outstanding musicianship combined with creative flair and style makes for an evening of pure energy and entertainment. So tonight we're gonna party like it's 1999; only it's not!!
Friday, 01/20/2023
Laura Rain & The Caesars – Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Laura Rain is a hard driving soul singer who uses the power and finesse of her own voice to inspire and electrify your spirit. Born and raised in Detroit, she delivers her original music with fearless emotion and excitement. Along with her creative partner George Friend, the pair have released four albums, and six singles with a unique blend of contemporary funky soul, blues and r&b worthy of Detroit’s rich history of musical innovators.
Rocks Off – Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Rocks Off is Chicago's premier and authentic Rolling Stones tribute, delivering the music, the look, and the attitude of the World's Greatest Rock and Roll Band! Whether it be a deep album cuts or your favorite live version, Rocks Off captures the Jagger moves, Keef riffs, Charlie Watts' groove, and the blazing Mick Taylor solos from their golden era of 1968-1973, a la Ladies and Gentlemen and the Brussels Affair. But let's not overlook the songs of the mid 60's that launched the Stones as rock and roll superstars; Rocks Off nails all your favorites from the Brian Jones and Ronnie Wood eras. If you want to see the next best thing to being there 40 years ago, come and see Rocks Off for yourself!
Saturday, 01/21/2023
Ivy Ford – Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Ivy Ford, is a singer, musician, and entertainer. Waukegan born and raised, at 26 she is quite the up-and-coming artist of the Chicago blues and live music scene. Ivy Ford started performing live with Kenosha based band The Real Deal, managed by Steve Rainey at 13 and since then continues to nurture her niche and calling to the music. She plays piano, alto saxophone, drums, bass guitar and guitar which are primarily self-taught. In late 2012, Ford joined a local blues band which in time evolved into Ivy Ford and The Cadillacs and gained fair amounts of popularity. Ford has since managed to take the Chicago scene by storm. In January,2015 Ivy Ford opened for the legend, Buddy Guy at his club in Chicago and continues to share the stage with Chicago blues hall of famers, J.B. Ritchie, Joe Moss, Toronzo Cannon and Tom Holland.
Infinity - Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
"Classic to Current: The Ultimate Rock Experience" Formed in 1985, Infinity grew from being not only a Journey Tribute band, but one of the top drawing cover - bands in the Midwest. Two-plus decades rocking the hundreds of local music festivals lighting up the Chicago suburbs each summer have put Infinity in front of hundreds of thousands of fans.
Friday, 01/27/2023
Breezy Rodio – Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
After 11 years with Chicago Blues Legend Linsey "The Hoochie Man" Alexander, Breezy Rodio started his own band. He signed with legendary Chicago record label “Delmark Records” and released two albums which received rave reviews all over the world. In 2018 Breezy was nominated for the Blues Blast Music Awards in the category of "Rising Star of The Year" His blend of both old and new school blues, soul music, R&B, swing and jazz creates a unique sound and vibes that will get you moving all night long. Breezy is about to release his new album “Underground Blues” recorded in Austin Texas in February 2022 and produced by Texas living legend Anson Funderburgh.
Stealin’ the Farm - Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Stealin the Farm is a jam band with a side of pop whose loyal following has had them jamming since 2009. The lineup includes the singer Marcus Safirt on keys and lead vocals who writes many of the songs with former band-mate Jon Smith. Pat Conway adds the funky bottom on bass and more vocals to the mix. Longtime guitar duo Mike Kneeland and Tim Vanderlin (of Chester Brown) help bring an array of guitars to the mix, seemingly playing together as one guitar. Justin Belcher holds it all down on the drums and percussion as the band explores songwriting and covers alike. Everything from vocal country ballads to bluesy experimental jams there is plenty to dance and listen to when seeing a Stealin’ the Farm show!
Saturday, 01/28/2023
Mike Wheeler Band - Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Mike Wheeler is a brilliant staple in the Chicago blues community and was inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame in 2014. From Jazz to Rock, from popular music to Top 40, Mike slides in and out of musical genres with sophistication, ease and indulgence.
Modern Day Romeos - Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
The spring of 2022 marked the 20th anniversary for the Modern Day Romeos. With over a thousand shows for all these years, every weekend, MDR has remained a top drawing party band with impressive numbers in any venue or festival and entertaining many at weddings and corporate events. All six of its members have come together from different musical backgrounds to create one of the most fun, unique and high-energy shows that you can experience locally.
February 2022
Friday, 02/03/2023
Chris Young – Hard Rock Live – Doors open at 7 p.m.
Multi-platinum RCA Records Nashville global entertainer Chris Young has accumulated an impressive list of accomplishments, including membership in the iconic Grand Ole Opry, over 5 Billion on-demand streams, 13 Million singles sold, 13 career No. 1 singles, 24 R.I.A.A. Gold/Platinum/Multi-Platinum certified projects and numerous ACM, AMA, CMA and Grammy nominations, as well as wins for Performance of the Year and Collaborative Video of the Year at the CMT Music Awards. These accomplishments and more landed him in the Top 20 of Billboard’s top country artists of the decade. Tickets are $79.50 and up. www.Ticketmaster.com
Sharon Lewis – Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Since May 1993 Sharon Lewis has delivered her powerful brand of Blues to audiences around the world. Beginning with the band Under The Gun, she has opened for and performed with some of the top acts in the genre, including Buddy Guy, Son Seals, Robben Ford, Billy Branch, Sugar Blue, Mumford & Sons and the incredible Mavis Staple. She has since gone on to travel and record with her own band, Texas Fire. For many years she has been the featured DIVA for Dave Specter & The Bluebirds (USA), Jan Korinek and Groove (Czech Republic), and the Luca Giordano Band (Italy) as well as many other bands in the countries of Georgia, Armenia and Russia.
Van Halen Nation – Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Van Halen Nation (VHN) is the premier 80s Van Halen tribute to the David Lee Roth era of VH. Based in South Jersey, VHN has been rocking audiences and growing a loyal fan base for the past ten years. Comprised of four of the tri state areas top musicians VHN is both visually and sonically the closest tribute to the classic Van Halen.
Saturday, 02/04/2023
Mississippi Heat– Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Led by harmonica master and songwriter Pierre Lacocque, Mississippi Heat is a world-class Chicago Blues Band. Their motto is “Traditional Blues with a Unique Sound” as they present fresh yet vintage-based musical ideas.
Nate Venturelli – Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Country Singer Songwriter Nate Venturelli is from Northwest Indiana. Nate’s new single "Union Man'' a song written about the story of his grandfather's life growing up to becoming a Union Steelworker has gotten recognition from Union’s around the country, rave reviews, support from fans, and Country Radio. Nate can be heard on Country Radio 105.5 FM from Chicago to South Bend, WIVR Country 101.3 FM, iHeart 98.3 FM, Y Country 97.5 FM, Q Country 102.9 FM, 89.1 FM, AMI Jukebox worldwide, and all streaming platforms. Nate’s performances include Nashville’s strip, Chicago’s top venues, Festivals, Fairs, Casinos, Concerts throughout Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan. He has been featured in The Entertainer, The Times, The Tribune, NWI Life, and on NBC news.
Friday, 02/10/2023
Ivy Ford – Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Ivy Ford, is a singer, musician, and entertainer. Waukegan born and raised, at 26 she is quite the up-and-coming artist of the Chicago blues and live music scene. Ivy Ford started performing live with Kenosha based band The Real Deal, managed by Steve Rainey at 13 and since then continues to nurture her niche and calling to the music. She plays piano, alto saxophone, drums, bass guitar and guitar which are primarily self-taught. In late 2012, Ford joined a local blues band which in time evolved into Ivy Ford and The Cadillacs and gained fair amounts of popularity. Ford has since managed to take the Chicago scene by storm. In January,2015 Ivy Ford opened for the legend, Buddy Guy at his club in Chicago and continues to share the stage with Chicago blues hall of famers, J.B. Ritchie, Joe Moss, Toronzo Cannon and Tom Holland.
Mike Wheeler Band – Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Mike Wheeler is a brilliant staple in the Chicago blues community and was inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame in 2014. From Jazz to Rock, from popular music to Top 40, Mike slides in and out of musical genres with sophistication, ease and indulgence.
Saturday, 02/11/2023
Head Honchos Band- Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
American music from its heart and soul, the Head Honchos Band brings to both the live music scene and recording experience, music based on intense body moving rhythms and emotionally charged guitar expressions. Grounded on the foundations of American blues, rock, soul, and funk the Head Honchos Band launches every tune with an irresistible invitation to kick back, let go, and enthusiastically enjoy! Rocco Calipari's Detroit schooled vocals will leave no doubt of the unapologetic American identity we all experience. In an artistic celebration of our shared pride and joy. the Head Honchos Band covers some of our most loved standards, while introducing to an appreciative audience roots-inspired new songs.
Joanna Connor - Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Renowned blues guitarist and singer-songwriter Joanna Connor has played with Buddy, Junior Wells, Otis Rush, Sammy Lawhorn, Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, Magic Slim, Son Seals, Lonnie Brooks, Koko Taylor, just to name a few. Two 15 plus year residencies at the House of Blues and The Kingston Mines, honed Joanna’s considerable guitar and vocal chops. While working continuously in Chicago, a handful of videos of her incendiary slide guitar solos went viral creating quite a sensation and garnering attention from media and established musicians alike. Joe Bonamassa sought her out and offered to produce the kind of record he felt Joanna had always had in her and should deliver to the world.
Ronnie Baker Brooks – Hard Rock Café Stage – 9:30 p.m.
Ronnie Baker Brooks is a Chicago Blues and Soul staple. Brooks has been declared "blues royalty", as his style honors the true torch bearers of this unique sound which includes Willie Dixon, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Luther Allison as well as his father - Lonnie Brooks.
Friday, 02/17/2023
Skillet/Theory of a Deadman – Hard Rock Live – Doors open at 6 p.m.
Skillet is one of the best-selling rock bands of the 21st century. The two-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated, Pandora Billionaires Club members, and multi-platinum rockers have an undying spirit that has humbly asserted and affirmed them as one of this generation's most successful rock acts. With sky-high hooks, riffs as thick as a 2x4, rumbling grooves, and a razor-sharp sense of humor, Theory of a Deadman have quietly persisted as an unapologetic, unbreakable, and undeniable hard rock force with major multi-platinum hits and countless sold out shows in each of the past two decades. Tickets are $39.50 and up. www.Ticketmaster.com
Smiley Tillmon Band Featuring Kate Moss – Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
One of the busiest blues outfits in Chicagoland, the Smiley Tillmon Band is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. There’s an obvious reason why the veteran guitarist’s booking schedule is so jam-packed: Smiley knows how to have a good time and makes sure his audience does too. After 55 years on the local blues scene, Tillmon serves up the blues and soul standards that people never seem to stop craving, his rich vocals and fluid guitar backed by a band that keeps his grooves tight and right. He joined forces with bassist Tom Rezetko, and they’ve been inseparable onstage ever since. Kate Moss shares guitar duties with Tillmon. Drummer George Baumann completes one of the Windy City’s toughest blues combos, one that’ll keep you smiling from ear to ear.
NAWTY - Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
NAWTY is a Band that will rock your socks off while you dance the night away. With a continually changing setlist of over 150 songs ranging from Motown on up to current chart toppers and everything in between, Nawty can Easily accommodate your night out with a Fun Energetic Vibe!
Saturday, 02/18/2023
Vino Louden – Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Vino Louden is a Chicago Blues Hall of Fame Inductee born in the small town of Hayti, Missouri. Since fronting his own band, Vino Louden Band has played venues locally and abroad, including Buddy Guys Legends, Hollywood Bowl, Windy City Live, House of Blues, Chicago Theater, and in Brazil, France, and Japan. He has recorded with Jimmy Johnson, Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, Otis Clay, Martin Scorsese Film and his own CD Vino Louden Live. Vino also acts as the bandleader of the “the Queen of the Blues” Koko Taylor. Also, he has worked with acts such as John Lee Hooker, B,B, King, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Cray, Led Zeppelin, Jim Belushi and the Blues Brothers. Vino is currently preparing an acoustic/electric project.
Mr. Funnyman- Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Mr. Funnyman is the ultimate variety band in Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland performing a wide range of different cover music including but not limited to Michael Jackson, Pink Floyd, Aretha Franklin, Chicago, ABBA, Bruno Mars, The Beatles, Elton John, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Leonard Skynyrd, Steely Dan, Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, The Who and dozens of other artists that would make this list too long. With a full horn section, male and female vocalists, drums, bass, guitar, and two keyboardists, no detail is missed when it comes to recreating the perfect sound.
Friday, 02/24/2023
Laura Rain & The Caesars – Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Laura Rain is a hard driving soul singer who uses the power and finesse of her own voice to inspire and electrify your spirit. Born and raised in Detroit, she delivers her original music with fearless emotion and excitement. Along with her creative partner George Friend, the pair have released four albums, and six singles with a unique blend of contemporary funky soul, blues and r&b worthy of Detroit’s rich history of musical innovators.
Keith Jackson and The Triple Dose Band – Hard Rock Café Stage – 9 p.m.
Northwest Indiana is known for a stomping ground for many highly acclaimed artists and "The Triple Dose Band" keeps that list going. Making their debut in 2001, these highly talented musicians met doing a jam session in Hammond, Indiana. As a very versatile group, their performances lean towards the genre of variety music allowing them to satisfy the desires of all their listeners. The founder of "The Triple Dose Band", Keith Jackson, first cousin to Michael Jackson, was greatly inspired by legendary artists such as: Quincy Jones, Miles Davis, Marcus Miller, Stanley Clarke, Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, Led Zeppelin, The Winans Family, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Jackson 5, and Marvin Gaye. Such inspiration led to the song choice for the demo that was recorded live in a studio. Each member of the band has his own claim to fame.
Saturday, 02/25/2023
Corey Dennison - Council Oak Bar Stage – 8 p.m.
Formed in 2013, The Corey Dennison Band is a favorite attraction at Chicago blues venues, including five years of twice-weekly appearances at Kingston Mines. The current rhythm section includes veteran groovemeister Rick King and the infalliably funky Aaron Whittier on bass. The strength of the band’s repertoire is matched only by the charisma of the stage show; it’s not uncommon to see Corey belting out the blues, unamplified, in the heart of the audience while the band steps in time to the groove. It’s not novelty for these musicians and entertainers, however, it’s exactly where they want to be.
Mike Wheeler Band – Hard Rock Café Stage – 8 p.m.
Mike Wheeler is a brilliant staple in the Chicago blues community and was inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame in 2014. From Jazz to Rock, from popular music to Top 40, Mike slides in and out of musical genres with sophistication, ease and indulgence.
Eric Gales – Hard Rock Café Stage – 10:30 p.m.
Eric Gales is a blues firebrand. Over 30 years and 18 albums, his passion for the music and his boundless desire to keep it vital has never waned, even when his own light dimmed due to his substance struggles. Throughout it all, he continued to reinvigorate the art form with personal revelation in his lyrics and bold stylistic twists in his guitar playing and songwriting.