the WHISTLER

Flagstaff is a contemporary art-jazz group comprised of a quintet of Chicago’s finest youthful improvisors: Alex Beltran—tenor sax, Ian Springer—drums, Terry Bartolotta—guitar/effects, Nick Sednew—trumpet, Ian Stewart—electric bass.

Come get your dance on with Kate & Rachel’s Old Style Show

What sets CHEW HEART apart is that they do give a subtle nod to their love of ‘60’s pop, but they don’t drown in it like many bands today. In fact I would say they are more influenced by ‘90’s indie rock than anything else. In fact, I would say this band is a combination of Saturday Looks Good to Me and Frente. There is a raw edge, but sweet innocence that ultimately prevails. Chew Heart celebrates the release of Messy Snarls on Sept. 12th at The Whistler.

“Brooklyn based singer Brittain Ashford makes spare, gorgeous folk songs, with a crystalline coldwater voice and various pluckings from autoharps and dulcimers.” — Ned Lannamann, Portland Mercury

“The ethereal and wonderful folk music of a New York based singer who recently brought over her entire menagerie of bizarre instruments to France.” — Les inrockuptibles

“Her self-released “There, but for You, Go I” is one of this year’s hidden gems, an album of gentle folk-pop with not only her sweet vocals, but Ashford playing autoharp, dulcimer, even toy piano. Listen especially to the understatedly tough ‘Brooklyn Lullaby.’ “ — oregonlive.com

Local favorite Darrick Thompson headlines.

Created in West Philadelphia, electrified, and brought to life, Conversations with Enemies sings songs of love torn apart by death, zombies, and deals with the devil. Described as combining “feel good indie pop” together with surf rock and gypsy folk, Conversations with Enemies are also known for delivering an irrepressibly energetic live set.

A night of punk, glam and power pop — smashes, ravers, hits AND deep cuts! Come liberate your senses and remember the urgency of rock. The Cars, Crass, Cheap Trick, Dead Boys, Television, Kiss, Ramones, Roxy Music, Black Flag, Sweet, T Rex, Badfinger, Boys, Screeching Weasel… All vinyl, all night long.

3rd Saturday of every month

The Andy Wagner Band kicks things off with a set of live music, then Lawrence spins from his enormous collection of vintage country records, throwing down a mix of honky tonk, bluegrass, outlaw, string band, countrypolitan, rockabilly… Favorites plus obscure regional artists. This is the real deal; none of that Nashville pop! Roger Miller, Loretta Lynn, Jimmy Martin, George Jones, Ray Price, Tammy Wynette, Johnny Cash, Bill Monroe, Stonewall Jackson, Melba Montgomery, Stanley Brothers, Hank Williams Senior, and Junior, Wade Mainer, Johnny Paycheck, Warner Mack, Merle Haggard… Fresh goods on the 3rd Sunday of every month!

Lionlimb is two sun-soaked southerners bent on beating the windy-city winter with late-night reverie, dreams of spoiled shores and crooked cops and every antique shop stop on I-65. But don’t think too much into it. It’s just rock and roll, no plans to go.

Music for 5 Year Olds has no rules. The musical influences of its three members are vast and the sound of the band is an amalgamation of all these things. The band was conceived by Chicago producer/multi-instrumentalist Anthony Gravino and has evolved to become a unique sounding trio featuring musical virtuoso’s Michael Caskey and Ian Shepherd exploring many different moods and sounds to tell stories of all life, love and death. The band’s music is catchy, sometimes sarcastic and bitter sweet as well as being quite dynamic. Most important of all, IT IS FUN. Music for 5 Year Olds is currently working on their first record at their studio in Chicago and will be playing select shows throughout the Midwest this fall.