Falling loosely in the cracks between post-rock jazz improvisation and ambient electronic minimalism, Interim Assassin presents communication in pursuit of a good moment. An open exploration of sound playing with the possibilities of sustain, silence, space, texture, environment, and pattern. Embracing the beauty of harmony and dissonance whenever possible.

Erik Sowa is a Chicago based drummer/multi-instrumentalist whose musical directions are informed by free improvisation, jazz, ambient/noise, post rock, and afro-beat traditions.  In recent years, Erik has collaborated with a wide range of performers of varied musical genres including Peter Maunu, Norman Long, Ben Schmidt-Swartz, Mai Sugimoto, Thomas Comerford, and Snek Trio. In 2022, Erik released a self-titled solo album of instrumental compositions titled "Cedar Lake Recordings Vol. 1" which was reviewed in Dusted Magazine.

Daniel Burke: Guitar, Keys, synth, field recordings, & devices has been equally influenced by atonal modern classical, the ambient music of Brian Eno, the nuanced and free improvisation approach of AMM, and the industrial machinations of Throbbing Gristle. Dan has been playing with sound since the early 80’s as Illusion of Safety. He has collaborated with Jim O’Rourke, Darin Gray, Jon Mueller, & Olivia Block, and with ensemble groups CHEER-ACCIDENT, & Tertium Quid (Bill Horist & Dave Abramson).

Jeb Bishop: Trombone & electronics, has been heavily involved in Chicago's experimental music scene since the '90s, from jazz to free improv to the avant-garde hybrid genre post-rock. He has been a member or recorded with a wide variety of collaborators, including The Flying Luttenbachers, Stereolab, Vandermark Five, Jim O'Rourke, Gastr del Sol, The Sea and Cake, and The Peter Brotzmann Chicago Tentet.

Every Tuesday and Wednesday, we present Chicago’s top jazz artists in a lively atmosphere, full of cocktail-shaking and spirited conversation.

6pm doors / 9pm jazz / 2 sets / no cover

The Chicago Experiment was formed in 2025 out of Connor Bernhard's desire to perform more on guitar and realize the dream he had since he was in high school of having an organ powered band.

The trio features himself on guitar, trumpet, arrangements, and compositions along with the inimitable Zack Marks on drums and Andrew "Larry" Lawrence on Hammond B3 organ.​

The three met nearly a decade prior to play in the band New Nostalgia and have been friends and accomplices in musical crime ever since with that group, Bonzo Squad and many others. These three musicians share a passion for the harmony and intellectual prowess of jazz, but are also captivated by the infectious groove and melodies of vernacular musics in the popular music genre. Together they synthesize those two commonly separated worlds into the funky fire that is The Chicago Experiment.

Every Tuesday and Wednesday, we present Chicago’s top jazz artists in a lively atmosphere, full of cocktail-shaking and spirited conversation.

Andrew Lawrence is one of the top-call pianists and keyboardists for live performances and recordings in the Chicago-area. Andrew's fluidity with classical and jazz piano, in addition to keyboards and synthesizers, has allowed him to perform with a wide variety of artists across many styles. He has shared the stage with artists such as Greg Ward, Matt Ulery, Isaiah Sharkey, and Makaya McCraven.

In addition to his freelance work, Andrew splits his time between the prog rock band District 97, the jazz fusion band Bonzo Squad, the high-octane nine-piece horn band New Nostalgia, the world's premiere Chrono Trigger cover band Kingdom of Zeal, and the Andrew Lawrence Trio. His debut solo album, "Trialogue," was released in January 2019, and rose to #8 on the Roots Music Reports jazz charts. His most recent EP "Live at Chicago Electric Piano Company" was released in February 2025.

• Andrew Lawrence - piano

• John Tate - bass

• Greg Artry- drums

Every Tuesday and Wednesday, we present Chicago’s top jazz artists in a lively atmosphere, full of cocktail-shaking and spirited conversation.

6pm doors / 9pm jazz / 2 sets / no cover

6pm doors / 6:30 readings / 9pm jazz / no cover

Matt McCarthy is the founder, editor, and publisher of the Milwaukee Avenue Messenger and the author of the rock ‘n’ roll novel Livestock! (highfalutin media). Matt lives in Avondale, Chicago, with his wife and their two cats.

Eder I. Aguilar is from and now teaches in Logan Square/Avondale. His family has called the neighborhood home since 1977. He was recently published in the Chicago Tribune. Chicago has his heart. Follow him at @youngederwrites on IG.

Z.D. Jones is a writer and poet studying at the University of Chicago. They are originally from Des Plaines, Illinois. Their work has appeared in Cult. Magazine and is forthcoming in Michigan City Review of Books, Noise Magazine, and LABYRINTHINE.

Phoebe Nerem is a creative writer and visual artist torn between beauty and terror. Their work explores queerness, feeling crazy, and having a romantic fascination with fire. After miraculously earning their Bachelor’s from DePaul University, their artistic and written work has been featured in various publications, including Get Back To Print’s ‘Luminous Beings Are We’ and Sabr Tooth Tiger Magazine’s debut issue. In 2025, Mulberry Literary awarded them their Fresh Voices Award for Poetry. Now, Phoebe continues to feel crazy and ravenously reads, writes, and creates artwork for the beloved collective.

Binx River Perino is the author of Roots (2026) and holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College. They serve as Managing Editor with Sundress Publications’ Craft Chapbook Series. Their poetry, fiction, and photography have appeared in various literary magazines, journals, and anthologies over the years. Based in Chicago, Binx is preoccupied with film photography and activism. In 2026, they received a “30 Under 30” award by The Windy City Times.

Patrick T. Reardon, a Chicago Tribune reporter from 1976 to 2009, is the author of seven poetry collections. His latest, Every Marred Thing: A Time in America, was the winner of the 2024 Faulkner-Wisdom Prize from the Pirate’s Alley Faulkner Society of New Orleans (Lavender Ink). He is a six-time nominee in poetry for a Pushcart Prize. His poetry has appeared in America, RHINO, Commonweal, Long Poem, After Hours, Autumn Sky, Burningword Literary Journal, and other journals.

Adrian Sobol is a Polish immigrant / musician / poet. He is the author of two full-length poetry collections HAIR SHIRT and The Life of the Party is Harder to Find Until You’re the Last One Around, both published by Malarkey Books. He lives in Chicago and is the editor-in-chief of KICKING YOUR ASS.

Erin J. Watson is a Southern queer person living in Chicago. She makes zines, rides bikes, and co-hosts the Tuesday Funk reading series. Find her online at tadaemoji.com.

SUITE 108 brings a new energy to The Whistler on Saturday, June 6, as resident DJ Feelgood takes the month off and PATRICIACVIII steps in behind the decks.

Raised between Chicago and Las Vegas, PATRICIACVIII plays for the body, delivering high-energy sets with global influence, percussive rhythms, and a late-night underground edge built to keep the room moving all night.

Max Brown is a Chicago-based trombonist, composer, and arranger whose sound blends classic jazz tradition with adventurous improvisation. A graduate of Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music and Butler University, he studied under Wayne Wallace, John Raymond, and Tom Walsh. Before arriving in Chicago, Brown was an active voice in the Madison and Milwaukee scenes, where he continues to perform. His group, the Max Brown Quartet, showcases original compositions and imaginative takes on straight-ahead jazz.

• Max Brown — Trombone & Compositions

• Ryan Flannery — Guitar

• Galen Morris — Bass

• Colin Dorion — Drums

Every Tuesday and Wednesday, we present Chicago’s top jazz artists in a lively atmosphere, full of cocktail-shaking and spirited conversation.

6pm doors / 9pm jazz / 2 sets / no cover

Poetry Night at The Whistler

Dallas-based jazz vocalist Marisa Cravero and Chicago-based jazz trumpeter Ella Grace join forces for a Midwest tour supported by local rhythm sections. With Marion Mallard on bass, Isaac Lavigne on drums, and Miles Richey on keys, the band presents a dynamic blend of original compositions and unique arrangements.

• Marisa Cravero — voice

• Ella Grace — trumpet

• Marion Mallard — bass

• Isaac Lavigne — drums

• Miles Richey — keys

Every Tuesday and Wednesday, we present Chicago’s top jazz artists in a lively atmosphere, full of cocktail-shaking and spirited conversation.

6pm doors / 9pm jazz / 2 sets / no cover