Illville Vanguard, Left Jones, The Avantist
Illville Vanguard is a Chicago based music group that’s all about creating new ideas. Illville created a sound that is unique and can’t be compared to anything else. Led by Gabriel Alston, Illville is known for providing a high energy atmosphere that’s fun, free, emotional and exciting. Their musical sound is heavily shaped by Jazz, Gospel, Funk, Jazz Fusion, Hip-Hop, Latin and Neo Soul. Having a wide range of musical influences places Illville’s sound in a category of its own. Illville is second to none and will always leave listeners satisfied and craving for the next Illville experience.Hailing from Chicago’s vibrant South Side, LeftJones is a genre-blending powerhouse that offers a unique sonic experience. Fronted by rapper M.E.R.C and driven by the musical direction of saxophonist Kenneth Leftridge Jr., the band boasts Bobby Wonderfull’s dynamic vocals and trumpet, Jeremy Jones’ resonant basslines, and Alfonzo Jones’ rhythmic drums. Deeply influenced by Chicago’s hip-hop pulse, LeftJones crafts a sound that’s both authentic and innovative.The Avantist (Chicago) are descendants of Mariachi.
Sands of the Hour & KW3, Harley Omega, SPIZM
Sands of The Hour consists of Levi Stress, Brother Tone and RD SLAW. Let THE Black Sands Reign on your parade. KW3 is a funky soul jazz trio that radiates energy and musical mastery. Fronted by the soulful tenor saxophonist and bass guitarist Keith Wakefield, whose notes dance effortlessly between nostalgia and innovation. With Michael Rataj on drums, laying down infectious rhythms that drive the heartbeat of the trio, and Erik Oldman on extended range guitar, adding funky licks that resonate with soulful vibes. Together, they create a sonic kaleidoscope that pays homage to jazz traditions while pushing the boundaries of soulful expression. KW3’s performances are a journey through the heart of funk, soul, and jazz, where every note is a celebration of musical synergy and pure, unadulterated groove.Harley Omega is an industrial/hip hop/electronic project based on creating a world outside of our own. Using themes of loss, mental health, politics and nerd culture, Harley Omega seeks to provide catharsis and escapism to people from all walks of life. Fully leaning into and embracing a synth-driven Cyberpunk sound, the drums and bass duo SPIZM continues to expand the breadth of its sonic boundaries with hell’s fury.
GOOD GRIEF, NEWT, ACEDAVINCI, UPTWNDRUGS, Colm Lennon, Club Malos
GOOD GRIEF, NEWT, ACEDAVINCI, UPTWNDRUGS, Colm Lennon, Club Malos
Rell Cash, Ashlee Bankz, Stock Marley, Raymi
Rell Cash absorbed his talent effortlessly through imitating his father as a child. Although his relationship with his father wasn’t always the best, his father was his main source of musical influence. His interest and natural ability to freestyle and write songs came about as his father vast tastes of music. He would sing and rap along with some of his fathers favorite songs; and when he wouldn’t remember a line or so, he would come up with his own lyrics.Ashlee Bankz is from Flossmoor, IL, a south-suburb of Chicago and describes herself quite simply, and adequately, dope as fuck.Stock Marley hails from the Westside of Chicago. FREENATION memberA Chicago native, Raymi brings her soulful grit & edgy play through lyrics & music videos. Using her verses, Raymi reveals her perspective on issues, that without experience & undertakings, she wouldn’t otherwise be able to comment on. A lifelong dancer, she started out freestyling with friends which made her realize there are different ways to love music. To her, it made sense, rap is rhythm & poetry.
Big Mouf’Bo, CECE BKE, 7K
Swäm, Cory Rhymal, Melvin Knight
Roy Kinsey, Jesse 5k, DJ Ca$h Era
Chicago born and raised, Roy Kinsey is a bit of an anomaly when it comes to tradition in his respective industries. where being a black, queer-identified, rapper, and librarian may be an intimidating choice for some, Roy Kinsey’s non-conformist ideology has informed his 6th album, and self proclaimed, “best work yet,” Kinsey: A Memoir. KINSEY: A Memoir, arguably more poignant than Blackie: A Story by Roy Kinsey, captures a dark, sinister, yet sincere, and potent musical performance by Kinsey. Kinsey’s observations are strong on ‘Memoir,’; shaped by early traumas that threatened to debilitate his belief in himself as well as the abilities of his family. It is the manifestation of a queer man, in a black body, coming of age in Chicago.”Jesse 5k is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, actor and model from the city of ChicagoOne of the only Queer, Black, Female DJs in the city of Chicago, DJ Ca$h Era, has been in the game for 10 years gaining professional experience. Through her open-format and masterful mixing style, she has captivated crowds at a large variety of spaces such as nightclubs, bars, music festivals, private events, corporate galas, weddings, and much more.CIVL FEST is unlike any other music festival out there. The festival is a month-long party across Chicago’s independent venues, and provides a major boost to the energy of February. The best part is that the festival, with support from our partners, will fund 1099/gig-workers from Chicago Independent Venues to receive mental health, healthcare, and health advocate services.CIVL Chicago and Chicago Music Seen organize CIVL Fest as a winter music festival hosted by 15 of Chicago’s independent performing arts venues. Going to enjoy shows during the coldest month of the year is important because you can find so much wellness and joy in those moments when you experience the performance of an amazing artist alongside your friends and loved ones. Don’t make winter drab, make it a vibe – see you at the shows!”
Kasual OWNLY, Christian JaLon, S.o.m.i.
Cldwaterr, The Dark Skin Rapper, Dialect Tre
Teda Sane, Paperwork, Veli aka King Turnt
