CDPROM, White Lucy, Anaiet Soul
CDPROM is a 5-piece math-jazz metamorphic rock band from Chicago, IL. Omnivorous, a single song can span funk, girl pop, Latin, emo, R&B, noise and free jazz, in a blender of odd time signatures and odder horn solos. The lyrics are elliptical, the energy is infectious, and the grooves are nonstop; wouldn’t you also change form under this intense heat? In addition to their EP “PROM?” and their live album “Cruel Times,” they are releasing a full-length studio record later this spring. White Lucy is a Chicago-based band crafting a brand of indie R&B all its own — somehow both gritty and silky smooth. Their sound drifts between dreamy, romantic textures and darker, introspective grooves, pairing soulful vocals with cinematic guitars, hypnotic rhythm section, and layers of keys. Their latest album, The Paradise, released through Shuga Records, showcases collaborations with standout Chicago artists like Sen Morimoto and Wyatt Waddell, highlighting the band’s deep roots in the city’s music community. Anaiet Soul is a protean musician, composer, vocalist from Chicago, Illinois. At the age of six, Anaiet’s desire to pursue creativity manifested and she took to piano as her primary instrument, learning to play by ear, and later learning to read music and picking up her second instrument in her family church’s orchestra. Having attended the Chicago Highschool for the Arts in 2014, Anaiet underwent classical and jazz piano training, studying with the late and great Willie Pickens at the Ravinia Jazz Mentor Program, Steve Million at Merit School of Music, and the world renowned pianist Geo Cooper. Anaiet has toured with Manual Cinema’s “No Blue Memories: The Life of Gwendolyn Brooks” (2019), became a staple in Sistazz of the Nitty Gritty with Angel Bat Dawid and shortly thereafter opened for the Sun Ra Arkestra at the Summerstage Central Park Jazz Fest (2022), was a featured artist at Fulcrum Point’s Tribute to the AAMOA (2022), and headlined their very first show at The Hideout in Chicago (2022). Since then Anaiet has remained an established freelance musician in Chicago’s bustling music scene, establishing themself as a solo artist and playing with a variety of acts,artists and productions, such as Force!: An Opera,the John Wesley Experience, Khaliyah X, Debbie-Marie Brown,Senite and others.
Worst Gnome You Ever Met, The Third Son, Jacolyn Parker: Benefit Show for Albany Park Mutual Aid
Listen to songs about coping in the year of our Lord 2026 while supporting Albany Park Mutual Aid! Worst Gnome is a Chicago-based indie folk rock group formed in 2025. Worst Gnome, truncated from our original name, Worst Gnome You Ever Met, is influenced by and hopefully sometimes sounds like Phoebe Bridgers, Pinegrove, and Indigo de Souza. Our songs are lyric-driven, with beautiful accompaniment from the band (including a viola!). Our songs contemplate a time before the internet existed, breaking up with lovers and friends, how the persecution of vulnerable people in this moment is showing everyone’s true colors, and more. The songs feel inevitable, in that they had no choice but to be expressed by founding member and main songwriter, Louisa Pavlik. Worst Gnome looks forward to writing more songs together. Members include Olivia Loftis, percussion; Louisa Pavlik, vocals, lead lyrics, and rhythm guitar; Chad Gemkow, lead guitar; Jonathan Chacon, bass guitar; and JJ Xiu, viola. Larry Borum III, known professionally as The Third Son, (aka Third) is a versatile producer, singer/songwriter, rapper, and multi-instrumentalist hailing from Detroit, Michigan and based in Chicago, Illinois. His music is a distinctive blend of his diverse influences, which span from Hip-Hop, Jazz, RnB, House and Alternative Rock that has been crafted to make his own sound. And he always make sure that he produces great live shows 🙂 Jacolyn Parker is an alt folk artist from Chicago. Inspired by the likes of Angel Olsen, Chelsea Wolfe and Emma Ruth Rundle she creates a dreamy, dark ambiance through a blend of folk and alternative.
New Groove Revolution, Kacie Brown And The Vision, SoulTribe, and DJ Chris Robbin
New Groove Revolution are a funky groovy R&B and neosoul band that specializes in putting a new spin on all favorite hits! — Kacie Brown and The Vision is a Chicago band formed in 2023, inspired by the sounds of neo-soul, R&B, and pop influences. Led by vocalist Kacie Brown, she and her bandmates met at different points while attending music school at Columbia. The band, which has been evolving for around three years, also includes Miles Pretel on keyboards, who has contributed to production and arranging, Stephen Ryan on guitar, Chris Ihrig on guitar, Khalif Alston on bass, and William Penne on drums. They’ve been performing around the city, bringing fun vibes and original music inspired by neo-soul. Most recently, they played at City Winery in Chicago. — Meet SoulTribe a dynamic fusion of R&B, funk, and modern soul that turns any crowd into a dance floor. Led by vocalist AJ Grayce fresh off her debut album Having My Way, SoulTribe has delivered big-energy performances built on deep grooves, bold arrangements, and magnetic chemistry.From sold out shows to electrifying festival appearances, SoulTribe has quickly become a favorite for fans craving a show that feels like a celebration. Their genre-bending approach transforms well-loved songs into vibrant new experiences — while their original music showcases the heart, storytelling, and modern edge of a new generation of soul.More than a band, SoulTribe is a family — a space where everyone belongs, where music lifts spirits, and where everyone can vibe.One Soul. One Tribe. — “Chris Robbin’, a name you’ve heard or face you’ve seen performing with his unforgettable live band or solo around the city’s venues. Running open jams like “Unfamiliar Sessions” at Coles and BYOS in Hyde Park and Wicker Park. If you haven’t seen him live, you might’ve also heard his producing stylings on tracks like “half a joint and jazz” and “#DAWG” by KAICREWSADE, or “ACORNS & BRAMBLEBERRIES” and “NOT LIKE ME” by WINDOW to name a few.” – These Days Mag
Rhea the Second, Manasseh, MVTE, Marcus Darling, KOVU (DJ Set)
Born on the east side of Detroit and now thriving in the city of Chicago, Rhea the Second is an Alternative Pop and R&B artist who has quickly cemented her place as one of the most exciting talents in the city’s vibrant music scene. Her star-studded resume includes working with artists like Noname, Leon Bridges, Eryn Allen Kane, Akenya, Durand Jones & The Indications, Neal Francis, and Tony Moran, to name just a few. Her latest projects, ALT POP RNB and Mama’s House (a dynamic collaboration with rapper MVTE), are bold declarations of her artistic vision and have already earned praise as two of the year’s most distinctive and thrilling releases. Manasseh, a South Side Chicago native, has honed his musical gift since childhood, nurtured by his vocalist mother and shaped by years in the church choir. Today, he thrives as a Music Supervisor, curator, vocal coach, background vocalist, and songwriter, collaborating with a wide range of artists. MVTE (pronounced mute) is an up-and-coming artist from Chicago, with a style as distinct as her voice. Following the city’s rich lineage of important and unique voices, her music is refreshing yet familiar. From jazz influenced slow burners to hard hitting gritty boom bap to Chicago flavored anthems, her sound is a rich, diverse mosaic allowing her space to explore. Her music is unique, fun and filled with feeling, transporting the listener into her world. And in her world, contrary to her stage name, MVTE has a lot to say. Marcus Darling is a genre-defying, soulfully rebellious artist who fuses revolutionary rock with a DIY lofi aesthetic. Their sound—a self-described “black-folk music”—blends electronic soul, R&B, psychedelic rock, jazz, and folk into something both intimate and expansive. Each song feels like a dreamy journey, exploring moods more than messages, with polished melodies woven through reflective silences. Kovu is an Artist, Curator, Designer + anything he sets his mind to. From Detroit to living in Chicago for 14 years, KOVU focuses on a blend of Afro House, Deep House, and Yoruba Soul.
Anessa Rivera, PIWA, Gayun Cannon
Anessa Rivera is a force to be reckoned with in the realm of Alt-Pop/RnB. Her ethereal vocals weave a tapestry of melodies that push the limits of traditional Pop and aside her band, blends heartfelt lyrics with airy instrumentals. Raised in Tucson, now calling Chicago home, Rivera is an ever-evolving artist committed to growing her craft.PIWA is a Chicago based Zimbabwean artist here to make us move to the rhythm of her drum; with the use of her alternative R&B tones and afrofuturistic energy, Piwa is known as a force to be felt.Chicago singer, self-produced, and multi-instrumentalist Gayun Cannon is known for creating a process of healing within each song whether it is about love or her own trials and tribulations through life. Her main goal is for her listeners to tap into their emotions. Incorporating her own infectious melodies with influences from multiple backgrounds and inspirations, Gayun has created a sound like no other.
Daniel Gayden, SOSO, YASMINE
Daniel Gayden, a Chicago-based multidisciplinary artist and drummer, emerges as a dynamic force from the vibrant cultural scene of the city’s South Side. With influences shaping his unique voice, Gayden’s rhythmic prowess extends beyond conventional boundaries, blending beats and the soulful resonance of love songs. As a seasoned drummer, he captures the diverse essence of Chicago’s music scene, commanding stages with a magnetic presence as a freelance performer. Gayden’s artistic journey goes beyond the drum kit; he is a visionary creative director, curating immersive experiences that transcend traditional art forms.
Hitxion, HAVICK (FridaKa$hflo/Khari Ennui/ JaynSanity), Zeus Guap, TEDDY
Zion (Hitxion) is a Neo-Soul inspired artist from Chicago, IL. He started making music and performing in 2014 under various aliases and believe that love and community is foundation of creating beautiful art. Spread Love.
PRYCE, Aurin Woods, FREEJAY
PRYCE is an alternative R&B singer known for their unique blend of soulful melodies,experimental production, and introspective lyrics. With a distinct sound that pushes theboundaries of traditional R&B, PRYCE has carved out their own niche in the music industry.Born and raised in Chicago, PRYCE developed a passion for music at a young age and begancrafting her own songs. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of genres, including pop, musicaltheater, jazz, and indie, they seamlessly incorporate these influences into their music, creating afresh and innovative sound.PRYCE’s music is characterized by lush vocals, atmospheric production, and introspective lyricsthat delve into themes of love, self-discovery, and personal growth. Her ability to evoke rawemotions through her music has been able to resonate with her audience and allow healingthrough her artistry for both herself and listeners.With a growing discography of captivating singles, PRYCE continues to push the boundaries ofalternative R&B, captivating listeners with their unique sonic palette and thought-provokinglyrics. Her music resonates with those seeking a fresh take on the genre, and they are poised tomake a lasting impact in the music industry.
Kacie Brown & The Vision, The Megan Esther Band, Bread On Fork, and Haj
Kacie Brown (b. 2001) is a Neo-Soul/Pop singer-songwriter currently based in Chicago.Alongside her band, “The Vision” she has performed locally around the area, spreading messages of love and body acceptance. Kacie references many Black artists as her main influence of artistry. Sonically she notes Minnie Ripperton, Mariah Carey, and Micheal Jackson as artists who have inspired her greatly. The vocalist has recently graduated from Columbia College Chicago, with a BM in Contemporary, Urban and Popular Music with a focus in performance and songwriting. Her sophomore single “love” is being released very soon. And she’s been working on an EP and an album.
Kai Akili, NileXNile, Boys VS Girls
With various sounds ranging from poetic, somber ballads to lyrical sonnets, Kai Akili has shown a great ability to be versatile. The Chicago emcee traversed his way through the open mic circuit during high school, eventually finding a deeper love for music through learning music theory. His background in music created a mold of neo-soul mixed in with hip-hop, which are just some of the many elements that can be found throughout his music.