Chicago Acoustic Underground Podcast

I wanted to take a bit of time and talk about the magic of this benefit event this coming Sunday at Montrose Saloon. I am so very appreciative of all the help and good wishes that have been coming in. We should all recognize that this is a unique coming together of the very best of Chicagoandrsquo;s Singer/songwriter Community for, perhaps the last time. Itandrsquo;s going to be a very busy show and we all need to be patient during set up and tear down. I am very pleased to announce that the entire show will be multi camera hi def video and audio recorded which will be made available when James Proctor has finished the edits. We will provide access to everyone. This is truly an historic event. If you can please join us and share the brilliance that will be on stage next Sunday. If you canandrsquo;t make it and still would like to help there are links to the paypal page. I wish to thank everyone for their assistance in putting this event together. Special shout out to dear friend Hannah Frank for her dedication to the project. Love to all from a humbled man. Thanks for your help in keeping an old manandrsquo;s dreams alive Michael Teach.

David believes in transmuting his pain into his music. In doing so, that is where the discovery and evolution happens. David invites you to come along his journey through both his live and his recorded music. He hopes that, in doing so, you can face your own pain, your own fear and your own demons and come out through the other side stronger and wiser. As a good friend of his says, "keep walking through the fire. Don't stop. Don't turn around."

Olivia came in to record this Podcast before her performance on Singing for your Supper. This woman has a powerful voice and brilliant lyrics. Check her out. I am sure you will enjoy.Here's the link to the videos from the Podcast

Olivia came in to record this Podcast before her performance on Singing for your Supper. This woman has a powerful voice and brilliant lyrics. Check her out. I am sure you will enjoy.Here's the link to the videos from the Podcast

StanHope aka Chris Rawlins joined us to perform music from his new album release. It was a brilliant night of music from this very skilled singer/songwriter. I am certain that you will enjoy the story telling of these songs. Here are the videos of StanHope's songs from the Podcast 

StanHope aka Chris Rawlins joined us to perform music from his new album release. It was a brilliant night of music from this very skilled singer/songwriter. I am certain that you will enjoy the story telling of these songs. Here are the videos of StanHope's songs from the Podcast

Grant joined us on a chilly day in Mid January and performed four of his original songs. We had a ton of fun and recorded some really great tunes. I am certain that you will enjoy them.   Grant Milliren is an American born indie singer-songwriter & multi-instrumentalist from Chicago, Illinois. He has been a touring musician since 2014 playing in several groups until embarking on his solo career in 2016. He currently has three albums & two singles released on all streaming services. Grant provides a live music experience that resonates among many crowds. He prides himself on making his shows an inclusive and memorable experience for each and every listener. Grant is an original touring artist and plays a big mix of covers ranging from the 1970s to modern day. His impeccable stage presence allows crowds to get outside of their comfort zones and engage with him like you wouldn't at any other show. Grant believes music is about expression, no matter if you're the one playing or listening to it. His fervent original music sheds light on his own personal takes with covers and you feel it every single time. Make sure you catch him at a venue or festival near you!Click here to see the videos from this Podcast

Grant joined us on a chilly day in Mid January and performed four of his original songs. We had a ton of fun and recorded some really great tunes. I am certain that you will enjoy them.

Midwestern music-makers FAKE BLIND DATE are an "alt-pop / eclecti-rock / punkabilly /outlaw-cowgirl / midnight-jazz-dive quartet." (Yup--yet another one of those. Yawn.) Ingredients: Kari Lueneberg aka Molli Putz, on guitar, lead vocal, and flute; journeyman bassist, singer, 'n' harmonica-slinger Paul McComas; unparalleled up-'n'-comer Megan Rault on sax, flute, 'n' jazz vocal; and "Peter Van Eck a- drummin' like HECK!" FBD was conceived in May 2018 at Chicago's Cafe Cabaret Uptown, hatched three months later at a Martyrs' Club anti-rape benefit, dormant during 2020's pandemic lockdown, and re-birthed (definitely not "born again") in June 2021 at Montrose Saloon. A December '21 live-online podcast benefiting the Ed Asner Family Center solidified the current lineup. Their prior 50/50 originals/covers ratio is tiltin' toward their own songs as the band eyes an eponymous 2023 debut-album on Chicago Acoustic Underground's CAUDog Records (the label that released Paul's-&-Maya Kuper's acclaimed 2017 Unplugged: A Survivor's Story... Soundtrack). Click on this link to see the videos from this Podcast

Midwestern music-makers FAKE BLIND DATE are an "alt-pop / eclecti-rock / punkabilly /outlaw-cowgirl / midnight-jazz-dive quartet." (Yup-yet another one of those. Yawn.) Ingredients: Kari Lueneberg aka Molli Putz, on guitar, lead vocal, and flute; journeyman bassist, singer, 'n' harmonica-slinger Paul McComas; unparalleled up-'n'-comer Megan Rault on sax, flute, 'n' jazz vocal; and "Peter Van Eck a- drummin' like HECK!"

Steve Ploum brought in this fabulous bluegrass band from the Southside for an evening of great music and lots of witty banter. What a fun time we had and now you too can enjoy this band. Click  this to see the videos from the show.

Steve Ploum brought in this fabulous bluegrass band from the Southside for an evening of great music and lots of witty banter. What a fun time we had and now you too can enjoy this band. Click this to see the videos from the show.

 TheSideShowMen are a new band playing original music. The quartet is comprised of veteran Chicagoland musicians who have been friends for years.Kevin Lahvic has played in more than a dozen popular local and touring bands over the years including; J.B. Ritchie and the Rafters, Silverback, Matthew Morgan & The Lost Brigade, and BabySHARK. Primarily a bassist, Kevin takes a turn as front man as he picks up an acoustic six string and sings along with his catchy cowboy chord compositions.Steve "Boom Boom" Brownstein holds down the low end with the unique sound of his one string washtub bass. While it is a visual treat watching him thump away in live performances, he's not just eye candy, his bass lines are a big part of the SSM sound. Boom Boom has played live with numerous musicians around the country as a drop in guest player. He also spent years applying his craft with the well followed local band "Pitchy and the 44s" who were favorites at many Chicago area festivals.A former "Pitchy" band mate of Boom Boom's, the versatile guitarist Rick Fazio is the perfect player to make the guitar based songs of the SSM come alive. He can dance lightly through verses adding haunting counterpoint melodies, stab & jab cutting accents and memorable hooks in all the perfect spots and then switch gears seamlessly and unleash barn burner solos. The glue that holds it all together is provided by percussionist & vocalist Jeff Madden. A marvel on a drum kit, Jeff puts that aside for a Slap Top Cojon and foot tambourine. His creative rhythms truly give the band its distinctive heartbeat. The blend of the slap top and washtub create a rich foundation for the band's sound. Mr. Madden's powerful vocal harmonies adds a complex richness to the bands unmistakable sound.Follow TheSideShowMen on Facebook.TheSideShowMen are a new band playing original music. The quartet is comprised of veteran Chicagoland musicians who have been friends for years.Kevin Lahvic has played in more than a dozen popular local and touring bands over the years including; J.B. Ritchie and the Rafters, Silverback, Matthew Morgan & The Lost Brigade, and BabySHARK. Primarily a bassist, Kevin takes a turn as front man as he picks up an acoustic six string and sings along with his catchy cowboy chord compositions.Steve "Boom Boom" Brownstein holds down the low end with the unique sound of his one string washtub bass. While it is a visual treat watching him thump away in live performances, he's not just eye candy, his bass lines are a big part of the SSM sound. Boom Boom has played live with numerous musicians around the country as a drop in guest player. He also spent years applying his craft with the well followed local band "Pitchy and the 44s" who were favorites at many Chicago area festivals.A former "Pitchy" band mate of Boom Boom's, the versatile guitarist Rick Fazio is the perfect player to make the guitar based songs of the SSM come alive. He can dance lightly through verses adding haunting counterpoint melodies, stab & jab cutting accents and memorable hooks in all the perfect spots and then switch gears seamlessly and unleash barn burner solos. The glue that holds it all together is provided by percussionist & vocalist Jeff Madden. A marvel on a drum kit, Jeff puts that aside for a Slap Top Cojon and foot tambourine. His creative rhythms truly give the band its distinctive heartbeat. The blend of the slap top and washtub create a rich foundation for the band's sound. Mr. Madden's powerful vocal harmonies adds a complex richness to the bands unmistakable sound.Follow TheSideShowMen on Facebook.Click here to see the videos from the show 

I found this Podcast on a hard drive that I replaced a few years ago. This is Ryland Foxx who was in in the afternoon before his performance at Space in Evanston. In the exclusive terrain where the melodic and harmonic sensibilities of a weathered, Americana singer/songwriter meet the brashness of a seasoned punk rock artist, you'll find Ryland Foxx's boots firmly planted. Influenced by modern solo artists like Ryan Adams, Jason Isbell, and Butch Walker, as well as classic rock/punk acts like Gin Blossoms, The Misfits, and The Ramones- his roots are evident yet tastefully confident, as Foxx carries his audience through an array of eras and styles in the unparalleled journey to his musical destinations. Videos from this Podcast

I found this Podcast on a hard drive that I replaced a few years ago. This is Ryland Foxx who was in in the afternoon before his performance at Space in Evanston.

Chicago-based singer-songwriter Pierce Crask, accompanied by his guitar and harmonica, and drawing from influences such as Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, John Prine, Bob Dylan, Greg Brown, and Chris Smither has been entertaining audiences professionally since 1999. What a wonderful adfternoon of songs and excellent guitar picking. Pierce Crask is one hell of a performer. I am certain that you will enjoy this Podcast. Click here to see the videos from this Podcast

Chicago-based singer-songwriter Pierce Crask, accompanied by his guitar and harmonica, and drawing from influences such as Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, John Prine, Bob Dylan, Greg Brown, and Chris Smither has been entertaining audiences professionally since 1999. What a wonderful adfternoon of songs and excellent guitar picking. Pierce Crask is one hell of a performer. I am certain that you will enjoy this Podcast. Click here to see the videos from this Podcast

Lauren E. NelsonThis Podcast is from our lost and found department. How the heck I misplaced this is beyond me. Lauren came in to record this show over two years ago. We had a wonderful time recording the show and I am certain you will enjoy this performance. I know I did. Please excuse the sound at the beginning. The mic was not turned on so we had to take the intro sound from the video recording. Here are the videos from this Podcast

Lauren E. NelsonThis Podcast is from our lost and found department. How the heck I misplaced this is beyond me. Lauren came in to record this show over two years ago. We had a wonderful time recording the show and I am certain you will enjoy this performance. I know I did. Please excuse the sound at the beginning. The mic was not turned on so we had to take the intro sound from the video recording.

Here's a pre-covid show featuring The Long Farewells with Aaron Rester and Gabreille Schafer. They were amazing and I am certain that you are going to enjoy this show. Click here to see the videos from the Podcast

Here's a pre-covid show featuring The Long Farewells with Aaron Rester and Gabreille Schafer. They were amazing and I am certain that you are going to enjoy this show. Click here to see the videos from the Podcast

Modern Daybreak joined us for this amazing tour de force of their excellent musicianship. All four songs they performed were perfect examples of writing songs with "hooks" Enjoy this show.

Modern Daybreak joined us for this amazing tour de force of their excellent musicianship. All four songs they performed were perfect examples of writing songs with "hooks" Enjoy this show.Modern Daybreak, formerly called Chelusier, began in May of 2016 when Justin was introduced to Omar via a mutual friend. The two stayed together and kept writing music while searching for a bass player. In February of 2017, Matt joined the team as the bass player. Since then, the band became a second family for its members. They have performed in many local Chicago venues and released its full album Leo in late 2018. In August 2019, the band changed their name to Modern Daybreak. Their first release "Headspace" and its music video set a new tone for the future of the band. Their influences derive from rock and roll, 90's alternative, folk, singer-songwriter, and pop rock. Click here to see the videos from this Podcast

Taylor Steele and the Love Preachers.During these strange days, it is with great pleasure that I present to you this wonderful band from Effingham, Illinois. This recording is pre the current madness. As you can see by the videos, it was a much happier time. I hope you enjoy this show and it brings joy to your hearts. Click here to see the videos from the show

Taylor Steele and the Love Preachers.During these strange days, it is with great pleasure that I present to you this wonderful band from Effingham, Illinois. This recording is pre the current madness. As you can see by the videos, it was a much happier time. I hope you enjoy this show and it brings joy to your hearts. Click here to see the videos from the show

Rosalba Valdez is a Mexican-American musician bred in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. From the age of five, Rosalba would take guitar classes anywhere and everywhere they were offered in her community. "Rosie" would eventually find a home at Lincoln United Methodist Church, led by activists/pastors Emma Lozano and Walter Coleman. Regularly playing for Sunday services and community events lead her to grow up in an environment of activism and community engagement/organizing all while finding her music had as much place in the struggle as it did anywhere else. Rosie learned that she could speak out about the injustices in her community and stay true to her identity all while pursuing her passion. The name of her debut EP, "Yo Soy Mexicana," comes from the immense pride Rosalba has for being of Mexican descent and being first generation, Mexican-American born of immigrant parents. In today's political climate Rosalba believes it is important to not only be vocal but active in the community. Rosalba is proud of her culture and heritage and seeks to preserve and honor it with her music. Click here to view all the Videos from Rosalba's Podcast Be sure to check out Rosalba's amazing music video filmed in Cuba

Rosalba Valdez is a Mexican-American musician bred in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. From the age of five, Rosalba would take guitar classes anywhere and everywhere they were offered in her community. "Rosie" would eventually find a home at Lincoln United Methodist Church, led by activists/pastors Emma Lozano and Walter Coleman.

Valerie Raye, Regina, Saskatchewan and now hailing from Nashville, has been playing music and chasing that dream for 11 years now. I don't dream of American Idol or X Factor. I work hard for each dollar. I hit the highways & and the harmsways. And so far I've managed to always make it back. Some say its country, some say its rock, some say its weird when I sing with those who do Hip Hop. I say I'll give you something to hold on to, and then together WE GO! Click here to view all the Videos from the Podcast

Valerie Raye, Regina, Saskatchewan and now hailing from Nashville, has been playing music and chasing that dream for 11 years now. I don't dream of American Idol or X Factor. I work hard for each dollar. I hit the highways and the harmsways. And so far I've managed to always make it back. Some say its country, some say its rock, some say its weird when I sing with those who do Hip Hop. I say I'll give you something to hold on to, and then together WE GO!

The New ZeitgeistThis from our Lost and Found Department. How the hell I missed posting this show is beyond me. Jen Reilly and Eddie Bluma are a brilliant Duo and dear friends. My only excuse is that in 2014 we posted more that 200 Podcasts.Talking with Jen about this, I discovered that they are making a big move to the Hedson Valley which is a Mecca for artists and musicians. While I am sad to see them go, our loss is Hudson Valley's gain. Be sure to go see these wonderful performers live. Click Here to see the Videos from this Podcast

The New ZeitgeistThis from our Lost and Found Department. How the hell I missed posting this show is beyond me. Jen Reilly and Eddie Bluma are a brilliant Duo and dear friends. My only excuse is that in 2014 we posted more that 200 Podcasts.Talking with Jen about this, I discovered that they are making a big move to the Hedson Valley which is a Mecca for artists and musicians. While I am sad to see them go, our loss is Hudson Valley's gain. Be sure to go see these wonderful performers live.

Conrad Merced is a singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer based out of Chicago, IL. Being raised in a musical family, he started playing in music groups at the age of 13. He was the former front man for the indie rock band The Red Jacket, and the shoegaze, electronic duo Shoplifter. His music has been featured in films, podcasts and in various music compilations. At the age of 25, Conrad abruptly stopped writing and playing music.Tender BeatsFollowing the unexpected death of his mother, Conrad picked up his guitar after a ten year hiatus and began writing songs for the album "Tender Beats." This lush collection of songs feature catchy finger-style acoustic guitar backed behind atmospheric, digital textures and drum machines to create a unique blend of ambient electronic-folk.Conrad teamed up with engineer Rick Riggs at Handwritten Recording Studio to help shape and bring to life his wall of sound. The album could have easily stood alone as a folk album but with the composition of orchestral instruments, vintage synthesizers and electronic drum machines, the album bends genres without compromising its melody and thoughtful lyrics. Conrad's songs have been described as "Nick Drake meets Roxy Music" and "Elliott Smith meets Radiohead."The themes of the album touch on dealing with the loss and death of a loved one, reflections on aging, overcoming writer's block, breaking up, falling in love, and a nostalgia piece about growing up in the 90's to immigrant parents. Click here to view the videos from this Podcast

Conrad Merced is a singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer based out of Chicago, IL. Being raised in a musical family, he started playing in music groups at the age of 13. He was the former front man for the indie rock band The Red Jacket, and the shoegaze, electronic duo Shoplifter. His music has been featured in films, podcasts and in various music compilations. At the age of 25, Conrad abruptly stopped writing and playing music.Tender Beats

Mike Biederman's  Immediate Family is a collaborative recording project steered by Mike that includes a whole bunch of friends that I've pestered into playing with me. Currently based out of Chicago (and surrounding areas) December 2018 will see the release of our first full-length LP, titled "Whether Feast, Famine, or Fire". So, dig that.Mike Biederman is joiining us for the second live "singing For Your Supper" at the Foundation Tavern and Grill on February 19, 2020 at 7 PMClick here to view the videos from this Podcast

Mike Biederman's Immediate Family is a collaborative recording project steered by Mike that includes a whole bunch of friends that I've pestered into playing with me. Currently based out of Chicago (and surrounding areas) December 2018 will see the release of our first full-length LP, titled "Whether Feast, Famine, or Fire". So, dig that.

Sister Speak, aka Sherri Anne Nyberg joined us in October on her way to a World Tour and performed for us with another set of her original music. I have known and workded with this Lady for better than a decade and she is without a doubt one of the most amazing artists that I have ever had on the show. Enjoy this beautiful Woman and her magnificent voice. Click here to see the videos from this Podcast

Sister Speak, aka Sherri Anne Nyberg joined us in October on her way to a World Tour and performed for us with another set of her original music. I have known and workded with this Lady for better than a decade and she is without a doubt one of the most amazing artists that I have ever had on the show. Enjoy this beautiful Woman and her magnificent voice. Click here to see the videos from this Podcast

The Shades came into the studio on a Fall evening and proceeded to blow me away with their amazing three part harmonies. You must go see these guys live, they are amazing.

The Shades came into the studio on a Fall evening and proceeded to blow me away with their amazing three part harmonies. You must go see these guys live, they are amazing.The Shades are a Chicago-based pop trio comprised of NBC 'The Voice' contestant, Andrew DeMuro, and brothers Phil and Mark Jacobson. Equipped primarily with their voices and acoustic guitars, The Shades draw on a variety of influences to create an uncommonly good blend of pop, rock, folk, and soul. Impressive arrangements, tight harmonies, and creative mashups are hallmarks of The Shades' live act, which has reached thousands of audience members between Chicago's City Winery, Navy Pier, and Lincoln Hall, with appearances on Windy City Live and WGN along the way. After receiving nationwide honors when lead vocalist Andrew DeMuro landed a spot on 'Team Adam' in Season 11 of NBC's 'The Voice', The Shades released their first major recorded effort in October 2017 - a six-song EP entitled Miles Made of Inches. The Shades also demonstrate a commitment to making an impact off the stage and in Chicago's underserved communities through their work with Guitars Over Guns, a music and mentoring nonprofit focused on providing healthy after-school arts programming and performance opportunities to students in challenging environments. Follow The Shades journey on Instagram (@WeTheShades) and keep a look out for some new music from the boys coming in summer of 2019. Check out the videos from this Podcast here.

Flood County joined us a couple of months ago. You know how much I appreciate Duos and these two lovely people are one of my favorites.

Flood County joined us a couple of months ago. You know how much I appreciate Duos and these two lovely people are one of my favorites.Flood County is the husband and wife duo of Stewart Peck and Katie Meier-Peck. They are known for writing sparse, lyrically rich songs, echoing the work of classic artists like Kris Kristofferson and Guy Clark. The duo released We'll Be Fine, their debut studio effort, on February 9th, 2018. Recorded by Matt Wright (Turnpike Troubadours) at the famed Prairie Sun Studios in Northern California, it blends together a seamless mix of classic country, western swing, and traditional southern folk. The album has been called a "deft and well crafted collection of songs... which would rather underplay their musical hand in favor of a softening soulfulness and delicacy." They are based out of the Chicagoland area. Click here to see the videos from this Podcast

Midnight Iris is a female acoustic band, playing unique originals as well as a variety of classic covers from 60's-Today, with heart, soul, edge! Julie Rankin, Lj Moo, and Ellen playing guitar These ladies are a blast. Enjoy! Click here to view the videos from this show

Midnight Iris is a female acoustic band, playing unique originals as well as a variety of classic covers from 60's-Today, with heart, soul, & edge! Julie Rankin, Lj Moo, and Ellen playing guitar These ladies are a blast. Enjoy! Click here to view the videos from this show

Sheryl and Tom joined us for a night of their music in support of their live show November 23rd. Come Celebrate Sheryl's BD Bash with the Music of Sheryl Tom at Ranger Studios and Sound LLC. 450 Dominic Court, Franklin Park, Illinois 60131. As you can tell by this performance, it's gonna be a hell of a Birthday Party. Don't miss it.

Sheryl and Tom  joined us for a night of their music in support of their live show November 23rd. Come Celebrate Sheryl's BD Bash with the Music of Sheryl & Tom at Ranger Studios and Sound LLC. 450 Dominic Court, Franklin Park, Illinois 60131. As you can tell by this performance, it's gonna be a hell of a Birthday Party. Don't miss it. Follow this link to join the Party:Follow this link to the videos from this Podcast:

Greg Jackson Combs came upstairs to record this Podcast in preparation of his mini tour with Sister Speak. First they travel to Ripon WI to The Heist for a show on Friday Oct 11th, then it's back to Franklin Park, IL to Ranger Studios at 450 Dominic Ct.

Greg Jackson Combs came upstairs to record this Podcast in preparation of his mini tour with Sister Speak. First they travel to Ripon WI to The Heist for a show on Friday Oct 11th, then it's back to Franklin Park, IL to Ranger Studios at 450 Dominic Ct. on Saturday Oct 12th for a show with World music band Ovadya, then it's on to Chicago at Martyr's on Oct 15th for a show with Cheryl Lynn Tomblin and John Kimler. Right now, enjoy this intimate set of Greg's wonderful songs. Follow this link to see the videos from this Podcast

Chicago Farmer was last in the CAU Studio in 2013. Last week Cody Diekhoff (Chicago Farmer) spent a glorious afternoon singing some of his latest songs. Chicago Farmer is one of the hardest working singer/songwriters I know. You can join us tomorrow night at City Winery where Chicago Farmer is headlining with special guest Althea Grace presenting the state of his amazing skills.

Chicago Farmer was last in the CAU Studio in 2013. Last week Cody Diekhoff (Chicago Farmer) spent a glorious afternoon singing some of his latest songs. Chicago Farmer is one of the hardest working singer/songwriters I know. You can join us tomorrow night at City Winery where Chicago Farmer is headlining with special guest Althea Grace presenting the state of his amazing skills. Follow this link to buy your tickets Follow this link to see the Podcast Videos

Mike Przygoda, multi-talented musician, arranger, producer brought his amazing band "The Przmatics" into the studio and blew me away. What an exciting band with music that will keep you listening and wanting for more. Band Members Ausberto Acevedo: bass Stella Steell: guitar, vocals Nick Gutierrez: keyboards, vocals Lindsay Williams: drums