Dusk, Visual Learner
Nov
21

Dusk, Visual Learner

Doors at 7:00pm, show at 8:00pm

Dusk is a group that walks the shadowed path. It's well known in the rural pastures of Wisconsin, where all of the members of this group were raised, that the traditional music of the common people is Polka, but the most respected form of musical expression is Country and Western. Dusk walks cleanly between these two worlds; pulling influence from both but most strongly associating with Rock & Roll and Rhythm & Blues. They bring with them a strong, informed, melodic statement that draws a line between themselves and the trend of bubble gum pop and country-influenced mall schlock.

The group consists of vocalist Julia Blair on Wurlitzer electric piano, Colin "Wild Man" Wilde on drums and percussion, Amos Pitsch on bass guitar and vocals, Tyler Ditter on lead guitar, and Ryley Crowe on rhythm guitar, pedal steel, and vocals. Amos also doubles as a member of Appleton, Wisconsin punk band Tenement. The group is often compared to 60's garage and R&B groups like NRBQ and THE LOVIN SPOONFUL, early 70's country rock pioneers THE FLYING BURRITO BROTHERS, and at times the primitive rock and roll sound of a group like THE VELVET UNDERGROUND.

They hint at all these things, even as something in their music seems to breathe modern air. It's a feeling that few musicians that attempt to nod to prior generations can capture without bastardising the very music that they intended to salute. Dusk have done it well, and in their music, you'll find this plain truth among many exciting secrets.

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The Nettes [Single Release], Local Memory
Nov
22

The Nettes [Single Release], Local Memory

Doors at 7:00pm, show at 8:00pm

The Nettes is a harmony-infused Americana band based in Chicago featuring songwriters Alex Fiolek, Kristina Cottone, and Sonya Major. Mostly acoustic, the group fuses soaring melodies, compelling lyricism, and tasteful instrumentation.

Local Memory is a six-piece indie/alt-country band from Chicago, Illinois, led by songwriter Amy Myers & collaborator Matt Ciani, joined by guitarist Lucas Chamberlain, drummer Nico Ciani, pianist Nicole Murray, & vocalist Lydia Cash. The band's latest single "Take Me Back" was released on August 30th, & is available on all streaming services.

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Polka Night
Nov
24

Polka Night

Doors at 7:00pm, show at 8:00pm

Judson & Moore and Local Universe present the people's music of Chicago: POLKA! The Dirndolls will play this dance music, Pierogi Papi will be have food available to purchase, and drinks specials from the bar!

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Jubilee
Dec
6

Jubilee

Doors at 7:00pm, show at 8:00pm

Judson & Moore is excited to announce our 2024 Jubilee celebration! Chicago’s beloved Sima Cunningham (Finom, Tweedy) hosts a night of resident artists and close friends of the distillery in a kick-off to the season. Backed by The Paulina Hollers, Janet Bean (Freakwater, Eleventh Dream Day), Michelle & Earp, Richelle Gordon (#QueerCountryBandwagon), Bill MacKay, and Minor Moon & VV Lightbody will lift our spirits into the season.

To keep things warm we’ll be releasing a very special spirit, our Smoked Rye. Made using applewood-smoked malt, this was an original concept dreamt up by founder Judson Bergman that we’re excited to share a very tasty, and limited, offering of this yuletide. The bottle will be available to purchase at this event, come celebrate!

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Pravda 40th: The Handcuffs & Steve Dawson
Dec
7

Pravda 40th: The Handcuffs & Steve Dawson

Doors at 7:00pm, show at 8:00pm

Pravda Records celebrates 40 years with a special showcase and collaborative single barrel Rye Whiskey Release with Judson & Moore.

Elvis and Orwell formed The Handcuffs from the ashes of Big Hello, their first band together, which released three indie label records and toured from coast to coast. Elvis’ career also includes a few major label go-arounds, arena tours, and a backstory that will be documented in a new autobiography in the near future. The duo’s eagerness to explore new sonic territory and evolve into an entity that aligned more with their ever-expanding influences and broad range of musical tastes prompted a change. The Handcuffs began as primarily a studio project, in which Elvis and Orwell wrote and recorded an abundance of material. During the process, they realized that they missed the live band experience, and so The Handcuffs as recording artists and a dynamic live band was born. Completing the line-up are bassist Emily Togni, lead guitarist Charlie Short, and keyboardist Carolyn Engelmann, all of whom originate from different parts of the country, but have made Chicago their home.

Chicago Folk / Americana singer / songwriter, Steve Dawson, has been called “one of the most underrated songwriters in American music,” who writes, “graceful, poetic songs akin to a volume of great short stories in their precise, exacting wordplay and soulful heartache.” Dawson has released six albums with his long-time band, Dolly Varden, and five solo albums, including 2020’s critically-acclaimed “Last Flight Out” with his folk / jazz ensemble, Funeral Bonsai Wedding, and his latest, “At The Bottom Of A Canyon In The Branches Of A Tree,” on Pravda Records.

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Dec
8

Tearjoint

Night Starts at 8:00pm, mini sets at 9:00pm and 10:00pm

Judson & Moore and Local Universe present the people's music of Chicago: POLKA! The Dirndolls will play this dance music, Pierogi Papi will be have food available to purchase, and drinks specials from the bar!

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First Time Talent Show
Dec
15

First Time Talent Show

Doors at 6:30pm, Show at 7pm

Step into the spotlight for our First Time Talent Show, an exhilarating and unpredictable event where brave participants take the stage to perform a talent for the first time.

At the 3rd annual First Time Talent Show, the magic of spontaneity meets the enthralling experience of seeing someone perform something for the first time.

Participants sign up to perform the night of the event. Some come prepared with new acts, like plate spinning, belly dancing, and a magic routine. Adding to the evening's excitement, participants may embrace the challenge of selecting a pre-determined talent on the spot where they will try their hand making a balloon animal, doing yo-yo tricks, or participating in a spelling bee for the first time.

The highlight of the show are the brave handful who sign up for a mystery talent, discovering their act only when they step on stage. Whether it's giving an impromptu haircut, painting someone’s face, or delivering a ventriloquist improv comedy routine, these participants prove we all have hidden talents to step into. Captivated by the triumph of watching someone rise to an unexpected challenge and succeed in ways they never imagined, the audience experiences an unforgettable night of talent and entertainment.

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Big Sadie Country Christmas
Dec
20

Big Sadie Country Christmas

Doors at 7:00pm, show at 8:00pm

Join Big Sadie for their 6th annual holiday party! They'll be going electric with special guests Joe Adamik, Erik Hall, and Justin Brown bringing you updated versions of their original songs as well as festive holiday tunes and country classics.

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Advance Base Horrible Occurrences Album Release Party & Christmas Show
Dec
20

Advance Base Horrible Occurrences Album Release Party & Christmas Show

opening set from Karima Walker

Doors at 7:30pm, show at 8:00pm

Advance Base is the melancholic soft rock recording project of Chicago, IL singer/songwriter Owen Ashworth (formerly of Casiotone for the Painfully Alone). Using a two-handed arsenal of electric piano, Omnichord, samplers, effect pedals & drum machines, Ashworth builds minimalist, heavy-hearted, & nostalgia-obsessed ballads around his conversational baritone. The warm, electronic sound of Advance Base has been described as "lo-fi," "depressed" & "weirdly uplifting."

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TNK Fest: Skyler Higley
Jan
16

TNK Fest: Skyler Higley

Doors at 6:30pm, show at 7:00pm

Skyler Higley is a stand-up comedian and WGA-award winning writer who started in Chicago’s legendary stand up scene. Skyler’s razor-sharp writing has been honed from contributing positions at ClickHole and the New Yorker, as well as staff writing gigs at The Onion, CONAN and currently After Midnight with Taylor Tomlinson. Skyler was one of the Just For Laughs Festival’s New Faces in 2022, has appeared on Comedy Central, and was recently featured in Vulture’s list of Comedians You Should Know. Skyler’s unique style was described by his former boss Conan O'Brien as 'delightfully bizarre and undeniably hilarious.'

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TNK Fest: Cosmic Country Showacse feat. Cactus Lee [Night 1]
Jan
16

TNK Fest: Cosmic Country Showacse feat. Cactus Lee [Night 1]

Doors at 7:00pm, show at 8:00pm

Chicago's "enduring cult hit" [Chicago Reader] The Cosmic Country Showcase is at Judson & Moore three nights as part of Tomorrow Never Knows Festival. The psychedelic take on The Grand Ole Opry will feature artists from the festival doing country cover sets as well as some original country tunes from our headliner Cactus Lee and joining the house band The Flying Objects is Michael Novak aka Dark Canyon.

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TNK Fest: Parker Callahan Soda Pop
Jan
16

TNK Fest: Parker Callahan Soda Pop

Doors at 9:00pm, show at 9:30pm

Parker Callahan is a comedian whose blend of humor and music has culminated in his solo show, Soda Pop. He was recognized at 2023 Just For Laughs Festival New Face of comedy, has toured the world as a Second City touring player, and his stupid little videos have gone viral online despite their gay overtones. He's opened for Paul F Tompkins and Sam Taggert, and recently performed at the New York Comedy Festival alongside collaborator Maggie Winters (aka Chicago's Comedy Queen.) You can follow him on all platforms at @parkthelark

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TNK Fest: Spike & Honey [early]
Jan
17

TNK Fest: Spike & Honey [early]

Doors at 6:30pm, show at 7:00pm

Spike Einbinder is a comedian, actor, writer, drag performer and 6,000 year old shapeshifting demon from Los Angeles. His work combines body horror, surrealism and dark comedy. He has featured roles in HBO's "Los Espookys", as well as A24's "You Hurt My Feelings" and "Problemista". He has performed his live solo comedy hours "Visions" and “I’m Not Scared & I’m Not Insane” to sold-out crowds.

Honey Pluton is a stand-up comedian and theatrical performer with 8 years of experience spanning stage, film and screen. He is a mutable and dynamic artistic spirit that prioritizes a DIY ethos, anarchic politic and lateral collaboration. He’s creatively inspired by disruption, risk-taking, and the liminal thresholds that blur states of consciousness. He is nationally touring his solo show ‘I’ve Always Been Like This’ to sold out crowds across the country and is also host of the weekly podcast ‘Up Good with Honey Pluton’

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TNK Fest: Cosmic Country Showacse feat. Cactus Lee [Night 2]
Jan
17

TNK Fest: Cosmic Country Showacse feat. Cactus Lee [Night 2]

Doors at 7:00pm, show at 8:00pm

Chicago's "enduring cult hit" [Chicago Reader] The Cosmic Country Showcase is at Judson & Moore three nights as part of Tomorrow Never Knows Festival. The psychedelic take on The Grand Ole Opry will feature artists from the festival doing country cover sets as well as some original country tunes from our headliner Cactus Lee and joining the house band The Flying Objects is Michael Novak aka Dark Canyon.

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TNK Fest: Alan Resnick
Jan
17

TNK Fest: Alan Resnick

Doors at 7:30pm, show at 8:00pm

Alan Resnick is a filmmaker, comedian, and visual artist. He has worked with FX and Adult Swim and is well-known for his videos that blend absurd humor with disturbing terror including videos such as Live Forever As You Are Now With Alan Resnick, Unedited Footage of a Bear, This House Has People In It, and The Dream. Resnick's fractured take on society’s ills has delighted audiences around the world for many years, he is essentially a truth teller who tells it like it is.

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TNK Fest: Spike & Honey [late]
Jan
17

TNK Fest: Spike & Honey [late]

Doors at 9:00pm, show at 9:30pm

Spike Einbinder is a comedian, actor, writer, drag performer and 6,000 year old shapeshifting demon from Los Angeles. His work combines body horror, surrealism and dark comedy. He has featured roles in HBO's "Los Espookys", as well as A24's "You Hurt My Feelings" and "Problemista". He has performed his live solo comedy hours "Visions" and “I’m Not Scared & I’m Not Insane” to sold-out crowds.

Honey Pluton is a stand-up comedian and theatrical performer with 8 years of experience spanning stage, film and screen. He is a mutable and dynamic artistic spirit that prioritizes a DIY ethos, anarchic politic and lateral collaboration. He’s creatively inspired by disruption, risk-taking, and the liminal thresholds that blur states of consciousness. He is nationally touring his solo show ‘I’ve Always Been Like This’ to sold out crowds across the country and is also host of the weekly podcast ‘Up Good with Honey Pluton’

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TNK Fest: Exploration LIVE! [early]
Jan
18

TNK Fest: Exploration LIVE! [early]

Doors at 6:30pm, show at 7:00pm

The world is a confusing place, full of mysteries to be probed and questions to be answered. No worries though: hosts Charlie Bardey and Natalie Rotter-Laitman (two of Vulture Magazine's Comedians You Should and Will Know in 2023) are on it.

Together, Charlie and Natalie address some of our most (and least) pressing questions. Questions like: Is the only way out really through? Does “you’re welcome to join” mean you’re actually invited? And why is there always another itch? Come join Natalie and Charlie and explore.

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TNK Fest: Cosmic Country Showacse feat. Cactus Lee [Night 3]
Jan
18

TNK Fest: Cosmic Country Showacse feat. Cactus Lee [Night 3]

Doors at 7:00pm, show at 8:00pm

Chicago's "enduring cult hit" [Chicago Reader] The Cosmic Country Showcase is at Judson & Moore three nights as part of Tomorrow Never Knows Festival. The psychedelic take on The Grand Ole Opry will feature artists from the festival doing country cover sets as well as some original country tunes from our headliner Cactus Lee and joining the house band The Flying Objects is Michael Novak aka Dark Canyon.

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TNK Fest: Anna Sereginga
Jan
18

TNK Fest: Anna Sereginga

Doors at 9:00pm, show at 9:30pm

Anna Seregina is a Los Angeles-based comedian, actor, and writer originally from Russia. She was chosen as one JFL's 2023 New Faces, Time Out LA’s 2020 Comics to Watch and Vulture’s 2019 Comics to Watch. Anna has appeared on CBS, Adult Swim, Comedy Central, and (unbelievably) Vanderpump Rules. She has performed at comedy festivals and notable venues across the country, including Netflix is a Joke Festival, SXSW, SF Sketchfest, New York Comedy Festival, SFMOMA, and -perhaps most importantly- the Viper Room.

We would be remiss not to touch on the subject of podcasting. Anna voiced Niya in the Kristen Wiig, Alia Shawkat, and Sebastian Silva Gimlet podcast, SANDRA. She is the co-creator and co-host of the two-season semi-scripted comedy podcast TRUTH HOUNDS for iHeartMedia alongside frequent collaborator Kyle Mizono.

“…her act is as much a symphony of sound and motion as it is quote-unquote material” - Time Out L.A.

“…incredible, Buster-Keaton-esque” - the Austin Chronicle

“In everything she does, Anna Seregina combines a bold desire for experimentation, a flourish of grace, and an undeniable sense of play.” - Vulture

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TNK Fest: Exploration LIVE! [late]
Jan
18

TNK Fest: Exploration LIVE! [late]

Doors at 9:00pm, show at 9:30pm

The world is a confusing place, full of mysteries to be probed and questions to be answered. No worries though: hosts Charlie Bardey and Natalie Rotter-Laitman (two of Vulture Magazine's Comedians You Should and Will Know in 2023) are on it.

Together, Charlie and Natalie address some of our most (and least) pressing questions. Questions like: Is the only way out really through? Does “you’re welcome to join” mean you’re actually invited? And why is there always another itch? Come join Natalie and Charlie and explore.

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TNK Fest: Demi Adejuyigbe Is Going To Do One (1) Backflip [Early Show]
Jan
19

TNK Fest: Demi Adejuyigbe Is Going To Do One (1) Backflip [Early Show]

Doors at 6:30pm, show at 7:00pm

A very special comedy show featuring original songs, presentations, bits, and one (1) backflip performed by an aging man who had to stand up and crack his knees while writing this.

Demi Adejuyigbe is a writer, comedian, filmmaker, and– inexplicably– musician, best known for his podcasts Punch Up The Jam and Gilmore Guys, his popular September 21st video series, and as a writer/producer on NBC’s The Good Place, Peacock’s The Amber Ruffin Show, Netflix’s NEON, and Apple TV’s Strange Planet.

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TNK Fest: Demi Adejuyigbe Is Going To Do One (1) Backflip [Late Show]
Jan
19

TNK Fest: Demi Adejuyigbe Is Going To Do One (1) Backflip [Late Show]

Doors at 9:00pm, show at 9:30pm

A very special comedy show featuring original songs, presentations, bits, and one (1) backflip performed by an aging man who had to stand up and crack his knees while writing this.

Demi Adejuyigbe is a writer, comedian, filmmaker, and– inexplicably– musician, best known for his podcasts Punch Up The Jam and Gilmore Guys, his popular September 21st video series, and as a writer/producer on NBC’s The Good Place, Peacock’s The Amber Ruffin Show, Netflix’s NEON, and Apple TV’s Strange Planet.

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Sean Rowe
Jan
25

Sean Rowe

Doors at 7:00pm, show at 8:00pm

As one critic noted, “Sean Rowe can just crush granite with that voice. It's so powerful.” He is an acclaimed and well-respected forager and songwriter whose music has been used extensively in television and film. Rowe is currently working on wrapping production for his soon-to-be-announced 6th album.

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Johnny Delaware
Nov
16

Johnny Delaware

Doors at 7:00pm, show at 8:00pm

“This is a very nomadic album,” says Johnny Delaware. “I recorded it in studios at home in Mexico City and on the road in the United States and in hotel rooms all across Latin America.” It makes perfect sense, then, that Delaware would call his new collection Para Llevar, which translates roughly as “to go” or “to take.” Drawn from Delaware’s years of journeying—both physically around the world and internally to find himself—the record blends elements of Laurel Canyon and Latin America with dreamy, psychedelic production to forge a mesmerizing cultural swirl that transcends borders and traditions. Delaware produced the record himself in addition to playing nearly all of the instruments, and the result is a deeply personal exploration of human nature through the eyes of an itinerant observer, an intoxicating meditation on the doubt and hope and fear and love and loneliness that bind us all, no matter where we call home.

Born and raised in South Dakota, Delaware spent his 20s drifting around the US before eventually landing in Charleston, SC, where he recorded his 2013 debut, Secret Wave. The record earned glowing reviews, but it was another Charleston project Delaware helped co-found, Susto, that soon took center stage, garnering raves from Rolling Stone and Spin and landing tour dates with the likes of The Lumineers, Band of Horses, and The Head and the Heart. After moving to Mexico City, Delaware relaunched his solo career with 2022’s similarly well-received Energy Of Light. 

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Julie Williams, Lydia Cash
Nov
9

Julie Williams, Lydia Cash

Doors at 7:00pm, show at 8:00pm

CMT Next Women of Country's Julie Williams is turning heads in Nashville’s Americana music scene with her compelling blend of country storytelling, soft yet-powerful vocal performance, and indie folk production. Building her career on the road, Julie has played over 120 shows in 26 states in the past two years and captivated audiences at festivals such as Newport Folk Festival, CMA Fest, Tortuga Music Fest, High Water Festival, Cayamo, and AmericanaFest. She has shared the stage with acts across genres, including Jason Isbell, Allison Russell, Mt. Joy, Devon Gilfillian, Brittney Spencer, and Will Hoge. A member of the Black Opry Revue, Julie was named in Rissi Palmer’s Color Me Country Class of 2021, featured on Wide Open Country’s list of “10 Country Acts Poised for a Breakout Year in 2023,” and her single “Southern Curls” was covered by Billboard, CMT, PBS NewsHour, and numerous music publications. An activist at heart, Julie launched Green Room Conversations in March 2023, a series of performances and speaking campuses on college campuses to raise awareness of sexual harassment in the music industry. On August 20th, Julie released "just friends?", the first single on her upcoming EP, Tennessee Moon (to be released on October 17).

Lydia Cash grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. She moved to Chicago on a whim in 2013, and her love for the city has since become a wellspring of inspiration for her music. Cash's latest release, Blush, boasts her fresh indie take on country music, weaving synths with traditional pedal steel, her airy voice floating with stacked harmonies and emotional, heartfelt lyrics.

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India Ramey
Nov
7

India Ramey

Doors at 7:00pm, show at 8:00pm

India Ramey blazes a trail through cinematic spaghetti western landscapes to wood floored Honkytonks and the Appalachian foothills.

India’s musical journey was not typical. “Having grown up poor, there was a lot of pressure for me to ‘go to college and make money’ so I convinced myself that music was a hobby”. Ramey, a domestic violence survivor graduated college, got a law degree and became a domestic violence prosecutor. “I thought if I was helping people like my Mom, I would like being a lawyer more”. Despite her love of helping people, Ramey’s love for music won in the end. She gave up her law career to become a full time musician and songwriter and has never looked back.

Featured as one of the “Must See Acts at SXSW, a Nashville’s Lighting 100 artist of the week, a three-time Americanafest showcasing artist, and one of NPR’s “10 Nashville Artists on the Rise”, India has only continued to rise among the ranks of as one of Country and Americana’s brightest up and coming, emerging artists. Her second national release , Shallow Graves debuted at number six on the Euro Americana Charts and landed a song as Rolling Stone’s pick of the week. Her new album, Baptized By The Blaze is out August 23, 2024 and is already the number one added album to Amiericana Radio. Billboard says of her performance in her Nashville residency performance, “The rollicking set recalls everyone from Tammy Wynette to Wanda Jackson.” Nashville’s Americana radio station, WMOT says India is the perfect mixture of Loretta Lynn and Neko Case, Rolling Stone describes her as “Part Black Sabbath, part honky-tonk” and the BBC’s Ralph McClean says “India is a singer of the truth, she knows the value of a well-told tale sung with passion and honesty. She is a bright light in the darkness. Long may she shine.”

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Dean Spunt
Nov
6

Dean Spunt

Doors at 7:00pm, show at 8:00pm

Dean Spunt [No Age], takes an excursion in electronic sound that instrumentally unpacks his fascination with language — in this case, the syntax of systems and processes of various 64-voice E-MU modules. Track one on Basic Editions and the first single, “Gonzo Bop” is a hybrid signal of celestial ambient synths and percussive break-beat incursions.

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Setting
Nov
2

Setting

with special guests Whitney Johnson & Lia Kohl

Doors at 7:00pm, show at 8:00pm

Setting is Nathan Bowles (solo/trio, Pelt, Black Twig Pickers) on strings, keys, tapes, and percussion; Jaime Fennelly (Mind Over Mirrors, Peeesseye) on harmoniums, synthesizers, and piano zither; and Joe Westerlund (solo, Califone, Sylvan Esso, Jake Xerxes Fussell) on drums, percussion, and metallophones.

Setting established its own setting and found its footing in regularly scheduled improvisational sessions outside Westerlund’s home in Durham, North Carolina, beginning in 2021. The three players began as two, in the context of occasional Bowles and Westerlund percussion duo performances dating back to 2018. Fennelly provided the initial impetus to gather and play together with intentionality and discipline, as well as an harmonic adhesive and thickening agent in the grain and gravity of his harmonium and synthesizer. As always, Bowles’s background as a pianist and drummer informs his approach to banjo, imparting a woodiness, a piney verticality and resinous tang. Westerlund’s training with Milford Graves is apparent in his polyrhythmic flow and its correspondences to human circulatory and corporeal rhythms.

They recorded their collective discoveries on their debut album “Shone a Rainbow Light On” (Paradise of Bachelors), which Uncut praised with a "9/10", while Mojo Magazine listed the album as #3 of Underground Records of 2023, calling it “a record that spectacularly reconciles micro-detailed improv with deep-listening ambience.” And in Aquarium Drunkard’s Year in Review, they penned, “Like Fripp and Eno holed up in a mountain cabin looking for UFOs, Setting’s debut is a luminous slice of kosmische Appalachia that’s like scanning the horizon until you lose all separation between earth and sky.”

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Please Date My Friend: Cuffing Season Edition
Oct
30

Please Date My Friend: Cuffing Season Edition

Doors at 7:30pm, Show at 8pm

In search of love? This special cuffing season installment of 'Please Date My Friend' is an evening of powerpoint presentations by friends of hot singles in your area that will guarantee you a boyfriend by Thanksgiving (sort of). Single people's friends will be 'pitching' them to the audience in hopes that they will find their one true love. Hosted by Kira Felsenfeld and featuring some of Chicago's most cutie sweetie pies, love will surely be in the air. All gender indetities and sexualities welcome- there will be somebody for everybody. <3

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Cosmic Country Showcase: Bad Trip
Oct
26

Cosmic Country Showcase: Bad Trip

Haunted Tavern at 7:00pm, Opening act at 8:00pm, Showcase begins at 8:45pm

The Cosmic Country Showcase is back for three nights at Color Club this fall. Lunar crooner Andrew Sa and cosmic clown Mary Williamson take us on a journey through the Cosmic Country that’s gone all kinds of sideways. Passengers on this trip will start in Color Club’s Tavern which will be completely transformed into a black light haunted bar by the stellar artist Glamhag before the house band, The Flying Objects, guide our hosts and esteemed guests through their nightmarish country-psych revue. Every show is different with on-theme artisans, local opening cosmic country acts, comedy, and variety changing each night! 

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Cosmic Country Showcase: Bad Trip
Oct
25

Cosmic Country Showcase: Bad Trip

Haunted Tavern at 7:00pm, Opening act at 8:00pm, Showcase begins at 8:45pm

The Cosmic Country Showcase is back for three nights at Color Club this fall. Lunar crooner Andrew Sa and cosmic clown Mary Williamson take us on a journey through the Cosmic Country that’s gone all kinds of sideways. Passengers on this trip will start in Color Club’s Tavern which will be completely transformed into a black light haunted bar by the stellar artist Glamhag before the house band, The Flying Objects, guide our hosts and esteemed guests through their nightmarish country-psych revue. Every show is different with on-theme artisans, local opening cosmic country acts, comedy, and variety changing each night! 

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Cosmic Country Showcase: Bad Trip
Oct
24

Cosmic Country Showcase: Bad Trip

Haunted Tavern at 7:00pm, Opening act at 8:00pm, Showcase begins at 8:45pm

The Cosmic Country Showcase is back for three nights at Color Club this fall. Lunar crooner Andrew Sa and cosmic clown Mary Williamson take us on a journey through the Cosmic Country that’s gone all kinds of sideways. Passengers on this trip will start in Color Club’s Tavern which will be completely transformed into a black light haunted bar by the stellar artist Glamhag before the house band, The Flying Objects, guide our hosts and esteemed guests through their nightmarish country-psych revue. Every show is different with on-theme artisans, local opening cosmic country acts, comedy, and variety changing each night! 

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Grace Kuhlenschmidt [late show]
Oct
19

Grace Kuhlenschmidt [late show]

Doors at 9:00pm, Show at 9:30pm

Grace Kuhlenschmidt is an NYC based stand-up comedian, actress and writer who was recognized by the New York Times as one of the top 7 Comedians to Watch. Last year she was also recognized as a New Face by Just For Laughs Montreal Comedy Festival. Grace recurred in the final season of SEARCH PARTY (HBO Max), can be seen in the first season of KILLING IT (Peacock), and also appeared in the first season of ZIWE (Showtime). You can currently watch her on THE DAILY SHOW (Comedy Central).

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*SOLD OUT* Souled American [Night 2]
Oct
19

*SOLD OUT* Souled American [Night 2]

Doors at 7:00pm, show at 8:00pm

An original influence on the alt-country explosion in Chicago, Souled American’s legacy has had a lasting effect on musicians and fans alike. The Mountain Goats' John Darnielle penned an essay about how Souled American's Flubber changed his life and Eric D Johnson (aka Fruit Bats) recalled a show at the Empty Bottle where Jim O’Rourke opening for them was just a side note:

“Souled American took the stage and it was immediately awesome – it was based in folk and country tradition but was heavily drenched in a spooky, hazed-out weirdo vibe. Singular alien music.”

Though the group released six records over their lifetime, it’s the last two, Notes Campfire and Frozen that have made a recent resurgence including this in-depth review by NPR last year. These albums are after the band lost their drummer and seemed to slow way down, uninhibited by the annoyance of someone keeping time in the band.

The group is getting back together to perform two nights at Judson & Moore to celebrate the reissue of these two albums by Scissortail Records (Tobacco City, Rosali). Tickets for reserved seating and general admission are on sale now!

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Grace Kuhlenschmidt [early show]
Oct
19

Grace Kuhlenschmidt [early show]

Doors at 6:30pm, Show at 7:00pm

Grace Kuhlenschmidt is an NYC based stand-up comedian, actress and writer who was recognized by the New York Times as one of the top 7 Comedians to Watch. Last year she was also recognized as a New Face by Just For Laughs Montreal Comedy Festival. Grace recurred in the final season of SEARCH PARTY (HBO Max), can be seen in the first season of KILLING IT (Peacock), and also appeared in the first season of ZIWE (Showtime). You can currently watch her on THE DAILY SHOW (Comedy Central).

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*SOLD OUT* Souled American [Night 1]
Oct
18

*SOLD OUT* Souled American [Night 1]

Doors at 7:00pm, show at 8:00pm

An original influence on the alt-country explosion in Chicago, Souled American’s legacy has had a lasting effect on musicians and fans alike. The Mountain Goats' John Darnielle penned an essay about how Souled American's Flubber changed his life and Eric D Johnson (aka Fruit Bats) recalled a show at the Empty Bottle where Jim O’Rourke opening for them was just a side note:

“Souled American took the stage and it was immediately awesome – it was based in folk and country tradition but was heavily drenched in a spooky, hazed-out weirdo vibe. Singular alien music.”

Though the group released six records over their lifetime, it’s the last two, Notes Campfire and Frozen that have made a recent resurgence including this in-depth review by NPR last year. These albums are after the band lost their drummer and seemed to slow way down, uninhibited by the annoyance of someone keeping time in the band.

The group is getting back together to perform two nights at Judson & Moore to celebrate the reissue of these two albums by Scissortail Records (Tobacco City, Rosali). Tickets for reserved seating and general admission are on sale now!

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Katie Malco
Oct
17

Katie Malco

opening set from Henry True

Doors at 7:00pm, show at 8:00pm

Katie Malco is a British indie rock singer-songwriter known for her emotionally resonant and raw musical style. Malco's work captures the intricate balance between vulnerability and strength, reflecting personal experiences with striking honesty. Her debut album 'Failures' has been celebrated for its lyrical depth and evocative melodies, while the album is a cathartic journey through Malco's formative years, addressing themes of adolescence, trauma, and growth. With her distinctive voice and relatable storytelling, Malco continues to carve out a unique space in the indie rock landscape​.

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Jen Brister: Hyperbole
Oct
13

Jen Brister: Hyperbole

Doors at 7:30pm, Show at 8:00pm

Jen Brister has a lot to say and she's come all the way to North America to say it. Join Jen as she performs her debut hour here in the US. Expect to see her mining material from past shows as well as showcasing brand new jokes. It's going to be a blast!

"No one does furious better than Brister.” The Guardian

“Her energy is explosive. Her use of space and delivery, mesmerising.” The Sunday Times

“A phenomenal display of sinewy stand up.” Chortle

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*SOLD OUT* Jen Brister: Hyperbole
Oct
12

*SOLD OUT* Jen Brister: Hyperbole

Doors at 7:30pm, Show at 8:00pm

Jen Brister has a lot to say and she's come all the way to North America to say it. Join Jen as she performs her debut hour here in the US. Expect to see her mining material from past shows as well as showcasing brand new jokes. It's going to be a blast!

"No one does furious better than Brister.” The Guardian

“Her energy is explosive. Her use of space and delivery, mesmerising.” The Sunday Times

“A phenomenal display of sinewy stand up.” Chortle

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Contorno [album release],  Janet Bean, Glass Beagle
Oct
11

Contorno [album release], Janet Bean, Glass Beagle

Doors at 7:00pm, show at 8:00pm

Contorno is a Chicago-based rock n roll collective led by songwriter John Gargiulo. The band includes core members Connor Boyle, Lee Ketch, Dann Morr, and Andy Rench. The band's music melds folky jangle rock with swampy grooves and fiery, Neil Young-inspired guitar solos. They released their debut LP, "Won't Be Gone," in fall 2020. The album was recorded at Strange Magic Recording with Robbie Hamilton and features contributions from Janet Bean (Freakwater, Eleventh Dream Day) and Angela James.

Janet Beveridge Bean drums, sings, and writes in the great, muscular Chicago guitar band Eleventh Dream Day. Over their 40-year career and 12 album releases Eleventh Dream Day has been described as “an inspiring embodiment of exploratory eclecticism – which has seen a journey through wild prairie plowing Paisley Undergroundisms, Television-meets-Crazy Horse jams, dreamy yet driving college-radio-friendly melodicism, celestial post-rock, motorik garage-pop, VU-infused art-chugging, gnarly agit-punk and rambunctious rock ‘n’ soul across both indie and major labels.” Her 35-year career as half of the Chicago/Louisville duo Freakwater has“defied the alt-country pigeonhole with their aching, prairie-echoing songs of heartbreak and sorrow.” Her solo work has been described as a continuation of American cosmic music with “envelope-pushing textures and dissonance.”

Glass-Beagle, the Chicago-based alt-country outfit, bring a finely judged precision to their juxtapositions. Their debut EP, Spring Sword Chatter, released May 2024, showcases their uniquely mangled mix of country, folk, power pop, and rock 'n' roll. With a blend of fuzzed out guitars, singing pedal steel guitar and Nathan Zurawski’s abstract yet personal lyrics, the band roots their sound in something both nostalgic and innovative.

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Aaron Chen
Oct
4

Aaron Chen

Doors at 7:30pm, Show at 8:00pm

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Aaron has quickly climbed the ranks of the international comedy scene. Aaron made his mark on Australian comedy with his debut solo show in 2017 and since then has toured nationally in front of sold-out crowds and rave reviews, earning him the sought-after awards for Best Newcomer (2017) and Director’s Choice (2019), and nomination for Best Show (2021) at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Since his critically acclaimed performance at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Aaron supported comedian Ronny Chieng on his Live Australian Tour, and had feature roles in Ronny Chieng International Student (ABC), Orange is the New Brown (Seven Network), and FISK (Netflix). As a comedian, he also appears on Australia’s #1 panel show, Have You Been Paying Attention (Network 10).

Aaron’s acclaimed 2021 Adult Swim special A Life in Questions was for nominated for Best Short Form Comedy special at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, and lead to development deals with Adult Swim/Warner Media. His stand-up special, If It Weren’t Filmed, Nobody Would Believe was released on YouTube in September 2022 and has accumulated almost 1 million views.

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Dylan Earl
Oct
4

Dylan Earl

with special guest Pat Reedy & The Longtime Goners

Doors at 7:00pm, show at 8:00pm

I’m from where I woke up this morning. I write the songs that come to mind and struggle with the ones that don’t. I find humor in misconceptions and solace in laughter, love in the street and fire in the eyes of the marginalized. I prefer facts over alternate facts. I’m here to shoot you straight, although sometimes I fire from the hip. 

I was born a Cajun in Lake Charles, Louisiana at the end of the 1980s. When I was a boy, I was naturalized by the Natural State, then became a man. I plan to die in Arkansas. I dream of the raven riding thermals along the cliffs of the Ouachita. I’m blessed by the monks of Subiaco and silent with it’s hills. Sometimes my boots are tugged by the Calcasieu mud. A cold beer goes further than you think; “don’t give me two unless you’ve got 12 more” my buddy always says. I used to ride the levee at night and shoot at the moon. I used to run with the boys in Logan County, that’s also in Arkansas. I used to hold my breath in church until I saw stars just to see if Jesus would come down off that cross and save me. I used to hide from my brother, now I just hide from the cops. The sound of a dog drinking water is my favorite sound. I’ve never written all the songs I wish I had, but I’ve got 3 albums you can find on me or the internet. I used to be in a band called Keyless Gentry…we did one show. I spent all my 20s sweating on guitars, I hope to do it all my 30s. I spend most of my time behind a wheel, getting to you. 

Growing up, my mom played all her country tapes in our ’89 econoline. I love those songs almost as much as our memories. 

It was my mother 
Who first took me to the country 
I’m indebted to her 
Not only in Love 
But also in Time 

Say no to fascism

-DEARL

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Mint Mile
Oct
3

Mint Mile

Doors at 7:00pm, show at 8:00pm

Mint Mile is a rock group based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2014 by Tim Midyett of Silkworm and Bottomless Pit, with Jeff Panall of Songs: Ohia on drums. Matthew Barnhart (Tre Orsi), engineer of the recordings from day one, added bass guitar to his duties soon after, and Justin Brown (Palliard) joined up on pedal steel and guitar in 2016.

The band is rooted in a shifting amalgam of classic rock, post-punk, blues, folk-rock, and country with bits of glam and modern experimental music drifting to the surface.

With three 4-song EPs to open their offerings, Mint Mile produced a sprawling double album (is there any other kind?) called Ambertron in March of 2020, with the fresh, tight forty minutes of Roughrider continuing their run in eminently fine style.

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Marian Runk "Two Wires and a Spark" Release Show
Sep
29

Marian Runk "Two Wires and a Spark" Release Show

Doors at 7:00pm, Show at 8:00pm

Marian Runk’s life-long fascination with storytelling evolved from book arts and comics to songwriting and performing. A dancer, birdwatcher, visual artist, political activist, writer, and musician; the breadth of her creativity is felt in every aspect of her music.

Dallas-born, Chicago-based Runk’s youth was filled with dance, poetry and singing along with the eighties ladies in the car with her mom. In her thirties, those passions converged when she fell in love with songwriting.

Two Wires and a Spark - out on September 13 - is filled with the powerful imagery you expect from someone with such a diverse artistic background. Often compared to Karen Dalton and Gillian Welch, Runk’s lyrics cover an expanse of themes, including loneliness, (mis)communication, dealing with grief, living alongside addiction, and road trips through the Rust Belt.

“Sounds like poetry set to classic country music. Runk’s soprano voice is like honey and her tunes are full of hooks.” - Tony Breed, CHIRP Radio

“Marian Runk is the real deal. Songs that have depth, heart and musicality and will get stuck in your head. -Steve Dawson (Dolly Varden)

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Sean Thompson’s Weird Ears
Sep
27

Sean Thompson’s Weird Ears

opening set from Remuda

Doors at 7:00pm, Show at 8:00pm

"Fresh out of Nashville, but really an ambassador for almost every facet of Americana, there is seemingly nothing that can faze Sean Thompson. Barefoot Jerry's self-titled second album and Grass Roots-esque harmonies form the obvious bedrock, but he's a many-trick pony. Setting out a varied stall, he embraces the sweep of American Beauty-era Grateful Dead on New Trailway Boogie ("hills are high and so am I"), before veering towards intricate J.J. Cale-style plucking on the instrumental, Instrumental Health and understated Uncle Tupelo complexity on Before The Flowers Bloom. He's no mere fanboy though. There's an urgent joy to all he does, the similarly unfazed Weird Ears ensure the ancient musical references don't sound dated and those harmonies are divine” mojo magazine

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Mya Byrne, Riggings
Sep
19

Mya Byrne, Riggings

Special guest Sara Jean Stevens

Doors open at 7:00pm, Show at 8:00pm

Mya Byrne is a celebrated Americana singer-songwriter and firecracker guitarist, combining influences from countrypolitan to glam-pop, blues, and ghostly incantations into a singular voice and vision, with elements of John Prine’s whimsy, Leonard Cohen’s spiritual gravitas, Dylan’s wit, and Lucinda Williams’ aching sensuality. Like a crackling backyard fire outside of a city at dusk, stars on one side of the sky and light pollution on the other, Mya’s music is in the pocket of traditional country and Americana, yet firmly rooted in the modern world.

“Being trans is a prayer for something better”- Carta Monir

This album is a prayer.

Egg is the first full-length from Durham, NC artist Riggings, the newest name sad-folk stalwart Alex Riggs has adopted for means of personal expression. It was recorded over three days in the summer of 2022 at Betty’s in Chapel Hill, NC under the watchful, owl-like eyes of Alli Rogers (Bon Iver, Tallest Man on Earth).

Much like the titular egg, it’s been sat on and kept warm until something inside was ready to emerge, arms open and beak wide open, screaming and wailing. What begins with stuttering, glitchy Steve Reich-ian patterns soon morphs into cobweb-encrusted folk, exercises in loping, broken piano jazz, guitar solos that sound like dying animals, and heartfelt elegies that are also about cat vomit.

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Lavender Prairie Festival
Sep
15

Lavender Prairie Festival

Doors open at 6:00pm, Show at 7:00pm

SUNDAY LINEUP:
10PM - Hawk & The Talons
9PM - Big Benny Bailey
8PM - Olivia & The Lovers
7PM - #QueerCountry Bandwagon

Lavender Prairie Queer CountryFestival is a three-day event at Judson & Moore featuring a curated lineup of queer acts from around the US, as well as some of Chicago’s queer country favorites. The event is presented by Local Universe, The Queer Social Club, and Andrew Sa following their collaborations with the regular two-step night Swappin’ Boots and the cult-hit Cosmic Country Showcase.

Inspired by the legacy of Lavender Country, the event is an experiential celebration of queer performance, dance, and art. Acts are coming in from around the country like the 27-year old twins The Kentucky Gentlemen from Nashville, the writer/vocalist/producer from Durham, HC McEntire, rising star from Charlotte, SC, She Returns From War, and Philly duo Big Benny Bailey (feat. Shamir). Also rounding out the festival from out of state is long-standing country-punk artist Abigail Austin who went on tour with Lavender Country in 2022. Picked from Chicago’s budding queer country scene are Olivia & The Lovers, the halloween-loving Iris Marlowe, Edie McKenna from queer-rockers Modern Nun, #QueerCountry Bandwagon, and duo The Devil Said Jump. Andrew Sa will be assembling a tribute to Lavender Country with former touring members of that band which was a collective of queer performers.

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Lavender Prairie Festival
Sep
14

Lavender Prairie Festival

Doors open at 6:00pm, Show at 7:00pm

SATURDAY LINEUP:
10PM - Andrew Sa’s Lavender Country Tribute
9PM - HC McEntire
8PM - She Returns From War
7PM - Edie McKenna

Lavender Prairie Queer CountryFestival is a three-day event at Judson & Moore featuring a curated lineup of queer acts from around the US, as well as some of Chicago’s queer country favorites. The event is presented by Local Universe, The Queer Social Club, and Andrew Sa following their collaborations with the regular two-step night Swappin’ Boots and the cult-hit Cosmic Country Showcase.

Inspired by the legacy of Lavender Country, the event is an experiential celebration of queer performance, dance, and art. Acts are coming in from around the country like the 27-year old twins The Kentucky Gentlemen from Nashville, the writer/vocalist/producer from Durham, HC McEntire, rising star from Charlotte, SC, She Returns From War, and Philly duo Big Benny Bailey (feat. Shamir). Also rounding out the festival from out of state is long-standing country-punk artist Abigail Austin who went on tour with Lavender Country in 2022. Picked from Chicago’s budding queer country scene are Olivia & The Lovers, the halloween-loving Iris Marlowe, Edie McKenna from queer-rockers Modern Nun, #QueerCountry Bandwagon, and duo The Devil Said Jump. Andrew Sa will be assembling a tribute to Lavender Country with former touring members of that band which was a collective of queer performers.

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