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.

hosted by Tristan Huygen feat. Elizabeth Moen, Chris Coleslaw, Case Oats, and Josephine

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

The Grain is Judson & Moore & Local Universe’s monthly live songwriting journal. Join a rotating host as they guide artists into an intimate look at their songwriting. Artists are invited bring songs of theirs around promtps based on the theme for each evening. They'll be interviewed before performing about their song and choices for a live essay-style look behind the songs and the writers themselves.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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’

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.

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’

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

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.

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.'

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

Come by Sunday 12/12 at Sportsman’s Club on Western Ave. and stumble on a night of vinyl B-sides of downright glum country picks by guest DJ St. Stephen (Numero Group). The night will feature Judson & Moore’s brown-liquor specials to soothe your heartache including the Teardrop Old Fashioned (finished with the salt from cowboy tears) and live mini-sets of country covers from Liam Kazar and Tommy Goodroad.

Doors at 7:30pm, Show at 8pm

Maggie Winters is a Chicago-fried comedian who's the hottest ticket in town. You may have seen her open for SNL prince Colin Jost, ex-Chicago Princess Meg Stalter, or NY's Matt Rogers. Directed by her Southside-Irish blood relatives, Bart and Liam Winters, her solo show Marguerite will explore her life, her laugh, and her love!

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

Sarah Weddle is a songwriter based in Chicago.

Lillian King is a tall woman who plays music with friends Robert Salazar and Nick DePrey. When she’s not writing hilarious jokes for a hit comedy radio show you listen to on the way to Target, she’s writing beautiful songs you listen to on the way to contemplating everything you’ve ever done in your life. She released the critically acclaimed (by friends and family) EP “Gotta Burn” this year, and toured the world (Eastern Canada and US) with Spencer Krug of Wolf Parade, Sunset Rubdown, and Moonface fame. It was incredible! You should attend this concert if you enjoy songs about water and love having a great time.

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."

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.

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.

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

Chris Forsyth, Douglas McCombs, Mikel Patrick Avery

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

Come by Sunday 12/8 at Sportsman’s Club on Western Ave. and stumble on a night of vinyl B-sides of downright glum country picks by resident Prairie School DJs. The night will feature Judson & Moore’s brown-liquour specials to soothe your heartache including the Teardrop Old Fashioned (finished with the salt from cowboy tears) and live mini-sets of country covers from Tobacco City and BNNY [solo].

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.”

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.