2026 Live Music Lineup
Friday, September 25
RICO!
4:30 - 6pm
Latin Rock
Blending a fiery mix of rock, reggae, soul, and Afro-Cuban rhythms, Rico! delivers a high-energy sonic experience led by the hypnotic guitar work and vocals of Ricky "Rico" Baker. Rooted in the rich musical traditions of Chicago, the band honors the legendary spirit of Santana-style fusion while carving out their own modern groove with explosive percussion and soulful melodies. Their passionate, uplifting performances bridge cultures and generations alike, moving both the mind and the dance floor.
Joanna Connor
6:30 - 8pm
Chicago Blues
Joanna Connor is an American blues-rock guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist widely celebrated as one of the most explosive slide-guitar virtuosos of her generation. Emerging from the Chicago blues scene in the late 1980s, she forged a powerhouse reputation with her blistering speed, ferocious technique, and a soulful, commanding vocal style that seamlessly blends electric blues, rock, funk, and gospel. Over a prolific career spanning dozens of albums—including her 1989 debut Believe It! and the chart-topping, Joe Bonamassa-produced 2021 release 4801 South Indiana Avenue—Connor has shared stages with legends like B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Robert Cray, consistently delivering a high-octane live show that leaves audiences spellbound.
Shinyribs
8:30 - 10pm
Austin Swamp-Funk & Soul
Named ‘Best Austin Band’ at the Austin Chronicle’s Austin Music Awards in 2017 and 2018, Shinyribs defies genres as a sonic melting pot of Texas Blues, New Orleans R&B funk, horn- driven Memphis Soul, country twang, border music, big band swing, and roots-rock. The Austin-based nine-piece (sometimes 10-piece) supergroup is led by Kevin Russell, the charismatic frontman with colorful suits and extravagant shoes who continuously swaps out an electric guitar for a ukulele and never falls short of creating a cinematic experience with on- stage antics that often include him donning a light-up cloak or leading a conga line through the crowd.
Saturday, September 26
School of Rock
12:30 - 2pm
Rock, Pop & Indie
The School of Rock in Oak Park is where music and learning come together. The performance-based music program, located in Oak Park, IL, offers weekly classes for kids and adults of all ages, from songwriting to performance and everything in between. The School of Rock also offers music lessons for guitar, drums, singing, and piano.
Patrick Sweany
2:30 - 4pm
Nashville Blues
Patrick Sweany is an acclaimed American blues-rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his raw, soulful fusion of Delta blues, classic country, and 1950s rock and roll. Sweany has spent over two decades building a reputation as a fierce live performer and roots music staple, frequently touring with a driving electric trio. His career features deep creative ties with Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, who played guitar in early iterations of the Patrick Sweany Band and went on to produce several of his standout albums. Continually evolving his sound, Sweany commands a fiercely loyal global following with his gritty vocals, masterful slide guitar work, and timeless, blue-collar songwriting.
Rachel Swain
4:30 - 6pm
Americana
Rachel Swain doesn’t mind when people two-step to her pain—she welcomes it. Raised on the sounds of country, classic rock, and soul, Swain’s powerful voice and poignant songwriting have earned her recognition in the Americana scene over the past two decades. A native of Austin, Texas, and later Houston, Swain grew up surrounded by music, learning to play fiddle, guitar, and bass, and honing her skills in projects ranging from indie rock to 60s French pop.
With an unmistakable sound that’s rooted in her Texas upbringing, Swain's music is as gritty as it is tender, capturing the full spectrum of human experience. Her debut record Neon Lullaby has cemented her place as one of the most exciting voices in Americana music today.
!Esso! Afrojam Funkbeat
6:30pm-8pm
Latin Funk / Afrojam
2025 Music & Nightlife poll winners for Best of Chicago by Chicago Reader, Chicago’s ESSO has made a significant impact on the international music scene with their award-winning fusion of global dance music. The group is known for showcasing a unique blend of Afro-Caribbean rhythms, Latin dance, slam poetry, jazz, and psychedelic rock. By exploring these diverse influences, the band creates an inclusive environment for all ages and cultures on the dance floor. ESSO has toured the United States and Mexico in support of their original album releases, performing at major festivals alongside Grammy-winning artists. Additionally, the group provides music for sync licensing in television and film.
The Resolvers
8:30 - 10pm
Reggae
The Resolvers define "Big Band Reggae" by combining classic Jamaican roots and lively New Orleans stylings. Siblings Ojay and Sahara Smith (son and daughter of international reggae artist Ernie Smith) exchange lead vocal roles with guitarist Ron Eisner while their rock solid rhythm and bombastic horn sections set the pace. Their show has been described as "explosive" and "must see," and the band has gained the reputation as a premier live reggae act. The Resolvers have shared the stage with The Wailers, Julian Marley, Stephen Marley, Damian Marley, Kymani Marley, Inner Circle, English Beat, Yellowman, Matisyahu, Lee 'Scratch' Perry and Mishka along with many other world renowned acts in major international festivals.