Spencer Schillerstrom is a Chicago-based saxophonist, educator, and composer. Spencer has taken his unique sound, a combination of jazz, funk, and soul, to venues all over the midwest as a bandleader and sideman at venues such as Andy's Jazz Club, The Chicago Jazz Showcase, The Promontory, and currently holds a residency at The Waterfront Cafe. Spencer holds an MFA from DePaul University in Jazz Saxophone and is a Tenor Madness Saxophones Artist. As an educator, Spencer has held positions at DePauw University, the British International School of Chicago, and, currently, Hinsdale South High School as the saxophone studio paraprofessional and jazz program co-director. "Introducing Spencer Schillerstrom" is now available on all streaming platforms.

Join us at the Tack Room as we get ready for the Lit & Luz Chicago—a week of exciting events featuring writers and artists from Mexico and Chicago. Drop in to pick up a copy of the print program, enter our raffle, and enjoy the live musical stylings of pianist, composer and vocalist, Counterfeit Madison.

Acompáñanos en el Tack Room mientras te preparas para el Lit & Luz Chicago—una semana de emocionantes eventos con escritores y artistas de México y Chicago. Ven por tu copia impresa del programa, entra a una rifa, y disfruta en vivo del estilo musical de la pianista, compositora y vocalista, Counterfeit Madison.

Counterfeit Madison

Counterfeit Madison is the musical manifestation of Sharon Udoh, a Nigerian-American pianist, composer and vocalist based in Chicago. Her work combines vocals that seemingly erupt from the center of the earth with a stage presence that somehow feels both dangerous and kind, abandoning genre. Their collaborators have included Marvin Tate, Adam Zanolini, Cristal Sabbagh, Tune-Yards, clipping., Los Angeles Gay Men's Chorus, D-Composed, Ben Lamar Gay, and Angel Bat Dawid. His performances have been described as a warm bowl of soup, a tornado, a jalapeño pepper, a Jackson Pollock painting, a bulldozer, and magnetic. Find out more at counterfeitmadison.com.

Counterfeit Madison es la manifestación cultural de Sharon Udoh, pianista, compositora y vocalista nigeriana-estadounidense radicada en Chicago. Su trabajo combina voces que parecen que emergen del centro de la tierra con una presencia escénica que se puede sentir tanto peligrosa como bondadosa, abandonando el género. Entre sus colaboradores se encuentran Marvin Tate, Adam Zanolini, Cristal Sabbagh, Tune-Yards, clipping., Los Angeles Gay Men's Chorus, D-Composed, Ben Lamar Gay, y Angel Bat Dawid. Sus presentaciones han sido descritas como un caliente plato de sopa, un tornado, un chile jalapeño, una pintura de Jackson Pollock, una excavadora, y magnéticas. Para mayor información visita counterfeitmadison.com.

Laura Cai is a recording artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist based out of Chicago.

As a singer, keyboardist, cellist, guitarist, and bassist, Laura has lent her range of talents to a variety of live and studio projects across diverse genres for more than a decade. She has worked as a studio musician, recording and arranging songs that have together amassed millions of streams. As a live musician, Laura has toured both domestically and internationally, playing in venues spanning from intimate coffee shops to sold-out theaters to arenas of thousands.

Laura has had songs placed with CBS and Walmart alongside Grammy-nominated producer Oh, Hush! and created viral videos with recording artist Alex Blue. She currently plays weekly at piano bars around the city as she continues to hone her skills as an up-and-coming producer, mixer, and masterer.

Guitar for Guaraldi is an annual holiday concert series to honor the timeless work of Vince Guaraldi, the iconic jazz pianist known for his enchanting scores in the "Peanuts" television specials.  

Come get into the Halloween spirit as the Mich Shirey Trio performs cozy guitar arrangements of Guaraldi's "Great Pumpkin" soundtrack, alongside other fall favorites. This show promises to bring the same delightful spirit to autumn that their Christmas series has brought to winter, providing a soothing soundtrack to the changing seasons.

Join us in Tack Room before both of our SOLD OUT Osees shows at Thalia Hall for a preshow guitar hero happy hour. Thalia Hall's very own Bran Moorhead will be hosting from 6:30pm-8:30pm on Friday, October 18 and Saturday, October 19. No cover, no reservations, just walk on in!

ANDIE (she/her) is a Soul, Blues, & Jazz inspired songwriter, vocalist, guitarist, & bandleader of ANDIE & The Bandits. She has been involved in Chicago’s music scene for over 6 years, having attended Columbia College Chicago for her Bachelor’s in Contemporary Music while playing at venues all across Chicago. ANDIE & The Bandits recently concluded their 4 month long residency at Golden Dagger, having added new songs to their original set of music each month. Whether accompanying herself on electric guitar, or leading The Bandits, ANDIE’s strong sense of vulnerability shines through in her lyricism & expressive voice.

Join us in Tack Room before both of our SOLD OUT Osees shows at Thalia Hall for a preshow guitar hero happy hour. Thalia Hall's very own Bran Moorhead will be hosting from 6:30pm-8:30pm on Friday, October 18 and Saturday, October 19. No cover, no reservations, just walk on in!

Wanda is Chicago's dark-sided, piano-playing drag queen. She has performed in New York City, Los Angeles, London, and all around the UK as a solo act and as part of the drag theatre group SADHAUS, which she co-founded. You can usually find her enchanting audiences at Tack Room or leading a ghost tour downtown. She has also led art tours at the Art Institute, and if you're lucky she will bust out her accordion!

The Laughing Hearts are an independent band from Chicago that channel the energy of classic rock ‘n’ roll  combined with the songwriting sensibilities of modern pop. Led by singer-songwriter Tyler Stock, the band has built a reputation for captivating audiences with their signature sound and dynamic live performances.

Since the release of their self-titled EP in 2017, featuring the hit song “Wabash”,  The Laughing Hearts have become a fixture in the Chicago music scene. Their music, characterized by powerful songwriting and memorable melodies, speaks to the heart of rock 'n' roll while offering a fresh take on the genre.

The band has released two additional EPs, "Fast & Free" in 2021 and "Strawberry Coffins" in 2022. Each release highlights their ability to evolve while staying true to the persistent sincerity that has come to define their sound. Whether performing as a full band or in solo acoustic showcases, The Laughing Hearts consistently deliver energetic performances that keep you coming back for more.

In November 2023, The Laughing Hearts Independently released their first full-length album, "TRACES”, full of collaborations from long-time Chicago artists such as Lunar Ticks, Matt Coakley, & Rosey Bones. This album is the culmination of the band’s experiences and influences.

René Avila band leader for a traditional Cuban Charanga band.  He has two ensembles, from a trio to a 9 piece band.  We have played for Chicago's Summerdance, Navy Pier's Beer Garden, Old Town School of Folk Music and various festivals throughout the city. Our ensembles play traditional Cuban from the golden ages of the 40's 50's and 60's still keeping the "Charanga" format.Charanga is a classical chamber ensemble that came out of Haiti, featuring the unique sound of the french flute and violins.  During the Haitian revolution of 1804, this sound migrated to eastern Cuba where it reached Santiago.  In the space of 120 years, the modern Charanga was born by adding elements of Africa, Spain, Haiti and Cuba transforming it into an electric mix of cultures and one of the worlds most exciting dance genres. 

Laura Cai is a recording artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist based out of Chicago.

As a singer, keyboardist, cellist, guitarist, and bassist, Laura has lent her range of talents to a variety of live and studio projects across diverse genres for more than a decade. She has worked as a studio musician, recording and arranging songs that have together amassed millions of streams. As a live musician, Laura has toured both domestically and internationally, playing in venues spanning from intimate coffee shops to sold-out theaters to arenas of thousands.

Laura has had songs placed with CBS and Walmart alongside Grammy-nominated producer Oh, Hush! and created viral videos with recording artist Alex Blue. She currently plays weekly at piano bars around the city as she continues to hone her skills as an up-and-coming producer, mixer, and masterer.

Gayun Cannon is a 22 year old singer, self-produced, and multi-instrumentalist artist from the area we know and love, the South side of Chicago. Gayun is known for creating a process of healing within each song whether it is about love, healing or her own trials and tribulations through life. Her main goal is for her listeners to tap into their emotions and embrace them.

Kevin Fort has established himself as one of the most in demand pianists on the Chicago jazz scene.  Known for his warm touch and virtuosic yet lyrical improvisations, Kevin is a champion of the straight-ahead jazz tradition while embracing modern influences.  He has performed and/or recorded with artists such as Bob Brookmeyer, John Clayton, James Moody, Ira Sullivan, Slide Hampton, Phil Woods, Steve Turre, Bill Watrous, Louie Bellson, Harry Allen, George Fludas, Andy Brown, and Makaya McCraven. 

Kevin was inspired to pursue a career in jazz by his father’s love of alto saxophone.  Eavesdropping on jam sessions at the house and regularly listening to his dad’s classic jazz record collection helped to refine Kevin’s ear and develop his appreciation for the music.  

After high school, Kevin enrolled at the DePaul University School of Music, where he graduated with highest honors, earning both his BA and MM in Jazz Studies.  While there, he studied piano with Chicago jazz legend Larry Novak.  

Kevin has recorded three albums as a leader.  Red Gold (2014) and Perspectives (2022) proved popular with a global audience, garnering over two million streams across streaming services.  All About Jazz described Kevin as “one of the young lions of the piano deserving of attention.” Chicago Jazz Magazine said that he displays “thrilling virtuosity and agile, vibrant improvisations.”  

Kevin’s latest album, Twilight, releases on October 5, 2023.  Accompanied by bandmates Joe Policastro and Jon Deitemyer, the group pays homage to the classic piano trio albums of the past while incorporating Kevin’s unique take on the art form.  

Currently, Kevin serves as a faculty member at the Northwestern University Bienen School of Music, where he imparts his passion for jazz to the next generation of emerging artists.

Kevin Fort is a Yamaha Artist.