2011 Band Showcase at the Jazz Kitchen!

Stay tuned for upcoming details on audition dates and times.

Mickey Kellerman and Felix Moreno, alongside drummer Darren Heitz, are the driving force behind Future Rock. During their explosive live show, all three members wield synthesizers, live loops and samples-Kellerman on the keys, Moreno on the bass, Heitz on drums-to form an amalgamation of excitement, constructed completely live onstage. The Chicago trio has been perfecting its brand of live-instrument dance music since 2004 and-just like Future Rock’s pulsating and escalating anthems-their momentum is about to explode.

Unlike some other electronic bands that also use a foundation of live samples and loops, Future Rock is more concerned with making songs than being progressive sheerly for the sake of it. Melodies trump abstraction and true emotion beats the bizarre. “I’m not a shy bass player, I want you to hear the bass string clank against the fret,” Moreno says. “Unlike many electronic musicians, we’re not afraid of the major key.”

Oreo takes hip-hop back to a time when the style was witty, creative, and most importantly fun. His rhymes are filled with an overload of punch lines and pop culture references. Oreo’s style is what his name implies–delicious. Runner up for “Best Hip-hop Artist” in Nuvo Newsweekl’s “Best of Indy” voting poll, Oreo Jones continues to produce fresh lyrics and sounds as his fan base continues to grow greater and faster!

Fresh Hops is a 7-piece band from the Tri-Town Area of North West Indiana. After two years of being together, their sound continues to evolve and the family continues to grow. Fresh Hops have been lucky enough to share some bills with nationally known acts such as, Kyle Hollingsworth(SCI), Cornmeal, Pnuma Trio, Future Rock, Tea Leaf Green, Toubab Krewe, Mr. Blotto, Groovatron, and Ecoustic Hookah. Fresh Hops has performed shows in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Kentucky, and Colorado. Fresh Hops are constantly ragin’ the Region and all throughout Indiana, as well as Chicago, Illinois. Having “FUN” is the major objective, for the fans, family, and also the musicians. Isn’t that what music is about? Some recent shows include: the Double Door, the Elbo Room, the Kinetic Playground, Reggie’s Music Joint, the Subterranean, Martyrs’, and the Goose Island Brew Pub all in Chicago. The Hideaway Saloon in Kentucky and the Frequency in Madison, Wisconsin. Quixotes True Blue, Cervantes Other Side, Rock N Soul Cafe, and Herman’s Hideaway in Colorado. Mousetrap, Shoreline Brewery, Lafayette Brew Co., and the Bluebird and Uncle Festers in Indiana.

Hailing from Chicago, IL – a modern hub for both live and electronic music – The Coop is a four piece project that combines traditional instrumentation with on-stage production to create a true fusion of electronic sensibilities and organic live music. Taking cues from accomplished artists such as Frank Zappa, STS9, Weather Report and Thievery Corporation, The Coop constructs original works by focusing on the balance of both improvisation and composition. Combining elements of today’s electronic music styles with classic sounds of rock, jazz, dub, funk, and reggae keeps the group’s sound in a state of constant change. “We really try not to let pre-conceived genres limit the music we create. Each member of the band has their own influences, and these differences are what make things really interesting for all of us,” explains drummer Jake Barinholtz. The Coop has been a staple at Chicago venues and has shared the stage with such notables as Vibesquad, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Savoy, Bluetech, Emancipator, PrepSchool, Hulk to name a few – and looks forward to opening for The New Deal and playing a host of festivals in the remainder of 2010 including Wuhnurth, The Werk Out, Knollfest and many more!! With such a diverse, developed sound, one thing is certain; this young quartet has quickly evolved from their first practices in the old shack that spawned their name into a driving musical force in Chicago and the Midwest.

The Native Sun is an energetic hip-hop, soul, and jazz collective whose goal is to exhibit true artistry and create exciting and unique soundscapes. Based out of Indianapolis, IN, the group’s combination of exotic beat production, complex grooves, and incredible lyricism produce a show that will make any audience put their hands in the air!

Blue Moon Revue is an exciting four piece rock band from Chicago, Illinois. The band has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with some of the best acts in the business including Santana, Los Lobos, Robert Randolph and OK GO to name just a few. Building on a decade of experience writing and performing their unique original music, the group is gaining a lot of attention off the strength of their new self-titled EP, “Blue Moon Revue”. This new set of tunes
features a fresh new direction for the band that focuses on both their guitar driven songwriting and the high energy
of their much buzzed about live show.