Chicago Acoustic Underground Podcast

David believes in transmuting his pain into his music. In doing so, that is where the discovery and evolution happens. David invites you to come along his journey through both his live and his recorded music. He hopes that, in doing so, you can face your own pain, your own fear and your own demons and come out through the other side stronger and wiser. As a good friend of his says, "keep walking through the fire. Don't stop. Don't turn around."

Olivia came in to record this Podcast before her performance on Singing for your Supper. This woman has a powerful voice and brilliant lyrics. Check her out. I am sure you will enjoy.Here's the link to the videos from the Podcast

StanHope aka Chris Rawlins joined us to perform music from his new album release. It was a brilliant night of music from this very skilled singer/songwriter. I am certain that you will enjoy the story telling of these songs. Here are the videos of StanHope's songs from the Podcast

Grant joined us on a chilly day in Mid January and performed four of his original songs. We had a ton of fun and recorded some really great tunes. I am certain that you will enjoy them.

Midwestern music-makers FAKE BLIND DATE are an "alt-pop / eclecti-rock / punkabilly /outlaw-cowgirl / midnight-jazz-dive quartet." (Yup-yet another one of those. Yawn.) Ingredients: Kari Lueneberg aka Molli Putz, on guitar, lead vocal, and flute; journeyman bassist, singer, 'n' harmonica-slinger Paul McComas; unparalleled up-'n'-comer Megan Rault on sax, flute, 'n' jazz vocal; and "Peter Van Eck a- drummin' like HECK!"

Steve Ploum brought in this fabulous bluegrass band from the Southside for an evening of great music and lots of witty banter. What a fun time we had and now you too can enjoy this band. Click this to see the videos from the show.

I found this Podcast on a hard drive that I replaced a few years ago. This is Ryland Foxx who was in in the afternoon before his performance at Space in Evanston.

Chicago-based singer-songwriter Pierce Crask, accompanied by his guitar and harmonica, and drawing from influences such as Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, John Prine, Bob Dylan, Greg Brown, and Chris Smither has been entertaining audiences professionally since 1999. What a wonderful adfternoon of songs and excellent guitar picking. Pierce Crask is one hell of a performer. I am certain that you will enjoy this Podcast. Click here to see the videos from this Podcast

Lauren E. NelsonThis Podcast is from our lost and found department. How the heck I misplaced this is beyond me. Lauren came in to record this show over two years ago. We had a wonderful time recording the show and I am certain you will enjoy this performance. I know I did. Please excuse the sound at the beginning. The mic was not turned on so we had to take the intro sound from the video recording.

Here's a pre-covid show featuring The Long Farewells with Aaron Rester and Gabreille Schafer. They were amazing and I am certain that you are going to enjoy this show. Click here to see the videos from the Podcast

Modern Daybreak joined us for this amazing tour de force of their excellent musicianship. All four songs they performed were perfect examples of writing songs with "hooks" Enjoy this show.

Taylor Steele and the Love Preachers.During these strange days, it is with great pleasure that I present to you this wonderful band from Effingham, Illinois. This recording is pre the current madness. As you can see by the videos, it was a much happier time. I hope you enjoy this show and it brings joy to your hearts. Click here to see the videos from the show

Rosalba Valdez is a Mexican-American musician bred in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. From the age of five, Rosalba would take guitar classes anywhere and everywhere they were offered in her community. "Rosie" would eventually find a home at Lincoln United Methodist Church, led by activists/pastors Emma Lozano and Walter Coleman.

Valerie Raye, Regina, Saskatchewan and now hailing from Nashville, has been playing music and chasing that dream for 11 years now. I don't dream of American Idol or X Factor. I work hard for each dollar. I hit the highways and the harmsways. And so far I've managed to always make it back. Some say its country, some say its rock, some say its weird when I sing with those who do Hip Hop. I say I'll give you something to hold on to, and then together WE GO!

The New ZeitgeistThis from our Lost and Found Department. How the hell I missed posting this show is beyond me. Jen Reilly and Eddie Bluma are a brilliant Duo and dear friends. My only excuse is that in 2014 we posted more that 200 Podcasts.Talking with Jen about this, I discovered that they are making a big move to the Hedson Valley which is a Mecca for artists and musicians. While I am sad to see them go, our loss is Hudson Valley's gain. Be sure to go see these wonderful performers live.

Conrad Merced is a singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer based out of Chicago, IL. Being raised in a musical family, he started playing in music groups at the age of 13. He was the former front man for the indie rock band The Red Jacket, and the shoegaze, electronic duo Shoplifter. His music has been featured in films, podcasts and in various music compilations. At the age of 25, Conrad abruptly stopped writing and playing music.Tender Beats

Mike Biederman's Immediate Family is a collaborative recording project steered by Mike that includes a whole bunch of friends that I've pestered into playing with me. Currently based out of Chicago (and surrounding areas) December 2018 will see the release of our first full-length LP, titled "Whether Feast, Famine, or Fire". So, dig that.

Sister Speak, aka Sherri Anne Nyberg joined us in October on her way to a World Tour and performed for us with another set of her original music. I have known and workded with this Lady for better than a decade and she is without a doubt one of the most amazing artists that I have ever had on the show. Enjoy this beautiful Woman and her magnificent voice. Click here to see the videos from this Podcast

The Shades came into the studio on a Fall evening and proceeded to blow me away with their amazing three part harmonies. You must go see these guys live, they are amazing.

Flood County joined us a couple of months ago. You know how much I appreciate Duos and these two lovely people are one of my favorites.

Midnight Iris is a female acoustic band, playing unique originals as well as a variety of classic covers from 60's-Today, with heart, soul, edge! Julie Rankin, Lj Moo, and Ellen playing guitar These ladies are a blast. Enjoy! Click here to view the videos from this show

Sheryl and Tom joined us for a night of their music in support of their live show November 23rd. Come Celebrate Sheryl's BD Bash with the Music of Sheryl Tom at Ranger Studios and Sound LLC. 450 Dominic Court, Franklin Park, Illinois 60131. As you can tell by this performance, it's gonna be a hell of a Birthday Party. Don't miss it.

Greg Jackson Combs came upstairs to record this Podcast in preparation of his mini tour with Sister Speak. First they travel to Ripon WI to The Heist for a show on Friday Oct 11th, then it's back to Franklin Park, IL to Ranger Studios at 450 Dominic Ct.

Chicago Farmer was last in the CAU Studio in 2013. Last week Cody Diekhoff (Chicago Farmer) spent a glorious afternoon singing some of his latest songs. Chicago Farmer is one of the hardest working singer/songwriters I know. You can join us tomorrow night at City Winery where Chicago Farmer is headlining with special guest Althea Grace presenting the state of his amazing skills.

Mike Przygoda, multi-talented musician, arranger, producer brought his amazing band "The Przmatics" into the studio and blew me away. What an exciting band with music that will keep you listening and wanting for more. Band Members Ausberto Acevedo: bass Stella Steell: guitar, vocals Nick Gutierrez: keyboards, vocals Lindsay Williams: drums

Matthew Michael and Christina Marie

Naomi Ashley Band returned to Chicago Acoustic Underground this past June. As you will see and hear we had a great time recording 6 songs. Naomi was joined by Andon Davis on guitar, Cathie Van Wert on violin, Michael Krayniak on bass, and Paul Bivans playing drums. You are going to love these songs and Naomi's pitch perfect voice. Enjoy the show! See all 6 Naomi Ashley Band Videos

Paul Fowler is a true Renaissance Man. Owner of Blue Lotus Thai Healing Studies by day and at night singing troubadour. Paul's songwriting skill are presented here. What a fun time we had recording this Podcast. Enjoy!Check out the Videos from the Show

Curious Grace Black Rabbit is a bold, beautiful mix of instrumentation and vocal layers. The band's got Irish roots and two strong front women, so the name Grace fit like a velvet glove. The band's also steeped in psychedelic rock magic. That's where the black rabbit came in, like a trickster playing with a dark D minor chord.

Cheley Tackett, CAU veteran and dear friend is part 2 of this 2 Episode show. This strong powerful voice combined with absolutely brilliant songwriting skill kills this set of her original music. Pay particular attention to the lyrics of "Right Side of History". Click here to see the videos from this show

A while ago these two (Elizabeth Eckert and Cheley Tackett) amazing Nashville singer/songwriters joined us for an afternoon of music and laughter. There is so much music here that we used 2 episodes to showcase their talent. I know that you are gonna love this one.First off is Elizabeth Eckert with soaring vocals and brilliant piano. It's a stunning tour du force. Enjoy and then check out Cheley on Episode 727.

Shadowfields and The Diving Bell joined us for a dual live streaming Podcast in support of their showcase out in St. Charles' Pheasant Run Mainstage. Now, here is the mixed and mastered version of that recording session. I am certain that you are going to enjoy this brilliant night of music. Click here to see videos from the Podcast

Val Leventhal came into the CAU studio with Bill kavanaugh on Bass and Patrick Reninger Reninger playing harmonica and we had a ball recording four of Val's wonderful songs. Val has been a dear friend for close to a decade and she has always delivered a powerful performance. This was no exception! enjoy... Click here to view the videos from this show

Joining me in the studio are; Jeff Mills, Selina Doran, and Tom Goier a Trio subset of the 5 piece band "Violet Crime" This turned out to be such a joy! Their performance was brilliant. Lyrics, harmonies, and musicianship were perfect. I am certain that you are going to enjoy this Podcast.

My friend Phil Circle brought in Emmett Joseph and they shared the CAU stage together and we got to hear the fruits of their labors. Phil is the true definition of the renassiance man. He is a brilliant multi deciplined musician, teacher, producer, engineer and author.I am certain that you will enjoy this show.

Here is my Christmas/New Year's Eve gift to you. Fresh off experiencing headlining the House of Blues in Chicago, "Wilde" came into the studio at the recommendation of Michael Vez. As you will hear from the Podcast and see from the videos, this is an amazing Chicago based band. We all had a blast recording this powerful rock band. This is a band that I highly recommend you go see live. Their stage presence and powerful sound and lyrics will get up on your feet.

Chris Greene and his Quartet Joined us for their second Podcast with a new set of their inspired Jazz composistions. I love Jazz and I am certain that you will totally enjoy this session.

NickelRoseToday is the release date for their new EP "Americana" and they will be performing this Monday September 3rd at Uncommon Ground on Devon with Opener Emily Nott. Take one listen to this Podcast and I know you will want to join us to see them live.Link to Facebook Invile

TEN96These talented musicians from Illinois combined their professional experience to create TEN96. Band founder, Anthony Frank on guitar and back up vocals has performed with major entertainers throughout the country. Dennis Hirschauer on lead vocals returned to Illinois after touring the European circuit. Mike Ray on drums plays with such and intensity and style that Anthony knew he was the right choice for TEN96.

Tautologic came in a couple of weeks ago and we recorded this Podcast to promote their Live performan=ce this coming Sunday. Tautologic will play a free all-ages public indoor concert of songs from its critically-acclaimed second album and classic audience favorite covers. Come join us atSkokie Public Library 5215 Oakton St, Skokie, Illinois 60077.

Steve Silver, California bred and now Evanston native joined us and performed some of his songs. My favorite was "Train Town". It reminded me of my Dad and I builing a model train setup in the basement long ago.

Dylan LloydI am so happy to have Dyan back in the CAU studio. This is his 3rd show. His first was in 2009 and his second was in 2011. Dylan is an incredible wordsmith, brilliant performer, and an all around nice guy. Please enjoy this performance. I know you will. Check out all the videos from this Podcast here.

Matthew came in one afternoon if February and we recorded this Podcast of his brilliant songs and skilled musicianship.He hails from the Milwaukee area and finds his way to Chicago on a regular basis. You know I will never steer you wrong, go see this man live, he is amazing.

Julianne Q and the Band write a new definition of classic. Fronted by the powerful vocals and creative mind of Julianne Quaas, the now four-piece evolution is carving its own path into Chicago's music scene. Julianne Q's debut album (released 2017) has received international attention this year, and displays a 60s-70s tinged blues-rock flavor akin to Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, and Amy Winehouse. Julianne Q and The Band bring their classic rock and blues roots to the Chicago scene.

A Flor De Piel, led by Renato and Marisol Ceron and Family came in to CAU in February and we proceeded to have a joyous night of beautiful music. I am certain that, no matter what your first language is you will feel and expierence the joy that is ever present in Spanish music. Enjoy.

Peter Joly and Jon Williams joined us for an afternoon of fun conversation and performances of Peter's wonderful songs. Peter's group which includes Jon has played all over Chicago and Berwyn, IL and if you haven't seen them live, I highly recommend that you go see them on wednesday April 25th at Simon's 5210 N. Clark and on May 31st at the Sidebar, Fitzgerald's in Berwyn, IL

Zion Rodman is a versatile musician who spends his free time singing and playing the guitar, bass, piano, and drums. He grew up in Cape Cod, MA, where he played around the cape since the age of 15 and eventually received a BA in music from the University of Massachusetts in Boston. He grew a fan base in New England and by 2017, Zion was performing at historic venues like Club Passim, Caffe Lena, and the House of Blues.

Sarah Eide came in last Fall and performed a solo Podcast which was an intimate demonstration of her skills as a pianist and a brilliant singer/songwriter. She was last in in 2015 with a band and you can check that out at this link. Starting in early May she will be touring New England with the amazing Zion Rodman

GrooveSession is a band. Distinctively one of today's musical artists with a sound of their own, a fun message of hope and a simple vision of love for the world. Uniquely reminiscent of some of history's greatest bands this trio is writing and performing songs that would have been relevant twenty years ago and twenty years from now. Never taking themselves too seriously GrooveSession has an appreciation for all things honest and brings positive energy, musical content and a spirit that resides in all people.