Gramps The Vamp is a genre-bending instrumental ensemble that has been exploring the dark corners of heavy groove-based music since 2011. Corralling its eclectic influences (funk, world fusion, surf-rock, jazz, psychedelia, heavy metal, avant-garde) with a unifying retro-cinematic aesthetic, Gramps The Vamp weaves tight grooves, wild experimentation, and lush melodies together into a post-apocalyptic dance party.     Gramps The Vamp released its debut self-titled LP, produced by Orgone’s prolific leader, Sergio Rios (Los Angeles), in 2014. This sample-laden avant-funk album established the Chicago-based group both as a mainstay in the city’s robust funk-jazz scene, and as a group of renegades intent on breaking the mold of the genre. Experimentation continued for its 2016 sophomore effort, The Cave of 10,000 Eyes, a 70’s B-horror-film-inspired concept album that was recently added to the list of “Best Chicago Albums of the Decade” by the Chicago Reader. The seven-piece released its third record “Keeper of the Void” in October 2020, their most experimental and ambitious work yet, which was voted runner-up for Best Local Album of the Year in the Chicago Reader.   Gramps The Vamp has performed in 18 US States and has shared the stage with international touring acts like Alma Afrobeat Orchestra, Red Baraat and Good Enough for Good Times. The ensemble has been featured in two films on the US festival circuit (Demonoid 1971 and Call Me Brother), the latter of which stars SNL cast member Andrew Dismukes. In 2017, Gramps The Vamp also branched into live scoring, performing band leader Maxx McGathey’s score to Nosferatu, commissioned by the Chicago Park District.

Founded by Ed Durocher, Apollo Suns is a 9-piece instrumental collective from Winnipeg, Manitoba. The band fuses the influence of jazz, rock and psychedelic music, to create their own unique sounds with the dancefloor in mind. They have self-released three EPs: ‘Each Day a Different Sun’ (2017), ‘Dawn Offerings’ (2019), ‘A Relationship of Force’ (Color Red, 2021), and were awarded “Instrumental Artist of the Year” at Western Canadian Music Awards in both 2018/2020. In 2022, Apollo Suns returned to the studio with Juno award-winning producer Ben Kaplan (Five Alarm Funk, Mother Mother, The Rare Americans) to record their latest album, ‘Departures’. The band is signed to the Canadian label Do Right Music, home to The Souljazz Orchestra, Soul Motivators, and Luvmenauts. Developed over many tours trying out different arrangements and grooves, their new single 'Pluto' became a fan favourite at live shows due to its heavy horns, dynamic groove, and catchy melody. “Pluto is a many-faced god who is capable of great kindness but also is temperamental. We wanted the song and artwork to convey that feeling to listeners.” Best known for their high-octane live shows, Apollo Suns have captivated audiences at Winnipeg Jazz Festival, Big Fun Festival, Vermont Jazz Fest, and Calgary Stampede. Some of their most notable shows include support slots for The Comet is Coming, Makaya McCraven, Anomalie, The Brooks, and Five Alarm Funk. The core group includes Ed Durocher (Guitar), Tim Iskierski (Drums), Erika Einarson (Percussion), Bryn Herperger (Bass), Garrett Malenko (Trumpet), Benjamin James Hill (Trombone), Aaron Bartel (Bari Sax) and Anatol Rennie (Keyboards/Synths).

Charlie Otto is the lead singer/founder of This Must be the Band, DJ noDJ, and Grood Music. His new solo electronic project is full of nasty guitar synth over danceable beats, all synced to music videos projected behind him.