Hailing from the underground scene of Chicago, this eclectic ensemble draws inspiration from avant garde music, classic jazz fusion with post-progressive sensibilities, infusing their music with cosmic vibrations and experimental fervor. Drummer Michael Rataj lays an energetic and ever-shifting rhythmic framework for tenor saxophonist/bassist Keith Wakefield and guitarist Erik Oldman to weave angular, contrapuntal melodies with ethereal textures augmented by loops and synthesizer explorations. Sons of Ra are not merely a band; they are sonic sorcerers, weaving spells of experimental brilliance that transcend the boundaries of traditional genres.  They’ve shared the stage with such artists as Stu Hamm, Sonar, Chester Thompson & Alphonso Johnson, and Consider the Source.  Sons of Ra released their EP “Cognitive” in 2020 and are currently in production for a six-part suite “Tropic of Cancer” and their first full-length release “Standard Deviation”, both planned for release in 2024.  Personnel Erik Oldman: Guitar/Bass/Synth Keith Wakefield: Bass Guitar/Tenor Saxophone/Synth Michael Rataj: Drums

The Paul Abella Trio is  an instrumental ensemble led by professional box sitter, Paul Abella, and featuring guitarist Billy Denk, bassist Chris Bernhardt, and in their +1 variant, vibraphonist Preyas Roy. They fuse Pop melodies, Jazz harmonies, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban and Funk rhythms, jammy improvisations with punk ferocity.  Look past the off-kilter instrumentation and the oddball setlists, and you’ll see a band upholding a tradition of Jazz as subversive party music. Drawing inspiration from Eddie Harris, Medeski, Martin & Wood, The Bad Plus, and Lester Bowie, they sound like little else. Or, as one friend once said, "someone's going to have to invent a whole new genre just to describe you guys."