Psych rockers Happy Face started the evening with a jolt, sending it immediately into overdrive. The Lincoln Hall techs got fog happy throughout the evening, filling the stage for every act, and even though bassist lost his strap in the middle of their last tune, they powered through with poise. Check out their debut self titled EP for a blast of psychedelic pop joy.

Opening with a Buffalo Springfield tune was out of character for synth pop quartet Discus, but adopting the tune into their style worked all the same. The collection of members from the long standing Chicago groups Varsity, Clearance and Pool Holograph mix to create a swirling indie rock that is best displayed in last years debut full length Something Has Happened. Check out Discus opening for Gladie at Schubas on March 11th.

The return of Melkbelly has been the talk of the scene in recent months as they roar back after welcoming a little Winters into the world. With only a few post-hiatus shows under their belt, and a new album coming, they were one of the night’s most highly anticipated acts. Opening with The Cardigans’ “Lovefool” and finishing with The Breeders “Do You Love Me Now?” sandwiching some insane Melkbelly jams. With new record Pith on the way April 3rd, they are sure to pop up again in the coming month for a few more warm up shows, but make sure to get your tix now for their dual album release with FACS at Sleeping Village April 4th.  

In a complete 180, soulstress Jordanna hit the stage next with an audacious The Internet cover before launching into an original and ending her set with a sing along to Justin Timberlake’s “Señorita” that got the crowd warmed up for the rest of the night. She’s got new music coming soon, so keep an ear to the ground for more of her vivacious grooves.

Savanna Dickhut’s solo effort Burr Oak may still be in its infancy but the seasoned performer is was all confidence covering a Taylor Swift joint before hitting on a few of her own. Check out Burr Oak at The Whistler on March 22nd for more of Dickhut’s Americana tinged indie rock.

Set up like an old school review, each band only got a couple tunes to show off their stuff and dream wave mavens Fauvely took full advantage with an inventive cover of “Fishin’ in the Dark” and a rousing original, showing off Sophie Brochu’s powerful pipes.

Anna Holmquist has been a fixture of the Chicago scene for years now, and Ester has been her an outlet for her solo material since 2013. As a full band they take her personal compositions to new heights, and their cover of a Perfume Genius tune was a particular highlight. Don’t miss them at The Burlington on February 29th and opening for Bad Bad Hats at Schubas on March 15th. Plus check out their brand new single “Lock Me Up.”

With the most mellow vibe of the evening, duo Glyders hit the stage with a few old school covers featuring a cover of a Jerry Garcia version of a Webb Pierce joint and a song by The Crickets. It was the most heartwarming moment of the evening as Joshua Condon and Eliza Weber have a connection onstage that is undeniable.

 Kathy Patino pulled the most audacious switch up of the night as she came out solo with an accompanist, and performed standards with a grace and maturity that belies her 21 years. The Girl K fronter wowed the crowd with excellent versions of Gershwin’s “For You, For Me, Forevermore” and “Someone To Watch Over Me.” Check out Girl K opening for Rookie for their Record Release at The Empty Bottle on March 13th.

A new album from Ratboys drops in just two weeks and they gifted the late night crowd with some of the new ones, stripped down with just core members  Julia Steiner and David Sagan. After a beautiful Beatles cover and a rather belly laugh inducing version of Counting Crows “Accidentally In Love” they got down to business with the tunes they will for sure be sharing full versions of at their sold out record release show for Printer’s Devil at Lincoln Hall on February 28th.