About the Artist

About Chris Rawlins:

When you listen to Chris Rawlins it comes as no surprise that he was first a poet before he was a songwriter. The lyrics draw you right into his world of Midwestern landscapes, childhood homes, cities full of shadows, past lovers and dreamlike memories around every turn.

Then you start to pay attention to his relaxed, smooth vocal delivery. His voice is quiet and humble, yet confident, and will ease all the tension around you— and could ease you to sleep if you weren’t so captivated at every word. “Listen carefully, look out for the detail, let the words soothe you, and let the music amaze you” as Americana UK put it after hearing Rawlins’ debut album.

Chris Rawlins was born in Kalamazoo, MI and currently lives in Chicago, IL. He released a debut album in 2019 called Bring on the Rain, recorded and produced with the help of Old Town School of Folk Music songwriter, teacher, and producer, Steve Dawson. Americana UK called the work “a rich and unforgettable first album,” and Divide and Conquer Music states that “Rawlins’ first album is timeless, genre bending, and beautiful. No doubt Rawlins will strum the heartstrings of listeners and become an industry name in to time.”

About Naomi Ashley:

With her cream and Kahlua voice, Chicago singer-songwriter Naomi Ashley captivates audiences, breathing vibrant life into her diverse range of songs. Navigating seamlessly through Americana, classic country, folk, blues, and rock, Ashley’s lyrically layered compositions charm with humor and a poignant understanding of the human experience.

Ashley’s prolific career boasts six albums and three singles, showcasing her versatility. The title track of her record “Trying to Fly” was featured on the Showtime Series “Work in Progress.” A four-time grant recipient, she has received prestigious awards from the City of Chicago and the Illinois Arts Council for her albums “Another Year or So,” “Trying to Fly” and various other projects. Her latest endeavor, the album “Love Bug” (Feb 2024), is proudly sponsored by a grant from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE).

Hailing from Northwest Iowa, Ashley’s journey as a songwriter began early, but it wasn’t until she walked into an open mic at the famed Illinois music venue FitzGerald’s that she started to hone her craft. Chicago is a city of unique voices and Ashley effortlessly fell into the footsteps of the city’s greats, developing her own distinct style of songwriting and performance that deeply connects with her audience. Now with over two decades entrenched in the city’s music scene, she has become a popular and sought-after performer.

Ashley’s collaborative spirit extends to the literary and artistic communities of Chicago. She has collaborated with prominent figures such as writer/spoken word performer David Kodeski, poetry slam founder Marc Smith, and visual artist Zsofia Otvos. Ashley keeps busy as a member of countless musical projects. She fronts two bands of original music (Naomi Ashley Band and Naomi’s Other Band) as well as the popular Pretenders tribute band Real Pretenders. She is 1/3 of folk trio Rainy Day Women and backing vocalist for the Bob Dylan tribute The Zimmermen.

The breadth of Ashley’s songwriting prowess is unparalleled, crossing genres with ease. From the drifting poetry of folk in “Niagara Falls” to the gypsy jazz influenced single “God Bless the Naïve,” to the wry burlesque charm of “Love Bug,” and the George and Tammy-esque duet “Keep My Secrets,” her body of work is a testament to her ability to traverse musical landscapes with authenticity and masterful delivery.

As a performer, Ashley’s journey has taken her to renowned Chicagoland stages (FitzGerald’s, S.P.A.C.E, The Hideout, Hey Nonny, Green Mill, Acorn Theater, Navy Pier) and festivals (FitzGerald’s American Music Festival, Bucktown Arts Fest, Lakeview East Festival of the Arts, Sundays on State), where she has shared her music with diverse audiences. Her captivating stage presence and the soulful resonance of her voice have left an indelible mark on those who have had the privilege of experiencing her live performances.

Her latest musical collaboration with multi-instrumentalist Jon Williams, upright bass player Josh Piet and drummer Jason Batchko (Naomi’s Other Band) is her best yet. Ashley’s newest album “Love Bug” will be released on Valentine’s Day, 2024.