Description
We have built a word-of-mouth following by performing at The Park West, The Metro, Lincoln Hall, Chop Shop and headlining Sleeping Village, Martyr's and Subterranean. We have had the pleasure of playing with Pink Talking Fish, Aqueous, Mungion, Fate Nite, Woody Goss of Vulfpeck, and Joel Cummins of Umphrey's McGee. We have played clubs and festivals all over the country, including multiple years at Shoe Fest and Summer Camp Music Festival. 2021 was a great year for LT as we have played Park West with Pink Talking Fish, started our own concert series in Independence Park, did a run of shows on the East Coast, and have even been included in an immersive art exhibit at Chicago's world famous WNDR Museum.
The band is influenced by the songwriting and studio experimentation of 90's and 2000's innovative Alternative/Indie rock bands like Wilco, My Morning Jacket, The Flaming Lips, Ween, Yo La Tengo, Pavement, and Dr. Dog, and fuses it with genre-bending, progressive musicality, and exploratory improvisations in the vein of The Grateful Dead, Phish, and Umphrey's McGee.
Lunar Ticks are equally at home on a bill with a folk singer, punk band, free jazz ensemble, you name it. Each setlist is formed from their diverse and expansive song list of originals and covers; debuting new material at almost every show. Lunar Ticks aim to create a unique and memorable experience every time they pick up their instruments.
Work Sample
"Pullin' On My Skin (From Within). home studio, self produced recording from June 2021 Original song.
"Big Country" - Bela Fleck and the Flecktones cover. Live at Lincoln Hall 2019.
"You're Not My T.V." Live at DZ Records 2018. Original song.
I tried to submit an example that showcased as much variation as possible. "Pullin" is a psychedelic-prog rock song that incorporates improvisation and our "heavier" side. "Big Country" shows our love for covering the artists we love, as well as collaborating with friends and family, as well our folk/bluegrass/country side. "TV" is one of our first songs and it is one of our most loved by our fans for its humor and both deep but silly lyrics.
History
Living in Chicago the last 8 years I have written, recorded, produced 5 albums with my band Lunar Ticks ranging in styles from garage rock, jazz, funk, bluegrass and more. We have played over 100 shows at venues all across the city from small bars like Gallery Cabaret, to large theaters like Park West. We have performed our own unique themed events at our residencies, our 2021 Outdoor Concert series in Independence Park, and immersive art experiences at WNDR Museum. Each performance features a unique setlist of originals, covers and improvisation.
Outside of Lunar Ticks I run a long standing Music/Comedy show called Smiley Face at Lincoln Lodge in Wicker Park. I perform in Improv/cover project, Fate Nite, as well as jam band meets Beatles Tribute, Beat The Meatles. I have run open jams and open mics around the City and grown a great network of artists and friends over the years.
Artistic Vision
To create something eclectic, "in the moment", that showcases the diverse talents and interests of myself and the artists I collaborate with. To create art that is flexible and amorphous enough to change to it's surroundings. To be able to improvise and experiment live but keep the music grounded with good songwriting. To break down genre barriers, bring people together and have fun while doing so.
Programs for Specific Audience(s) Expertise
Members of our group have been giving lessons for over a decade, and we even have a school music teacher in the band. We definitely can tailor performances or workshops with the diversity and depth of our musical catalog and knowledge gained from the many years of teaching.
Traditional Folk/Ethnic Artform Statement
I wouldn't say we are "traditional" but I think offering diverse/eclectic styles of music you find in America makes us somewhat of a good representation of the melting pot of styles in that way
Name
Lunar Ticks
Type
Company/Ensemble
Address
3930 N Lawndale Ave
Chicago, IL 60618-3108
Artistic Director
Ryan Mannix
[email protected]
847.507.6644
Contact Person
Ryan Mannix
[email protected]
847.507.6644
Web Site
Artistic Discipline(s)
Comedy
Family/Youth Programming
Multimedia/Experimental
Music
- Blues
- Contemporary
- Folk/Traditional
- Heritage
- Jazz
- Roots/Americana
- Tribute
Geographic Availability
Central Illinois
Chicago/Chicagoland
Northern Illinois
Southern Illinois
Western Illinois
Fee Ranges
$250 - $5,000
Additional Services
Demonstrations
Lectures
Master classes
Residencies
Teacher Development
Workshops
Core Audience(s)
Adult
Children
Youth