Bending Brains

#18 - Tim Strzechowski

Tim Strzechowski is a Chicagoland-based multi-media artist whose intuitive approach to artwork is propelled by the 1970s-era cartooning of his childhood, coupled with a surreal, psychedelic approach to his use of subject, color, and contour. Whether presenting portraits or dreamscapes, Tim’s work attempts to explore the interplay between spontaneity and structure, often employing rich detail in works meant to invite calm, mindful contemplation.

A gallery of his artwork, growing daily, can be seen on Instagram at @bulb2021.

#17 - Tommy Lyons

Tommy Lyons is 28 year old guy with a lot of love for his family and a child-like passion for skateboarding, running, kayaking, cleaning up the Forest Preserves, and spending time in the sun. Other hobbies include over-playing and singing Jason Mraz songs for his family and friends. He likes to sprinkle in 80s action movies whenever he gets the chance.

#16 - Soultru

Soultru is a hip-hop/soul duo based out of the Quad Cities Iowa/Illinois. They're signed to Kansas City label The Record Machine. They sometimes travel with a full-band and other times as a duo or solo (Terrance Banks). They blend soul singing and hip hop verses to make relatable music for all. Drawing influence from gospel music artists like Fred Hammond and Smokie Norful. While later finding artists such as Gavin Degraw, Anthony Hamilton, John Legend as well Hip-Hop acts like Kanye West, Common and Anderson.Paak.

#15 - Jason Niehoff

From Chicago’s southwest side, Jason Niehoff began his musical studies at the age of 11, on electric bass. Two years later he began learning the double bass. He attended DePaul University studying classical string bass, and spent a year at Saint Xavier University, studying harpsichord. He is a bassist with the Elgin, Kalamazoo and South Bend Symphonies, and a freelance artist in the Chicagoland area. Jason enjoys learning a few other instruments, which are: guitar, electric bass, cello, keyboards, sitar, and drums. His teachers are: Patricia Lee on harpsichord, Donn Desanto, Larry Gray, Robert Kassinger, and Joseph Guastafeste on double bass.

#14 - Danny Ivetic

Danny Ivetic - A dude that travels and takes pictures and videos of what he looks at. A master of rambling, and creator of crackpot theories. A dude like you, just in a hat.

#13 - Diana Pietrzyk

Diana is a multidimensional artist who’s work ranges in many forms such as illustration, photography, painting + gifs! As a giphy artist, she’s had her work used globally and has worked with many brands as an artist in the past few years. she draws lots of inspiration from the cosmos, music + emotions.

#12 - Larry Cookiemonsture

Larry is an artist, van/car connoisseur, educator, host of DZ Fest, and wonderful friend. Larry has been making art and working on cars his whole life. Larry was an elementary school art educator for three years and has big plans to turn his 1927 Ford Model T into a hotrod. Larry's love for life brings him to situations most could never imagine.  

#11 - Matt Bauer

Matt Bauer was the co-founder and host of the "Friends With Music Podcast" for eight years. Matt interviewed thousands of musicians, friends, and artists from all walks of life. Matt has played a key role in helping grow DZ Fest and DZ Records over the last decade. Matt and Ben are also cousins. 

#10 - Rob Fishbeck

Rob Fishbeck is an artist, singer/songwriter, musician, and now Youtuber from the Chicago area in Illinois. He has been very passionate about film, television, and music since an early age. He released his debut album “Tomorrow Is Forever” in 2019, and is currently working on all sorts of projects.

#9 - Edirin Ibru

Edirin Ibru is a business litigation attorney by day, a competitive kickboxer and instructor by night, and the drummer of Chicago heavy metal act, Miles From Exile, on the weekends. Born in the United Kingdom and raised in Nigeria West Africa, Edirin moved to the United States for his undergraduate degree at the age of 18 and has been American at heart ever since. He is a proud three-time graduate of Loyola University Chicago, having received his law degree (J.D.), master’s in law (LL.M), and master’s in business administration (M.B.A) from the university’s Downtown Chicago campus. One day Edirin would like to have hobbies that don’t turn into part-time careers and anxiety inducing obligations.