Bluegrass Brunch with Mudflapps

The Mudflapps have been a cornerstone of Chicago’s Americana and bluegrass scene for over 20 years. Blending high-energy picking with soulful storytelling rooted firmly in Midwestern grit. They began with a shared love for original roots music and Saturday-night barroom sessions. As the band carved its niche with a balance of raw authenticity and tradition, their songs weave tales of woe, whiskey, & wild living evoking the spirit of classic bluegrass embracing the urban pulse of their Chicago home.

Over the years, The Mudflapps have given audiences a dose of storytelling at its finest whether on festival stages or acoustic listening rooms. With a cast of skilled multi-instrumentalists anchored by founding members Barbara Hale & Justin Gillam they have never lost their spark. Performances capture the joy of live music at its most unfiltered—banjos ring, fiddles soar, and audiences are part of the ride. Their original songs tell stories of heartache, highways, and late nights that blur into dawn, earning them a loyal following among both purists and new Americana fans alike.

Entering their third decade together, The Mudflapps continue to redefine what it means to make roots music in a modern city. Their sound honors tradition while pushing boundaries—proof that bluegrass can thrive far from the mountains and that Americana still has plenty of stories to tell. For The Mudflapps the tune goes on and every show feels like an invitation to join the family.