Often described as “Half Cash, half Clash” for their fiery mixture of classic country spirit and old-school punk energy, Waco Brothers are the most successful side project of Jon Langford, a founding member of eclectic British group the Mekons. The band plays tough, defiant music imbued with a rebellious, fiercely political worldview.

Mandolin, steel guitar, and vintage honky tonk melodies permeate their sound, as typified on 1997’s Cowboy in Flames. They added a harder rock edge on 2000’s Electric Waco Chair, while 2012’s Great Chicago Fire was a collaboration with Paul Burch. In 2023, the Wacos released The Men That God Forgot, the first record since 2016.

Known to Chicagoans as Malt Row, the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor and surrounding area has earned its reputation as “Chicago’s beer destination.” Whether you’re looking for a German-style lager, barrel-aged Barleywine, or a spontaneously fermented saison, you’ll find it on Malt Row. The corridor is even home to Chicago’s first (legal) post-prohibition distillery!

A short walk from Wrigley Field, on Malt Row you’ll find 7 independent craft breweries, an internationally awarded distillery, an innovative winery, amazing local restaurants, and the world headquarters of the Cicerone Certification Program. Click here for more information.