— Chad Carlson Music
Outlaw Country &
Americana
A low baritone voice, an acoustic guitar, and nearly 100 songs rooted in the 1950s through the early ’90s — music people know, remember, and want to hear.
Live Performances ——–
See and Hear the Music
Short Promo Video
Chad Carlson is a Northern Illinois-based solo acoustic performer playing classic country, outlaw, and Americana. With a low baritone voice and a setlist rooted in songs from the 1950s through the early ’90s, his shows are built around music people know, remember, and want to hear.
“Familiar songs, steady playing, and a sound that works in any room.”
Performing on acoustic guitar and mandolin, Chad delivers crowd-focused sets that fit naturally in bars, pubs, and small venues — anywhere real country music still belongs. Formerly part of the band StrokerRed, he has played venues all across Northern Illinois.
Upcoming Shows ———-
Where You Can Find Me in 2026
Feb
27
KJ’s Tap
8 – 11pm ~ DeKalb, IL
Apr
12
Winner’s Circle
4 – 7pm ~ Maple Park, IL
May
01
KJ’s Tap
8 – 11pm ~ DeKalb, IL
May
22
KJ’s Tap ~ opening for Alex Williams
8 – 9pm ~ DeKalb, IL
May
30
Longbranch Saloon
4:30 – 7:30pm ~ Amboy, IL
June
19
Calamity Jane’s w/ Max Benson
7 – 10pm ~ Sugar Grove, IL
June
20
Private Party
9 – 12pm ~ DeKalb, IL
July
16
Country Thunder
3 – 4pm ~ Twin Lakes, WI
July
25
Boar’s Nest
8 – 11pm ~ Darien, WI
July
30
Mortimer’s Roadhouse
6 – 9pm ~ Poplar Grove, IL
Aug
1
Pub West
7 – 10pm ~ Waterman, IL
Aug
16
AmVets Post #90
5 – 8pm ~ DeKalb, IL
Aug
29
KJ’s w/ Max Benson for CornFest weekend
9 – 12pm ~ DeKalb, IL
Sep
6
Rooney’s
2 – 5pm ~ Franklin Grove, IL
Sep
25
Pub & Patio
9 – 11pm ~ Sublette, IL
Nov
15
Winner’s Circle
4 – 7pm ~ Maple Park, IL
Nov
21
Boar’s Nest
8 – 11pm ~ Darian, WI
Dec
19
Boar’s Nest
8 – 11pm ~ Darian, WI
Where You Can Find Me in 2027
Mar
20
Rawhide Saloon
8 – 11pm ~ Chadwick, IL
Details ——-
What You Get
Over 100 Songs
An ever-growing setlist of Outlaw, ’90s country, and Americana — music your crowd already loves. Covers classics from Waylon, Willie, Merle, and more.
Venues Played
As a solo artist and as a member of StrokerRed, Chad has played bars, breweries, saloons, and festivals across all of Northern Illinois.
