Shirley’s Songwriter Showcase is a monthly event that brings together a full lineup of artists to perform their original songs!

______

6:30 – Joe Dilillo

For 25 years Joe owned Solid Sound Recording Studio in Hoffman Estates. We recorded records for Smashing Pumpkins, Smoking Popes, Plain White T’s, Material Issue and many more. Prior to that in the early 90’s, as a songwriter, I had a publishing deal with Worlds End/Warner Chappell in Los Angeles. After shuttering the studio in 2019, I got back into songwriting and started releasing my songs as a solo artist in 2021. I have been working with Cactus Moser/Wynonna Judd, A Girl Called Eddy, Tamar Berk, former members of Jellyfish and others.

7:15 – Heather Dudely

Heather has always loved music, performing in San Diego during her early twenties—including singing the National Anthem at a Padres game—before taking a break to raise her daughter. Now that she’s in college, Heather has returned to performing at venues like 120 Live in Bartlett and The Bunker in West Chicago, as well as writing more songs. She leads worship at her church and performs covers across genres plus a few original songs. Heather is excited to focus on original music and connect with other songwriters.

8:00 – Josiah Esquivel

Josiah Esquivel, a guitarist and songwriter from South Texas now based in Des Plaines, holds a Bachelor’s in Classical Guitar performance. His music blends classical technique with contemporary songwriting. He co-wrote an original musical and is working on his debut EP, We Started A Fire.

8:45 – Emily Popli

Emily Popli, a singer-songwriter from Chicago, has released two albums and an EP under her maiden name Emily Henderson: The Hope, Unwholly, and Growing Up. She also released an EP with the folk trio The Quiet Revelry. She started working with Grammy nominated producer Brandon Williams in 2024. Their collaboration will result in the album “Lilith Fair Kid,” scheduled for release in summer 2025.

9:30 – Greg Woods

Greg Woods is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist whose music blends pop, rock, soul, blues, folk, and indie pop. Known for his soulful vocals and rootsy, melodic songwriting, he’s been an active force in the Chicago music scene for over a decade. His debut album, Hello, Goodbye, & Later On, showcases his heartfelt storytelling and genre-spanning sound

10:15 – Stan Karcz

Stan Karcz is a Chicago-based songwriter and musician who hosts and helps organize the monthly Songwriter Night at Shirley’s, held on the first Tuesday of every month. In 2019, he released his debut EP Good Night Chicago, showcasing his heartfelt, storytelling-driven songwriting. His work also extends to Nashville, with recent cuts including “Lose to Win,” co-written with Adam Shoenfeld and Marc Martin for Shoenfeld’s 2022 album All the Birds Sing.