The Fifth Star Band

Chicago's Fifth Star Band has established a unique local identity through their soulful fusion of roots rock and jazzy singer/songwriter pop. After issuing a pair of early EPs, the group issued the full-length Vice in 2019 and built further attention with Tales Untold, which arrived in 2022.

Formed in 2016, the band revolves around Jordan Sawyer, who handles lead vocals, songwriting, and guitar. He completed the lineup by adding keyboardist Tyler Priest, bassist David Lyon, drummer Alana Lustenberger, and saxophonist Eric Pedone. Taking cues from Van Morrison, Tom Petty, Dave Matthews, and Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, they put out the 2016 EP Semi;Undone followed by Until Further Notice in 2018. While maintaining a consistent performance calendar, the musicians expanded their rootsy, horn-accented style on the 2019 debut album Vice. Two years later they returned with their second full-length, Tales Untold.