With Writers Week almost halfway done, the school hosted the Chicago based funk and hip hop band named Sidewalk Chalk. Mostly made of Columbia College Chicago graduates, the collective plays music similar to The Social Experiment and former Up and Coming Artist, Caroline Smith. They call themselves, “a contemporary evolution of hip hop, soul, and jazz.” The band consists of MC Rico Sisney, singer Maggie Vagle, bassist Josh Rosen, trumpet Sam Trump, pianist Charlie Coffeen, trombone David Ben-Porat, and drummer Xavier Breaker.

The band formed in 2008 and they have released three full length albums. Their debut album, Corner Store, has stand-out songs like “Water Song” that perfectly sum up their style. Their most recent release, “Shoulder Season,” has been described as the band venturing into a more cerebral area of their music. They explore topics like the duality of human life and the world we live in. The album was recorded at multiple live performances, which gives the music a even more electrifying and enticing feel and sound. You can feel the energy from the crowd, as well as the band, on the album.

The band has shared stages with artists like Action Bronson, Guestlove, and De La Soul. They have also been awarded with the “Most Outstanding Group” at the 2012 Chicago Music Awards. They have posted all three of their albums on Spotify and Bandcamp. They also have a Twitter with the handle @Sidewalkchalk8, a Facebook Page, and a Instagram at @SidewalkChalkMusic.