Ginger St.James is no stranger to the strange. She was an expert in burlesque before strumming her 6 string on stage. She's been playing tunes around Ontario for a long time now. Don't let her small statute fool ya....she'll out-smoke and out-drink ya....she'll probably also kick your ass to be honest. Along with her band The Grinders they bring a country/rockabilly show you probably didn't think existed anymore. A throwback to when country was bad ass music. Her record "Diesel n' Peas" was released last year and is full of honky tonk goods. Ginger is bringing her country to the city this week. Cherry Cola's is hosting a surf vs rockabilly event featuring instrumental surf acts King Beez and Luau or Die taking on Brendt Diabo & The Ramblers and of course Ginger St. James. 5 bucks before 10. -Kris Gies

Womb...a 3 piece rock trio originally from the Ajax area and now based in Toronto. They say it nicely themselves "a group of musicians who keep it raw and full of swing." They play some pretty dirty rock but their tunes definitely have some swing and jazz influences running about. Lead singer/guitarist Ragwax is a jazz guy himself...often playing solo gigs all over Ontario when Womb isn't raising hell. Good news folks, they have a brand new album on the way later this year called "Situation Normal, All Fucked Up". They just released the first single and video from the upcoming album. The track is called "Everything Is Gonna Be Alright". It's a really groovy track...the verse parts will keep your head bobbing and toes tapping. It has a retro feel to it as well. Something that could be playing at the diner while your grabbing a milk shake with that new girl in town. Really digging Ragwax's vocals in this track too...kinda lazy singing with just enough rasp in the voice. These fellas will be lighting up the stage at the Horseshoe Tavern on Thursday February 11th along with Big Name Actors, The Lipstick Junkies and the Zoes. Have a listen to this new track from Womb.

Demento blues...ever heard of it? Well it's time you got a lesson on how it's done. Frankie & Jimmy are a demento blues duo from Hamilton. They released their album "Scream the Blues" in 2014 and it's full of traditional blues tracks done in a very original way. Frankie rips the slide guitar while Jimmy wails on the mic and harmonica. It's in your face and dirty as well as beautiful and unique. More recently these fellas have lined up a full band. They've also released some new tracks with music videos such as "My Harley". The best part about Frankie & Jimmy is their own brand of signature hot sauce. It's called "Burn the Blues Away" and as Jimmy says "it won't ruin your day but it'll ruin your next ten minutes." I've made my special hot wing sauce with it before and it was unreal. Frankie & Jimmy along with Torque Hound open up for Flamingo Báy at their Tape Release Party Friday Night (February 5th) at the Baltimore House in Hamilton. Sweet venue, sweet tunes and spicy sauce! Go.

Welcome one, welcome all! The time has come to present who is advancing on to the next phase of our poll for Toronto's emerging artists. Infinite thanks to all the bands that submitted; it was a pleasure listening to their tracks!

After tallying our editors' ratings for the Open Submissions stage, it's time to release the results. PLease note that to avoid conflicts no local editor was allowed to vote for bands in their own scene.

Now without further ado, drom roll please... 

Total Submissions from Toronto: 15

Jurors: Michelle Bacon (The Deli KC), Cervante Pope (The Deli Portland), Paolo De Gregorio (The Deli NYC)

Acts advancing to our Readers/Fans Poll:

1. Spells of Vertigo (Noise Rock) – 7.8

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1. Dilly Dally (Indie Rock) – 7.8

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3. Terrorista (Pop Punk) – 7.33

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4. Rolemodel (Electro-Pop) – 7.16

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4. HIGHS (Indie Pop) – 7.16

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6. Shallow Waves (Psych Rock) – 7

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Honorble mentions (rating average above 6):

The Dearly Bereft, New Design,Bile Sister, Ready the Prince, The Alpacas, The Honest Heart Collective

Stay tuned for the Readers' Poll, to start within the week!

The Folks at The Deli

Thanks to all the artists who submitted their music to be considered for The Deli's Best of Chicago Year End Poll for Emerging Artists.

After tallying our editors' ratings for the Open Submissions stage, it’s time to release the results. Please note that to avoid conflicts no local editor was allowed to vote for bands in their own scene.

Total submissions from Chicago: 56

Acts advancing to our Readers/Fans Poll:

1. Dos Santos Anti-Beat Orquesta (Cumbia) - 8.33 (out of 10)

2. Jamarcus (Jazz/Math) - 8.17

2. Radius (Trip Hop/Deep House) - 8.17

3. The Bribes (50's Revival) - 8

3. Burnside & Hooker (Americana) - 8

3. Bow & Spear (Post Hardcore) - 8

4. The Gold Web (80's Psych) - 7.67

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Honorable Mentions (ranked 7.5):

Static In Verona, Warik, Gross Pointe, Tiny Fireflies, Cornstar Farmer's Market Pornstar, Evasive Backflip, Melkbelly, Death By Icon

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WHAT’S NEXT: These results end the first phase of the poll. We will soon unveil the artists nominated by our local jurors, and then let our readers and our writers influence the poll with their vote. Keep creating, keep supporting, and stay tuned for your chance to vote!

—The Deli Chicago Staff