The Dog & Everything began their journey with the release of their debut album Bandshell in late 2001. Chris Payne of Chicago’s Q101 was quick to call the album “one of the best local independent releases I’ve ever heard.” Immediately the band began to play the Chicago scene and build a substantial local fanbase. Before long, the Chicago music industry began to take notice of their progress, and their music. The edgy and unique, hooky melodic rock caught on quickly.

OPENING ACT - Rushmore Academy
Rushmore Academy formed in the fall of 2003. Steve Neske, Rocky, and Matt Effinger were playing together in a four-piece outfit known as Supervillain Zero. Supervillain Zero, beginning as a three-piece, now contained only one original member: Neske. The band had also gone through some major sylistic changes, and wanted to add a fifth member on keyboards. The band's current member left due to musical differences and good friend Jim Norris was brought in on keyboards. With this dynamic new addition, the band began writing new songs, focusing on incorporating the synth. Because the band contained only one original Supervillain Zero member, there were two guitarists instead of just one, a keyboardist, and a very different sound, the band decided to lay Supervillain Zero to rest and emerge as Rushmore Academy.
www.rushmoreacademyrock.com

Toby Lightman
There's a world of difference between pop stars who sing other people's songs, and female singer/songwriters who truly touch your soul. With a voice that's powerful, passionate, endlessly expressive, and full of contagious energy, Toby Lightman is just that type of artist-one who will undoubtedly surprise and captivate those who listen to her Lava/Atlantic Records debut, Little Things. Toby's deeply soulful rock groove, which can best be described as blending elements of Sheryl Crow and Lauryn Hill, has earned her favorable comparisons from popular breakthrough artists like Alicia Keys and Mary J. Blige to classic singer/songwriters such as Joni Mitchell and Bonnie Raitt.

Pete Schmidt
It is his proficient, honest songwriting, and truly skillful guitar-playing, coupled with an adept stage presence that has been captivating audiences across the country and establishing Pete Schmidt as one of most significant additions to the singer/songwriter genre. Pete, who grew up in Alpharetta, Georgia, never took formal guitar lessons and honed his folk-rock sound "through endless experimentation" on an antique acoustic guitar. His songs, written mostly about relationships past and present, are driven by emotion and offer listeners and fan a peak into his personal and reflective side.

A true IWU favorite, Frederick Winters has been the highlight of Fall Festival first-year student orientation on our campus for four years. Now you get to see him during the school year!

HYPNOSIS IS REAL AND POWERFUL! The word "hypnosis" evokes a variety of responses from people - some believe in it, others don't, and many have mixed opinions. The fact is that hypnosis is simply a very focused state of mind. Anytime one begins to daydream, fantasize or simply slip into his or her own imagination for a while, that individual has entered a state of hypnosis. Frederick Winters blends the power of hypnosis, comedy and music together into a show that will having you laughing for days. You will not believe your eyes! WATCH THE SHOW OR BE THE SHOW!!

-Frederick Winters has performed over 2,000 shows!
-He has entertained over one million people!
-He has been nominated TEN TIMES through college associations as being one of the best campus acts in the United States!