Based out of Chicago, Murley Shertz has been playing their own unique blend of rock, blues, and indie for crowds eager to hear great live music. Scott Burdsall, Ryan Curtis, Travis Hall and Dave Wilson continually strive to create a sound inspired by the characteristics of the Midwest and unique to Murley Shertz.

Recorded at I.V. Lab Studios and produced by Manny Sanchez (Umphrey’s McGee, Patrick Stump), their new album, “Hayward,” builds upon the themes of their previous studio effort, taking the distinctive sound of Murley Shertz to new heights. Intricate melodies and solid grooves lay the groundwork for the group’s best work to date. Also featured on this album are Joe Hettinga on Piano, Rhodes, Organ, and Synth (Digital Tape Machine, Strange Arrangement) and Mike Racky on Pedal Steel Guitar.

Purchase “Hayward” now available on iTunes: http://bit.ly/ij3Joo.  The Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival is thrilled to have Murley Shertz as the Festival Centerpiece headlining band.  Opening for Murley Shertz, BWiFF is pleased to welcome back Chris Petlak.

The Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival is seeking summer interns (both high school students and college students) for our 2013 festival.  Depending on background, skill level and interest, interns will have the opportunity to assist in marketing, programming, filmmaker relations and festival administration.  Interns will also assist with general office operations and organization.

Requirements for consideration are some basic knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office products (i.e., Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc), Adobe Photoshop and Google Document sharing.  Interns must be self-motivated, passionate, detail-oriented and eager to learn.  Internships are part-time and unpaid, and may be done for school credit.

If you are interested, please send a resume to Ashley France [ashley@bwiff.com].  Interns will be selected in May 2013 for a June 2 – August 4 [nine-week] internship and expected to devote a minimum of 12 hours per week.  Click here for more information!

Beginning this summer, the Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival will be presenting its first ever Independent Filmmaker Achievement Award.  This award is given to a filmmaker who has screened at BWiFF in the past and has since gone off to accomplish a truly admirable undertaking in the independent film community.  At this year’s Blue Carpet Opening Night, the festival is honoring writer/director Michael Mohan with the 2013 Independent Filmmaker Achievement Award.

Mohan, a Los Angeles resident, is no stranger to film festivals.  he has had one short and two features screen at the Sundance Film Festival.  In 2011, Mohan’s short Ex-Sex won over the BWiFF audience.  In 2012, his latest feature Save the Date was selected for exhibition at Sundance and picked up for distribution by IFC Films.

On Sunday, July 21, the Blue Carpet Opening Night festivities will include a screening of Ex-Sex, followed by Save the Date.  After the screening, Michael Mohan will be presented with the Independent Filmmaker Achievement Award and participate in a Q&A with the audience.

Check out the promo for My Blue Whiskey Valentine: Volume Two featuring Band Called Catch!  Complete performance premieres on YouTube this Valentine’s Day (02/14/2013).  Subscribe to us on YouTube today!