Tyler Halverson Brings In Defense Of Drinking Tour to Carol’s Pub

Nestled in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood, Carol’s Pub exudes an inviting energy that feels both timeless and unpolished in the best way. Its rustic, neon-lit charm sets the tone the moment you walk in. Established in 1972, this honky-tonk has become a refuge for live country music lovers, and its reputation as a high-energy, late-night spot is well earned.

All Photos By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography

The bar itself boasts a classic, no-frills menu, burgers, fried pickles, wings, and other pub staples that pair perfectly with the evening's rhythm. While the food provides comfort, it’s the people who bring the heart. The dedicated crowd, made up of regulars and first-timers alike, creates an electric, communal vibe. You can feel it in the clinking of glasses, the shuffling of boots, and the cheers as the night's performers hit the stage. At Carol’s, the line between performer and audience feels blurred; it’s a place where music is meant to be felt up close, not just heard. The dive-bar atmosphere adds to the intimacy, making every song resonate a little deeper. It’s an environment that makes you want to stay long past last call, letting the music carry you into the night.

Angel White stepped onto the Carol's Pub stage with an understated confidence, marking his first solo performance in Chicago. From the opening notes of "Red Blanket," it was clear that Angel had the room in the palm of his hand. The typically chatty dive-bar crowd fell silent, their focus entirely on his heartfelt lyrics and raw delivery. 

With songs like "38 Special" and "Crossroads," Angel’s storytelling felt deeply personal, his voice carrying a quiet strength that resonated with the crowd. Midway through the set, he introduced Tyler Childers’ "Jersey Giant," mentioning how much he wished he’d written it himself, a moment that drew an audible connection between artist and audience. His vulnerability shone further with "Wanting More," a track he admitted was a fresh addition to his repertoire, having only debuted it the day before.

Click The Image Above For The Full Angel White Photo Gallery

By the time he closed with "Sweet Cicadas," Angel had taken the crowd on an emotional journey, weaving stories of heartache, reflection, and hope. Each song was delivered with a sincerity that’s hard to fake, and the crowd responded in kind, leaning in as if they didn’t want to miss a single word. In the cozy, neon-lit space of Carol’s Pub, Angel White made his mark, leaving an indelible impression that lingered long after he left the stage.

Tyler Halverson commanded the stage at Carol’s Pub with an ease that made the room feel alive from the first note. Launching into "Run Wild," he set a high-energy tone that kept the crowd moving. His connection with the audience was undeniable as he encouraged them to step closer, breaking any lingering distance between performer and fan. With a mix of swagger and sincerity, Tyler leaned into his signature “western amerijuana” sound, seamlessly blending humor and heartbreak in tracks like "Codigo Go Go" and "Old Men, Younger Women." 

Midway through the set, Tyler’s storytelling took center stage. He shared personal anecdotes that brought songs like "Her" and "8 Second High" to life, weaving his own experiences into the music. The crowd hung on to every word as he brought humor to moments like his disdain for the lack of flying cows in *Twister* before launching into "New Loop." Tyler’s authenticity shone brightest in his performances of newer material, giving the crowd an intimate glimpse into songs that had been ten years in the making. With his blend of gritty vocals, rich storytelling, and undeniable charm, he didn’t just perform; he turned the night into something unforgettable.

“This records ten years in the making. I moved to Nashville in 2016. and it took me that long to find myself, my friends, write the songs, hit the road, and figure out what y’all want to hear. a million miles and a couple thousand beers later, we got in defense of drinking. THIS IS AN INDEPENDENT RECORD. It’s completely funded by the folks that come to the shows, sing the songs, buy the merch, and keep coming to see us. This is all because of y’all. I am the luckiest man in the world to do what I do. I make shit up in my head, put a melody to it, and people come to hear it. fucking wild when ya think about it! tonight I’m thankful for my friends who helped me record it, write it, promote it, and play it on the road. spin it, share it, cuss it, love it, all of it. I just wanted to say thank you. Cheers to in defense of drinking.”

As the night unfolded, Tyler Halverson gave the crowd a closer look at his latest work, sharing songs from his newly released album *In Defense Of Drinking*. With a project a decade in the making, every track felt like a deeply personal story brought to life. Tyler introduced “Fort Worth Losing” with a heartfelt nod to the sacrifices and choices that shape a life, his voice carrying both grit and tenderness as he delivered the lyrics. The crowd sang along to “More Hearts Than Horses,” a reflective yet uplifting track that showcased Tyler’s ability to capture complex emotions with simplicity. “Smoke You Out” brought a fresh intensity, with its raw honesty cutting through the room as Tyler leaned into the song’s bluesy, atmospheric vibe. These moments highlighted the album’s depth, giving fans a chance to connect with the music in real time.

Tyler’s dedication to his craft was clear in every note, and the intimate setting of Carol’s Pub only amplified the impact of these new songs. Each one felt like a window into his journey, offering a mix of humor, heartache, and hope that resonated deeply with everyone in the room. The night reached its peak as Tyler launched into "Beatin' Around The Bar," a lively anthem that had the entire crowd singing along, their voices blending with his in perfect harmony. The energy in the room was electric as Tyler followed it up with “‘94 Camaro,” a song that effortlessly captured a sense of nostalgia and freedom, resonating with everyone packed into Carol’s Pub.

Click The Image Above For The Full Tyler Halverson Photo Gallery

As the night drew to a close, Tyler treated the audience to “Mac Miller,” a heartfelt tribute to one of his biggest influences. The emotion in his voice was unmistakable, and it felt as though everyone in the room was sharing a personal moment with him. Finally, Tyler wrapped up the night with the much-loved “Beer Garden Baby,” sending the crowd into a frenzy of cheers and applause. Each song felt like a gift to the fans who had stood all night, shoulder to shoulder, fully immersed in the experience. It was the perfect ending to a night that celebrated not just Tyler’s talent but also the deep connection music creates between artist and audience.

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Tyler Halverson Setlist:

Run Wild

Codigo GoGo

Old Men, Younger Women

Takes 8

New Loop

Her

8 Second High

Tonight We Ride (Tom Russell Cover)

Closer

Your Bar Now

Fort Worth Losing

More Hearts Than Horses

In Defense Of Drinking

Smoke You Out

Tim McGraw (Taylor Swift cover)

UNKNOWN (SOLO)

Beatin’ Around The Bar

’94 Camaro

Mac Miller

Beer Garden Baby