Since 2010, what is now known as the Joe Policastro Trio has been performing Sunday through Tuesday weekly at Pops For Champagne in downtown Chicago. In early 2015, the trio took solidified its current lineup when guitarist Dave Miller (Algernon, Patricia Barber) moved back to Chicago from New York. Alongside leader/bassist Joe Policastro is his long-time associate, drummer/interdisciplinary artist Mikel Avery (Josh Abrams, Rob Mazurek, Theaster Gates, Chicago Jazz Philharmonic). Since coming together, the band has developed a singular approach to “pop” music and continues to develop new music. While firmly rooted in jazz, the band’s open-minded, inclusive nature also brings rock, old-school funk, soul, brazilian, and free improvisation to the surface while still keeping the aesthetic of an acoustic trio intact. Guest guitarists Andy Brown and Andy Pratt are also featured, both of whom have been regulars with the trio as well."Pops!" compiles music from popular artists such as Prince, Tom Waits, Stevie Wonder, Neil Young, The Cars, The Pixies, and others. The arrangements and sound of the trio were developed organically with each member contributing their individual, unique voice to the ensemble. The album celebrates the greatness and breadth of modern American music in content, style, and approach. Other releases by the trio include 2013’s"West Side Story Suite For Jazz Trio", and"Pops!" further develops the modern creative approach that the band exploits.