Chicago Dime is a Melbourne based Chicago-Texas blues band. The band’s love for the blues runs deep, their name taken from a Buddy Guy lyric: “‘I went to Chicago lookin’ for a dime and found a quarter.”
Led by Pete Hachel and JR Barling, the band blends the raw energy of Chicago blues with the soulful depth of Texas blues.
Known for their electrifying performances - involving the audience, dancing on tables, and impromptu band members - the band brings a modern twist to classic blues, drawing inspiration from legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Buddy Guy. Their sound is a fusion of gritty guitar riffs, deep grooves, and powerful vocals.
With a mission to keep the blues alive, Chicago Dime delivers a mix of original songs and covers that resonate with both traditional blues fans and contemporary audiences.
Available as a 2, 3 or 4 piece band - One thing is clear about Chicago Dime; they’re never going to repeat themselves.
Led by Pete Hachel and JR Barling, the band blends the raw energy of Chicago blues with the soulful depth of Texas blues.
Known for their electrifying performances - involving the audience, dancing on tables, and impromptu band members - the band brings a modern twist to classic blues, drawing inspiration from legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Buddy Guy. Their sound is a fusion of gritty guitar riffs, deep grooves, and powerful vocals.
With a mission to keep the blues alive, Chicago Dime delivers a mix of original songs and covers that resonate with both traditional blues fans and contemporary audiences.
Available as a 2, 3 or 4 piece band - One thing is clear about Chicago Dime; they’re never going to repeat themselves.
"Chicago Dime take you to a free-spirited blues party deep down in a basement bar. It’s hot, sweaty and steamy, but will leave you feeling like a million bucks” -Lara Smetannikov (Happy Mag)
“Amazing how the sound has been achieved in Melbourne! Great brass section. Vocals with grunt from Peter are outstanding. Ripper electric guitar solo.” -Alyssa Borda (AMNplify)
"It reminds me of when I used to live in Chicago. I could listen to this all day long. Great job and so much talent!"
-ReverbNation Curator
“Chicago Dime are so much more than their recordings. As anyone who has seen them live will tell you, this is a band you have to meet in person.” -Happy Mag Editor
“Amazing how the sound has been achieved in Melbourne! Great brass section. Vocals with grunt from Peter are outstanding. Ripper electric guitar solo.” -Alyssa Borda (AMNplify)
"It reminds me of when I used to live in Chicago. I could listen to this all day long. Great job and so much talent!"
-ReverbNation Curator
“Chicago Dime are so much more than their recordings. As anyone who has seen them live will tell you, this is a band you have to meet in person.” -Happy Mag Editor
Our current lineup is:
Pete Hachel - Guitars & Vocals
JR Barling - Trumpet, Flugel & Superbone
Mark Dupuy - Bass Guitar
Charlie Davies - Drums
Pete Hachel - Guitars & Vocals
JR Barling - Trumpet, Flugel & Superbone
Mark Dupuy - Bass Guitar
Charlie Davies - Drums
 PETE HACHEL
Pete Hachel is the latest great Blues/Rock guitarist to come out of Melbourne Australia. Pete comes to every gig with two things - His Strat and his raw energy.
Heavily steeped in the Blues and Rock, Pete brings all of his influences to bare. From Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Larry Carlton and even Richie Blackmore, Pete brings it together with a new and fresh energy to his Guitar and Vocals in every show and every release. With the Pete Hachel Trio, co-founding and fronting blues powerhouse Chicago Dime and playing in Texas cover band Pete Hachel+Groove 67, Pete has grounded himself as a mainstay in the Melbourne and Australian music scene. When you hear Pete play you know it’s real. Every chord and every note is intense, hot and heavy. The crowd can feel the energy build every time and with every songs he plays. Pete Hachel plays a Fender Stratocaster and Takamine acoustic electric guitar. |
 JR BARLING
A country boy at heart, JR Barling has spent over 30 years mastering brass instruments, bringing his versatile sound to venues across Australia. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with renowned Australian musicians such as James Morrison, Geoff Payne, and John St. Peeters, performing in various musical styles.
JR graduated with a Bachelor of Music from the prestigious Melba Conservatorium of Music and has shared his passion for music through teaching piano and brass at numerous schools. In addition to founding G&T One Sound Inc and Tuesday Brotherhood Studios, he’s been a mainstay in Melbourne's vibrant music scene, performing with acts such as Chicago Dime, My Flight, Pete Hachel+Groove 67, and Loonee Tunes, among others. A dedicated musician, JR continues to captivate audiences with his brass expertise while also lending his talents to corporate bands. JR Barling plays an Andalucia trumpet, King flugel and Schiller superbone. |
Scary's Reviews - http://www.facebook.com/scarysreviews
Chicago Dime is a 4 piece Chicago-Texas Blues fusion band from Melbourne who told us the thrill is gone and home sweet home is Chicago. The musicianship is perfect, seeing the 2nd guitarist play a trumpet and trombone at the same time was crazy. (Nothing I’ve seen before, it was great). There were a few slick solos by the lead guitarist/vocalist, whose voice is smokey and very suiting for the Blues. When he and the other guitarist left the stage to join the patrons for a bit of a jive, this was an awesome and joyful time. The bassist, progressive and stylish, really gave the fretboard a work out. The drummer was in the zone, numerous beats, fills that were soulful and he just wanted cowbell. Chicago dime is worth every dollar spent at the bar, made at the door as you hit the dance floor.
MarkyBoy - Triple J Unearthed
I really dig the Miles type trumpet with stylish blues guitar and good fell vocal. Nice work gents! 4/5 everybody be free love the vibe!
Chicago Dime is a 4 piece Chicago-Texas Blues fusion band from Melbourne who told us the thrill is gone and home sweet home is Chicago. The musicianship is perfect, seeing the 2nd guitarist play a trumpet and trombone at the same time was crazy. (Nothing I’ve seen before, it was great). There were a few slick solos by the lead guitarist/vocalist, whose voice is smokey and very suiting for the Blues. When he and the other guitarist left the stage to join the patrons for a bit of a jive, this was an awesome and joyful time. The bassist, progressive and stylish, really gave the fretboard a work out. The drummer was in the zone, numerous beats, fills that were soulful and he just wanted cowbell. Chicago dime is worth every dollar spent at the bar, made at the door as you hit the dance floor.
MarkyBoy - Triple J Unearthed
I really dig the Miles type trumpet with stylish blues guitar and good fell vocal. Nice work gents! 4/5 everybody be free love the vibe!