Railway Gamblers 'Not Dead Yet' Album Release at 115 Bourbon Street

5 Nov, 2026 John Kosiewicz Uncategorized

Railway Gamblers - Photo credit: John Kosiewicz

Chicago’s South Side band Railway Gamblers celebrated the release of their seventh full-length album, Not Dead Yet, with a show at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park on Thursday, November 5. The album arrives on streaming platforms and limited-edition vinyl Friday, November 6.

The evening opened with Hand Me Downs, a Chicago acoustic guitar and vocal duo featuring Bridget Cavanaugh and Garrett Degnan. The pair got the night started before Railway Gamblers took the stage for a performance centered on the new album.

Hand Me Downs

Hand Me Downs brought their acoustic guitar and vocal sound to the opening set. Unfortunately, I don’t have much background on the duo yet. However, their appearance added another local act to a night celebrating Chicago’s music scene.

Railway Gamblers at 115 Bourbon Street

Railway Gamblers followed with a set that included the entire 10-track Not Dead Yet album, along with songs from their earlier catalog. Produced by Mike Hagler, the record is the band’s seventh full-length release. The group recorded it together as a live ensemble, using few overdubs.

One of the night’s meaningful moments came with “Draggin’ My Whole World Down.” The song was written by the late Dennis Keane, a fellow South Side songwriter and friend of the band and myself. Railway Gamblers recorded it as a tribute to Keane, giving the song a special place in the new album.

Later in the show, drummer Sean Wilmsen thanked the crowd for supporting an independent, self-funded band. He also recognized the photographers who regularly attend their shows, including his cousin Nick, who took the album cover photos.

“The Gamblers is a socialist community where the money goes back into the band,” Sean said. The band continues to fund its own music, and every show helps make that possible. He also encouraged the crowd to keep supporting local artists, pointing out the many good bands playing around Chicago.

With Not Dead Yet, Railway Gamblers added another record to their history while celebrating the people who have helped them along the way. The album release show at 115 Bourbon Street was a night for the band, its friends, and the local music community.