Despite a frigid, snow-covered Saturday night, fans packed the House of Music in Orland Park on Jan. 24, undeterred by falling snow and below-freezing temperatures. Audience members arrived early and filled the room, creating an energetic atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the wintry conditions outside and reflected the band’s strong local following.
When the lights came up, the stage felt like familiar ground for Joe Verble. The Homer Glen resident, drummer and founding member of Chicago-area alternative rock band The Just, helped launch the venue’s 2026 live music calendar with a hometown show that showcased the band’s dynamic alternative rock sound and introduced several of their original songs to an enthusiastic audience.
The Just headlined the all-ages show, joined by fellow Chicago-area rock band Stopping The Sun, with The Bagels, a House of Music student band, opening the night in a featured performance. The event was hosted by House of Music and The Just.
The appearance carried personal significance for Verble, while bandmate Robert “Bob” Biedron also grew up in the area, turning the Orland Park show into a chance to share original music with family, friends and longtime supporters.
“It’s great to have people close to home see what we’ve been building,” Verble said.
Formed in 2018, The Just emerged from a desire to focus entirely on original music. Verble, Biedron and bassist Matthew Duckworth had previous experience playing covers but wanted a tighter, more efficient creative unit.
The original trio, Biedron of Schaumburg on vocals and guitar, Duckworth of Streamwood on bass and Verble on drums, spent years developing their signature alternative rock sound through collaboration and experimentation. In late 2024, guitarist Charlie Salto of Grayslake joined the band, rounding out its live sound and helping bring the original songs to life during the Orland Park show.
Songwriting remains at the core of Verble’s connection to the group, with ideas often surfacing at unexpected moments.
“I love writing music,” Verble said. “Whether it’s using a guitar riff I wrote in high school, writing lyrics in the middle of the night because I can’t sleep or trying not to forget a melody while driving, it’s all fun. I love finding ways to be creative and take risks.”
Verble also brings an extensive academic background to his musical career. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Saint Xavier University in 2006, followed by master’s degrees in applied computer science in 2014, education in 2016 and business administration in 2019.
Since forming The Just, the band has written a large catalog of original material. Performing those songs live became a reality in 2025, a milestone that helped build momentum leading into the Orland Park show.
“Finally being able to perform our songs live was incredible,” Verble said. “The feedback has been so positive that it makes me want to keep creating more.”
The Jan. 24 show reflected both where the band has been and where it is headed.
The Just is booking shows throughout 2026 and working toward new releases, with plans for multiple singles or a full-length album later this year. Following the Orland Park performance, the band is scheduled to appear Feb. 22 at the Underground Lounge in Chicago. Fans looking to keep up with the group’s music and shows can follow The Just on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube @thejustchicago, or listen on SoundCloud. An electronic press kit is also available through EPK Builder.
