Pianist, composer, improviser and scenographer, Jean-François Alcolea met me on the roof of Reggie’s when he was in Chicago for his “Right in the Eye” multimedia event. I can’t do the “Right in the Eye” event justice with a description,…

Mike Vinopal (Opal Vinopal, Local Motive, badcandy, wht.rbbt.obj) joined me for food and conversation outside Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights (10 South Vail Avenue/heynonny.com). The episode starts with an acoustic performance of the Opal Vinopal song “Speck in the Universe,”…

“Goatstock” is a new festival set for Goat Village (4701 N Cumberland, Norridge) on Saturday, May 10. Organizers (and Goatstock performers) Jamie and Deb of 13 Monsters came on the podcast to talk about the 10+ bands playing the event,…

Brian Case of FACS returns to Car Con Carne, not long after the release of the band’s incredible 6th album, “Wish Defense,” and before they play Thalia Hall on April 17. We talk about Steve Albini’s role in the recording,…

I’m joined by the self-described “cutest band in Chicago,” CalicoLoco. Very recently, their album, “I Love Myself,” was picked as “Best Local Album of the Year” in the Chicago Reader’s “Best of Chicago” 2024 survey. Dani and Zeke from CalicoLoco…

Violets is a new band bringing together players from Naked Raygun, the Methadones and Blood People: Aly Jados – vocals, guitar Bill Stephens – guitar Simon Lamb – guitar Fritz Doreza – bass, vocals Michael Soucy – drums As the…

Chicago’s favorite hard-drinking, hard-partying, inspirers-of-bad-decisions, band is back. The Beer Nuts will play an early show on St. Patrick’s Day at Liar’s Club (with opening act One for the Ditch). Joining me to preview the show outside Liar’s Club are…

River Toussaint Rabbitte is the frontwoman of wht.rbbt.obj, a favorite artist of this podcast, and she’s getting ready to release a solo single called “Put Down For Love” – “a slow-burning Pop/R&B ballad that drips with passion, submission, and the…

This episode is smooth. I sat down with Scott McGaughey (vocals) and Dylan Ryan (piano, synth, drums, string & horn arrangements) of the soft synth-pop Chicago band BRONZE for a conversation in the green room of beloved local venue The…

This one is arguably best enjoyed in its video form (YouTube/Facebook). Over another delicious dinner from Byron’s (1701 West Lawrence), I’m joined by hypnotist Chris Jones and returning favorites Dr. Daryl Wilson (the Bollweevils) and Stubhy (Lucky Boys Confusion). Chris…