Posted in 1990s Episodes

Triple Fast Action returns with self-titled rarities collection (Episode 830)

One of the most revered Chicago bands from the 1990s, Triple Fast Action, returns with a collection of demos and rarities, appropriately titled “Triple Fast Action.” The 3-record, 2-CD, collection is available on 4/21 (preorders are happening now on Bandcamp)….

Posted in Episodes

Bluesy, smoky, sexy and raw: wht.rbbt.obj (Episode 829)

River from wht.rbbt.obj joins me to talk about her band, which sounds like “Amy Winehouse meets the Black Keys and challenges them to a game of strip poker.” In short, I love this band. See wht.rbbt.obj at Summerfest on July…

Posted in Comedians documentary Episodes

Emmy-winning comic Dwayne Kennedy talks about Chicago’s comedy scene (Episode 828)

“Out of the Loop” is a new documentary about Chicago’s stand-up comedy scene (available on streaming services 4/11/23). The people speaking in the doc represent a “who’s who” of Chicago comedy, including Hannibal Buress, Jeff Garlin, Deon Cole, Erica Clark,…

Posted in Episodes Geneva steak

World-class FoxFire steakhouse approaching 20th anniversary in Geneva (Episode 827)

This episode finds me at FoxFire (17 W. State St., Geneva, IL) for a conversation with owner/chef K.C. Gulbro. Chef Gulbro talked about the restaurant’s longevity in the Geneva area, the only “right” cooking temperature for steak, the FoxFire menu…

Posted in Avondale emo Episodes

The Academy Is returns for Wrigley Field, UK shows (Episode 826)

Adam T. Siska of the Academy Is… is my guest this week! He joined me for a chat over dumplings from the Joong Boo Wang Mandoo stand outside Joog Boo Market on the northwest side. It’s one of Chicago’s best-kept…

Posted in business Comics Episodes Restaurateurs River North

Challengers Comics celebrates 15th anniversary at Club Lago (Episode 825)

This episode sees the return of longtime friend and Challengers Comics + Conversation co-owner Patrick Brower! For this conversation, we met at Club Lago in River North (331 W Superior St, Chicago, IL 60654). Owner GianCarlo was kind enough to…

Posted in Episodes post punk

Art-rock band FACS returns with ‘Still Life in Decay’ (Episode 824)

Brian Case (singer/guitarist) of FACS joins me for a chat in advance of their new release, “Still Life in Decay.” We met for hot dogs at Red Hot Ranch, ate depression dogs and talked about: *FACS capturing the moment with…

Posted in Episodes Mental Health post punk

Djunah’s Donna Diane is ‘she who is powerful’ (Episode 823)

Djunah’s second album, “Femina Furens,” is brave. It’s raw. It’s cathartic. It’s gut wrenching. It’s fierce. It’s vulnerable. Most importantly, it’s great. Donna Diane of Djunah jumped in the car outside Innjoy, in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago, to…

Posted in coffee Episodes Portage Park

The Nettes perform/chat outside Perkolator in Portage Park (Episode 822)

This episode is a perfect example of what Car Con Carne tries to accomplish. I’m joined by the Nettes (Alex, Kristina and Sonya) for a visit to Perkolator (6032 W. Irving Park) in Portage Park. Before enjoying coffee and breakfast…

Posted in Episodes

Moon celebrates vinyl release of ‘Sapiens’ at Livewire (Episode 821)

David, Shen and Chris of Moon join me to chat about their fourth full-length, “Sapiens.” The album will finally see a vinyl release at the Moon show at Live Wire on 3/11 (also appearing: Rocket Miner & 5RVL5). We talk…