Record Store Day at Siren Records in McHenry, IL
Posted in Episodes Record store Record Store Day

Record Store Day 2025 at Siren Records (Episode 1037)

Recorded at Siren Records, McHenry IL (3902 Main) on Record Store Day 2025 at 6:30 a.m. Siren Records owner Bill Linquist joins me for a conversation about this year’s RSD, as well as the impact RSD has on local record…

Pic of 'The Royko' pizza from Crust Fund Pizza/John Carruthers
Posted in charity Episodes Pizza

Crust Fund Pizza creator takes us to ‘Super Pizza World’ (Episode 1036)

Writer, fundraiser and pizza pro John Carruthers of Crust Fund Pizza is a Car Con Carne favorite, and it was awesome to have him back in the car to talk about his new cookbook, “Super Pizza World.” I met him…

James VanOsdol at Legit Dogs and Ice in South Elgin
Posted in Comedians Episodes Live event

East Moon, Joseph Christopher, Chris Pienta live at Legit Dogs (Episode 1035)

This episode was recorded live at Legit Dogs & Ice in South Elgin (322 S. Randall Road), and includes interviews with East Moon, artist Chris Pienta and comedian Joseph Christopher (who also does a live comedy set for this episode!)…

Jean-François Alcolea brings "Right in the Eye" to Chicago
Posted in cinema Classical Music Episodes France

Creating a multimedia concert experience around Georges-Jean Méliès’ films: Jean-François Alcolea (Episode 1034)

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,…

Posted in Arlington Heights Episodes Live performances

Live performance and chat w/ Mike Vinopal at Hey Nonny (Episode 1033)

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 organizers Jamie and Deb (also of 13 Monsters) + Evan J. Thomas
Posted in Episodes festivals

Indie bands set to bleat at ‘Goatstock’ (Episode 1032)

“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 of FACS on Car Con Carne
Posted in Episodes post punk

FACS delivers another minimalist masterpiece (Episode 1031)

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,…

CalicoLoco on Car Con Carne with James VanOsdol
Posted in Episodes

‘Best local album of the year’ artist CalicoLoco (Episode 1030)

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 and James VanOsdol for Car Con Carne
Posted in Episodes

Familiar players break new ground as Violets (Episode 1029)

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…

The Beer Nuts celebrate St. Patrick's Day 2025
Posted in Episodes St. Patrick's Day

Beer Nuts return like Brigadoon for St. Patrick’s Day (Episode 1028)

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…