Posted in East Bay Episodes pop punk punk rock San Francisco

Pinhead Gunpowder’s entire catalog reissued (Episode 723)

Green Day fans have been aware of Pinhead Gunpowder from the beginning, but the band still feels like one of punk rock’s best-kept secrets. The band (Billie Joe Armstrong, Jason White, Aaron Cometbus and Bill Schneider) is seeing all of…

Posted in Episodes Lebanese food Lincoln Park Mexican food

Musician/graphic novelist Dan Dougherty joins me for Lebanese/Mexican food from Evette’s (Episode 722)

Let’s get this out of the way: We ate insanely good food tonight. Thanks to Mitchell Abou Jamra for his hospitality and menu selections from Evette’s in Lincoln Park (352 W. Armitage). Mitchell jumped in the car to talk about…

Posted in Episodes

Ours celebrates 20+ years of ‘Distorted Lullabies’ at Beat Kitchen (Episode 721)

Ours is a band whose major label debut back in 2001 continues to resonate with fans more than 20 years after the fact. The 6th and latest Ours album, the self titled “Ours,” came out last year, and the band…

Posted in crime Episodes

Notorious Chicago jailbreak inspires new Axons album, ‘I Object to Everything’ (Episode 720)

Ready for a jangly dream pop album about the ballsy bedsheet escape of two prisoners from Chicago’s Metropolitan Correctional Center 10 years ago? That’s the concept behind the new Axons release, “I Object to Everything” (out on 4/8). Adele of…

Posted in Episodes

Colin Peterik readies solo debut, headlines City Winery on 4/5/22 (Episode 719)

Colin Peterik’s a modern songwriter with one ear firmly planted in the 1970s. His forthcoming debut, “Everything and Nothing” is a testament to (and reflection of) the sounds and vibes of the 70s. Colin jumped in my car to talk…

Posted in Episodes festivals Non-profit

Ravinia announces 2022 season (Episode 717)

Ravinia is back! Chief Brand, Marketing and Communications Officer Blake Smith joins me to talk about the just-announced 2022 schedule. As we run down some (but not nearly all) of the highlights, we’re joined by Ravinia’s Chef Sam. We sampled…

Posted in Episodes

‘Here’s some songs about drinking’ – Damager (Episode 716)

Dan Stewart (vocals/guitar) and Garrison Krotz (bass) of Chicago indie band Damager talked with me tonight in advance of their headlining gig at Gman this weekend (3/26, with Background Character and the Trenchies). In this new episode, we talk about…

Posted in Episodes Pizza

Dante’s Pizzeria with music curator Denis Buckley (88 Fingers Louie) – Episode 715

For this car-based episode, I’m joined by music curator Denis Buckley (of 88 Fingers Louie fame) and Dante’s owner Tim Murphy.. Denis is going to be “DJ-ing” at Dante’s (1938 W. Chicago Ave) this Thursday night (3/24/22). We talk about…

Posted in Encased Meats Episodes hot dog joints Lincoln Park

Local H at Wiener’s Circle (Episode 714)

Local H is the one band the entire city of Chicago can agree on. I was excited to welcome the return of Scott Lucas, as we broke in the new “VIP” facilities at The Wiener’s Circle (2622 N. Clark St.)….

Posted in benefits Episodes

Situation Chicago Live: Two shows at Empty Bottle next week! (Episode 713)

Two Situation Chicago Live shows are happening at the Empty Bottle next week. On Tuesday 3/15, it’s White Mystery, Mirrors, Neptune’s Core and a DJ set from Bumbac Joe. On Wednesday 3/16, it’s Gramps the Vamp, Justice Hill & Nighttime…