Chicago Horror Film Fest Associate Producer Stephanie Sack and Car Con Carne host James VanOsdol
Posted in Episodes horror movies

The 25th Chicago Horror Film Fest is this weekend! (Episode 993)

Returning favorite Stephanie Sack is back to preview the 25th edition of the Chicago Horror Film Festival, happening this weekend. Stephanie’s an associate producer of this year’s event, which focuses on women in horror and the “Final Girl” trope. The…

Maxx McGathey (Gramps the Vamp) and James VanOsdol (Car Con Carne podcast)
Posted in Classical Music Episodes instrumental music

Instrumental music for people who think they don’t like instrumental music: Maxx McGathey (Episode 992)

Chicago composer Maxx McGathey, best known for his work with Gramps the Vamp, releases his first solo album, “Imaginary Eyes,” on September 27. We met at Roma’s (4237 N. Cicero) for Italian beef (that’s what we do here in Chicago)…

Posted in Entrepreneurs Episodes music industry punk rock Q101

Red Scare Industries celebrates 20th anniversary (Episode 991)

Red Scare Industries celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The new compilation, “20 Years of Dreaming and Scheming,” includes contributions from Laura Jane Grace, Sludgeworth, the Brokedowns, the Falcon, Won’t Stay Dead and the Bollweevils. I’m out of the car…

Posted in breakfast brunch Episodes models Old Town

Former Playmate brings sparkle to Disco Pancake in Old Town (Episode 990)

Disco Pancake (1155 N. Wells) is a new breakfast/brunch spot in Old Town that gives the most important meal of the day a sparkly, casual and fun shot in the arm. Take, for example, the Disco Stack, the most expensive…

Posted in burger joints doom metal Episodes IL metal

Doom metal band Avernus reemerges with ‘Grievances’ (Episode 989)

Atmospheric doom metal band Avernus joins me for a conversation at Melinda’s Pub (6906 W 111th Worth). After a considerable time away, Avernus returns with the stunning new release, “Grievances.” We talk about the new album and its broad, cinematic…

Posted in East Dundee Episodes Live performances shoegaze

(PERFORMANCE) flowersatherfeet at River Street Tavern – Episode 988

flowersatherfeet is a promising new shoegaze band from Chicago. How new? They’ve been together for roughly four months. We’re on the ground floor here. Ivory, Robert and Tim from the band join me at River Street Tavern in East Dundee…

Horror themed pop-punk band Won't Stay Dead at DryHop in Lakeview.
Posted in breweries Brewpub Episodes Halloween horror pop punk

Won’t Stay Dead at DryHop Brewers (Episode 987)

Violet, Saffron and Tyler from horror pop-punk band Won’t Stay Dead join me for food and adult beverages at DryHop Brewers (3155 N. Broadway). As we eat delicious DryHop menu items like the DryHop Double Smash Burger, Fried Pickles and…

The Jesus Lizard returns with 'RACK' (Photo credit: Joshua Black Wilkins)
Posted in Episodes

The Jesus Lizard returns with new album ‘Rack’ (Episode 986)

The Jesus Lizard is back! The band is set to release “Rack” on September 13, their first new album of new music since “Blue” (1998). TJL guitarist Duane Denison joins me for a conversation about the new album, the early…

Posted in BBQ restaurants Episodes Homewood

OUTDrejas talks live album, social strategy and the joys of Thorogood (Episode 985)

David Drejas of OUTDrejas joins me for dinner at Twisted Q in Homewood (2053 Ridge Road; twistedq.com). As we dive into brisket platters and brownies, we talk about: *The Corey Feldman opening slot that led to profound physical pain *The…

8-bit crEEps with James VanOsdol on Car Con Carne
Posted in Episodes

‘Psych-wave quartet in a polygamist marriage’ 8-bit crEEps at Cobra Lounge (Episode 984)

Practically four years since the last time we chatted (over Zoom in COVID days), ¾ of 8-bit crEEps met me in the parking lot of Cobra Lounge. We talked about the band in advance of their opening slot for Ultimate…