This episode finds me outside El Vado in McHenry (929 Front St.) for a chat over tacos with Americana singer-songwriter Karen Shook. As I mentioned early in the interview, her sound is more “Nashville” than “McHenry” (though what, really, is…

Hail GODZILLA! Cinephile Stephanie Sack returns to preview cool screenings at local independent theaters. Discussed in this episode: -“Go Go Godzilla,” a Godzila marathon at the venerable Music Box Theatre -Chinatown – 50th anniversary screening at the Pickwick (Park Ridge)…

The third MS fundraiser is happening on June 29 at Bottom Lounge. Returning guest/longtime friend Stubhy Pandav (Lucky Boys Confusion, Super Happy Fun Club, Shock Stars, etc.) joins me to talk about the event, as well as living with MS….

Ravinia’s Senior Artistic Producer, Erik Soderstrom, joins me for a conversation about the 2024 summer season line-up. See you at Elvis Costello/Daryl Hall, Violent Femmes and more! Tickets for the The 2024 Ravinia Festival Summer Schedule are on sale. Don’t…

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I agree, especially if hot dogs are involved. Steve Silver, Chicago’s legendary lover, fighter, doorman, and raconteur, joined me at the Morning Monster Cafe (Monster Dogs food truck)…

The second Weekend Run Club album, “Liminal Space Race,” finds the band hitting its stride and frontman Mitchell Kinn cementing his metaphorical and lyrical voice. Mitchell and Xack (bass) join me for pizza slices from Lobo in Logan Square, and…

This episode finds me at Mirella’s Tavern (2056 W. Division), where I chatted with chef/owner “Angry” Chef Jose and restaurant social media director Callie Ezell. I ate Chef’s MASSIVE, award-winning, burger: Double five ounces patties, gem lettuce, heirloom tomatoes, caramelized…

Irish American Heritage Center (4626 N. Knox) celebrates Irish and Irish American culture through events, music, theater, literature, and language. It’s truly one of the city’s hidden treasures, which is why I’m thrilled to spotlight what they do in this…

(Disclaimer: We’re not in the car for this one, which allowed for the consumption of beer/spirits.)     Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should. Cicada-infused Malört is a real…

Pop punk/skate punk band After the Fight is back after a period of relative quiet. They’ll be releasing a new song (“Age of Distraction”) on 5/24/24, the same day as their first show in four years, at Montrose Saloon (also…