Posted in Episodes punk rock T1 Fest

Digging into Dan Vapid’s punk rock resume – Dan Vapid and the Cheats (Episode 286)

Dan Vapid’s been around the punk rock block for decades now, creating indelible music with bands like Screeching Weasel, the Methadones, Riverdales, the Queers and Sludgeworth. After road tripping across Illinois, he pulled up in front of the Forge in…

Posted in Episodes Grammy winner guitar

He’s in John Mayer’s band! He has a must-hear solo career! He’s won a Grammy! Guitarist Isaiah Sharkey (Episode 248)

This week, guitar great/Grammy winner/John Mayer band member Isaiah Sharkey joins me for phenomenal food from Stefani Prime (6755 N. Cicero). Here’s what we discussed over steak sandwiches, risotto and charcuterie (thanks, Anthony!): The best Steely Dan album. Isaiah’s fantastic…

Posted in Episodes Mexican food

Celebrating a ‘Cruel Summer’ with KrashKarma (Episode 245)

KrashKarma (Niki and Ralf) returned to Car Con Carne as they stopped through Chicago to play a show at Live Wire (love that place)! One of the in-car highlights was their performing an acoustic version of their cover of Bananarama’s…

Posted in burlesque Episodes Wrigleyville

Taking a sex-positive approach to ‘Wizard of Oz’: PS Burlesque (Episode 238)

The women of PS Burlesque join me this week in advance of their new show, “Dorothy Does Oz,” a Wizard of Oz-themed nerdlesque.

Posted in DJs Episodes

DJ Chanté Linwood: ‘If you want something, you’ll do it… you’ll find a way to get it done.” (Episode 237)

DJ/actor/comedian Chanté Linwood joined me for amazing food from Haymarket Pub & Brewery (737 W. Randolph). And yes, Haymarket is a Car Con Carne favorite!

Cirque du Soleil Volta
Posted in Dance Episodes Out of the car

Backstage at Cirque du Soleil “VOLTA” (Episode 236)

Cirque du Soleil “VOLTA” is, on the surface, a circus; a big top amalgam of a number of circus-type acts and feats. But it seems reductive to leave the description there. I was given deep, “in the trenches” access to…

Posted in downtown Episodes River North

Hard Rock Cafe: Love All Serve All, Music for Life, Take Time to Be Kind, All is One (Episode 234)

Hard Rock Cafe: Chicago has been in River North for 33 years; its sign is one of the most iconic landmarks in downtown Chicago. Now, decades into the chain’s history, the menu has been completely revamped.

Posted in Actors Episodes Theater guests

From unrequited love to ‘first-time man sluts’: ‘I Saw You’ reads Chicago personal ads (Episode 232)

“I Saw You” is a gut-busting, live performance comedy show of real Chicago personals held the first and third Wednesdays of each month at the Town Hall Pub (3340 N. Halsted).

Posted in Bridgeport Episodes Media guests Public Service

‘When you’re on the street, you’ve got a millisecond to make a decision’ – The Chicago PoPo Report joins me for cop talk (Episode 226)

Paul Ciolino and Lupe Aguirre of The Chicago PoPo Report (Saturdays 7-9 p.m. on WLS-AM 890) jump in my car to talk about crime and punishment.

Posted in Episodes vinyl

Record-making and taco-eating in Chicago: Smashed Plastic (Episode 217)

Chicago has its own record-pressing plant… and it’s awesome!