OTL: Episode #568- Radio Harbor Country, African Arts Fest, The Secret History of The Front Lines

Mike Stephen talks with:   Dave Reppetto of the low power FM station WRHC in Harbor County Michigan, in our debut of a new segment entitled “Low Power to the People;”   Julian Roberts, a member of the Africa International House Board of Directors, about the 28th annual African Festival of the Arts; and   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about ’80s pop punk rockers The Front Lines for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music.   Don’t forget our Outside the Loop Listener Survey. We really appreciate your time and consideration!   This week’s local music is provided by Monobody. TASTY!   OTL host Mike Stephen admires Radio Harbor Country in Three Oaks, Michigan in 2013.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #567- Chicago Fringe Fest, Bars of Chicago, Goodbye to Andy Hermann

Mike Stephen talks with:   Chicago Fringe Festival executive director Anne Cauley about seeking out the weird and unique in the performing arts;   Bars of Chicago creator Katherine Hodges about Instagramming as many taverns as she can in the city and beyond; and   Outside the Loop co-founder Andy Hermann about leaving the city he’s called home for almost two decades.   Meanwhile, we play a voicemail from #1 OTL fan Mrs. Stephen… who wishes Andy the best in New York City. (And don’t forget to take our listener survey!!)   This week’s local music is provided by Varsity.   OTL host Mike Stephen and producer Andy Hermann say goodbye after a 16-year professional and personal relationship.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #566- Rust Belt Chicago, The importance of high school libraries, The Secret History of Ritz

Mike Stephen talks with:   Belt Magazine senior editor Martha Bayne about collecting stories for the new book Rust Belt Chicago: An Anthology;   Hinsdale South High School librarian Ellen Lawrence about the importance of libraries in high schools; and   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about arena-ready rockers Ritz for this week’s edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music.   Meanwhile, we present the Outside the Loop Listener Survey. We’d love your feedback!   This week’s local music is provided by Kerosene Stars.   OTL host Mike Stephen reviews the Outside the Loop Listener Survey.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #565- Improving public schools, Affordable housing near The 606, Fritz Kaegi runs for Assessor

Mike Stephen talks with:   Generation All associate program officer Misuzu Schexnider about their plan for improving neighborhood high schools and the new Chicago Public Schools app;   Logan Square Neighborhood Association former president Lissette Castañeda about the fight for affordable housing in areas by The 606 park system; and   Cook County Assessor candidate Fritz Kaegi about his vision for transparent and competent assessments for everybody.   Meanwhile, we discuss how the Chicago Triathlon is introducing a one-mile Underwear Run along the lakefront this year!   This week’s local music is provided by Ratboys.   OTL host Mike Stephen III, son Mike Stephen IV, and wife Jenny Stephen I enjoy The 606 park system. [circa summer 2015]   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.