OTL: Episode #179- The Pilsen Show!

THE THIRD IN THE OTL NEIGHBORHOOD SERIES… ALSO, CHECK OUT THE LOGAN SQUARE AND BUCKTOWN SHOWS! (podcasting from the streets of Pilsen in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “come on over to Pilsen” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen goes on-location in the Pilsen neighborhood in Chicago for a profile of this unique community. Stephanie Manriquez — Executive Assistant at Casa Aztlan This incredible organization has been assisting the Pilsen community for 40 years with cultural activities, community organizing, and adult education.  We get a look inside the great work that goes on there. Casa Aztlan in Pilsen Fr. Chuck Dahm, O.P.— Associate Pastor at St. Pius V Catholic Church Father Chuck is well-known in the Pilsen community for his work helping victims of domestic violence.  I drop into St. Pius to discuss his experiences in Pilsen. St. Pius V Catholic Church Willie Wagner — Owner and Chef at Honky Tonk BBQ There’s a great BBQ joint in the heart of Pilsen…OF COURSE I’m going to check it out!  Willie sits down to chat about his award-winning BBQ and owning a business in the community. Honky Tonk BBQ Vanessa Sanchez — Youth Programs Project Manager for Yollocalli Arts Reach Art is an important part of the Pilsen community.  Yollocalli encourages area youth and young adults to participate in arts.  Vanessa describes how the programs impact Pilsen residents and her outlook on the future of the neighborhood. A Mural on the Side of the Building that Houses Yollocalli OTL #179 local […]

OTL: Episode #175- Chicago Aldermen Project, OTL Press, the East Village is Historic

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “historic neighborhood” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about an upcoming local arts project involving the City Council, chats with a former OTL employee about some show press, and brings us the story of the East Village neighborhood’s arrival on the National Register of Historic Places. Jeremy Scheuch — Co-organizer of the Chicago Aldermen Project In an effort to teach Chicago about its elected officials, local artists will create portraits of their aldermen.  We get the info on this interesting project. Andrew J. Hermann— Former Executive Producer of Outside the Loop Radio Recently this little radio show got some press in the January edition of the Illinois Entertainer.  They didn’t get the picture and the caption correct, though.  Is this an evil plot by Andy to take over?  We find out! Hey, that’s not Andy Hermann! Scott Rappe — Architect, member of the East Village Association The East Village neighborhood in Chicago was recently named to the National Register of Historic Places.  We get some history of this small area of the city and find out why it made the list. OTL #175 local music provided by The Cathy Santonies…

OTL: Episode #162- CTA Tattler on Apple and Possible Fare Hikes, Elia From Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, Mourning the Loss of Johnny

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “RIP Johnnie” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to the CTA Tattler about Apple Inc’s latest move in Chicago and about the threat of a fare hike, checks in on the Scotland Yard Gospel Choir after their horrific tour van accident, and mourns the loss of Johnnie, owner of Johnnie’s Lounge. Kevin O’Neil — The CTA Tattler Apple will cough up some cash to rehab the crappy North/Clybourn El stop.  With the bad economy can we expect CTA fare hikes in the future?  The CTA Tattler discusses these issues! Elia — Songwriter, Guitarist, and Vocalist for the Scotland Yard Gospel Choir This past September the local band Scotland Yard Gospel Choir was nearly killed when their tour van flipped over in I-65 in Indiana.  Elia recalls the story and gives us a recovery update. Elia Jason Mathews – Former Regular at Johnnie’s Lounge Ivan “Johnnie” Vrbetic passed away on October 23, 2009 at the age of 87.  He was the owner of Johnnie’s Lounge on Lincoln, one of the greatest bars in Chicago.  Jason and Mike fondly remember Johnnie and the bar. Johnnie’s Lounge Johnnie OTL #162 local music provided by Scotland Yard Gospel Choir…

OTL: Episode #154- 90s Chicago Music Rocked, Beachwood’s 20 Tweets Roundup, Another Chicago Magazine

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “gee, the 90s were a rocking time in Chicago ” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to a former radio personality about the importance of the 90s local music scene, checks up on prominent Chicagoans’ ridiculous Tweets, and learns about Another Chicago Magazine. James Van Osdol– Former radio personality, local writer, author of Chicago Rocked The 1990s were an incredible time for the Chicago music scene.  James is working on telling the story of the local contribution to Rock & Roll over these 10 years in a book called Chicago Rocked.   He’s releasing the book himself and is looking for the people’s support! Photo Courtesy of Jeff Kroll (jeffkrollphotos.com) Steve Rhodes – Founder of BeachwoodReporter.com Some Chicagoans shouldn’t be allowed to Tweet.  Steve and I discuss why.  You can also check out the “20 Tweets” series on the Beachwood Reporter. Jacob Knabb – Editor of Another Chicago Magazine ACM is one of the many very cool facets of the Chicago literary scene.  Jacob explains what the magazine is all about and its role in the local writers’ community. OTL #154 local music provided by Moonshine Willy…