OTL: Episode #446- Using your DNA as art, The story of local rocker Marty Grebb, Previewing Chicago Zine Fest

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “DNArt” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen learns about a local artist using found DNA in her projects, gets the story of Buckinghams member Marty Grebb, and previews the Chicago Zine Fest happening next weekend.   Heather Dewey-Hagborg– Assistant professor of art and technology studies at The School of the Art Institute DNA says a lot about who we are and Heather’s Stranger Visions project uses random DNA to make art.  We get the story.   An example of a Stranger Visions DNA portrait   The Secret History of Chicago Music– Local music historian and artist Plastic Crimewave (aka: Steve Krakow) profiles Chicago rocker, Marty Grebb, in this week’s Chicago Reader.  He gives us the lowdown on his musical contribution to the region.       John Wawrzaszek– Co-organizer of Chicago Zine Fest Zines are a form of independent publishing and are popular in Chicagoland.  We get a preview of the Chicago Zine Fest, a two-day event on May 8th and 9th that celebrates the art of zine-making.       OTL #446 local music provided by Redfield…

OTL: Episode #442- The Glass Slipper Project, RHINO Poetry, The Secret History of Chicago Music: Meade “Lux” Lewis

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “glass slipper” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen learns how The Glass Slipper Project helps thousands of girls attend their proms in style, discuses the local poetry scene with an editor of RHINO, and gets the story of Chicago Bluesman Meade “Lux” Lewis.   Amy Ross–  Board President of the Glass Slipper Project Prom season is upon us.  We learn about this organization that helps deliver prom dresses to deserving high school girls in Chicagoland.       Ralph Hamilton– Editor of RHINO We get the lowdown on one of the most prestigious poetry journals around and it’s based in Chicagoland.   The Secret History of Chicago Music– Local music historian and artist Plastic Crimewave (aka: Steve Krakow) profiles 20th century Blues musician Meade “Lux” Lewis in this week’s Chicago Reader.  He gives us the lowdown on his musical contribution to Chicago.       OTL #442 local music provided by Unplugged and Reborn…

OTL: Episode #423- Chicago Jazz Magazine, Aldertrack, Allegory Handcrafted Goods

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “Jazz hands” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen talks to the founder of Chicago Jazz Magazine, learns about a way to track the upcoming municipal election, and gets the lowdown on a locally-based company doing some incredible handcrafted artistry for our everyday lives.   Mike Jeffers– Founder of Chicago Jazz Magazine and ChicagoJazz.com We discuss the future of Jazz in Chicago and hear the story of how Mike became one of the most important figures in the local Jazz scene.  Mike Stephen and Mike Jeffers with a copy of Chicago Jazz Magazine.   Mike Fourcher and Jimm Dispensa– Creators of Aldertrack.com All 50 Chicago alderman and the mayor are up for election in February.  We find out about a great one-stop-shop for all Chicago political information during this election season.   Chad Schumacher–Founder of Allegory Handcrafted Goods After Chad and his wife lost their day jobs during the recession, they began to produce quality handcrafted goods for use in our everyday lives.  We learn about the company and their new Kickstarter campaign underway now.  Mike Stephen holds the Macana bag while talking to Chad Schumacher in the WGN Allstate Showcase Studio.   OTL #423 local music provided by The Safes…

OTL: Episode #371- The Chicago Cultural Plan, GloVentra, New City’s Best of Chicago 2013

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “best of Chicago” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses the Chicago Cultural Plan, learns about a new use for the Ventra card, and talks about the Best of Chicago 2013 with the editor of New City Magazine.   Deanna Isaacs– Staff writer and columnist for the Chicago Reader Deanna has been covering the developing story of the Chicago Cultural Plan and gives us the latest.         Sam Isenstein– Local copywriter and creator of GloVentra Sam came up with a way to make your public transportation commute a whole lot easier: you can wear your Ventra card.  He tells us about his creation.         Brian Hieggelke– Editor and publisher of New City New City came out with its Best of Chicago 2013 list recently.  Brian talks about the list and the future of print publishing.       OTL #371 local music provided by Swim Ignorant Fire…