OTL: Episode #448- Hit Like a Girl drum contest, Chicago is taco heaven, The Secret History of Chicago Music: The Hounds

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “taco heaven” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen gets the story of one awesome local female drummer, discusses how Chicago is the best taco city in America, and learns about a 70s band from the south side: The Hounds.   Kaylee Preston– Local drummer and finalist in the Hit Like a Girl Contest We visit Kaylee in her practice space to get the story of how she was a finalist in a unique international drum contest.   Kaylee Preston on the drums.  Photo by Alen Kahn.   Jason Mathews– Writer, Playboy.com Recently Jason penned the article, The Windy City’s Top Taco Joints.  We catch up with Jason at a local taqueria to get his take on tacos in Chicago.    Jason Mathews after a taco dinner.   The Secret History of Chicago Music– Local music historian and artist Plastic Crimewave (aka: Steve Krakow) profiles Chicago rockers, The Hounds, in this week’s Chicago Reader.  He gives us the lowdown on their musical contribution to the region.       OTL #448 local music provided by Rabble Rabble…

OTL: Episode #445- Living on a Chicago houseboat, Taking art to the streets with Opera-Matic, The Secret History of Chicago Music: Churchill Moor

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “houseboat” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen visits a couple who is living on a Chicago houseboat, learns about Opera-Matic’s mission to bring art into the community, and gets the story of 60s rockers from Des Plaines: Churchill Moor.   Colette Gabriel and Kevin Wright–  Residents of Cygnet, a houseboat docked at River City Marina We visit a Chicago couple who decided to live on a houseboat in Chicago…even through the winter.   Colette Gabriel and Kevin Wright standing outside their home   Mark Messing– Executive Director, Opera-Matic On June 6th the much-anticipated Bloomingdale Trail opens in Chicago.  We find out what participatory public art projects Opera-Matic has planned for this event.   The Secret History of Chicago Music– Local music historian and artist Plastic Crimewave (aka: Steve Krakow) profiles 60s rockers from Des Plaines, Churchill Moor, in this week’s Chicago Reader.  He gives us the lowdown on their musical contribution to Chicago.         OTL #445 local music provided by Werewheels…

OTL #443: Chicago Police citizen surveillance, The man behind Chuy’s stache, #DateMe: An OkCupid Experiment

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “stache-friendly” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen discusses the extent of Chicago Police surveillance on citizens, talks to the man behind Chuy Garcia’s mustache, and gets a preview of #DateMe: An OKCupid Experiment.   Joel Handley–  Contributing Editor at In These Times How much police surveillance on Chicagoans is appropriate?  We explore this question and the issue of how provide safety without tramping our 1st Amendment rights.       Steve Bogira– Senior Writer at the Chicago Reader We hear how Steve opened the door for the beginnings of Chuy Garcia’s mustache. Photo courtesy of ChicagoReader.com   Robin Lynn Norris– Creator of #DateMe: An OkCupid Experiment The world of online dating can be hilarious.  This show running at the UP Comedy Club (230 W. North Ave.) is based off of actual OkCupid conversation and gives us a glimpse into that world       OTL #443 local music provided by Richard Album…

OTL: Episode #441- Chicago Police citizen surveillance, TIF Reform, Bucktown residents unite

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “walk-of-fame” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen talks to the Chicago Reader’s Mick Dumke about police surveillance on Chicagoans, gets the latest on TIF reform, and learns how Bucktown residents are making the neighborhood a better place.   Steve Jensen–  President of the Bucktown Community Organization Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood is working to unite in order to combat problems, such as crime in the community.  We get the scoop on the efforts of the residents.       Mick Dumke– Senior Writer at the Chicago Reader Mick stops by to chat about The Chicago Police’s surveillance on citizens and how TIF districts in the city are largely benefiting the downtown area. Mike Stephen and Mick Dumke continue their political conversation at a post-show breakfast.   OTL #441 local music provided by Mirror Coat…