OTL: Episode #282- Cleaning up TIFs, Hideout Harmonica Hoedown preview

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 “harmonica hoedown” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses ways to improve Chicago’s TIF program and then talks to two local harmonica players about the upcoming Hideout Harmonica Hoedown (complete with a fun on-air harp jam session).   Celeste Meiffren– Field Director at the Illinois Public Interest Research Group IL PIRG recently put out a report called Cleaning Up Tax Increment Financing.  Celeste talks to us about this report. Bob Kessler and Jim Conway— Chicago harmonica studs These two harp players are just part of the great lineup at the Hideout Harmonica Hoedown coming up on Sunday, February 19th at The Hideout.  They drop by the OTL Bunker to preview the event and to jam on some tunes with Mike.     OTL #282 local music provided by Joe Filisko and Eric Noden…  

OTL: Episode #270- Trubadeaux: a Restaurant Movie, Cheap beer blind taste test, the Responsible Budget Ordinance

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… Happy Thanksgiving! (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “cheap beer” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to the guys behind a new locally-produced movie, Trubadeaux, learns about the cheap beer taste test, and discusses the Responsible Budget Ordinance that was introduced in the city council.   Jay Sukow, John Berka, and Todd Wojcik— Writers of Trubadeaux (also, they’re in the film!) On OTL #216 we went on the set of Trubadeaux: A Restaurant Movie.  A year later that movie is complete.  We hear about the production process and why the guys chose to produce every aspect of the film in Chicago.   Todd Wojcik and John Berka on the set.     Tom Carter– Mike’s bro-in-law Need a way to spice up the family holiday party this year?  Try a cheap beer taste test!  Tom attended this event and he gives us a recap.   The cheap beer taste test.   Amisha Patel— Executive Director of The Grassroots Collaborative The Responsible Budget Ordinance was introduced in the Chicago City Council last month.  We learn about this legislation and how it has impacted the discourse of the city’s financial future.     OTL #270 local music provided by the Henhouse Prowlers…

OTL: Episode #251- The Paper Machete Show, TIF Talk, a NY Director on Chicago’s Theatre Scene

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 “paper machete” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen chats with the host of a weekly salon in a saloon, does some TIF Talk, and discusses Chicago theatre with a New Yorker.   Christopher Piatt— Host and Curator of The Paper Machete Show We learn about this free weekly live magazine and podcast the covers pop culture, current events, and American manners at The Horseshoe on Lincoln every Saturday at 3 p.m.   TIF Talk– A new OTL segment TIF Districts are pretty controversial in Chicago.  This occasional segment looks at TIFs from different angles.  This week, we hear a listener’s reaction to a TIF discussion on a past show with Ald. James Cappleman (46th). What we imagine exists inside a TIF fund. Wes Grantom— Director of The Steadfast We hear about the development of this new play and get Wes’ reflections on the Chicago theatre scene as a director in New York.  His show is based off of a painting (pictured below) by artist Steve Alpert.   OTL #251 local music provided by Black Bear Combo…