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 #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: Episode #444- Local high school journalism, Chicago Area Tiki Tour, Bridgeport’s 1855 Lager Beer Riot reenactment

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “it’s tiki time” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen discusses the importance of local high school journalism, previews the Chicago Area Tiki Tour, and visits Bridgeport to learn about the 1855 Lager Beer Riot reenactment.   Jason Block–  Program chair, Northern Illinois Scholastic Press Association We discuss the importance of high school journalism programs and preview the annual NISPA conference that takes place Friday, April 24.       Caroline Roe– Organizer of The Chicago Area Tiki Tour We preview this tour of some of the best area tiki bars!   Ed Marszewski and Paul Durica– Co-Organizers of Version Fest Bridgeport’s Version Fest is a wonderful celebration of local art and media.  We learn about this event, including the exciting 1855 Lager Beer Riot reenactment on April 25.       OTL #444 local music provided by The Cocktail Preachers…

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…