OTL: Episode #438- Another look at unions and IL politics, Story Week Festival of Writers, The Secret History of Chicago Music: Baby Doo Caston

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “baby-doo” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen takes another look at unions and their influence on IL politics, previews Story Week Festival of Writers, and gets the lowdown on Chicago musician Baby Doo Caston.   Frank Manzo–  Policy Director, Illinois Economic Policy Institute We heard a lot of listener feedback on the topic of influence of unions on IL politics.  This week we get another perspective on this issue.       Eric May– Author and artistic director of Story Week Festival of Writers Columbia College presents this annual festival that celebrates the written word and the art of storytelling.  We get a preview of this event that runs from March 15-21.  Eric May discusses the upcoming Story Week Festival of Writers with Mike Stephen     The Secret History of Chicago Music– Local music historian and artist Plastic Crimewave (aka: Steve Krakow) profiles 20th century Blues musician Baby Doo Caston in this week’s Chicago Reader.  He gives us the lowdown on his musical contribution to Chicago.       OTL #438 local music provided by Molehill…

OTL: Episode #437- Union influence on IL politics, The attack of the Emerald Ash Borer, Previewing the Hideout Harmonica Hoedown

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “rockin’-the-harp” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen looks at union influence on local politics, discusses the threat of the Emerald Ash Borer on our trees, and gets a preview of the 4th annual Hideout Harmonica Hoedown.   Diana Rickert–  VP of Communications for the Illinois Policy Institute We examine the role of unions in the Illinois political process.  The Institute just released a report entitled The Anatomy of Influence: Government Unions in Illinois.       Mark Cinnamon– State Plant Regulatory Official Have you noticed trees disappearing from Chicago streets?  We examine why the infestation of the Emerald Ash Borer is a serious wreaking havoc with our local greenery.     Bob Kessler– Harmonica “colorist” and founder/curator of the Hideout Harmonica Hoedown We get a preview of the 4th annual hoedown, the premiere celebration of the harmonica, taking place Sunday, March 8th at The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia).  Bob and Mike share a jam sesh on the 50,000-watt blowtorch too!   Bob Kessler and Mike Stephen have a harp jam in the WGN Radio studios.   OTL #437 local music provided by Bob Kessler…

OTL #436: Little-discussed issues in the mayor’s race, Chicago Noise Complaint app, The Secret History of Chicago Music: Washboard Sam

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “washboard abs” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen discusses little-discussed issues in this year’s mayoral race, learns about the Chicago Noise Complaint app, and gets the story of Chicago Bluesman Washboard Sam.   Mick Dumke–  Senior Writer at the Chicago Reader Mick discusses what the candidates for mayor aren’t talking about this election year.    Mick Dumke and Mike Stephen talk Chicago politics     Darrin Thomas– Creator of the Chicago Noise Complaint website After getting fed up with the noise pollution from O’Hare Airport, Darrin created this app to create a log of noise complaints that will be given to the city.     The Secret History of Chicago Music– Local music historian and artist Plastic Crimewave (aka: Steve Krakow) profiles 20th century Blues musician Washboard Sam in this week’s Chicago Reader.  He gives us the lowdown on his musical contribution to Chicago.     OTL #436 local music provided by Love In the Dark…

OTL: Episode #435- Exonerated after 21 years in prison, Busy Beaver Button Museum in Logan Square

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “busy beaver” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen visits the Busy Beaver Button Museum in Logan Square and then talks to Tyrone Hood, someone who was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent the last 21 years in prison.   Christen Carter– Owner of the Busy Beaver Button Co. and co-curator of the Busy Beaver Button Museum The world’s only museum dedicated to buttons calls Logan Square its home.  We go inside this small business and button museum that is celebrating its 20th year.  Joel and Christen Carter   Tyrone Hood– Recently released from 21 years behind bars for a crime he didn’t commit Karl Leonard– Attorney at Winston & Strawn and former student at The Exoneration Project We hear how Tyrone never gave up hope that he would be released from prison and that his name would be cleared.  OTL Host Mike Stephen, Tyrone Hood, and Karl Leonard in the WGN Radio Green Room   OTL Flashback- We hear a special Valentine’s Day clip from OTL #21 where Mike and Andy talk about true love with their better halves.  Mike and Andy in 2006.   OTL #435 local music provided by The Lawrence Peters Outfit…