OTL: Episode #188- EveryBlock.com, Widow’s Peak Music Fest, Stopping Street Sweeping Parking Tix

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “happening on your block” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen gets the lowdown on the super-local EveryBlock.com, learns about the upcoming Widow’s Peak Music Fest, and finds out how to avoid street cleaning parking tickets. Adrian Holovaty — Co-Founder of EveryBlock.com There’s an answer to the question, “What’s happening in my neighborhood?”  Adrian gives us the details about this super-local website. Michael Teach and David “Chewie” Rothenberg— From Chicago Acoustic Underground and the guys behind the Widow’s Peak Music Fest OTL’s associate producer, Megan Sandilands, files her report on this upcoming music festival in the outskirts of Chicago that features lots of local talent. Molly Curry — Co-Founder of Stop Parking Tickets Do you hate to walk out to your car only to find that it’s been ticketed because it’s street-sweeping day in your neighborhood?  Megan is on a quest to help you avoid those terrible tickets! OTL #188 local music provided by Luke Sayers…

OTL: Episode #179- The Pilsen Show!

THE THIRD IN THE OTL NEIGHBORHOOD SERIES… ALSO, CHECK OUT THE LOGAN SQUARE AND BUCKTOWN SHOWS! (podcasting from the streets of Pilsen in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “come on over to Pilsen” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen goes on-location in the Pilsen neighborhood in Chicago for a profile of this unique community. Stephanie Manriquez — Executive Assistant at Casa Aztlan This incredible organization has been assisting the Pilsen community for 40 years with cultural activities, community organizing, and adult education.  We get a look inside the great work that goes on there. Casa Aztlan in Pilsen Fr. Chuck Dahm, O.P.— Associate Pastor at St. Pius V Catholic Church Father Chuck is well-known in the Pilsen community for his work helping victims of domestic violence.  I drop into St. Pius to discuss his experiences in Pilsen. St. Pius V Catholic Church Willie Wagner — Owner and Chef at Honky Tonk BBQ There’s a great BBQ joint in the heart of Pilsen…OF COURSE I’m going to check it out!  Willie sits down to chat about his award-winning BBQ and owning a business in the community. Honky Tonk BBQ Vanessa Sanchez — Youth Programs Project Manager for Yollocalli Arts Reach Art is an important part of the Pilsen community.  Yollocalli encourages area youth and young adults to participate in arts.  Vanessa describes how the programs impact Pilsen residents and her outlook on the future of the neighborhood. A Mural on the Side of the Building that Houses Yollocalli OTL #179 local […]

OTL: Episode #178- Impact of CTA Service Cuts, Loud Loop Press on Local Music, Parking Ticket Geek Returns

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “loud outside the loop press” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to the guys who figured out the impact (or lack thereof) of the CTA service cuts, discusses the Chicago music scene with a local blogger, and gets the latest on the red light camera saga from the Parking Ticket Geek. Luke Joyner and Max Shron — University of Chicago grads and the guys behind picturingtransit.com Have the cuts in service by the CTA really affected our commutes?  Luke and Max created a website about this issue and they tell us their findings. Richard Giraldi— Founder and Editor of Loud Loop Press Loud Loop Press aims to cover Chicago’s vast music scene all in one blog.  Richard discusses this massive task. The Parking Ticket Geek — OTL Parking Correspondent and Blogger at TheExpiredMeter.com The Parking Ticket Geek returns to the show to give us the lowdown on the push to get red light cameras out of IL and his take on the  five minute grace period for parking payboxes. OTL #178 local music provided by The Locals…

OTL: Episode #170- The Christmas Show!

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “Santa Claus is the real deal” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen plays DJ and spins some Holiday tunes performed by local bands! Remember kids, you can track Santa using mommy and daddy’s tax $$! —  NORAD is on high alert…for Santa Claus.  You can track Jolly ‘Ol Saint Nick’s movements on Christmas Eve Night.  Just click here. Santa Claus’ Magic Explained— Science takes a crack at uncovering how Santa Claus gets his job done with such consistency.  Here’s the full report. CHRISTMAS MUSIC! Go Time– “God Rest Ye Merry Peace Frog” The Astronomer -“Arrival Departure” Trakan– “Santa’s Boots” A Sample Life– “Rockin’ Your Christmas Home” Merry Christmas From Outside the Loop Radio! OTL Host Mike Stephen On His Way to Buy a Christmas Tree