OTL: Episode #289- Bloomingdale Trail update, One-Day Silk Road Fest, Community TV Network

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 “community” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen gets the latest on the Bloomingdale Trail, previews the One-Day Silk Road Festival, and discusses empowering youth through teaching digital video production.   Ben Helphand– Board President of The Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail We get an update on one of the coolest park projects in the city.  This 3-mile long linear park is on its way to becoming a reality. A rendering of the Bloomingdale Trail   Steve Gibons – Local violinist Steve put together the One-Day Silk Road Festival that will happen on April 12th at the Mayne Stage in Rogers Park.  We learn about this upcoming night of fantastic world music.   Steve Gibons   Lucia Palmarini– Coordinator at the Community Television Network This local non-profit empowers local youth through teaching digital video production.  Lucia gives us the lowdown on this organization’s important work.   OTL #289 local music provided by Steve Gibons…  

OTL: Episode #288- Radio across the pond, Mike v. Adam Richman, Save the Portage Theater

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 “tea and crumpets” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to Jon Moonie, a fan of WLUW, about his podcast in England, gets compared once again to Adam Richman, and looks at the future of the Portage Theater in Portage Park.   Jon Moonie– Co-founder of the From the Rookery End podcast and elementary school teacher in Watford, England We hear about this British podcast from its founder.  He’s a fan of WLUW ever since he visited the station 11 years ago. From the Rookery End Podcast   Mike v. Adam Richman – One of Jon Moonie’s students thinks Mike looks like Adam Richman of the TV show Man v. Food.   Mike Stephen or Adam Richman?   Mike Edwards– Founder of the Save the Portage Theater Facebook page The future of the Portage Theater in Portage Park is uncertain.  We hear from a concerned resident of the neighborhood who is trying to save the theater. The Portage Theater   OTL #288 local music provided by Jennifer Hall…  

OTL: Episode #287- Mick Dumke on local politics, Keeping tabs on Rahm

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 “get out the vote” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen recaps the local primary election with the Reader’s Mick Dumke, gets a wrong number phone call, and keeps tabs on Mayor Emanuel through a special website.   Mick Dumke– Senor Writer at the Chicago Reader We get an insightful recap an analysis of this week’s local primary elections from one of the best reporters in the biz. Mick Dumke Oops, wrong number – Sometimes Mike gets a wrong-number phone call on the OTL Hotline.  We hear one of those calls this week.     Chirag Patel– Co-Founder of TabsonRahm.org This site displays Mayor Emanuel’s campaign promises and allows you to vote on how good of a job you think he’s doing in keeping those promises.     OTL #287 local music provided by Jonas Friddle and the Majority…  

OTL: Episode #286- Irish American Heritage Center, Dying the Chicago River green, Helping out a favorite bartender

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 “kiss me I’m Irish” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Happy St. Paddy’s Day! Mike Stephen checks in with the Irish American Heritage Center, interviews the guy responsible for dying the Chicago River green, and talks to a Chicagoan who’s helping out his favorite bartender.   Kathy O’Neill– Public Relations Manager at the Irish American Heritage Center We learn about all the great programs the center offers year-round as well as its rich history in Chicago. The Irish American Heritage Center at 4626 N. Knox OTL Rewind– Mike Butler, Head of the Green Chicago River Crew With this being St. Patrick’s Day week, we thought it’d be cool to dig into the OTL audio archives to hear a clip from OTL #25 that includes learning about the history of turning the Chicago River green.     Chris Cieslak– Patron of Gold Star Bar on Division St. Gold Star bartender, co-owner, and local favorite Susan Stursberg was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  Chris and his fellow bar patrons are raising money to help Susan pay her medical bills.  Check out this website for all the details. Susan Stursberg of Gold Star (pictured on the left)   OTL #286 local music provided by James Conway…