OTL: Episode #329- Chicago TIF reform, Movers and Shakers in the local performing arts 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 “in a TIF” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks TIF reform with Tom Tresser and discusses the movers and shakers in Chicago’s performing arts scene. Tom Tresser– Educator, organizer, and co-founder of CivicLab TIF reform is an important topic and Tom is in the thick of it.  Check out tifreports.com and a public event at the Chopin Theater (1543 W. Division) on February 12th to learn more about how TIFs work.       Brian Hieggelke – Editor and publisher of NewCity Brian discusses NewCity’s Players 2013 List- The 50 People Who Really Perform in Chicago.     OTL #329 local music provided by The Jordan Years…  

OTL: Episode #321- A new space for local entrepreneurs, A theater update, 60625news.com

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 “incubator space” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about Cibola- a new incubator space for local entrepreneurs, gives an update on a previous theater story, and discusses 60625news.com- a new local alternative news website.   Co-founder of Cibola We learn about this new incubator space aimed at local entrepreneurs. The Steadfast update– We get an update on a story from OTL #251 about the play The Steadfast. Meryl Williams– Founder and editor of 60625 This new alternative website covers the happenings of Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, and Albany Park. OTL #321 local music provided by Bailiff…

OTL: Episode #292- Dmitry Samarov’s Hack: The Sequel, Hardcore Star Trek music video, My Asian Mom

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 “mom is my #1 fan” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to a local cabbie about his new literary project, gets the lowdown on a locally produced hardcore Star Trek music video, and learns about the new stage play, My Asian Mom.   Dmitry Samarov– Chicago cabbie, artist, and author of Hack: Stories from a Chicago Cab This local cabbie wrote about some of his great experiences while on duty.  He’s ready for a sequel and he tells us all about it this week. Dmitry Samarov in his cab.   T.J. and Collin of TNG – Have you ever seen a Star Trek hardcore music video?  You’re about to when you click below.  We find out why these local visionaries decided to embark on this trek of awesomeness.   Click above to “make it so.” Miss Mia Park– Creator and producer of My Asian Mom Since this is the Mother’s Day season, we get the lowdown on a stage play that’s all about the mom-child relationship.  You can catch the show every Friday and Saturday in May at Stage 773.   OTL #292 local music provided by The Future Laureates…  

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…