OTL: Episode #441- Chicago Police citizen surveillance, TIF Reform, Bucktown residents unite

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “walk-of-fame” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen talks to the Chicago Reader’s Mick Dumke about police surveillance on Chicagoans, gets the latest on TIF reform, and learns how Bucktown residents are making the neighborhood a better place.   Steve Jensen–  President of the Bucktown Community Organization Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood is working to unite in order to combat problems, such as crime in the community.  We get the scoop on the efforts of the residents.       Mick Dumke– Senior Writer at the Chicago Reader Mick stops by to chat about The Chicago Police’s surveillance on citizens and how TIF districts in the city are largely benefiting the downtown area. Mike Stephen and Mick Dumke continue their political conversation at a post-show breakfast.   OTL #441 local music provided by Mirror Coat…

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 #431- Previewing a celebration of the chicken wing, The Chicago Reader’s Mick Dumke on local politics

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “ain’t no thing but a chicken wing” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen stops by Toons Bar and Grill in Lakeview to preview the 4th annual Wing Fling and chats about local politics with the Chicago Reader’s Mick Dumke.   Danny Beck – Owner of Toons Bar & Grill at 3857 N. Southport in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood We get a preview of the Fourth Annual Wing Fling happening on Saturday, January 24th at 3pm!  OTL host Mike Stephen will be on hand as the event’s MC.  Come on out, say hi, and enjoy all-you-can-eat wings!    Mike Stephen emcee’s the hot wing eating contest at last year’s Toons Wing Fling   Mick Dumke–  Senior Writer at the Chicago Reader Mick stops by to chat about the latest in the Chicago mayoral race and what it means to actually be an independent vote in the city council.     Mick Dumke and Mike Stephen in the WGN Allstate Showcase Studio   A piece of OTL history– Mike recently dug up a bar napkin that helped to serve as the launching pad for Outside the Loop Radio.  He surprises Andy Hermann and Steve Bertrand with this piece of OTL history.      The bar napkin that started it all in 2006     OTL #431 local music provided by Twin Peaks…

OTL: Episode #425- Inside the Christkindlmarket, Old-school tunes with Schola Antiqua, Mick Dumke on Chicago politics

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “old-skool” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen gets the lowdown about Chicago’s Christkindlmarket, talks to the artistic director of a local ensemble specializing in pre-1600 music, and discusses local politics with the Chicago Reader’s Mick Dumke.   Inside Chicago’s Christkindlmarket– WGN Radio’s Dave Schwan takes us inside this Chicago Holiday tradition. Chicago’s Christkindlmarket   Michael Alan Anderson– Artistic Director of Schola Antiqua of Chicago This Chicago-based ensemble is dedicated to singing all the hits before the year 1600.  We learn about the origins of this unique group, listen to some of their work, and preview their upcoming concerts.   Schola Antiqua   Mick Dumke–  Senior Writer at the Chicago Reader We learn about the “First Tuesdays” event, hosted by Mick and his colleague Ben Joravsky, and talk about the latest Chicago political stories Mick is covering.  Mick Dumke (L) begins the Airing of Grievances before his annual Festivus breakfast with Mike Stephen (R) and producer Andy Hermann (not pictured).   OTL #425 local music provided by The Kickback…