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 #317- John Airo’s local art, NewCity’s Best of Chicago 2012

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 “best of Chicago” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks with local artist John Airo about his recent Chicago Flag series, previews a fundraiser for the owner of Gold Star, and reviews NewCity’s Best of Chicago 2012 list with the magazine’s editor.   John Airo– Chicago artist Mike sits down with John to talk about his new Chicago Flag Series and his feelings about living in the city.     A piece from the Chicago Flag series   A fundraiser for Susan – Gold Star Bar owner Susan Stursberg is battling pancreatic cancer.  There’s a fundraiser for her at the bar (1755 W. Division) on Saturday, December 1.  Click HERE for more details. Susan Stursberg of Gold Star (pictured on the left)   Brian Hieggelke– Editor and publisher of NewCity NewCity is out with its “Best of Chicago 2012” list.  As is tradition on the show, we hear from Brian about this year’s list.     OTL #317 local music provided by My My My…  

OTL: Episode #273- The Hitman from TV’s BOSS, NewCity’s Best of Chicago 2011, Duck N Roll Food Truck

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 “rock/duck ‘n roll” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to one of the actors from the new TV show BOSS, discusses NewCity’s Best of Chicago 2011 list, and climbs aboard the Duck ‘N Roll food truck.   Doug James— Chicago-based actor who portrays “The Gray-Haired Man” in BOSS We catch up with Doug as he talks about his role as a “cleaner” in BOSS, a show starring Kelsey Grammer as the Mayor of Chicago. Doug James.  Photo courtesy of imdb.com.     Brian Hieggelke– Editor and publisher of NewCity NewCity is out with its “Best of Chicago 2011” list.  Brian joins us to talk about how they put it all together.  OTL made the list last year!     Amy Le— Co-owner of The Duck ‘N Roll Food Truck We climb aboard one of the newest food trucks in Chicago and talk to Amy about what it’s like to operate a food truck in the city.   Amy Le next to her food truck.  Photo courtesy of ducknrolltruck.com. OTL #273 local music provided by Juniper Mays…

OTL: Episode #221- OTL is #1!, The “Malling” of Chicago, Inside a Bears Tailgate, NewCity’s Best of Chicago 2010

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 “OTL is #1” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen celebrates the show being selected best podcast in Chicago, discusses the “malling” of the city with Jonathan Fine, plays some audio from a recent Bears tailgate, and reviews NewCity’s Best of Chicago 2010 list with the magazine’s publisher. Outside the Loop and #1 in Chicago!— NewCity selected OTL as the “best local podcast” in Chicago for 2010!  We’re all pretty excited!  Thanks for checking out Chicago’s almost above-ground audio magazine! Jonathan Fine— Executive Director of Preservation Chicago Recently, Jonathan was part of a debate over the “malling” of Chicago.  He explains his view of why bringing large malls into Chicago isn’t a good idea. The Proposed Wrigleyville Development Inside a Bears Tailgate —  Host Mike Stephen was at a Chicago Bears tailgate before the game last week…with an audio recorder.  We get a brief recap from the sounds of Bears fanatics Kevin, Joe, and Matt. A View of Last Week’s Bears Tailgate Brian Hieggelke— Editor and Publisher of NewCity Brian returns to discuss the annual best of Chicago edition of NewCity.  NOTE: Since Brian is an occasional guest on OTL, he recused himself from the “best local podcast” category and gave that assignment to another writer.  We’re legit, baby! OTL #221 local music provided by The Rails…