OTL: Episode #183- Local Justice Issues, Surfing Local Digital Media, A Klingon Christmas Carol in Chicago

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “Klingon-friendly” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks local justice-related issues, plugs a comprehensive list of Chicago digital media, and learns about a unique production of a holiday classic that is making it’s way to the Windy City. Tracy Siska — Executive Director of the Chicago Justice Project The OTL Justice Correspondent returns to discuss some of the issues the CJP is working on, including rollbacks of the IL Freedom of Information Act. Surfing Digital Local Digital Media— Our friends over at the Windy Citizen started a conversation about local blogs, podcasts and iPhone apps.  In the process a great resource of local digital media was created.  Check it out! Christopher Kidder — Artistic Director of the Commedia Beauregard Theatre Company This Minnesota-based theater company is working on bringing A Klingon Christmas Carol to Chicago.  Yeah, you read that right!  Chris gives us the details.  Check out CB’s Kickstarter site for info on how YOU can help bring this show to the Windy City! A Scene from A Klingon Christmas Carol OTL #183 local music provided by the Northside Southpaws..

OTL: Episode #182- Chicagologist History, Remembering Mike Rosenquist, Best Open Mics in Chicago

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “best open mic” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen gets a Chicago history lesson, remembers the life of an old friend, and discusses the Chicago open mic scene. Terry Gregory — The Self-Proclaimed “Chicagologist” and founder of Chicagology.com This site is a wealth of information on the history of Chicago during the 19th Century.  Terry tells us why he got this site started and some cool facts we can learn about our city. Scott Lucas— Lead Singer and Guitarist for Local H Recently we learned that Mike “Rosie” Rosenquist passed away.  Who is Rosie?  He was a lawyer working in Springfield and one of the behind-the-scenes guys for Chicago’s Local H.  He was also a childhood friend to OTL host Mike Stephen.  Scott and Mike share some memories of Rosie’s life.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Rosenquist family during this difficult time. Mike Rosenquist Britni Day — Contributor to Loud Loop Press Britni and some fellow writers came up with their list of the Top 10 Open Mics in Chicago.  She shares what she found during her travels around the city and talks about the local open mic scene. OTL #182 local music provided by Gold Motel…

OTL: Episode #181- Music Thanatology, Two Unique Chicago Artists

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “music is good for the soul” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen plugs the new OTL Facebook Fan Page, learns about music thanatology, and profiles two Chicago artists doing some great work with local youth. Margaret Pasquesi and Tony Pederson — Certified Music Thanatologists Recently I traveled to Skokie to chat with Margaret and Tony about music thanatology.  We discuss this approach to end-of-life care and hear what a thanatologic music vigil sounds like. A Harp Used in a Music Vigil Mike Bancroft and Evan Plummer— Local Artists and the Guys behind Co-Op Image and Garage Spaces Earlier this week I recorded an interview with these guys in Mike’s garage, which is actually a gallery space.  They discuss their efforts to bring art to local area youth and their Garage Spaces project. A Billboard on Division St. Plugging Mike and Evan’s Work Check out the New OTL Facebook Fan Page! — We’re so 21st Century Yup, we’re staying on top of the technology wave and the OTL Facebook page is up and running.  Become an official “fan” of the show and stay in touch with the OTL community! Click Above to Head On Over to the OTL Facebook Fan Page! OTL #181 local music provided by Mike Golden and Friends…

OTL: Episode #180- Mike Doyle Checks Out of ChicagoNow, Comic Books in Academics, Mick Dumke Talks Chicago Politics

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “all politics is local” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to local blogger Mike Doyle about leaving the Trib’s ChicagoNow blog, learns how comic books reflect American history, and chats about the latest local political issues with Mick Dumke. Mike Doye — Scribe at ChicagoCarless.com This week Mike resigned his post as the scribe of ChicagoNow’s Chicagosphere blog.  He tells us the story of why he left and the problems he sees with the ChicagoNow approach to blogging. Cord Scott— Ph.D. Student in American History at Loyola University Chicago Comic books can tell a great deal about our history.  Cord will be exploring the link between comics, academics, and history at an event on Monday, March 22 at Challenger’s Comics at 1845 N. Western Ave. from 6-9 p.m.  He joins us on the show this week. Mick Dumke — Writer and Editor at the Chicago Reader From the politics of Chicago garbage to the city’s economic woes, Mick Dumke is covering the story.  He brings us up to speed on the latest Chicago political issues. Mike Stephen and Mick Dumke Talk Chicago Politics at Toon’s in Lakeview in November of ’09 OTL #180 local music provided by The Streets on Fire…