OTL: Episode #433- Chic-a-Go-Go’s 1,000th episode, Illinois’ new eavesdropping law, Aldertrack’s latest local election preview

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “Chic-a-go-go” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen talks to the host of Chic-a-Go-Go on Chicago’s CAN-TV, discusses the new state eavesdropping law, and gets the latest info on various aldermanic races across the city.   Mia Park – Host, Chic-a-Go-Go on Chicago’s CAN-TV This local public access TV show just taped its 1,000th episode.  We talk to Mia about the success of the show, why it’s gained a following, and how it has become a part of Chicago culture.     Nancy Bechtol– Local filmmaker Nancy’s documentary, Free Speech &the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist,  tells the story of one man’s successful journey to overturn IL’s eavesdropping law.  We learn about this film and discuss the brand new eavesdropping law that just went into effect in our state.     Mike Fourcher– Co-creator of Aldertrack.com All 50 of Chicago’s aldermen are up for re-election on February 24th.  We get an update on how some of these races are shaping up.         OTL #433 local music provided by Minor Characters…

OTL: Episode #432- Local teenage rockers, Examining Circuit Court of Cook County data, The Secret History of Chicago Music

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “court is now in session” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen learns about a project that examines Cook County Court data, discusses police staffing in Chicago, gets the lowdown on an old-school local Blues musician: Jazz Gillum, and talks to a high school student who happens to be part of the Chicago music scene.   Tracy Siska – Executive Director, Chicago Justice Project The CJP’s latest project, Convicted in Cook, examines data from the Cook County Circuit Court from 2005-2009 in order to shed light on how the local courts operate.  Tracy also discusses his recent op-ed about police staffing in Chicago.     The Secret History of Chicago Music– Local music historian and artist Plastic Crimewave (aka: Steve Krakow) profiles 20th century Blues musician Jazz Gillum in this week’s Chicago Reader.  He gives us the lowdown on his musical contribution to Chicago.     Jacob Gold– Member of the band Purple Door and a high school junior at Jones College Prep We get the perspective of the Chicago music scene from one of its youngest members.     Purple Door rocking hard     OTL #432 local music provided by Purple Door…

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 #430- Inside BreakRoom Brewery, The Secret History of Chicago Music, Live music from Go Time!

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “locally-brewed” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen visits a new brewery on Chicago’s north side, learns about Chicago Blues musician Albert Ammons, and welcomes the local band Go Time! into the studio.   Aaron Heineman, Michael Pallen, and Dean Ordzowialy – Owner, Head Brewer, and General Manager (respectively) of BreakRoom Brewery We go inside Chicago’s newest craft brewery at 2925 W. Montrose Ave.  This place a has a unique story…and is literally attached to a bar-making company!  Dean, Mike, and Aaron at Breakroom Brewery   The Secret History of Chicago Music– Local music historian and artist Plastic Crimewave (aka: Steve Krakow) profiles 20th century Blues musician Albert Ammons in this week’s Chicago Reader.  He gives us the lowdown on his musical contribution to Chicago.       Go Time!– Live in studio! We get a visit from Go Time!  They play a few songs, talk about their new record, and preview their record-release show at Silvie’s Lounge this Saturday, 1/17.    Mike Stephen joins Scott, Marko, Paul, and Steve of Go Time! in the WGN Radio Green Room   OTL #430 local music provided by Go Time!…