Cara's Basement

Eddie Money is diving into the reality TV with his family. It'll be him, his wife, his five kids and eight pets every Sunday night at 8:30pm on AXS-TV. First episode is this Sunday, April 8. Can't wait to see it!

Johnny just became a father and totally gushes about his little girl. He also talks music, but clearly he's a very excited new Daddy! Goo Goo Dolls play Huntington Bank Pavilion in Chicago on Monday, July 24th. He mentions that he and his family will be in town for a few days so keep your eyes peeled from some Johnny sightings!

Barry Manilow has sold over 85 million albums worldwide and been nominated for a grammy every decade since the 1970's. He has a new album, "This Is My Town: Songs Of New York" coming out April 21, 2017. And he pperforms at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL May 17, 2017.

You may have seen him front 7th Heaven or with his band Semple in Chicago.  Now the world is experiencing Keith Semple's amazing vocals on The Voice.  He is on Team Adam.  Though he can't spill any dirt on how he progresses on the show, he does share a funny story about running into The Goo Goo Dolls' Johnny Reznik in the bathroom!  Cara spoke with Keith October 20, 2015 as the knockout rounds air on The Voice.  Keith is actually in Chicago watching these episodes since they are pre-recorded.  He describes getting to see Gwen Stefani's reaction to his performance(s) and more! Team Semple on Facebook

Devo performs at The Arcada Theatre in St Charles, IL Saturday June 21, 2014.  This show is a benefit for the family of Robert Casale, Gerald's brother, who passed away suddenly earlier this year.  This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Devo perform the legendary experimental music the band created between 1974-1977.  This is the first time in 30 years many of the songs have been performed live. In this conversation in Cara's Basement Gerald Casale talks about losing his brother, about his winery, golf, Devo's experience jamming at Lollapalooza and what to expect at the show this Saturday!

The Violent Femmes play Riot Fest in Chicago this Saturday (9/14/13).  They come on stage right after Blondie.  OMG!!  This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Violent Femmes first album...where did the time go? Listen to this quick conversation in the middle of a band rehearsal and you will find out what to expect during Riot Fest (surprise!) and the future of the band, among other things.  Great songs, great band, and a great interview!

Eddie Money plays an unplugged show at City Winery in Chicago Friday, August 9, 2013.  

Jack Hues from Wang Chung finally explains what it means to Wang Chung tonight!!! Wang Chung has a new album out, TAZER UP...get info at www.WangChung.com Wang Chung plays with The Fixx at the Arcada Theatre in St Charles, IL Friday July 26 2013

Nazareth is an amazing band, in from Scotlant to play a live show Friday, June 7 2013 at The Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, IL.  Tickets start at only $29. In this conversation with the lead singer Dan McCafferty you will find out the only country on the planet that Nazareth has never played, his whiskey recommendations and also the backstory on two of the greatest rock songs of all time: Love Hurts and Hair Of The Dog.

Wow, for the second time in 6 months....a conversation with pop culture/music icon Adam Ant!  His new album "Adam Ant Is The Blueblack Hussar In Marrying The Gunner's Daughter" has been released (in fact a double-vinyl edition came out just this week).  He is currently on tour.  He played Chicago back in October but in this conversation spills the beans about coming back! Listen to find out who Adam would like to play him in a movie about his life, how he suprised everyone (including himself) by moving to Tennessee, who he idolizes, if/when his documentaries (yes, there's TWO) will be released, if he'd get plastic surgery, and more.  One very lucky fan, Sandy Maxx, even got to sit in on this interview. I must apologize for the poor sound of my mic (technical issues arose but I didn't want to cancel this interview!).  Adam sounds fine, though!  :)

Cougar Town is back!  The season premiere is Tuesday night, 1/8/13, at 10/9c on a brand new network...TBS Very Funny. This is a show where you'll want some wine and your girfriends nearby to share the laughs.  Courteney Cox plays Jules, who newly remarried mother who has the craziest and most awesome neighbors ever.   These interviews took place in Napa Valley, where the cast and writers of Cougar Town hung out and pounded grape with DJ's from all over the country.  It was an amazing weekend...see pictures HERE.

John Taylor - founding member of  Duran Duran - just released a brand new autobiography: "In The Pleasure Groove: Love, Death & Duran Duran". Wow.  Such a great book.  If you are a Duranie you will get a more indepth peak inside the mind of one of the wisest and most honest rock stars of our generation. Besides great writing, there are a ton of rare photo's in this book. Be sure to come to the reading/signing by John Taylor at City Winery Chicago on October 30 at 5:30pm!

Marty Casey and Dino Kourelis chat with Cara Carriveau about their upcoming gig opening for Slash, their new album, and preview their new song "Drugs". (song starts at 7:34)See Lovehammers live:9/28/12.....Riviera Theatre, Chicago (opening for Slash)12/1/12.....Joes, Chicago (CD Release Party)More from Lovehammers: www.Lovehammers.com

He put the "guns" in Guns N' Roses and L.A. Guns.  His rock and roll resume' is soooooooo long.  Tracii Guns is in Cara's Basement to introduce his new band, League Of Gentlemen. In the Chicago area, come see the 2012 League Of Gentlemen on tour: Sept 14 at Bada Brew...Crest Hill, IL Sept 15 at Bar 3...Rockford, IL Sept 16 at Bay Billiards...Fox Lake, IL

This interview was a dream come true!  Adam Ant has a new band, new album and new tour!  it's been a long 16 year wait.  He comes to the Cubby Bear in Chicago on October 13, 2012. Adam Ant & the Good, the Mad and the Lovely Posse Get more tour infomation at http://www.adam-ant.net

Better Than Ezra plays 101.9 WTMX The MIX's "Jammin' at the Zoo" this Friday at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, IL. Click HERE for more info and to purchase tickets!

Adam Sandler was in Chicago for the premiere of "That's My Boy" on Thursday, June 14, 2012.  He stopped on the red carpet to chat with Cara Carriveau from 101.9 WTMX "The MIX" about what it was like to work with Andy Samdberg, who plays Adam's son in the movie. That's My Boy opens June 15, 2012.  Rated R.

American Idol just crowned Phillip Phillips the winner, and he couldn't be any more modest about it.  He's got it all...talent, drive, and even humility.  He's very humble in this interview which is refreshing from such a hugely popular artist.  His current song "Home" sold 278,000 digital copies its first week, setting an AI record...that's more downloads than any other coronation song (the official single celebrating the winner's victory) in American Idol history. Yay for Phillip!

Alanis Morisette is releasing her first album in four years.  "Havoc And Bright Lights" will be released in August, but you can already download Guardian from iTunes.  In this quick conversation she talks about the meaning of that song and album title, attatchment parenting, and how quickly she is able to write a song.

Boy, Dee Snider has done it all.  Lead singer of Twisted Sister.  Sitcoms, reality TV, broadway, father, husband...and now author.  His new book "Shut Up And Give Me The Mic" is a great read.  You'll realize how a positive attitude can get you through anything - sure worked with him! He has two book signings soon in Chicago May 13: Costco, 2745 N. Clybourn, Chicago 1p-4p May 14: Barnes and Noble, 55 Old Orchard Center, Skokie 7p Get more information at www.DeeSnider.com

Happy Holidays!  Here's is my gift to you: a rarely heard conversation with Adele before she hit it big with her album 21.  Since she can't do interviews at the moment while she continues to heal from throat surgery so this is the only audio interview with her you'll get to hear for a while. This interview was done way back in 2008.  Her first album was doing okay at time and she had recently appeared on Saturday Night Live on what turned out to be their most watched episode (thanks to an appearance from Sarah Palin during the 2008 presidential election campaign), so folks in the USA were just starting to hear about Adele. Some key moments of this conversation is very foretelling of the future.  For example, Adele jokes about how she's far too happy at the moment to write her next album because she doesn't write happy songs, so she'll need to experience life for a bit.  Eventually she went through a heartwrenching breakup that spawned her current hit album 21 which is up for several grammys!  And keep in mind that Adele is only 19 years old at the time of this interview.  Clearly she was already a very grounded, intellegent woman with globs of talent.  It's no wonder she became the international success that she is today!

Be sure to grab your free download of The House On Shady Lane: www.PlainWhiteTs.com or www.TheHouseOnShadyLane.com Plain White T's play The House Of Blues in Chicago Sunday, October 30, 2011.

Evanescence plays The Congress Theatre in Chicago on Saturday, October 22, 2011.

Simon Le Bon and Roger Taylor of Duran Duran chat about many things...how Danny DeVito and Donald Trump like to rock out at their shows...and more! Duran Duran plays The Chicago Theatre on Friday, October 21, 2011.

Sara Bareilles plays the Riviera Theatre in Chicago on 10/11/2011.

Blues Traveler plays the Raue Center For The Arts in Crystal Lake, IL on Sunday, August 21, 2011.  Chan Kinchla talks about that show, their 25th anniversary next year, what it's like touring with kids, how cool Bruce Willis is, and more!

Jani Lane was found dead in a hotel room in Woodland Hills, California.  He was a great dad, great rocker, and a great friend.  I spoke with a shared mutual friend of ours, Billy McCarthy (he was Billy Dior in The D'Molls), about this sudden sad news...

OAR will release their seventh album, "King", on 8-2-11.  They play a sold out show in Chicago that same night.  Marc Roberge checks in from his hotel room to describe the heartache and pain that went into recording the new album, what it's like to tour with Dave Matthews, and more...

Fall Out Boy hasn't officially broken up...yet they are taking an extended "break".  Druing this break lead singer Patrick Stump has recorded his first solo album, "Soul Punk".  It's due out in October, 2011.  He also went through quite a transformation...losing a lot of weight, new hair-do, no more hat...he's almost unrecognizable!  He will be playing Lollapalooza this year...hear more about that (and find out if there will be a Fall Out Boy reunion, since Pete Wentz will also be at Lollapalooza) in this conversation!

Here's a phone conversation just a few hours before the big finale of "The Voice", where Adam Levine is one of the four coaches.  It's a great show...let's go Team Adam!  Maroon 5 headlines two sold out shows at Ravinia Jun3 30/July 1.  

Uncle Kracker is at the Hard Rock Cafe' in Chicago this Friday, June 10, 2011.  Tickets are only $10 and support a great cause: The Uncle Kracker Music Education Foundation, his way of helping music education survive in public schools.  His goal is to pick cities every year that need assistance with funding music education.  For 2011 the city will be his hometown of Detroit.  That also happens to be my home town - we chat about that, his relationship with Kid Rock, what it's like to meet his fans, and more...take a listen and definitely join me at 101.9 WTMX this Friday night!  :)

Material Issue is one of my very favorite bands. It was a very sad day in 1996 when lead singer Jim Ellison took his own life.  Such a tragic event for his family and friends.  It put an instant end to a band with a very bright future.  Now, 20 years later, their infamous "International Pop Overthrow" album is being re-released and there will be a full-on concert this weekend! You can catch Material Re-Issue this Saturday, April 23rd at the Abbey Pub in Chicago. Original bassist/vocalist Ted Ansani talks about how the band got together, what it was like to lose Jim, future prospects, and even the joys of album cover art...

Michael Franti is one of the coolest dudes ever.  Here's a conversation I had on 2/1/11, just as the biggest blizzard of the century hit Chicago.  Michael Franti and Spearhead will be joining Eric and Kathy from 101.9 WTMX on their "Chips, Dip and a Mexico Trip...dos" live broadcast in March. We talk about that along with what it's like to record with Mike Posner and swim with elephants.

Avril Lavigne has a new album coming out March 8, "Goodbye Lullaby".  The debut of her 3D video for the first single "What The Hell" airs this Sunday night (January 23) on ABC Family.   We chat about her new album, the cool 3D video, her Abbey Dawn clothing line, and tour plans!

Timothy Ferris authored one of my favorite books, "The 4-Hour Hour Workweek" a few years ago...and now he just released "The 4 Hour Body".  He used himself as a guinea pig over the last few years and has published the results.  He covers everything from sex to diet to sleep to working out, and more.  At the end of this conversation he also divulges his unique way of using music when writing.

Holy cow...   New Kids On The Block is touring with Backstreet Boys!  They play the United Center in Chicago on June 17.  Jordan Knight describes what to expect - a total collaboration between the two bands and an amazing stage set-up.  He also chats about NKOTB's influence on the "boy band" craze and much more...

The song Love Like Woe has well over 6 million downloads on youtube (so far).  The Ready Set is actually a one-man band.  Jordan Witzigreuter writes the songs, plays the instruments, sings, etc (though he does have a band he tours with).  Besides having the worlds greatest hair Jordan also has the worlds greatest work ethic.  In this conversation he describes how he became so successful...it most certainly wasn't by luck.

Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine talks to WTMX about his experience with bullying and his current anti-bullying efforts, his admiration of One Republic, and the possiblity of performing naked onstage! Maroon 5 plays the UIC Pavillion in Chicago Wednesday, 10/27/10.

I tried to get Marc Roberge from O.A.R. to spill details on WTMX about The Axe Music "One Night Only" Concert that O.A.R. headlines this Tuesday, October 19, 2010.  There are going to be a lot of surprises! If you'd like to win tickets check out The Official 101.9fm THE MIX Facebook page.

The Exorcist (scariest movie of all time!) is now re-released on blue-ray with all kinds of extra's that Linda describes.  She also talks about her first love, Rick Springfield, and her other love: animals. In this episode you will hear music from Tommy Bolin, who formerly dated Linda Blair.  Click HERE to hear clips from the new CD "Mr. Bolin's Late Night Revival", a collection of songs Tommy Bolin never lived to complete in the studio.  Several classic rock artists have gathered to provide complete renditions of those tunes.  Members from Tesla, Waysted, Survivor, Dokken, the Ted Nugent Band, the R. Kelly Band, Bo Bice, Boston, Zebra, Mr. Big, Waysted, Quiet Riot and others have provide a diverse collection of sounds mirroring Tommy's multi-genre oriented original efforts. THE EXORCIST EXTENDED DIRECTOR’S CUT is a 2-Disc Blu-ray™ that included newly a remastered director’s cut; theatrical cut and three new documentaries including never-before-seen set footage, make-up tests, special effects reveals, new interviews and more.

  Ladies and Gentleman and "kids" of only adult ages, welcome to what promises to be the spectacle of all spectacles better known as the Queensryche Cabaret.  The Queensryche Cabaret comes to the House Of Blues in Chicago, IL on October 29, 2010.   Queensryche lead singer Geoff Tate talks about how the band will be performing while Go-Go dancers, burlesque dancers, drag queens, a juggler, ballet dancer, trapeze artist, a contortionist and others share the stage. According to Geoff, "after you've done so many records and so many tours, it's nice to experiment with things and kind of challenge your audience and yourself". He also talks about his wine business, comparing the process of making wine writing songs.  "Wine is kinda like making music.  You have notes that your put together that you weave into a song and you hope it's pleasing to the ear.  And with wine, you have a bunch of different grapes that you blend together to form a taste that's pleasing to the tastebuds."  

Last season's American Idol winner and local hero Lee DeWyze returns to Arlington Race Track to perform this Friday, September 24, 2010. Get more details and purchase tickets at www.ArlingtonPark.com He talks with WTMX about how it felt to perfom in front of over 40,000 fans last spring when he played at Arlington Park...how hard he's been working on his new album...and more!

September is the latest release off of Daughtry's "Leave This Town" album.  Chris Daughtry and guitarist Josh Steely talk to WTMX about the making of that song, what it's like to be a parent and rock star, why they don't rush out albums and more...

Holy &*(%! Batman...Adam West...is on the bat-phone! Ever wonder what was in Batmans utility belt?  Did his tights cause chaffing?  Those questions and more are answered during this conversation with the almighty "Mayor Adam West" of Family Guy, aka "Batman/Bruce Wayne".  This was truly a dream-come-true experience, to chat with such a living legend. You can tell how nervous I was by how quickly I was talking and all the giggles.  Sorry.  You'd probably do the same thing!  :-) COMIC CON is this weekend in Chicago, IL (OK actually near Chicago in Rosemont, IL). WOW it's going to be amazing this year:    William “Captain Kirk” Shatner and Patrick “Captain Picard” Stewart appear together for rare joint appearance – exclusive joint photo op of Star Trek Captains Adam “Batman” West, Burt “Robin” Ward and Julie “Catwoman” Newmar among headliners First gathering of all “Final Five Cylons” of “ Battlestar Galactica” Pop Culture characters ranging from the  Monkees’ Micky Dolenz to Lou “The Incredible Hulk” Ferrigno and James “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” Marsters Comic Book and Toy creators, writers and illustrators  including Allan Dye and Dave Castelnuovo, co-creators of the smash I-Tunes/I-pad download, “Pocket God” Gareb Shamus, CEO of Wizard World Entertainment For complete list of the 500 + pop culture icons and characters slated to appear, go here and then scroll down below the special announcements to see the names: http://www.wizardworld.com/home-ch.html  

The Jonas Brothers begin their North American tour Saturday, August 7, 2010 in Tinley Park, IL.  Kevin checked in from rehearsal in Peoria, IL to talk about the tour...and also how they stay healthy while on the road, how much they love softball, Camp Rock 2, and how LOUD their fans are!

Tom Hamilton, bass player of Aerosmith, explains the continuing passion for music the band shares...and how being in the same band forever is even harder than being in the same marriage forever!!

This weekend (July 10-11, 2010) is "BURGER FEST" in Roscoe Village (on Belmont at Damon in Chicago, IL).  Let's see...Burgers + Beer + AWESOME MUSIC.......I am so there!!! The band headlining on Sunday is GIN BLOSSOMS.  I spoke with founding member Jesse Valenzuela - such a great guy and such a great band.  Click HERE to see the complete music line-up.    

Twilight Fans rejoice!  Eclipse comes out this week...and I had the chance to chat with Boo Boo Stewart who plays "Seth", and Tinsel Korey who plays "Emily".     They checked in from the road as they were pretty busy doing the press circuit this week.  They shared some great insight about what to expect in Eclipse and even shared a funny story about a fan encounter w/Boo Boo yesterday.  Keep in mind he is only 16 years old...gee, there's a lot of cougars out there who love Twilight!  ;-)

Michael Franti talks about how he wrote his hit song Say Hey (I Love You) in Woody Harrelsons bathroom...why he hasn't worn shoes in ten years...and more! Michael Franti plays two MIX concert events in Chicago on Friday, June 25- Free lunchtime concert outside at noon on the plaza at the John Hancock Center Jammin' At The Zoo with Lifehouse at the Lincoln Park Zoo  

Green Day's new ROCK BAND game comes out June 8, 2010.  Holy cow it's gonna be AWESOME!  Drummer Tre Cool describes the incredible graphics and what went into making the game.  He also talks about the irony of long ago being the very first band in the lineup at Lollapalooza, and this year being the headliner.  My, how things have changed!

Gary Sinise brings his Lt. Dan Band to the Hard Rock Cafe' in Chicago Friday, May 7, 2010.  Get all the details on the concert here: http://www.USVAP.org