The AMp from Vocalo

The O'My's are a gritty, yet polished duo made up of Maceo Vidal-Haymes and Nick Hennessey whose flavor of soul is much needed in the Strangest Summer Ever. They brought their full band to an empty Lincoln Hall Thursday, July 23rd in a show presented by STAGED, a new Audiotree livestream concert series. Jill Hopkins spoke with Maceo to learn how the band is adapting their performance style for a virtual audience

Sandra Treviño of Enchufate Chicago graces our presence once more, this time showing us the psychedelic goodness of Texan group Nemegata

Sandra Treviño of Enchufate dedicates their entire show to reviewing the new album by New York-based Puerto Rican group Buscabulla

Like many event spaces, Logan Square's BLNKHAUS Gallery had to adjust to new realities amid COVID-19 pandemic. They are now hosting virtual art shows.

Reclaimed Soul host Ayana Contreras talked with guitarist/producer/arranger Jeff Parker about his latest album, his soulful approach to music, and about crate digging!

Jill Hopkins spoke with Erin Kilmurray and John Cicora of The Fly Honey Show about how the sex and body-positive variety show is keeping the movement going with online dance workshops.

Jeff Parker is a guitarist, producer and arranger working in the intersection of jazz and art-rock. He spoke with Ayana Contreras about his soulful approach to making music.

Ayana Contreras is the host of Vocalo's Reclaimed Soul and joins us every week with a preview of this week's show.

Nico Marchetti was a crew member on Netflix's hit series Tiger King. Jill Hopkins spoke with the cameraman about his first hand experiences at GW Zoo.

Chicago native and Founder of 18th Street Distillery Drew Fox on fighting the war against Covid-19.

Sandra Treviño spoke with Kathy Palma about the creative process behind her new EP and how her music transcends cultural and genre barriers.

Ayana Contreras is the host of Vocalo's Reclaimed Soul. She joined Jill Hopkins on The AMp to highlight her favorite Soul and Reggae covers of big American hits.

We spoke with Chicago comedian and storyteller Josh Zagoren about how he's holding up during coronavirus outbreak and the importance of storytelling in times of crisis.

Chicago DJs Lady D and Psycho-B*tch join Jill Hopkins on the AMp to talk about their DJ journeys and experiences navigating the male-dominated scene for 25+ years.

First generation Indian and Muslim Soul singer Zeshan B is back with a new civil rights anthem and will help present the inaugural gala of Chicago's brand new South Asian Institute.

Greta Johnsen, host of WBEZ's podcast Nerdette, joined Jill in studio to talk about this month's selection of their book club

Winston Duke is known for his roles as the leader of the Jabari tribe in "Black Panther" and the dad in "Us." He is now starring opposite Mark Wahlberg in the new Netflix murder conspiracy detective film "Spenser Confidential."

Triviality Podcast is a weekly trivia podcast done in a game show style. Lighthearted, informative and fun, it's perfect for local bar trivia nerds.

Founder & CEO of Spotivity, Montana Butsch tells Jill Hopkins how the app helps Chicago youth find safe and empowering after-school activities. It's a Chicago Bull's start-up finalist.

The Floor Show creators, Alex Grelle, Jesse Morgan Young and Liam Kazar, speak to Jill about their new show centered around Bowie's drive to continually reinvent himself.

Jill Hopkins spoke with actress Da'Vine Joy Randolph about her recent roles in Dolemite Is My Name and Hulu's new TV series High Fidelity.

Comedian, actor and podcaster Kurt Braunohler joins Jill in studio to talk about his upcoming shows, life in comedy, and recent television appearances.

Curator Reda Brooks talks to Jill Hopkins about how the Field Museum is celebrating Black History Month with an exhibition about Carl Cotton, the museum's first Black taxidermist.

Hannibal Buress is one of Chicago's greatest comedy exports. He's back in town for NBA All-Star Celebrity Game with his team captain Common among others. He spoke with Jill Hopkins about the game, new TV special, and his Chicago food cravings.

We spoke with the owner of Chicago's Metro and Smart Bar, Joe Shanahan, about this weekend's Winter Block Party and the spirit of the early Chicago Hip Hop scene in the days of the Blue Groove Lounge parties. Photo by: Joe Mazza

Mental Giants were a crucial part of the Chicago Hip Hop scene in the days of The Blue Groove Lounge. Vocalo host Jesse De LaPena spoke with the duo about Chicago Hip Hop history, and their upcoming show this weekend at The Winter Block Party.

Ang13 and Brittney Carter are some of the finest MCs in Chicago. They sat down with Jill Hopkins to chat womanhood, songwriting and the art of hip-hop.

In anticipation of this week's Winter Block Party, we spoke with DJ Pumpin Pete and Ca$h Era about the Hip Hop and House scenes back then and the state of Hip Hop culture right now.

Kiley Reid's “Such a Fun Age” is a hyper-relateable story of race and privilege set around a young Black babysitter Emira and her White feminist employer, Alix, and what happens after a tense, racially driven incident brings their differences to light.

This year, The Second City is bringing back its Black History Month Show, pulling from decades worth of iconic archival and classic sketches and songs created by African American alumni. we spoke with Ali Barthwell and Dionna Griffin-Irons about the show.

Yesterday, the news broke about the tragic death of NBA player Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash. Jill Hopkins and Vocalo social media correspondent Curtis Shaw Flagg pay a tribute and remember the basketball star and his contribution to the game.

House music godfather, Frankie Knuckles, was instrumental in creating sanctuaries for queer Black and Brown youth. We spoke with writer and cultural critic Terrence Chappell about Frankie Knuckle's legacy and the foundation of inclusivity he left behind.

Dometi Pongo is a journalist and the host of MTV's True Life Crime. Bekoe caught up with Dometi about his Chicago beginnings and what it takes to produce a documentary series that explores the unseen parts of society and its subcultures.

Chicago Poetry Center Executive Director, Beth Sampson, and Poet in Residence, Frankeim Mitchell, joined Jill Hopkins to talk about "No Love for Love" Valentines fundraiser on 2/13/20.

WBEZ environment and climate reporter, Jerome McDonnell, joined us to talk about the work of Endangered Species Protection Board to record, protect and revive the 480 endangered species in Illinois.

After earthquakes in Puerto Rico, rebuilding communities is more important than ever. Alicia Gonzalez is the Executive Director of Cubs Charities. She spoke with Jill Hopkins about the Diamond Project and its impact in the island.​

WBEZ News Producer Mariah Woelfel joined Jill Hopkins on the AMP to tell us how much cash Illinois has pulled in in the first week that marijuana has been legal.

Sandra Trevino is the Founder and Editor of Enchufate.com, one of Chicago's leading resources for Latin Alternative music, art and culture. She brings us her favorite songs of the year.

Ci3 Game Changer Lab at UChicago designs games that educate and improve the sexual and reproductive health of young adults. Director Mason Arrington talks how health and play converge in innovative ways at Ci3.

Jenn White of WBEZ's Reset joined Jill Hopkins on The AMp to look back at the biggest news stories that defined Chicago in 2019, including Mayor Lightfoot's election, CTU Strike, Chance the Snapper and more.

Vocalo spoke with Harlem Globetrotters about their beginnings in Illinois, learning that ball spin, and the joys of basketball.

Ayana Contreras is the host of Vocalo's Reclaimed Soul and our tour guide down the River of Soul. She joins Jill Hopkins every Wednesday with a preview of next day's show.​

Slo 'Mo Party and Reunion Co-Founder, and Chicago's party mom Kristen Kaza joined Jill Hopkins to look back at the year in queer - Stonewall 50, Megan Rapinoe, Chicago's first Black lesbian mayor, and more!

2019 was a big year for sports. We spoke with Vocalo Sr. sports correspondent LaToya "Moneyball" Smith about her top 5 biggest sports stories of the year.

Participation in legalized marijuana industry in Illinois can still have dire consequences for non-citizen immigrants. WBEZ reporter Maria Zamudio explains what immigrants should know.

Every year, Chicago Public Library compiles a "Best of the Best" list of recommended readings for Chicago readers. The list spans a variety genres, categories, and styles and includes Chicago authors.

"Good Grief," running at Free Street Theater through Dec. 21st, is a recounting of a complicated path towards healing and survival in times where there were little-to-no resources available.

With Jan. 1st quickly approaching, marijuana legalization in Illinois will soon come into effect. WBEZ News Producer Mariah Woelfel stopped by to discuss the latest concerns from Chicagoans ahead of the new year.

John Waters is an iconic filmmaker, writer and actor. Jill Hopkins spoke with the Baltimore native and the purveyor of the "trash" genre about his affinity for Chicago, his sense of humor, defying expectations and staying "filthy."

Desiree Sanders is the Owner of Scrybes-N-Vybes and the Curator of Book It Black To Bronzeville. This week the book club is bringing Hip Hop legend Rakim to Chicago for a book discussion and live performance.

Diallo Brooks of People for the American Way brings us the latest updates on the impeachment hearings and more.