Podcasts about Chicago Reader

Mike Stephen gets an update on the struggle for environmental justice on the southwest side of Chicago from Anthony Moser, board president of Neighbors for Environmental Justice, and then discovers the Secret History of the local influential 20th century drummer Fred Below.

Comedian Paul Farahvar (former host of Singles Only) talks to other night owls on the new podcast WHY ARE YOU AWAKE! This week: Comedian Gwen Rose Follow Gwen at @princessgwenrose on IG Sign up for my mailing list here: https://bit.ly/Paulsignup Watch MY Dry Bar special "Always a Groomsman" at @DryBarComedy and my latest special "Middlewestern, Middle Eastern" on @HeliumComedyStudios Facebook: / paulfcomedy Instagram: / paulfarahvar TikTok: / paulfcomedy Review and Subscribe to this podcast! Chicago based Farahvar delights audiences with his unique, quick witted dry humor, centered on being an aging bachelor and former litigator. After becoming a staple on the Chicago Comedy Scene for years at his home club Laugh Factory, he began touring in 2016, first as a feature for headliners like Demetri Martin and Gary Gulman, and later as a headliner. With no manager or agent, he managed to build a following in multiple cities, even selling out rooms in Chicago, Denver, Milwaukee, Scottsdale and Tampa in the last year. He was runner up in the Chicago Reader for Best Stand up Comedian in 2021 and was voted "Top 40 Up and Coming Comedians" in 2017. Prior to being a comedian, Farahvar was a trial litigator, earning the "Top 40 under 40" honor among judges and peers in Illinois. He hosted the award winning Podcast SINGLES ONLY! (SXSW 2020, Best Podcast 2021 (Chicago Reader) and was a regular guest host on WGN Radio. He played "Karam Haddad" on NBC's "Chicago Med" in 2017 and his Dry Bar special dropped in April, 2023. His new special was filmed at Helium in Philadelphia in September and dropped April 26th, 2024. popularmmos markiplier #Comedy #StandUp #funnyvids #funnyclips #comedyvideos #vines

On the Saturday June 7, 2025 edition of The Richard Crouse Show we’ll meet magician and New York Times crossword constructor David Kwong. A Harvard graduate with a passion for the history of magic, he created “The Enigmatist,” an acclaimed theatrical show combining immersive puzzles and illusions that the Chicago Reader said, has one a-ha moment after another. David brings the show to Toronto at the Black Box Theatre until June 22. Get more info tickets at starvoxent.com. Then, we’ll get to know Matthew Lillard, one of the stars of the new film “The Life of Chuck,” an adaptation of a Stephen King novella. You know him as Stu Macher in “Scream,” and became a household name as Shaggy Rogers in the live-action Scooby-Doo films. Today we talk about stepping into Stephen King’s world, especially in a non-horror story like The Life of Chuck. Finally, we’ll meet Nashville-based, P.E.I. raised rising country artist Alli Walker, who was recently announced as the opener for Shania Twain’s Toronto show on July 16 at The Theatre at The Great Canadian Casino Resort. This marks Alli’s second time sharing the stage with Shania—following their viral moment at the 2024 Churchill Music Festival, where Shania invited Alli onstage to showcase her bagpipe skills, captivating millions online. With a unique blend of traditional country sounds and pop/rock sensibilities, showcased in hits like “I Like Big Trucks,” “Creek,” and “Dirt On Us,” Alli has quickly become one of the most exciting voices in the genre.

On the Saturday June 7, 2025 edition of The Richard Crouse Show we'll meet magician and New York Times crossword constructor David Kwong. A Harvard graduate with a passion for the history of magic, he created “The Enigmatist,” an acclaimed theatrical show combining immersive puzzles and illusions that the Chicago Reader said, has one a-ha moment after another. David brings the show to Toronto at the Black Box Theatre until June 22. Get more info tickets at starvoxent.com. Then, we'll get to know Matthew Lillard, one of the stars of the new film “The Life of Chuck,” an adaptation of a Stephen King novella. You know him as Stu Macher in “Scream,” and became a household name as Shaggy Rogers in the live-action Scooby-Doo films. Today we talk about stepping into Stephen King's world, especially in a non-horror story like The Life of Chuck. Finally, we'll meet Nashville-based, P.E.I. raised rising country artist Alli Walker, who was recently announced as the opener for Shania Twain's Toronto show on July 16 at The Theatre at The Great Canadian Casino Resort. This marks Alli's second time sharing the stage with Shania—following their viral moment at the 2024 Churchill Music Festival, where Shania invited Alli onstage to showcase her bagpipe skills, captivating millions online. With a unique blend of traditional country sounds and pop/rock sensibilities, showcased in hits like “I Like Big Trucks,” “Creek,” and “Dirt On Us,” Alli has quickly become one of the most exciting voices in the genre.

Mike Stephen discusses the student loan debt problem in Illinois with Illinois Answers Project journalist Claire Murphy, gets the lowdown on new local music from AJ Rosales, and discovers the Secret History of the 1960s Chicago doo-wop group The Radiants.

Mike Stephen explores the removal of certain books in Danville Correctional Center with local author Vee Harrison, gets the lowdown on new music from the band Ascendant from vocalist and keyboard player Kael Mboya, and looks back on 20 years of The Secret History of Chicago Music in the Chicago Reader with its creator and author Steve Krakow.

Mike Stephen sits down with Kevin M. Schultz, chair of the history department at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the author of a new book called Why Everyone Hates White Liberals (Including White Liberals), and then discovers the Secret History of 1970s and 80s rockers Hot Mama Silver.

As Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan's most recent collaboration, Sinners, is dominating the domestic and worldwide box office, we thought it would be a good time to look at their first project together, Fruitvale Station. Fruitvale is partially the telling of the tragic story of the killing of Oscar Grant in Oakland CA on New Year's Day 2009, but it's so much more. Beyond being a mere recreation of events and the conveying of the awful facts, the film is a beautiful portrait of a young man who is struggling against a system that is set against him and his own difficulties. In addition to being a star making vehicle for Michael B. Jordan, the film features incredible performances from Melonie Diaz, Octavia Spencer, and Ariana Neal. Coogler and co. received a lot of critical praise for the film which set him up to helm massive projects like Creed and the Black Panther movies for Marvel. Joining us for our look back is Chicago based film critic Zachary Lee who is a regular contributor to Roger Ebert, Letterboxd, Interview Magazine, Chicago Reader, Think Christian, and more. He's been someone we've wanted to have on the show for a while and he did not disappoint.Enjoy the show and share it with a friend!⁠⁠⁠⁠Substantive Cinema Episode List⁠Zach Interviews Ryan CooglerFreaky Tales InterviewZach & Willem Dafoe on The Legend of OchiShoutouts:Queens of DramaThe Ballad of Wallis IslandOur Revolution by Bernie SandersMy Old AssFollow ZachInstagramEverything else!Follow Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Philip's Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Share Your Questions/Suggestions/Feedback With Us:Email: thesubstancepod@gmail.comDM on InstagramSupport Us: Support the show with an individual donation on CashApp to $TheSubstancePod or become a monthly Patreon supporter at patreon.com/TheSubstancePod

Funny friend Jillian Mueller swings through. After Thomas and Kevin try to get Jillian to feature them in the Chicago Reader, they do a Conclave Oops All Segments-style (spin the wheel). Thomas poses to Kevin and Jillian his deeply troubling Cupcake Quandary. Things get repetitive for a while before Jillian gets the boys into sharing beverages with cryptids! 00:00 Intro & Check Ins12:06 The Cupcake Quandry22:21 Repeater25:35 Coffee with a CreatureJillian Mueller:Trigger Happy: https://www.theannoyance.com/show/trigger-happy%3A-annoyance-signature-improvChicago Reader: https://chicagoreader.com/Secret Family at the Annoyance Theatre:https://www.theannoyance.com/show/secret-familyA Streetcar Named Desire in Winnipeg (June 11 - 15):https://www.the28thminute.com/a-streetcar-named-desireCheck out our DnD show: 'What We Do in the Basement': https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/what-we-do-in-the-basement/id1552947049FOLLOW Oops All Segments on Instagram: www.instagram.com/oopsallsegmentsFOLLOW Oops All Segments on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@oopsallsegmentsSUBSCRIBE to Oops All Segments on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@oopsallsegments

Buy Travels in the Cities of Cinema: Conversations with Ehsan Khoshbakht here. Jonathan Rosenbaum stands as one of the most eminent film critics in the English-speaking world. After working for Sight and Sound and Monthly Film Bulletin in London in the 1970s, he served for two decades as chief film critic for the Chicago Reader. Hailed as “one of the best” by Jean-Luc Godard, who compared him to James Agee and André Bazin, Rosenbaum is known for his incisive, thought-provoking polemics, which have inspired generations of writers while reshaping how we think about cinema. Distinguished by his equal investment in both contemporary cinema and film history, his work offers a rich dialogue between the past and present of moving images. In this wide-ranging conversation with film scholar Ehsan Khoshbakht, Rosenbaum reminisces about his childhood in Florence, Alabama, where his family ran a chain of cinemas, and follows that journey to New York, Paris, London and Chicago. Each city marks a chapter in his evolution as a critic, filled with encounters and experiences that together reveal the life of an indefatigable cinephile and cultural commentator. “An engaging history of the esteemed critic's career and a survey of the cinephilic landscape. Rosenbaum proves a frank, expansive interviewee, telling curator Ehsan Khoshbakht about his childhood in Alabama and his work as a critic in Paris, New York, London, Chicago and elsewhere.” — Pamela Hutchinson, Sight and Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Stephen talks to Illinois Answers Project investigative reporter Alex Nitkin about how Chicago City Council staffers are getting more and more bonuses, learns about the impact of Chicago's Greenlight Family Services with CEO Dr. Maria Nanos, and discovers the Secret History of the Chicago-based soul band The Notations.

Comedian Paul Farahvar (former host of Singles Only) talks to other night owls on the new podcast WHY ARE YOU AWAKE! This week: Comedian Joey Villagomez Follow joey at @Joeydaclown and on IG at @joeydaclown Sign up for my mailing list here: https://bit.ly/Paulsignup Watch MY Dry Bar special "Always a Groomsman" at @DryBarComedy and my latest special "Middlewestern, Middle Eastern" on @HeliumComedyStudios Facebook: / paulfcomedy Instagram: / paulfarahvar TikTok: / paulfcomedy Review and Subscribe to this podcast! Chicago based Farahvar delights audiences with his unique, quick witted dry humor, centered on being an aging bachelor and former litigator. After becoming a staple on the Chicago Comedy Scene for years at his home club Laugh Factory, he began touring in 2016, first as a feature for headliners like Demetri Martin and Gary Gulman, and later as a headliner. With no manager or agent, he managed to build a following in multiple cities, even selling out rooms in Chicago, Denver, Milwaukee, Scottsdale and Tampa in the last year. He was runner up in the Chicago Reader for Best Stand up Comedian in 2021 and was voted "Top 40 Up and Coming Comedians" in 2017. Prior to being a comedian, Farahvar was a trial litigator, earning the "Top 40 under 40" honor among judges and peers in Illinois. He hosted the award winning Podcast SINGLES ONLY! (SXSW 2020, Best Podcast 2021 (Chicago Reader) and was a regular guest host on WGN Radio. He played "Karam Haddad" on NBC's "Chicago Med" in 2017 and his Dry Bar special dropped in April, 2023. His new special was filmed at Helium in Philadelphia in September and dropped April 26th, 2024. popularmmos markiplier #Comedy #StandUp #funnyvids #funnyclips #comedyvideos #vines #clipoftheday #crowdwork #comediansofyoutube

Mike Stephen talks to Injustice Watch reporter Kelly Garcia about how Chicago's immigration court works, learns about I Am Flytism, an organization on the South Side of Chicago that helps those impacted by autism, from founder Stephanie Butts, and discovers the Secret History of 20th century local bluesman Jim Brewer.

Mike Stephen talks to Sandra Diaz, co-founder of the Center for Immigrant Progress, about the efforts to help Chicagoland immigrants in the wake of a hostile federal government, learns about the new album from local jazz guitarist Steve Knight, and discovers the Secret History of Chicago soul singer Bobby McClure.

I’m joined by the self-described “cutest band in Chicago,” CalicoLoco. Very recently, their album, “I Love Myself,” was picked as “Best Local Album of the Year” in the Chicago Reader’s “Best of Chicago” 2024 survey. Dani and Zeke from CalicoLoco joined me for empanadas from Cafe Tola on Southport, and we talked about: -What was it about the album that connected with people in the way it did? -Headlining Metro -The high price of candles -What it takes to get a place painted these days -Their meticulous approach to recording I hear a real joy and honesty in the songs CalicoLoco makes, and if this is your first go-round with the band, I think you’ll really enjoy “I Love Myself.” Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules. Get a quote by visiting easy-automation.net, or give Dan a call at 630.730.3728 ## On Thursday, April 3, join me for a live recording of Car Con Carne at the soon-to-reopen Legit Dogs and Ice in South Elgin - 322 S. Randall Road. Yeah, I know it’s a school night, but I’ll be featuring live performances and interviews with East Moon, Ricky Liontones Revue and more! It starts at 8:30 pm. Doors at 7:30 - we start recording the podcast at 8:30. Hope to see you there. ## Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Ninety Days in the 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story. It's the ultimate novel about the '90s and Chicago's music scene, written by Andy Frye. Join record store owner Darby on her trip back to 1990s Chicago as she jumps on the Grey Line to time travel back to her carefree twenties, soaking up all the pop culture and rock n roll nostalgia you could ever imagine. To learn more, go to 90daysinthe90s.com or pick it up on Amazon.com or wherever you buy books. And also follow 90daysinthe90s on Instagram for tons of Chicago scene & alternative music related contentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Stephen discusses the controversial push to increase nuclear power production in Illinois with David Kraft, director of the Nuclear Energy Information Service, previews the return of the Flamenco Quartet Project with Wendy Clinard, founder of Clinard Dance, and discovers the Secret History of local avant-garde bassist Donald Rafael Garrett.

Mike Stephen discusses ongoing efforts to fight homelessness in Chicago despite the chaos in the federal government with Carolyn Ross, president and CEO of All Chicago: Making Homelessness History, learns the Secret History of 1980s rockers called Ruffian, and then chats about a new local festival highlighting marginalized voices with festival founder Jaqueline Wade.

Comedian Paul Farahvar (former host of Singles Only) talks to other night owls on the new podcast WHY ARE YOU AWAKE! This week: Comedian Nathan MacIntosh Follow Nathan on IG at @nathanmacintosh Check out his new special on youtube "Down with Tech" Sign up for my mailing list here: https://bit.ly/Paulsignup Watch MY new special "Middlewestern, Middle Eastern" on @HeliumComedyStudios Facebook: / paulfcomedy Instagram: / paulfarahvar TikTok: / paulfcomedy Review and Subscribe to this podcast! Chicago based Farahvar delights audiences with his unique, quick witted dry humor, centered on being an aging bachelor and former litigator. After becoming a staple on the Chicago Comedy Scene for years at his home club Laugh Factory, he began touring in 2016, first as a feature for headliners like Demetri Martin and Gary Gulman, and later as a headliner. With no manager or agent, he managed to build a following in multiple cities, even selling out rooms in Chicago, Denver, Milwaukee, Scottsdale and Tampa in the last year. He was runner up in the Chicago Reader for Best Stand up Comedian in 2021 and was voted "Top 40 Up and Coming Comedians" in 2017. Prior to being a comedian, Farahvar was a trial litigator, earning the "Top 40 under 40" honor among judges and peers in Illinois. He hosted the award winning Podcast SINGLES ONLY! (SXSW 2020, Best Podcast 2021 (Chicago Reader) and was a regular guest host on WGN Radio. He played "Karam Haddad" on NBC's "Chicago Med" in 2017 and his Dry Bar special dropped in April, 2023. His new special was filmed at Helium in Philadelphia in September and dropped April 26th, 2024. popularmmos markiplier #Comedy #StandUp #funnyvids #funnyclips #comedyvideos #vines #clipoftheday #crowdwork #comediansofyoutube

Ruthie Mae McCoy fought her whole life to escape the violence and fear of Chicago's public housing, but when intruders slipped through her medicine cabinet and into her apartment, her worst nightmare became horrifyingly real.Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version. https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateInfo on the next LIVE SCREAM event. https://weirddarkness.com/LiveScreamInfo on the next WEIRDO WATCH PARTY event. https://weirddarkness.com/TVIN THIS EPISODE: Ruthie Mae McCoy was the type who talked to herself and cursed strangers on the street. When she called 911 to report that someone was coming through the medicine cabinet of her Abbott Homes apartment, she might have been hallucinating. But she wasn't. (They Came Through The Mirror) *** Who was the mysterious woman who spoke a language no-one could understand? What was inside the box she held in her hands? What was the meaning of the markings on the round metal object she arrived in? Those are just some of the questions no one has been able to answer about a strange encounter near Tokyo in 1803. (The Alien Woman and the Hollow Ship) *** In a well-known area of southwest Texas that many believe to already be haunted, a woman dies in childbirth – but when she is found, her baby is missing, and wolf prints are everywhere. And that's when sightings of The Wolf Girl of Devil's River begin. (The Wolf Girl of Devil's River) *** Throughout early 1800s Delaware and Maryland, Patty Cannon and her gang kidnapped as many as 3,000 Black Americans to sell into bondage in the South… and would often murder those slaves… and those that sold them. (Patty Cannon: The Slave-Trading Serial Killer)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = Disclaimer and Show Open00:02:20.426 = Patty Cannon: The Slave-Trading Serial Killer00:13:31.595 = The Alien Woman and the Hollow Ship00:17:14.271 = The Wolf Girl of Devil's River00:27:35.179 = They Came In Through The Bathroom Mirror, Part 100:51:38.713 = They Came In Through The Bathroom Mirror, Part 201:14:53.153 = They Came In Through The Bathroom Mirror, Part 301:30:23.483 = Show Close01:30:56.638 = Verse and Final Thought01:31:35.307 = BloopersSOURCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE…Episode Page at WeirdDarkness.com: https://weirddarkness.com/TheyCameThroughTheBathroomMirror“Patty Cannon: The Slave-Trading Serial Killer” by Emily Stringer for All That's Interesting: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/a95a6zaz“The Alien Woman and the Hollow Ship” by Ellen Lloyd for Ancient Pages: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/tvkvddc5“The Wolf Girl of Devil's River” by Brian Haughton: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/5uf2utcc“They Came Through The Mirror” by Steve Bogira for Chicago Reader: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/65pp5y96=====(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: October 14, 2021TRANSCRIPT: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/mrhu4vxz

Mike Stephen talks to Amber Nettles the publisher of the Chicago Reader and Salem Collo-Julin, the paper's editor in chief, about the dire financial situation of the publication and its future and then discovers the Secret History of the local 1960s garage rock band The Monteras.

Maggie speaks with Zev Feldman, an internationally recognized, independent record producer and the Co-President of Resonance Records. He is also a consulting producer of archival and historical recordings for Blue Note Records. Over the last 25 years he has worked for PolyGram, Universal Music Group, Rhino/Warner Music Group, Concord Music Group, among others. He won DownBeat Magazine's International Critics Poll for "Rising Star Producer" in 2016 for his work on a staggering 26 historical jazz recordings that year and was called "The Indiana Jones of Jazz" by Stereophile Magazine. In addition to his lauded work at Resonance, where he works closely with the estates of jazz icons such as Bill Evans, Wes Montgomery and so much more. Maggie and Zev discuss B.B. King In France: Live at the Nancy Jazz Pulsations Festival (1977) is a previously unissued live recording from the legendary bluesman B.B. King captured by the ORTF in France on October 7, 1977 and released on producer Zev Feldman's Deep Digs label in partnership with Elemental Music and INA France.The limited-edition 180g 2 x LP set was mastered and cut by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab, and include rare photos by Thierry Trombert, Val Wilmer, Jan Persson and more; plus liner notes by the acclaimed french author Jean Buzeline; and testimonials from fellow blues icons who knew or were inspired by B.B. King.Also joining Zev & Maggie is Cary Baker, a writer based in Southern California but, born on Chicago's South Side, he not only had the chance to grow up with the blues but began his writing career at age 16 for the Chicago Reader. Mr. Baker is the author of “Down On The Corner: Adventures in Busking and Street Music.” His return to writing follows a 42-year hiatus during which he directed publicity for six record labels and two of his own companies. Prior to his PR years,  Baker wrote for, among others, Creem, Trouser Press, Bomp!, Goldmine, Billboard, Mix, and Record magazine. He has also written liner notes for historical reissues from labels including Universal and Capitol-EMI. Cary Baker has also been a voting member of the Recording Academy since 1979.Source: https://www.elemental-music.com/inicio/4860-bb-king-in-france-live-at-the-1977-nancy-jazz-pulsations-festival-8435395504581.htmlSource: https://recordstoreday.com/PromotionalItem/18422Source: https://www.allaboutjazz.com/the-archival-producer-zev-feldmanHost Maggie LePique, a radio veteran since the 1980's at NPR in Kansas City Mo. She began her radio career in Los Angeles in the early 1990's and has worked for Pacifica station KPFK Radio in Los Angeles since 1994.Send us a textSupport the show@profileswithmaggielepique@maggielepique

Mike Stephen learns about the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative renewal in Congress from Don Jodrey, director of federal relations at the Alliance for the Great Lakes, and then discovers the Secret History of the 1970s counterculture band Yama & The Karma Dusters.

We had the pleasure of interviewing Slow Joy over Zoom video!Slow Joy, the solo project of Dallas based, New Mexican born Chicano artist Esteban Flores, is thrilled to announce his first official US headline tour. The February 2025 run has Flores out supporting his Mi Amigo Slow Joy EP, which was released June 7th, 2024 via Mick Music. Produced by Mike Sapone (Oso Oso, The Front Bottoms), the EP earned Slow Joy the “Best New Band” designation in the Dallas Observer's Annual “Best of Dallas” roundup and drew comparisons to The Pixies, Modest Mouse and Smashing Pumpkins.Slow Joy spent all of the fall on the road supporting Real Friends alongside Can't Swim and Carly Cosgrove on their Forever And Ever and Ever And Ever And Ever And Ever And Ever Tour. The two month long tour visited most every major city across the US and was Slow Joy's biggest trek to date. Mi Amigo Slow Joy follows 2023's Wildflower EP. The new EP was extremely well received, with FLOOD writing, “...the EP is a celebration of the past three decades of alternative rock music condensed into something more broadly appealing than any of Nevermind's non-single tracks.” The Chicago Reader described the Mi Amigo Slow Joy EP as “...melanges of grungy shoegaze.” And KXT 91.7 said the EP features “crunchy, alt-rock-inflected soundscapes [with] searching, vulnerable lyrics.” Flores' growth as a songwriter and musician can be heard throughout the four new tracks, an accomplishment he credits Sapone for helping him to achieve.Slow Joy is currently working with Sapone on his debut album, due in early 2025. In the meantime, catch Flores and his band on tour through February. All confirmed shows are below and you can buy tickets HERE.Slow Joy Confirmed Tour Dates:February 5th @ White Oak Music Hall in Houston, TXFebruary 6th @Dada Dallas in Dallas, TXFebruary 7th @ Mohawk (Inside) in Austin, TXFebruary 8th @ Vibes Underground in San Antonio, TXFebruary 13th @ Launchpad in Albuquerque, NMFebruary 14th @ Lowbrow Palace in El Paso, TXFebruary 20th @ The Vanguard in Tulsa, OKFebruary 21st @ Off Broadway in St. Louis, MOFebruary 22nd @ Burn Bright MKE in Milwaukee, WIFebruary 23rd @ Rose Music Hall in Columbia, MOWe want to hear from you! Please email Hello@BringinitBackwards.comwww.BringinitBackwards.com#podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #SlowJoy #NewMusic #ZoomListen & Subscribe to BiBhttps://www.bringinitbackwards.com/follow Follow our podcast on Instagram and Twitter! https://www.facebook.com/groups/bringinbackpodBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bringin-it-backwards--4972373/support.

Chicago Reader laying off staff, and more.

Chicago Reader laying off staff, and more.

Chicago Reader laying off staff, and more.

The great actor of stage and screen, Harris Yulin ("Scarface", "Ozark"), returns to the podcast. He was in the 1987 film "Candy Mountain" which was recently re-released. New York City, 1980s. A struggling, deadbeat musician named Julius has fallen on hard times. With no guitar, band or paying gigs, he cooks up a get-rich-quick scheme – to find the legendary, yet elusive guitar-maker Elmore Silk. Considered one of the greatest luthiers in the business, Silk's disappearance from the scene has only made his work more coveted by musicians and executives looking to make a buck off his name. Julius agrees to track the man down and sets out on the road. Meant to be a simple journey upstate, Julius stumbles down a long, winding road full of dead-ends and wrong turns towards an eventual revelatory conclusion in the Canadian wilderness. One of the great cult classics of the 1980s and starring character actors Kevin J O'Conner and Harris Yulin, the supporting cast features real-life music legends Tom Waits, Leon Redbone, Joe Strummer, Dr. John, David Johansen and more. “A wry, laid-back Heart of Darkness" (Chicago Reader), Candy Mountain combines the keen eye of legendary photographer Robert Frank with novelist/screenwriter Rudy Wurlitzer's mythic American prose to produce the quintessential road movie. "Candy Mountain" is currently available on various streaming platforms.

En amont de la saison France-Brésil 2025, la session live reçoit deux artistes de la diaspora brésilienne : Momo et Rio 77.  Notre 1er invité est Momo pour la sortie de son 7e album GiraLondres compte un nouveau talent brésilien : Momo ! Il fait partie de la récente génération d'artistes influencés par les classiques brésiliens, du tropicalisme des années 70 à Os Mutantes, en passant pas Milton Nascimenton. L'album a été enregistré dans l'est de Londres au Total Refreshment Center, avec des musiciens brésiliens et anglais, issus de la foisonnante scène jazz londonienne.Après une odyssée musicale qui l'a mené de Rio de Janeiro à l'Angola, au Michigan, à l'Espagne et à Lisbonne, Momo vit à Londres depuis trois ans.Son premier album A Estética do Rabisco, sorti en 2006, est désigné comme l'un des meilleurs albums de l'année par le Chicago Reader et lui ouvre la voie. Ses fans s'appellent Patti Smith, David Byrne…Gira signifie bouger, c'est un album pour danser, donc enregistré dans les conditions du direct au Total Refreshment Center, un centre créatif qui est à la fois un espace de concert, un atelier d'artiste et un studio depuis sa création en 2012.Titres interprétés au grand studioP​á​ra (Feat. Jessica Lauren) Live RFIRio, extrait de l'album Joao Live RFILine Up : Marcelo Frota (voix, guitare acoustique), Caetano Malta (basse)Traduction : Eva MassySon : Jérémie Besset, Mathias Taylor, Camille Roch► Album Gira (Batov Rd 2024)Site internet - YouTube - FacebookPuis nous recevons Rio 77 #SessionLive pour la sortie de l'EP Cultura e CivilizaçãoRio 77 provient directement du Brésil et de la MPB, la Música Popular Brasileira. Un répertoire riche et immense dans lequel Rio 77, métissage de musiciens brésiliens, français et anglais, a puisé pour construire Cultura e Civilização.En ramenant en 2024 cette sélection 70s', Rio 77 a laissé le curseur temporel à sa place, pour agir uniquement sur celui de l'esthétique. Funk et jazz sont au service de la chanteuse Paula Mirhan, de Thomas Renwick, guitariste de la scène jazz funk parisienne, du trompettiste Rubinho Antunes (Hermeto Pascoal, Marcos Valle, Milton Nascimiento, Gilberto Gil, Criollo), de Rui Barossi (Tom Zé). Le groupe Rio 77 est complété par deux soufflants parisiens, Matthieu Huteau et François Morin, le pianiste londonien Dave O'Brien et Mauro Martins, batteur brésilien qui accompagne régulièrement Toquinho et Tania Maria.Bref, c'est la classe décontractée d'un costume en lin par une chaude soirée carioca, toujours pieds nus pour danser sur le sable.Titres interprétés au grand studioTantas Mães Live RFIPara Lennon e McCartney (Milton Nascimento), extrait de l'albumDisse me Disse Live RFILine Up : Paula ​​​​​​​Mirhan (chant), ​​​​​​​Rui Barossi (basse électrique), ​​​​​​​Thomas ​​​​​​​Renwick (guitare électrique), ​​​​​​​Dave O'Brien (claviers), ​​​​​​​Mauro Martins (batterie), ​​​​​​​Rubinho ​​​​​​​Antunes (trompette), ​​​​​​​François Morin (trombone) et ​​​​​​​Matthieu Huteau (saxophone).Son : Mathias Taylor, Jérémie Besset.► EP ​​​​​​​Cultura e Civilização (Cie Mamaya 2024)Site internet - YouTube Opéra Lyon 2024 - ​​​​​​​Facebook

En amont de la saison France-Brésil 2025, la session live reçoit deux artistes de la diaspora brésilienne : Momo et Rio 77.  Notre 1er invité est Momo pour la sortie de son 7e album GiraLondres compte un nouveau talent brésilien : Momo ! Il fait partie de la récente génération d'artistes influencés par les classiques brésiliens, du tropicalisme des années 70 à Os Mutantes, en passant pas Milton Nascimenton. L'album a été enregistré dans l'est de Londres au Total Refreshment Center, avec des musiciens brésiliens et anglais, issus de la foisonnante scène jazz londonienne.Après une odyssée musicale qui l'a mené de Rio de Janeiro à l'Angola, au Michigan, à l'Espagne et à Lisbonne, Momo vit à Londres depuis trois ans.Son premier album A Estética do Rabisco, sorti en 2006, est désigné comme l'un des meilleurs albums de l'année par le Chicago Reader et lui ouvre la voie. Ses fans s'appellent Patti Smith, David Byrne…Gira signifie bouger, c'est un album pour danser, donc enregistré dans les conditions du direct au Total Refreshment Center, un centre créatif qui est à la fois un espace de concert, un atelier d'artiste et un studio depuis sa création en 2012.Titres interprétés au grand studioP​á​ra (Feat. Jessica Lauren) Live RFIRio, extrait de l'album Joao Live RFILine Up : Marcelo Frota (voix, guitare acoustique), Caetano Malta (basse)Traduction : Eva MassySon : Jérémie Besset, Mathias Taylor, Camille Roch► Album Gira (Batov Rd 2024)Site internet - YouTube - FacebookPuis nous recevons Rio 77 #SessionLive pour la sortie de l'EP Cultura e CivilizaçãoRio 77 provient directement du Brésil et de la MPB, la Música Popular Brasileira. Un répertoire riche et immense dans lequel Rio 77, métissage de musiciens brésiliens, français et anglais, a puisé pour construire Cultura e Civilização.En ramenant en 2024 cette sélection 70s', Rio 77 a laissé le curseur temporel à sa place, pour agir uniquement sur celui de l'esthétique. Funk et jazz sont au service de la chanteuse Paula Mirhan, de Thomas Renwick, guitariste de la scène jazz funk parisienne, du trompettiste Rubinho Antunes (Hermeto Pascoal, Marcos Valle, Milton Nascimiento, Gilberto Gil, Criollo), de Rui Barossi (Tom Zé). Le groupe Rio 77 est complété par deux soufflants parisiens, Matthieu Huteau et François Morin, le pianiste londonien Dave O'Brien et Mauro Martins, batteur brésilien qui accompagne régulièrement Toquinho et Tania Maria.Bref, c'est la classe décontractée d'un costume en lin par une chaude soirée carioca, toujours pieds nus pour danser sur le sable.Titres interprétés au grand studioTantas Mães Live RFIPara Lennon e McCartney (Milton Nascimento), extrait de l'albumDisse me Disse Live RFILine Up : Paula ​​​​​​​Mirhan (chant), ​​​​​​​Rui Barossi (basse électrique), ​​​​​​​Thomas ​​​​​​​Renwick (guitare électrique), ​​​​​​​Dave O'Brien (claviers), ​​​​​​​Mauro Martins (batterie), ​​​​​​​Rubinho ​​​​​​​Antunes (trompette), ​​​​​​​François Morin (trombone) et ​​​​​​​Matthieu Huteau (saxophone).Son : Mathias Taylor, Jérémie Besset.► EP ​​​​​​​Cultura e Civilização (Cie Mamaya 2024)Site internet - YouTube Opéra Lyon 2024 - ​​​​​​​Facebook

Comedian Paul Farahvar (former host of Singles Only) talks to other night owls on the new podcast WHY ARE YOU AWAKE! This week: Comedian John Hickok Follow John on IG at @hickok45 And his youtube channel with his dad @hickok45 Watch MY new special "Middlewestern, Middle Eastern" on @HeliumComedyStudios Facebook: / paulfcomedy Instagram: / paulfarahvar TikTok: / paulfcomedy Review and Subscribe to this podcast! Chicago based Farahvar delights audiences with his unique, quick witted dry humor, centered on being an aging bachelor and former litigator. After becoming a staple on the Chicago Comedy Scene for years at his home club Laugh Factory, he began touring in 2016, first as a feature for headliners like Demetri Martin and Gary Gulman, and later as a headliner. With no manager or agent, he managed to build a following in multiple cities, even selling out rooms in Chicago, Denver, Milwaukee, Scottsdale and Tampa in the last year. He was runner up in the Chicago Reader for Best Stand up Comedian in 2021 and was voted "Top 40 Up and Coming Comedians" in 2017. Prior to being a comedian, Farahvar was a trial litigator, earning the "Top 40 under 40" honor among judges and peers in Illinois. He hosted the award winning Podcast SINGLES ONLY! (SXSW 2020, Best Podcast 2021 (Chicago Reader) and was a regular guest host on WGN Radio. He played "Karam Haddad" on NBC's "Chicago Med" in 2017 and his Dry Bar special dropped in April, 2023. His new special was filmed at Helium in Philadelphia in September and dropped April 26th, 2024. popularmmos markiplier #Comedy #StandUp

Parking in Chicago is always difficult, but especially when it's cold outside. In 2008, City Council voted to privatize Chicago's parking meters for 75 years in return for $1 billion. But in the years since, analysis after analysis has shown the meters were worth much more, and the city lost out on revenues while investors earn a profit, and Chicagoans pay some of the highest parking rates in the country. While he was at the Reader, Block Club Chicago reporter and editor Mick Dumke investigated the deal after it first passed. We're revisiting his conversation with host Jacoby Cochran to hear why Chicago went for it, who challenged it, and how we feel the effects today. Make sure you vote City Cast Chicago as Best Podcast and Hey Chicago as Best Email Newsletter in the Chicago Reader's Best of 2024  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

I chatted with Aidan Valentine on his most recent singles and new music coming soon! #aidanvalentine Pre-Save "Don't Go" here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/aidanvalentine1/dont-go/  Follow Aidan Valentine: https://www.instagram.com/aidanjvalentine/ Follow Superglue: https://www.instagram.com/supergluetheband/ Listen to Aidan Valentine: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3cTjozhUIyltz34gPtAOyl Follow Pop-Punk & Pizza on socials! https://www.instagram.com/poppunkpizzapod/ https://www.facebook.com/poppunkpizzapod https://www.tiktok.com/@poppunkpizzapod https://www.threads.net/@poppunkpizzapod Vote for us for Best Music Podcast on Chicago Reader!: https://bestof.chicagoreader.com/music-and-nightlife/best-music-podcast Don't forget to Subscribe!! https://www.youtube.com/@pop-punkpizzapodcast8793  #music #poppunk #punk #emo

Aidan Valentine and I talking about some of the pop-punk albums in his record collection! Pre-Save "Don't Go" here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/aid... Follow Aidan Valentine:   / aidanjvalentine   Follow Superglue:   / supergluetheband   Listen to Aidan Valentine: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3cTjo... Follow Pop-Punk & Pizza on socials!   / poppunkpizzapod      / poppunkpizzapod     / poppunkpizzapod   https://www.threads.net/@poppunkpizzapod Vote for us for Best Music Podcast on Chicago Reader!: https://bestof.chicagoreader.com/musi... Don't forget to Subscribe!!    / @pop-punkpizzapodcast8793     #music #poppunk #punk #emo #alternative #alt #altmusic #alternativemusic #recordcollectio

Self-care is especially important during the holiday season. It can be hard to find the time to prioritize your mental and physical health during this time, but it doesn't need to be expensive. Everyone deserves access to rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation so we're revisiting a conversation from earlier this year where we highlight some local self-care options that fit any budget. Make sure you vote City Cast Chicago as Best Podcast and Hey Chicago as Best Email Newsletter in the Chicago Reader's Best of 2024  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Dec. 26 episode: Joffrey Ballet — save 10% with code SNOW10 for the December 26th and 27th performances! Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

It's the busiest season of the year for advertisers and retailers. That means a lot of commercials, which is something we know a little something about in Chicago. Join us as we revisit a conversation from earlier this year with Axios reporter Justin Kaufmann about some of our city's most legendary commercials, jingles, and characters that have enticed us to buy stuff. Make sure you vote City Cast Chicago as Best Podcast and Hey Chicago as Best Email Newsletter in the Chicago Reader's Best of 2024  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this December 23rd episode: Joffrey Ballet — save 10% with code SNOW10 for the December 26th and 27th performances! Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Mike Stephen talks to Neighbors for Environmental Justice board president Anthony Moser about how local politics and a lack of enforcement are impacting Chicago's environmental policies and then discovers the Secret History of 1970s Chicago country rockers JD, Foster, and Eastman.

After months of contentious council meetings, new tax proposals, and a few delayed votes, alders voted 27-23 to approve the mayor's $17 billion budget for 2025. Given all of the combativeness and compromise, what did we actually end up with in our city budget? WTTW's Heather Cherone and Chicago Reader's Katie Prout are here to help us dive into the numbers. Plus, we discuss the head of DFSS resigning, CPD's “unsatisfying” consent decree progress, and one particularly photogenic river otter. Good News: Garfield Park Plant Sale & Planks and Pistils Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Dec. 20 episode: Joffrey Ballet — save 10% with code SNOW10 for the December 26th and 27th performances! Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Ep.226 Edra Soto (b. 1971) is a Puerto Rican-born artist, educator, and co-director of outdoor project space The Franklin. Soto instigates meaningful, relevant, and often difficult conversations surrounding socioeconomic and cultural oppression, erasure of history, and loss of cultural knowledge. Soto has presented recent solo exhibitions at Comfort Station, Chicago, IL (2024); Hyde Park Art Center, Chicago, IL (2023); Institute of Contemporary Art, San Diego, CA (2023); Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, IL (2018); Headlands Center for the Arts, Sausalito, CA (2017); The Arts Club of Chicago, IL (2017). Her work has been featured in notable recent group exhibitions including Widening the Lens: Photography, Ecology, and the Contemporary Landscape, Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, PA (2024); Entre Horizontes, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, IL (2023); no existe un mundo poshuracán, Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, NY (2022); and Estamos Bien, La Trienal 20/21, El Museo del Barrio, New York, NY (2021). She has been awarded the Joan Mitchell Foundation Painters & Sculptors Grant; Bemis Center's Ree Kaneko Award; the US LatinX Art Forum Fellowship; and MacArthur Foundation International Connections Fund. Soto has received numerous public commissions, for Noor Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (2024); Now & There, Central Wharf Park, Boston, MA (2023); the Chicago Architecture Biennial, IL (2023); and Millenium Park in Chicago, IL (2019). Her work is in the collection of institutions including the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; Pérez Art Museum Miami and Museum of Contemporary Art of Chicago. Photo Courtesy of Public Art Fund ~ Liz Ligon Artist https://edrasoto.com/home.html Public Art Fund https://www.publicartfund.org/exhibitions/view/edra-soto-graft/ MSU Broad Art Museum https://broadmuseum.msu.edu/events/artist-talk-edra-soto/ por la señal | by a signal at Morgan Lehman Gallery https://www.morganlehmangallery.com/exhibitions/edra-soto4 Lazos Terrenales at ICA at MECA&D Maine https://meca.edu/ica/lazos-terrenales-earthly-bonds/ La Casa de Todos at Comfort Station https://comfortstationlogansquare.org/calendar/2024/6/1/la-casa-de-todos John Michael Kohler Arts Center https://www.jmkac.org/artist/soto-edra/ Carnegie Museum of Art https://carnegieart.org/art/hillman-photography-initiative/cycle-4-widening-the-lens/ US Latinx Art Forum https://uslaf.org/member/edra-soto/ Noor Riyadh https://riyadhart.sa/en/artists/edra-soto/?_program=noor-riyadh CAB5 https://chicagoarchitecturebiennial.org/people/edra-soto/ Ree Kaneko Award https://www.e-flux.com/announcements/511285/edra-soto-winner-of-2022-ree-kaneko-award/#:~:text=Established%20in%202019%20at%205%2C000,support%20of%20its%20alumni%20community. The Art Newsletter https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2024/09/05/edra-soto-this-kind-of-architecture-lives-in-the-background TimeOut https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/this-new-outdoor-sculpture-in-central-park-honors-the-puerto-rican-community-090624 Hyperallergic https://hyperallergic.com/946566/new-three-year-arts-series-will-center-nyc-latine-community-clemente/ El Nuevo Dia https://www.elnuevodia.com/entretenimiento/cultura/notas/el-arte-de-una-boricua-transforma-el-central-park-de-nueva-york-con-su-obra-de-rejas/ Newcity Art https://art.newcity.com/2024/08/26/central-park-state-of-mind-edra-soto-puts-the-home-in-public-art/ Chicago Reader https://chicagoreader.com/arts-culture/art-feature/everybodys-home-edra-soto/ Forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/shelbyknick/2023/12/14/the-brilliance-of-noor-riyadh-a-city-wide-canvas-comes-to-life-again/?sh=400c0e4a6a23 New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/28/arts/design/chicago-architecture-biennial.html Chicago Tribune https://www.chicagotribune.com/2023/11/14/3arts-awards-50k-unrestricted-grants-to-local-teaching-artists-with-next-level-awards/ Artforum https://www.artforum.com/events/susan-snodgrass-edra-soto-513802/

Mike Stephen discusses proposed housing measures for Chicago in the new year from Alejandra Cancino, investigative reporter at Injustice Watch, learns about a new documentary that focuses on gun violence victims' families and loved ones called What's Left Behind from director Dr. Janice Collins, and discovers the Secret History of 1960s soul and doo wop singer Dee Clark.

  In this milestone episode of Bad at Sports, we welcome back Scott Speh, the founder and director of Western Exhibitions, to celebrate 20 years of the gallery's existence and its significant role in shaping the Chicago art scene. It's been 19 years since Scott's last appearance on the show, and in this conversation, we dive deep into the journey of Western Exhibitions, its impact on the city's art landscape, and the evolving nature of the gallery's programming. From the early days of launching the gallery to navigating the challenges and rewards of running an independent space in Chicago, Scott offers a unique perspective on the state of contemporary art and its communities. We discuss the dynamic relationships between artists, collectors, curators, and the broader public, and reflect on how Western Exhibitions has not only supported emerging artists but also helped to foster a rich cultural dialogue in the city. As the art world continues to change, Scott shares his thoughts on the future of galleries, the role of physical spaces, and how the local art ecosystem has evolved over the past two decades. Tune in for an insightful and engaging conversation about the intersection of art, community, and sustainability in Chicago. Names Dropped… Shannon Stratton, Marc Fischer, Anthony Elms, Philip von Zweck, Rhona Hoffman, Dirk Denison,  David Salkin, John Neff, Jason Pickelman, Dutes Miller, Pedro Valez, Nick Frank, Stan Shellabarger, 7/3 Split, Tim Fleming, Paul Nudd, Dan Attoe, Lisa Boyle, Rowley Kennerk, Andrew Rafacz, Lou Manilow, Robyn O'Neil, Ryan Christianson, Geoffrey Todd Smith, Edie Fake, Mark Pascalr… There were others…     https://www.shannonraestratton.com/about https://www.printedmatter.org/catalog/39749/ https://lostandfoundlab.org/anthony-elms https://artadia.org/artist/philip-von-zweck/ https://www.rhoffmangallery.com/ https://www.dirkdenisonarchitects.com/ https://www.davidsalkin.com/ https://artadia.org/artist/john-neff/ https://design.newcity.com/2024/04/05/one-more-day-in-the-life-of-jason-pickleman/ https://www.jmkac.org/artist/miller-dutes/ https://westernexhibitions.com/artist/stan-shellabarger/ https://velezpedro.com/home.html http://www.thegreengallery.biz/artists/nicholas-frank https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-fleming-772a7618 https://www.artfairmag.com/art-los-angeles-contemporary/ https://www.spudnikpress.org/people/paul-nudd/ https://thehole.com/artists/dan-attoe https://badatsports.com/2010/rowley-kennerk-gallery-closing/ https://andrewrafacz.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_Manilow https://www.robynoneil.com/ https://www.geoffreytoddsmith.com/ https://www.juxtapoz.com/news/magazine/features/edie-fake-off-the-grid/ https://www.luxcenter.org/artist/mark-pascale https://badatsports.com/2005/episode-6-scott-speh-and-philip-von-zweck-interviewed/   Image Credit - Credit: Josh Druding for Chicago Reader https://chicagoreader.com/arts-culture/the-past-and-future-of-western-exhibitions/ 

Mike Stephen talks to Provy Taylor, a local Uber driver, about his new book of stories while on the job called Uber Me to Providence, gets the lowdown on local saxophonist Shawn Maxwell's new music, and discovers the Secret History of 90s alt-rockers: Viewfinder.

Mike Stephen eases us back into post-election life with a couple fun segments from 2015 and then discovers the Secret History of Chicago-born vocalist Paulette McWilliams.

On this week's Vinyl Fridays Brandon & AP Lindsay welcome  guest DJ Javier Valencia to spin some of his records. talk about his band Harvey Lightyear who is currently in the running in the Emerging Artist poll in the Chicago Reader, and music, and what-have-you.     Vinyl Fridays theme song by Dazzleflage Bed music: Apache by Jorgan Ingmann             Apache by The Incredible Bongo Band             Apache 65' by Davie Allan & The Arrows                 Biradio.libsyn.com Instagram: @birp60406 Facebook: @blueislandradio If you'd like to support the show visit Patreon.com/blueislandradio  

Comedian Paul Farahvar (former host of Singles Only) talks to other night owls on the new podcast WHY ARE YOU AWAKE. This week: Comedian AJ Leidig Follow him on IG YT and TikTok at @ajleidig Review and Subscribe to this podcast! Watch MY new special "Middlewestern, Middle Eastern" on @HeliumComedyStudios Follow Paul Farahvar everywhere!!! http://www.paulfcomedy.com / paulfcomedy / paulfarahvar Chicago based Farahvar delights audiences with his unique, quick witted dry humor, centered on being an aging bachelor and former litigator. After becoming a staple on the Chicago Comedy Scene for years at his home club Laugh Factory, he began touring in 2016, first as a feature for headliners like Demetri Martin and Gary Gulman, and later as a headliner. With no manager or agent, he managed to build a following in multiple cities, even selling out rooms in Chicago, Denver, Milwaukee, Scottsdale and Tampa in the last year. He was runner up in the Chicago Reader for Best Stand up Comedian in 2021 and was voted "Top 40 Up and Coming Comedians" in 2017. Prior to being a comedian, Farahvar was a trial litigator, earning the "Top 40 under 40" honor among judges and peers in Illinois. He hosted the award winning Podcast SINGLES ONLY! (SXSW 2020, Best Podcast 2021 (Chicago Reader) and was a regular guest host on WGN Radio. He played "Karam Haddad" on NBC's "Chicago Med" in 2017 and his Dry Bar special dropped in April, 2023. His new special was filmed at Helium in Philadelphia in September and dropped April 26th, 2024. popularmmos markiplier #Comedy #StandUp #funnyvids #funnyclips #comedyvideos #vines #clipoftheday #crowdwork

In this episode of The Tour Life, we sit down with Rich Jones, a Chicago-based MC known for his collaborations with Taylor Bennett, the Allies, and more. Rich shares stories from his music career, including how he was voted the second-best rapper in Chicago by the Chicago Reader in 2016, right behind Chance the Rapper. We dive into his creative process, life on the road, and the organic way he's built strong relationships within the music industry. We talk about the ups and downs of touring, including solo touring for the first time, navigating unexpected challenges, and the emotional rollercoaster of live performances. Rich opens up about learning to cultivate friendships and networks, and how they've helped him both personally and professionally, from saving on lodging to filling venues. He also reflects on the growth he's experienced as both an artist and individual, emphasizing the importance of self-encouragement alongside constructive self-criticism. Whether you're in the music business or simply a fan, Rich's optimistic yet grounded outlook will inspire you to embrace the unexpected twists of the creative journey. Key Takeaways: Relationships Matter: Cultivating friendships in the music industry happens naturally when you're present and active. The connections you make can offer both emotional and professional benefits, such as networking opportunities and support while on tour. Promotion is Key: Once you have a body of work, focus on promoting it creatively. Engaging your audience through various platforms, not just through music releases, can build anticipation and excitement. Stay Grounded: When you're frustrated, check in with yourself. If you're still passionate about what you're doing, the struggles are worth it. Don't lose sight of the positive aspects of your career. Stepping Stones: Smaller shows or seemingly unsuccessful moments can lead to greater opportunities down the road. Every step is part of the journey. Celebrate Yourself: Personal and artistic growth takes time. Remember to appreciate who you are and what you've accomplished. Self-love and self-encouragement are just as important as constructive criticism. Follow Rich Jones on Instagram: @richjones_music Don't forget to subscribe to The Tour Life on your favorite platform, leave a review on iTunes, and follow us on Instagram at @thetourlifepodcast.

Re-issue of Episode 2 with Comedian Calvin Evans Comedian Paul Farahvar (former host of Singles Only) talks to other night owls on the new podcast WHY ARE YOU AWAKE. This week: Comedian Calvin Evans (Re-issued from Ep. 2) Follow him on IG YT and TikTok at @CalvinEvansComedy Review and Subscribe to this podcast! Watch MY new special "Middlewestern, Middle Eastern" on @HeliumComedyStudios Follow Paul Farahvar everywhere!!! http://www.paulfcomedy.com / paulfcomedy / paulfarahvar Chicago based Farahvar delights audiences with his unique, quick witted dry humor, centered on being an aging bachelor and former litigator. After becoming a staple on the Chicago Comedy Scene for years at his home club Laugh Factory, he began touring in 2016, first as a feature for headliners like Demetri Martin and Gary Gulman, and later as a headliner. With no manager or agent, he managed to build a following in multiple cities, even selling out rooms in Chicago, Denver, Milwaukee, Scottsdale and Tampa in the last year. He was runner up in the Chicago Reader for Best Stand up Comedian in 2021 and was voted "Top 40 Up and Coming Comedians" in 2017. Prior to being a comedian, Farahvar was a trial litigator, earning the "Top 40 under 40" honor among judges and peers in Illinois. He hosted the award winning Podcast SINGLES ONLY! (SXSW 2020, Best Podcast 2021 (Chicago Reader) and was a regular guest host on WGN Radio. He played "Karam Haddad" on NBC's "Chicago Med" in 2017 and his Dry Bar special dropped in April, 2023. His new special was filmed at Helium in Philadelphia in September and dropped April 26th, 2024. popularmmos markiplier #Comedy #StandUp #funnyvids #funnyclips #comedyvideos #vines #clipoftheday #crowdwork #comediansofyoutube

Comedian Paul Farahvar (former host of Singles Only) talks to other night owls on the new podcast WHY ARE YOU AWAKE. This week: Comedian St. James Jackson Follow him on IG and TikTok at @lifeofstjames Review and Subscribe to this podcast! Watch MY new special "Middlewestern, Middle Eastern" on @HeliumComedyStudios Follow Paul Farahvar everywhere!!! http://www.paulfcomedy.com / paulfcomedy / paulfarahvar Chicago based Farahvar delights audiences with his unique, quick witted dry humor, centered on being an aging bachelor and former litigator. After becoming a staple on the Chicago Comedy Scene for years at his home club Laugh Factory, he began touring in 2016, first as a feature for headliners like Demetri Martin and Gary Gulman, and later as a headliner. With no manager or agent, he managed to build a following in multiple cities, even selling out rooms in Chicago, Denver, Milwaukee, Scottsdale and Tampa in the last year. He was runner up in the Chicago Reader for Best Stand up Comedian in 2021 and was voted "Top 40 Up and Coming Comedians" in 2017. Prior to being a comedian, Farahvar was a trial litigator, earning the "Top 40 under 40" honor among judges and peers in Illinois. He hosted the award winning Podcast SINGLES ONLY! (SXSW 2020, Best Podcast 2021 (Chicago Reader) and was a regular guest host on WGN Radio. He played "Karam Haddad" on NBC's "Chicago Med" in 2017 and his Dry Bar special dropped in April, 2023. His new special was filmed at Helium in Philadelphia in September and dropped April 26th, 2024.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 30, 2024 is: mise-en-scène • meez-ahn-SEN • noun Mise-en-scène can refer to the setting of a play, movie, etc., or it can refer to the physical or social setting in which something real occurs or develops. // The mise-en-scène is spare, comprising only a table and two chairs under a low-hanging light. // We fell in love with the blue skies and gorgeous architecture that form the mise-en-scène of this southern European city. See the entry > Examples: “The mise-en-scène is sumptuous, with rich colors and intricate production and costume design filling the widescreen frames with visual splendor.” — Kat Sachs, The Chicago Reader, 21 Mar. 2024 Did you know? In French, mise en scène literally means “the action of putting onto the stage.” The term originated in stage drama, where it refers to the way actors and scenery props are arranged; as its usage expanded into other narrative arts, its meaning shifted. In film production, mise-en-scène refers to all of the elements that comprise a single shot; that includes, but is not limited to, the actors, setting, props, costumes, and lighting. (The director of a play or film is sometimes called the metteur en scène—literally, “one who puts on the stage.”) In general use, mise-en-scène can refer simply to one's environment or milieu, as in “we spent our vacation enjoying the mise-en-scène of the Tuscan countryside.”

Comedian Paul Farahvar (former host of Singles Only) talks to other night owls on the new podcast WHY ARE YOU AWAKE. This week: Comedian Sohrab Forouzesh Follow him on IG @sohrabisbrown Review and Subscribe today! Watch MY new special "Middlewestern, Middle Eastern" on @HeliumComedyStudios Follow Paul Farahvar everywhere!!! http://www.paulfcomedy.com / paulfcomedy / paulfarahvar Chicago based Farahvar delights audiences with his unique, quick witted dry humor, centered on being an aging bachelor and former litigator. After becoming a staple on the Chicago Comedy Scene for years at his home club Laugh Factory, he began touring in 2016, first as a feature for headliners like Demetri Martin and Gary Gulman, and later as a headliner. With no manager or agent, he managed to build a following in multiple cities, even selling out rooms in Chicago, Denver, Milwaukee, Scottsdale and Tampa in the last year. He was runner up in the Chicago Reader for Best Stand up Comedian in 2021 and was voted "Top 40 Up and Coming Comedians" in 2017. Prior to being a comedian, Farahvar was a trial litigator, earning the "Top 40 under 40" honor among judges and peers in Illinois. He hosted the award winning Podcast SINGLES ONLY! (SXSW 2020, Best Podcast 2021 (Chicago Reader) and was a regular guest host on WGN Radio. He played "Karam Haddad" on NBC's "Chicago Med" in 2017 and his Dry Bar special dropped in April, 2023. His new special was filmed at Helium in Philadelphia in September and dropped April 26th, 2024. popularmmos markiplier #Comedy #StandUp #funnyvids #funnyclips #comedyvideos #vines #clipoftheday #crowdwork #comediansofyoutube

Comedian Paul Farahvar (former host of Singles Only) talks to other night owls on the new podcast WHY ARE YOU AWAKE. This week: Comedian Josh Ocean Thomas Follow him at @joshoceanthomas Review and Subscribe today! Watch MY new special "Middlewestern, Middle Eastern" on @HeliumComedyStudios Follow Paul Farahvar everywhere!!! http://www.paulfcomedy.com / paulfcomedy / paulfarahvar Chicago based Farahvar delights audiences with his unique, quick witted dry humor, centered on being an aging bachelor and former litigator. After becoming a staple on the Chicago Comedy Scene for years at his home club Laugh Factory, he began touring in 2016, first as a feature for headliners like Demetri Martin and Gary Gulman, and later as a headliner. With no manager or agent, he managed to build a following in multiple cities, even selling out rooms in Chicago, Denver, Milwaukee, Scottsdale and Tampa in the last year. He was runner up in the Chicago Reader for Best Stand up Comedian in 2021 and was voted "Top 40 Up and Coming Comedians" in 2017. Prior to being a comedian, Farahvar was a trial litigator, earning the "Top 40 under 40" honor among judges and peers in Illinois. He hosted the award winning Podcast SINGLES ONLY! (SXSW 2020, Best Podcast 2021 (Chicago Reader) and was a regular guest host on WGN Radio. He played "Karam Haddad" on NBC's "Chicago Med" in 2017 and his Dry Bar special dropped in April, 2023. His new special was filmed at Helium in Philadelphia in September and dropped April 26th, 2024. popularmmos markiplier #Comedy #StandUp #funnyvids #funnyclips #comedyvideos #vines #clipoftheday #crowdwork #comediansofyoutube