CHIRP Radio Founder/General Manager Shawn Campbell joins for this episode to talk about CHIRP’s growth, mission and approach. If you haven’t yet had the chance to listen, CHIRP (chirpradio.org) is a totally independent, hyperlocal, “non-comm” station run by volunteers. It’s true to the spirit (and perhaps the promise) of radio, and runs live 24/7 f…

Practically four years since the last time we chatted (over Zoom in COVID days), ¾ of 8-bit crEEps met me in the parking lot of Cobra Lounge. We talked about the band in advance of their opening slot for Ultimate Fakebook and Hembree at Cobra on Saturday 9/17. While we talked, we also enjoyed delicious macarons from Offbeat Macarons. Band drummer R…

Pravda Records celebrates 40 years of independent music with PRAVDAFEST at Fitzgerald’s in Berwyn (6615 Roosevelt) on August 31. The all-day event spans three stages and includes performances from: Nathan Graham, Steve Dawson, Diplomats of Solid Sound, The Handcuffs, Ivan Julian with Nick Tremulis, Chris Greene Quartet, Sunshine Boys, The Service, …

Mac Sabbath, fast food-themed Black Sabbath cover band, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The band returns to Chicago for a show at Reggie’s on August 28. Since the characters of Mac Sabbath exist under a cloak of anonymity, I’m joined by band manager Mike Odd for a conversation about one of the most insane band concepts I’ve ever seen. Se…

Roots/Americana/garage rock band Shukin and the Ramblers (actually, Matt Shukin and one Rambler, Rob) join me for Italian beef at Pop’s in Lyons. We talk about the debut EP, No Canteen, and then Shukin and Rob play two acoustic songs in the car: “No Canteen” and “The Water." See Shukin and the Ramblers at Widows Harvest in Plano next month! It’s on…

What is the state of the music industry in 2024? I know I can’t answer that one, so I invited old friend Tom Schmall to talk about it. Tom’s a Promotion, Marketing, and Artist Development Specialist for Red Light Management. In previous roles, he led promotion and marketing for record companies like Interscope and Maverick, and cut his teeth on ind…

Mike Pallen of award-winning Mikerphone Brewing (121 Garlisch Dr, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007) returns to Car Con Carne. Moments before Mikerphone’s senses-shattering burger throwdown between Biker Dude Burgers (Darrin Klapprodt) and Chicago Culinary Kitchen (Greg Gaardbo), Mike jumped in the car to talk craft brewing trends, Mikerphone’s history a…

Coming July 27: 12th annual Homegrown Arts and Music Festival 2024 Live from BaseCamp at Four Lakes - Lisle IL 20 Bands. 15 Acoustic Artists. 12 Art Vendors. Aaron Williams (Homegrown Founder/Promoter) returns to the show to preview this year’s event. Joining him are two new-to-Car Con Carne guests: Michael (“Iggy”) from the Citrosonics and Arreis!…

Remember DC’s “World’s Finest” comics, where Superman would join forces with Batman? Or Marvel’s “Marvel Team-Up,” where Spider-Man would be paired with a new hero every month? That’s kinda like what this episode is all about. This episode’s content is done as a collaboration with “Barguments” podcast host Dan Levy (and will also be found on the Ba…

This week, Features contributor Connor Broderick speaks with Chicago-based vocalist, guitarist, composer, and poet Hannah Frances. They discuss her new album, Keeper Of The Shepherd, and the grief that shaped the creation of the album, the different chapters of her life informing her writing process, and the push and pull of being a solitary person…

Jack Russell of enduring rock band Great White gets the deep dive treatment in a new autobiography written by local author K.L. Doty, “The True Tale of Mista Bone: A Rock + Roll Narrative.” K.L. Doty joins me in Geneva to chat about the book as we enjoy award-winning food from FoxFire Restaurant in Geneva (17 West State Street). FoxFire’s the real …

Ravenswood on Tap comes to Ravenswood & Berteau on Chicago’s north side on July 20-21. “Malt Row” will be well-represented with a list of participants, including Begyle Brewing, Cultivate by Forbidden Root, Demo Brewing Company, Dovetail Brewery, Half Acre Beer Company, Hop Butcher For The World, Is/Was Brewing, KOVAL Distillery and Spiteful Brewin…

See Orleans, Peter Beckett (Player) and Walter Egan: Des Plaines Theatre on July 27! ## Orleans’ first album came out 51 years ago … and the band still exists in the present day. Orleans is joining forces with Peter Beckett (Player) and Walter Egan for a night of yacht rock awesomeness at the Des Plaines Theatre on July 27. Specific to Orleans, the…

I’m back in Tinley Park for a chat with Flipside Brewing owner Erik Pizer. As Flipside revs up its second anniversary plans, we chat about the business and beer while eating from Flipside’s menu (my order of smash burger and brussel sprouts was fantastic). Erik also walks us through the nuances of different popular beer styles, kinda like an ad hoc…

This week Features co-director Marjorie Alford talks with cartoonist Bianca Xunise about their graphic novel Punk Rock Karaoke. The two discuss the confusion of early adulthood, finding grace for the people you love, how a lack of representation in the media lead to Bianca filling that void for themself, and most importantly, punk rock. "I put so m…

wht.rbbt.obj performs and chats outside The Village Inn Pizzeria Sports Bar and Grill (8050 N. Lincoln in Skokie), bringing “femme fatale-fronted roadhouse raunch” to the Mazda 3. Frank, River, Mike and AC all crammed in the car for an acoustic performance of “Your Love’s a Crime” (off the just-released EP, Romeo Bravo Bravo Tango). See wht.rbbt.ob…

I last interviewed Devon Kay at Riot Fest 2021. Since then, Devon Kay & the Solutions have put out lots of music and done lots of things. This catch-up was long overdue. Unlike our Riot Fest chat, we’re joined this time by four of the Solutions. Remarkably, they all fit in the backseat of my Mazda (perhaps not comfortably, but they fit). While it’s…

Deanna Belos of Sincere Engineer returns for a backstage conversation from Q101’s PIQNIQ at the Taste of Randolph. Deanna’s one of the most authentic, enthusiastic and positive forces I’ve met in the scene, and that energy carries through to this chat. Deanna also breaks the news that two new acoustic songs are coming soon!Next stop for Sincere Eng…

Before Local H headlined the second night of Q101’s PIQNIQ at Taste of Randolph, Scott Lucas returned to Car Con Carne for a quick catch-up. Scott gives an update on the reissue of “Whatever Happened to P.J. Soles,” chats about the Lifers podcast and the Lifers movie (branding!), and discusses the strategy behind making a Local H setlist. And after…

This one was a delight to record. Alex Greenwald and Darren Robinson of the long-running California band Phantom Planet joined me backstage at Taste of Randolph to talk about their career, music and future. ## A smart home connects virtually all of the technology in your home. With an Easy Automation-installed smart home system, you and your family…

I caught up with Niko from Friko at Taste of Randolph, months after the release of “Where We’ve Been, Where We Go from Here,” and weeks before Friko takes the stage at Lollapalooza. ## A smart home connects virtually all of the technology in your home. With an Easy Automation-installed smart home system, you and your family can control nearly every…

Moments before doors opened on 2024’s Taste of Randolph, Julie Darling (West Loop Community Organization President) and Kelli Packer (West Loop Community Organization Spokesperson) jumped in the car to talk about the 27th Taste of Randolph, its vendors, the music acts and where that “suggested donation” at the gate goes to… Sampled during the conve…

The two sets of sisters comprising Neptune's Core are on a creative roll. Since I last spoke with them, they nailed down their live show and their music continues to take chances and go to interesting places. I can only imagine what they'll be capable of by the time they can all legally vote. Give this band your ears. Neptune’s Core has two new son…

Amy Sumpter is a stand up comedienne who has performed all over the Midwest. Her nephew once called her a Joke Star. You can also see her rapping with She's Crafty, Chicago's all-female Beastie Boy tribute band. The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first t…

Nestor “the Boss” Gomez was born in Guatemala and traveled to Chicago Undocumented in the mid 80’s. He told his first story at a Moth story slam to get over the stuttering that plagued his childhood, since then he has won more than 80 Moth Slams. Nestor has performed and conducted storytelling workshops in multiple locations around the country. He …

Erin Allen is an artist and communicator, driven by her curiosity about the stories of people. She hosts "The Rundown" podcast and Prisoncast at WBEZ, and she has produced audio and multimedia projects at stations and companies across the country, including WDET and Pizza Shark Productions. Erin has also produced several audio-based events, includi…

Carolyn Kassnoff is an illustrator who creates artwork under the name It'll Glow On You. She was the Chicago Public Library's Maker in Residence, and has studied almost every kind of art under the sun, including papercutting and neon sign bending. She is currently working on a Chicago music venue journal. She has about 200 close dog best friends, a…

Actor and Vocalist Andrew Sa has earned the title of Chicago's premiere queer country crooner. Sa's career has always been rooted in songwriting that highlights his easy and elegant voice, but when he met mentor and pioneer Patrick Hagerty of Lavender Country, “Lonesome Andrew” was born. Diving headfirst into the catalogs of Elvis Presley, Roy Orbi…

Patrick Hicks is a storyteller, digital creator, podcaster, and dad based in Chicago. His mini music documentaries on TikTok have gotten him 450,000+ followers and millions of views. He also hosts a music history podcast called Good Measure with Patrick Hicks. He has worked with and created content for major record labels, publishers, music festiva…

Blake Smith of beloved Chicago alt rock band Fig Dish joins me in my backyard for grilled brats and beer, which is what one consumes when making a big announcement. The big announcement? *Fig Dish returns with first new music in over 27 years. *The new album, Feels Like the Very First Two Times, releases on 9/6/24 on Forge Again. Preorders availabl…

This episode finds me outside El Vado in McHenry (929 Front St.) for a chat over tacos with Americana singer-songwriter Karen Shook. As I mentioned early in the interview, her sound is more “Nashville” than “McHenry” (though what, really, is a McHenry sound?). I enjoyed my chat with her, and hope you’ll visit her website (karenshook.com) to learn m…

Cinephile Stephanie Sack returns to preview cool screenings at local independent theaters. Discussed in this episode: -“Go Go Godzilla,” a Godzila marathon at the venerable Music Box Theatre -Chinatown - 50th anniversary screening at the Pickwick (Park Ridge) -Hollywood 90028 at Alamo Drafthouse -Modern Horror Retro Vibes Double Feature of Pearl an…

The third MS fundraiser is happening on June 29 at Bottom Lounge. Returning guest/longtime friend Stubhy Pandav (Lucky Boys Confusion, Super Happy Fun Club, Shock Stars, etc.) joins me to talk about the event, as well as living with MS. Joining him in the conversation are MS Sucks team members Dan Volz and Lizz Lukes. And because Stubhy and I have …

Ravinia’s Senior Artistic Producer, Erik Soderstrom, joins me for a conversation about the 2024 summer season line-up. See you at Elvis Costello/Daryl Hall, Violent Femmes and more! Tickets for the The 2024 Ravinia Festival Summer Schedule are on sale. Don't miss your chance to see The Beach Boys, Elvis Costello, ZZ Top and more under the stars thi…

This week, Features contributor Michal Gliszewski speaks with Jake Hennessy (drums), Matt Coglianese (bass), and Derek Dare (guitar and vocals) of Chicago based soulful-psychedelic group Zoofunkyou. They talk about the band's ten year history, keeping things fresh over the years by reworking old songs with new members, learning to write collaborati…

Monster Dogs Morning Monster Cafe with Steve Silver (Episode 958) They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I agree, especially if hot dogs are involved. Steve Silver, Chicago's legendary lover, fighter, doorman, and raconteur, joined me at the Morning Monster Cafe (Monster Dogs food truck) outside Cobra Lounge (235 N. Ashland)…

The second Weekend Run Club album, “Liminal Space Race,” finds the band hitting its stride and frontman Mitchell Kinn cementing his metaphorical and lyrical voice. Mitchell and Xack (bass) join me for pizza slices from Lobo in Logan Square, and we talk about all the coming of age issues and trauma that fuel Mitchell’s art (and therapy sessions, as …

This episode finds me at Mirella’s Tavern (2056 W. Division), where I chatted with chef/owner “Angry” Chef Jose and restaurant social media director Callie Ezell. I ate Chef’s MASSIVE, award-winning, burger: Double five ounces patties, gem lettuce, heirloom tomatoes, caramelized onions, chef aioli, secret cheese on a brioche bun. It’s truly delicio…

Irish American Heritage Center (4626 N. Knox) celebrates Irish and Irish American culture through events, music, theater, literature, and language. It’s truly one of the city’s hidden treasures, which is why I’m thrilled to spotlight what they do in this episode. Home to Fifth Province Pub, Mayfair Theatre and plenty of meeting and event spaces, th…

(Disclaimer: We're not in the car for this one, which allowed for the consumption of beer/spirits.) Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn't stop to think if they should Cicada-infused Malört is a real thing, and it’s being served at Noon Whistle’s Lombard Brewpub (800 E. Roosevelt). I sat down with Marketing Directo…

This week, Features contributor Daniel Edelstein speaks with Chicago-based pianist, producer, and teacher, Cesar Pino aka C3zr. They discuss his most recent full-length release, Round Voyage, the joy of connecting and collaborating with fellow artists, the jazz lounge, Opus, that he runs with his father and mentor, and his beloved keytar. "That's t…

Pop punk/skate punk band After the Fight is back after a period of relative quiet. They’ll be releasing a new song (“Age of Distraction”) on 5/24/24, the same day as their first show in four years, at Montrose Saloon (also appearing: Medicine Hat, the Fomites and 13 Monsters). Josh, Steve and Tim of After the Fight join me for delicious hot dogs fr…

This week, Features Co-Director Marjorie Alford speaks with musical director Laura Hall. They discuss her 20+ year career in music, her friendship with Lisa McQueen that lead to the creation of the Phony Award Winning musical series, last year's run of improvised Little Shop of Horrors, her 20 seasons on Whose Line Is It Anyway?, and the creation o…

Returning favorites Take the Reins jumped in the car before headlining Punk Rock Tacos at Cemitas Poblanas in Villa Park on May 10, 2024. In addition to catching up on all the things that have been happening with the band since we last chatted in 2023, the band debuted an acoustic version of a new, as-yet unheard, song called “Dead Leaves.” Car Con…

Jamie and Deb of Leo Graphics Chicago (4200 W. Diversey) join me for conversation and food from the remarkable Hermosa Restaurant (4356 W. Armitage). We’re joined by Hermosa Restaurant owner/visionary Ethan Lim. Ethan has built up Hermosa on his own terms, and his warmth and authenticity are present inside the space and in every bite he prepares. A…