Best Friends Of The Chicago River Podcasts (2024)

1
Dean Zelinsky - founder of Dean Guitars and Dean Zelinsky Private Label Guitars 1:27:35

15d ago1:27:35

1:27:35

We are excited to have Dean Zelinsky on the show. While still in his teens, Dean founded his first guitar company, Dean Guitars, starting it from scratch. He talks to us about how a couple of trips to the Gibson factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan inspired his dream. After setting up his first factory in Evanston, Illinois, Dean went on to build iconic …

1
Taylor Hales of Electrical Audio 1:07:07

2M ago1:07:07

1:07:07

Taylor Hales is the studio manager and recording & mixing engineer at the world-famous Electrical Audio recording studio. He also fills a bunch of other roles at the studio. We talked with Taylor about how he got his start in music and his internship at Electrical Audio. He filled us in on the inner workings at the studio. And he shared many storie…

1
After Hours with Brandon Lewis of Punkerton Records 44:44

2M ago44:44

44:44

Brandon Lewis of Punkerton Records joins us for the latest After Hours episode. Brandon's record label is out of Ohio and supports a number of awesome punk rock bands. It's a labor of love for him and he works hard to provide full support to his bands - from recording, to artwork, to tour bookings and more. Four Punkerton Records bands will be play…

1
Stacey Dee of Bad Cop / Bad Cop 1:02:19

3M ago1:02:19

1:02:19

Stacey Dee is a singer and guitar player in the California punk band Bad Cop / Bad Cop. She's also known affectionately as Stacy Fucking Dee because, well, she's a badass! She's been playing in punk bands for a while now and Bad Cop / Bad Cop is one of the best. They've already put out 3 great LP's - Not Sorry, Warriors and The Ride - and they've g…

1
Jon Snodgrass of Armchair Martian, Drag The River, Scorpios and many friends & buddies 1:17:12

4M ago1:17:12

1:17:12

Jon Snodgrass has a unique way of looking at life. He joins us on this episode and we talk about his philosophy about music, money, baseball and so much more. Jon has a lot of friends and sometimes has them play on his records - like Frank Turner. And Jon has a new record out, barge at will with Bill Stevenson (Descendents) on drums & bass. We also…

1
Rick Sims - lead singer & guitarist for Didjits 1:12:18

4M ago1:12:18

1:12:18

Growing up in Mattoon, IL, Rick Sims (guitar, vocals) spent his early years drinking beer, smoking dope and practicing in the chicken shed in Sullivan, IL with his brother Brad (drums). Joined by Doug Evans (bass), they put together some crazy-ass music and the Didjits were born! From 1986 thru 1993, they put out five great records, including Hey J…

1
Sean O'Keefe - producer, engineer, mixer & drummer 1:11:01

5M ago1:11:01

1:11:01

Sean O'Keefe joins us for episode number 42. Growing up in Wilmette, IL, Sean dropped out of Columbia College in Chicago to record his friends' bands. We talk about how he came to produce Take This To Your Grave for his friends, Fall Out Boy. We discuss what's involve in producing, engineering and mixing a record. Sean has also worked with a ton of…

1
Jason Narducy of Split Single, Verbow, Verboten & more 1:06:33

6M ago1:06:33

1:06:33

Jason Narducy has carved out quite a career for himself in music. His first band, Verboten (which he began as a pre-teen), was influential in getting Dave Grohl in started music. Subsequently he formed the acoustic duo Jason & Alison, Verbow, Rockets Over Sweden and his current project, Split Single. He's also played with or toured with the likes o…

1
Ken Draznik and Jimmy Wald from The Vertebrats & The Surly Bells 1:08:17

7M ago1:08:17

1:08:17

Welcome to 2024 and our 40th episode everyone! We're so happy to be talking with Ken Draznik and James Wald from one of our favorite bands of all-time, The Vertebrats from Champaign, IL. We talk about how these guys got together with Matt Brandabur and Roy Axford and helped create a vibrant DIY music scene in Champaign-Urbana. We also talk about ho…

1
After Hours -- fForest Fest with Stacey & Erik Olson 36:40

7M ago36:40

36:40

Did you ever wish you had your own music festival? Well, our friends Stacey & Erik Olson are living the dream! In 2022 they put together the first fForest Fest in Morris, Illinois with a few of their favorite punk/folk/Celtic bands. We talked with them about what it takes to run a festival, what makes fForest Fest different and what plans they have…

1
Bruce Finkelman of 16 on Center, The Empty Bottle, The Salt Shed, Thalia Hall and so much more! 55:21

8M ago55:21

55:21

Bruce Finkelman decided on a late night drive down Western Avenue to open his iconic Chicago music club, The Empty Bottle. So he took the $942 he had in savings and made the plunge. Thirty years later, he's transformed that into the hospitality collective, 16 on Center, which includes a host of music venues and restaurants. Thalia Hall, SPACE, The …

1
After Hours with Jenn Sodini and Shawn Campbell of CHIRP radio & The First Time 35:52

8M ago35:52

35:52

In our latest episode of No Wristbands! After Hours, we got a chance to talk with two of our favorite people over at CHIRP radio - Jenn Sodini and Shawn Campbell. Jenn is the host of the fantastic CHIRP in-person storytelling and music event, The First Time. We chatted with Shawn and Jenn about what's involved in putting together that quarterly sho…

1
Barely Civil with Connor, Isaac and Alex 1:01:17

9M ago1:01:17

1:01:17

Milwaukee emo band Barely Civil joins us for No Wristbands! episode 36. Connor Erickson (vocals, guitar), Isaac Marquardt (drums) and Alex Larsen (lead guitar) share their thoughts on their great new single "Coasting Mostly", making new music, surviving the pandemic, the Milwaukee music scene and, of course, a few Chicago questions. Enjoy!! Time st…

1
Kenn Goodman of Pravda Records, The Service, The Imperial Sound and more. 1:05:07

10M ago1:05:07

1:05:07

Kenn Goodman joins us to talk about the long history of Pravda Records. 2024 will be the 40th anniversary of Pravda and Kenn explains how it got this far. We also talk about his musical history and, of course, we chat about all things Chicago. Time stamps: 2: When did you start playing music? 6:11: You were sneaking into shows as a fake Rolling Sto…

1
Frank Turner 52:23

11M ago52:23

52:23

We are so damned excited to have Frank Turner join us for this one. We talk about his upcoming visit to Chicago to play Riot Fest, his opening gig for Bruce Springsteen, his thoughts on songwriters Jeff Tweedy, Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, his Lost Evenings festival in Anaheim, CA, his favorite Chicago music venue, his relentless touring and much m…

1
Deanna Belos of Sincere Engineer 56:21

12M ago56:21

56:21

Deanna Belos joins us to talk about her great Chicago punk band Sincere Engineer. Deanna is the songwriter, singer and guitarist in the band and began putting out records in 2017 with the album Rhombithian. Along with bandmates Kyle Geib (guitar), Nick Arvanitis (bass) and Adam Beck (drums), Sincere Engineer released Bless My Psyche in 2021 and the…

1
Leor Galil - senior staff writer for the Chicago Reader 1:13:56

1y ago1:13:56

1:13:56

Leor Galil is a senior staff writer for the Chicago Reader and has written there for a dozen years. His work as a freelance culture and music journalist has appeared in numerous publications, including Pitchfork, Rolling Stone.com, The Washington Post, Forbes.com and many others. We had a great time talking with Leor about what it's like being a jo…

1
Beverly Rage from Bev Rage & the Drinks 1:02:12

1y ago1:02:12

1:02:12

We're very excited that we got the opportunity to talk with Beverly Rage (vocals/guitar) from queer garage-pop band Bev Rage & the Drinks for episode 31. We talk about Bev's musical journey from Canton, Ohio to Chicago, what it's like playing original music in drag and the challenges presented by today's political environment. We also cover Bev's f…

1
OK Cool join us After Hours to talk about Fawn 38:06

1y ago38:06

38:06

Bridget Stiebris and Haley Blomquist from OK Cool are back with us After Hours to discuss their new ep Fawn. We go track by track and also talk about what they got coming up on tour. Time stamps: 3:15: Let's talk about fawn, track by track breakdown 3:45: Track 1: 333 6:10: What are the themes you are laying out in 333? 8: Track 2 normal c - When y…

1
Brian Case from FACS & Disappears 1:00:56

1y ago1:00:56

1:00:56

We had a great time talking with long-time Chicago musician Brian Case for episode 29. We talk about his musical history with 90 Day Men, The Ponys and Disappears. And we get into detail with his current band FACS and their new record Still Life In Decay. We also talk about record labels, touring and his son's band Lifeguard. And, as usual, all thi…

1
Glenn Kotche from Wilco 1:10:45

1+ y ago1:10:45

1:10:45

We are beyond excited to have Glenn Kotche on the show for episode 28. It's a dream come true (although Glenn said we have to have bigger dreams than that!). We talk about how he got started as a drummer, his early career, meeting Jim O'Rourke, playing in Loose Fur, joining Wilco, his solo projects and a whole lot more. Of course, we also talk abou…

1
Bridget Stiebris and Haley Blomquist of OK Cool 55:42

1+ y ago55:42

55:42

Haley Blomquist and Bridget Stiebris from local Chicago band OK Cool join us for episode #27. We talk about how they got together to form a band, what their songwriting and creative process looks like and what we can expect from their new ep Fawn. Of course, we also ask them about their favorite Chicago things! Time Stamps: 2: Hello, we are joined …

1
Bruce Adams - co-founder of kranky records and author of You're with Stupid 1:24:14

1+ y ago1:24:14

1:24:14

Bruce Adams joins us for episode # 26. He co-founded kranky records and recently authored a wonderful book, You're with Stupid: kranky, Chicago, and the Reinvention of Indie Music. We talk about Bruce's early history working at Kaleidoscope, Touch and Go and Cargo Records. We also cover his history with kranky records and then talk about how he cam…

1
Bill Roe of Trouble In Mind Records 52:02

1+ y ago52:02

52:02

Bill Roe of Trouble In Mind Records joins us for episode #25. Bill and his spouse Lisa played together in the garage band CoCoComa and in 2009 they started releasing records on their Trouble In Mind label. They are still busy putting out great stuff today. Bill shares with us what it's like to run a record label, what music he's listening to and, o…

1
Dan Ozzi music writer and author of Sellout & co-author of Tranny 1:09:33

1+ y ago1:09:33

1:09:33

Dan Ozzi - author of the national bestseller SELLOUT - The Major-Label Feeding Frenzy That Swept Punk, Emo, and Hardcore 1994-2007 - is our guest for episode #24. He also co-authored (with Laura Jane Grace) TRANNY - Confessions of Punk Rock's Most Infamous Anarchist Sellout. He joined us to talk about those books, how he got started as a music writ…

1
John Rossiter of Young Jesus 1:02:41

1+ y ago1:02:41

1:02:41

John Rossiter joins us to talk about his latest release Shepherd Head, as well as his 2020 record Welcome to Conceptual Beach. We discussed his songwriter process and how his music has evolved. And, of course, we talked about all things Chicago, including his upcoming show at the Empty Bottle. Time stamps: 2:15: How long did the album take to come …

1
Nature Inspires Art 44:20

1+ y ago44:20

44:20

In this episode of Inside, Out & About we explore the confluence of nature and art with acclaimed artist Ben Miller and Friends of the Chicago River Executive Director Margaret Frisbie. Miller works in a unique painting style with a rod and reel in a process he calls "fly cast painting." In the spring of 2022 Friends of the Chicago River hosted Mil…

1
Peter Gill from 2nd Grade and Friendship 59:21

2y ago59:21

59:21

Peter Gill, leader of the band 2nd Grade and guitar player in the band Friendship, joins us to talk about his music history, his songwriting and more. And, of course, we talk about his favorite things about Chicago. Time Stamps: 2:30: How easily did Easy Listening come together for you? 3:50: At what point did you decide you wanted to be a musician…

1
Bob Mehr author of Trouble Boys: The True Story of The Replacements 1:13:14

2y ago1:13:14

1:13:14

Journalist/author Bob Mehr joins us to talk about our favorite rock book, Trouble Boys. He shares stories about The Replacements and what it took to write the book. He also tells about writing the liner notes for the new Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 20th anniversary release. And, of course, we chat with the former Chicago Reader critic about what he likes …

1
After Hours with Andy Weber from Smashed Plastic 29:00

2y ago29:00

29:00

In our inaugural episode of No Wristbands! After Hours, Andy Weber updates us on all the cool things that are happening at Smashed Plastic. We talk about the latest developments in the vinyl business, their new partnership with Jeff Tweedy and the upcoming music fest - Smashed Plastic Live Vol. 1 on October 1st, 2022. Time Stamps: 1:53: Where are w…

1
Johnny Marriott from Pet Needs 1:05:29

2y ago1:05:29

1:05:29

Johnny Marriott from the UK punk band Pet Needs shares some great stories about their recent extended US tour with Frank Turner and The Bronx. We also talk about their 2021 album Fractured Party Music and their upcoming new one Primetime Entertainment. He also reveals his favorite Chicago pizza. We had a lot of fun with this one! Time stamps: 1:35:…

1
Ben Quad - with Sam Wegrzynski, Henry Shields & Edgar Viverous 54:43

2y ago54:43

54:43

Sam Wegrzynski (vocals, guitar), Henry Shields (bass, vocals) and Edgar Viverous (lead guitar) of Ben Quard joins us to discuss what it's like to be a band in Oklahoma City. We talk about their new record, I'm Scared That's All There Is, how they were received on their recent tour, what's next and what they'd like to do when they come to Chicago. E…

1
Tony Assimos - owner of Tone Deaf Records in Chicago 57:52

2y ago57:52

57:52

Tony Assimos knows what it takes to run an independent record store. He opened Tone Deaf Records in the Portage Park neighborhood of Chicago in 2019. He talks about the good times and the challenges, including navigating COVID with a new business. And, of course, he tells us what he loves about Chicago. Enjoy! Time stamps: 1:26: We are here with To…

1
Jon Ginoli of Pansy Division and The Outnumbered 1:03:54

2y ago1:03:54

1:03:54

Really stoked to get the opportunity to sit down with Jon Ginoli to discuss his musical journey from his jangly power pop band The Outnumbered in Champaign, IL to his openly gay punk rock band Pansy Division in San Francisco. We talked about touring with Green Day, what Jon's musical future looks like and, of course, some of his favorite memories o…

1
Snow Ellet - Chicago's suburban indie rock star talks about glory days! 58:19

2y ago58:19

58:19

Snow Ellet woke up one day to find that Pitchfork had given his 2021 ep suburban indie rock star a fabulous 7.1 rating. We talk about how he made that record, the impact of the Pitchfork review and his new ep Glory Days. And of course, our usual Chicago questions. Check him out on Spotify and we hope you enjoy this one. Time stamps: 1:33: We are jo…

1
Hugo Reyes - Chicago writer, podcaster & music fan 1:00:32

2y ago1:00:32

1:00:32

Hugo Reyes has spent that last 10 or 15 year listening to music and going to shows in Chicago. He's also been writing in-depth articles about the emo, punk and hardcore scenes for places like The Alternative (@GetAlternative), Twitter (@hvreyes5) and his Medium page (hugoreyes-36858.medium.com). You can also catch him on the podcast "Watch Me Pod".…

1
STORY 12: The Beauty of Dark Sky Places 27:51

2y ago27:51

27:51

In this episode we speak with Ashley Wislon the director of conservation for the International Dark Sky Association (IDA). In 2021, the IDA named Forest Preserves of Cook County’s Palos Preserves, in partnership with the Adler Planetarium, as the largest Urban Night Sky Place in the world. The Palos Preserves is part of the largest area of protecte…

1
Hannah D'Amato and Alex Post from Fake Fruit 55:57

2+ y ago55:57

55:57

We got the chance to track down Fake Fruit at their recent shows at South By Southwest in Austin earlier this year. And from there, we convinced Hannah D'Amato (vocals & guitar) and Alex Post (guitar) to join us on the show. We talk about their self-titled Fake Fruit debut album, being on the road and, of course, visiting Chicago. Check them out at…

1
Katie Tuten (The Hideout) and Jennifer Estlin (Annoyance Theatre) 1:00:34

2+ y ago1:00:34

1:00:34

We've been working really hard to make this one happen! Katie Tuten from The Hideout and Jennifer Estlin from Annoyance Theatre join us to discuss what it's like to own and run their historic venues in Chicago. They also get into detail about how CIVL (the Chicago Independent Venue League) was formed and how it helped all our treasured community ve…

1
Donnie Biggins & Golden Dagger 1:18:21

2+ y ago1:18:21

1:18:21

Donnie Biggins wants to book your band. The owner of Chicago music venue Golden Dagger has a lot of experience - he's done it at places like Subterranean, Lincoln Hall, Tonic Room and Fitzgerald's. And he'd also love to have you stop in to his Lincoln Park location to hang out and talk and have a coffee. We talk about all that, plus being sober, pl…

1
An Opportunity for Water in Cities 40:13

2+ y ago40:13

40:13

In this episode of Inside, Out & About we are joined by Mary Pat McGuire, associate professor of landscape architecture at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and director of Water Lab. McGuire talks about the relationship between water and pavement, and the vital need to rethink our overreliance on impervious paved surfaces. She details…

1
Jimmy Tomasello and the Old Town School of Folk Music 59:37

2+ y ago59:37

59:37

No Wristbands! goes to Amsterdam to talk with guitar slinger / teacher mellow fellow Jimmy Tomasello. Jimmy T. recently retired from the Old Town School of Folk Music and he takes the time to tell us what makes the Old Town such a Chicago treasure. From his early days working at the music store, teaching scores of students to play guitar, expanding…

1
Julia Steiner of Ratboys 1:22:23

2+ y ago1:22:23

1:22:23

Very excited to welcome Julia Steiner of Chicago’s very own Ratboys to the show. We talk about the origin of the band in South Bend, Indiana and the evolution in Chicago. Making music, the 10th anniversary of Happy Birthday, Ratboys and so much more. And of course, we discuss the things she loves about Chicago! Time Stamps: 2: We are here with Juli…

1
Episode 10 Inspiring Leaders and Ideas 22:26

2+ y ago22:26

22:26

Our Inside, Out & About series is expanding in its second year to feature people whose work inspires action and advocacy for the natural world; advancing ideas and strategies of how we can all work together to and improve and protect the river system for people, plants, and animals. The featured guests on the first episode of this year’s series are…

1
Spencer Tweedy - Case Oats, Tweedy band & so much more! 1:04:31

2+ y ago1:04:31

1:04:31

Spencer Tweedy joins us to talk about all the cool stuff he has been doing. Finishing up the new Case Oats record with Casey Walker. How he put together the Mirror Sound book project. Playing drums after school with Dad. Learning drums from Glenn Kotche. Playing with Norah Jones and Mavis Staples. Starring in The Tweedy Show. And so much more! Plus…

1
Kip Berman of The Natvral and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart 1:29:50

2+ y ago1:29:50

1:29:50

Kip Berman joins us from the fine state of New Jersey to discuss his time spent leading indie faves The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, as well as his new gig as The Natvral and the new record Tethers. Along the way he explains his love for the Green Bay Packers and classic uniforms - plus his favorite things about Chicago. Time Stamps: 1:40: Hi Kip!…

1
Students learn from the Chicago River 25:16

2+ y ago25:16

25:16

Solorio Academy High School chemistry and environmental science teacher Greta Kringle - the 2019 recipient of our Educator of the Year award - successfully uses the Chicago River as a teaching tool to help her students learn science develop a sense of stewardship for the river and its wildlife. In this episode, Kringle discusses her passion for tea…

1
Mark Greenberg - The Wilco Loft, The Coctails & more 1:08:47

2+ y ago1:08:47

1:08:47

Mark Greenberg is a legit nice guy. And that has helped him to live a really cool life in the Chicago music community. We talk about his early days in Chicago with The Coctails, his experience working at the legendary Lounge Ax, playing in Eleventh Dream Day, his dream job as manager at the Wilco Loft and so much more. Time Stamps: 1:20: Welcome Ma…

1
Crooked Creek, A Flowing Beauty 35:49

2+ y ago35:49

35:49

Traversing through the Palos Preserves of southwest Cook County, Illinois – the largest concentration of preserved land in the Forest Preserves of the county– is beautiful Crooked Creek. A winding tributary to the Cal-Sag Channel, which is a part of the Chicago River system, Crooked Creek and the surrounding land are fertile habitat for dragonflies…

1
Dylan Slocum of Spanish Love Songs 1:15:01

3y ago1:15:01

1:15:01

Dylan Slocum, singer, guitarist, songwriter from Spanish Love Songs, joins us to talk about how the band has survived and evolved thru the last 20 months during a global pandemic. We talk about cancelling a tour, surviving a derecho in Iowa, starting a Patreon group, moving to Nashville, working on a new record, what he loves about Chicago and fina…

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