Best Wlup Podcasts (2025)

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Oops! All talking #3: "I think something's growing in your brain." 18:59

Play Pause

18h ago18:59

18:59

What'd you like? Send us a text. The guys are taking a break so they’re sending along a few “best of” talkie bits from previous shows for your enjoyment. Walt tells us about his “meat detective” dream. Then they remember the musical they did (or didn’t do) based on their cable TV show. Or not. It’s fuzzy. It might’ve happened. Probably not.…

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Iconic guitarist Kid Congo Powers (Cramps, Nick Cave, Gun Club) talks storied career (Episode 1076) 30:35

3d ago30:35

30:35

Kid Congo Powers is an iconic punk guitarist, wildly inventive solo artist, author, and storyteller. His resume includes legendary runs playing guitar in Gun Club, the Cramps and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. He’s also been doing his own thing for decades, most notably with Kid Congo and the Pink Monkey Birds. He’s a prolific recording artist whose …

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Oops! All talking #2: "Jesus was the original Long John Silver." 17:00

2h ago17:00

17:00

What'd you like? Send us a text. Okay, we seriously needed a break so we’re dropping a “best of” from the archives--- That time we uncovered the truth behind Amelia Earhart’s disappearance and how there was someone with her on the plane! That time we did a show with a young Andy Dick. And then a church on TV calls their viewers “shut-ins.”…

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Gina Barcal is ‘Midwest ‘til the End’ (Episode 1074) 28:34

9d ago28:34

28:34

“I could barely stop from grinnin’, and I’m sorry, Jesus, but tonight I’m sinnin’” Gina Barcal has moved away from her punk and indie roots (Venom Lords, Pillowmints, etc.) to create a solo EP of authentic, no-kidding, Americana songs. “Midwest ‘til the End” comes out on November 7, followed by a show at Fitzgeralds Sidebar on November 8. Well befo…

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Never mind the existential dread, here’s Alexis Plaen (Episode 1073) 34:17

14d ago34:17

34:17

Alexis Plaen releases her sharp, conceptual, and beautifully constructed pop debut, “Enjoy the Void,” on 10/10/25. In advance of that, she joined me for a conversation in Avondale that covered: *The pervasive album themes of existential dread and finding oneself *The devastating (and perhaps suspect) house fire that changed everything for her *The …

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Oops! All talking #1: “You don’t want a bent carrot following you.” 17:05

11d ago17:05

17:05

What'd you like? Send us a text. The Duck Logic guys are taking a much-needed break but didn’t wanna leave their loyal listeners hangin’, so here’s a little replay from the archives--- That time they talked about the pharma commercial with a cure for “crooked carrot” disease and Jim gettin’ lucky with a girl on the kitchen floor. Enjoy!…

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Broken Robots meet challenge of ‘The Great American Struggle’ (Episode 1072) 39:33

19d ago39:33

39:33

I’m out of the car for this one, joining Broken Robots (Kat, Tony, Elix, Anthony, Ari) in the band’s Logan Square home studio for a long overdue conversation. The chat lands days before the release (9/12) of what is arguably their finest moment, “The Great American Struggle.” We talk at length about the meaning and construction of the songs and how…

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Cinematic, avant garde, band Friend of a Friend eats tacos (Episode 1071) 26:48

21d ago26:48

26:48

Friend of a Friend is the brilliant and inventive musical group powered by Claire Molek and Jason Savsani. Their third album, “Desire!,” came out earlier this year, and it’s moody, atmospheric, at-times unnerving, and gorgeous. I love it. They joined me outside Tacos El Tio in Oak Park (1115 Lake Street) for a conversation about their history, “Des…

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174: "The traditional William Shatner film festival." 25:53

14d ago25:53

25:53

What'd you like? Send us a text. TALK: Living in an empty Hobby Lobby. A used pornography store. Betty Page. Elvis movies for the 21st century. And we question Jim’s “friendship” with the kids in his neighborhood. SKETCHES: Canadian Labor Day. Larry David meets Zendaya. Kenny has a bonfire. Our audio centerfold. And a newsman tells a joke. Plus a f…

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‘If NPR’s Tiny Desk grew up, got day-drunk, and moved to the South Side’ - Wonderlick (Episode 1070) 25:21

25d ago25:21

25:21

I’m joined for this episode by two guys who spent decades turning a smart, biting sense of humor into underground, DIY favorites as part of Too Much Joy, and later… Wonderlick. We talked during the pandemic about Too Much Joy in a standard COVID-era “Zoom” chat… and this time around, I met Tim Quirk and Jay Blumenfield in person. We met at the wond…

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173: "I fed a banana to a goose." 27:20

21d ago27:20

27:20

What'd you like? Send us a text. TALK: Crappy movie previews. “Poop coffee.” A zoo in Demark that’ll feed your pets to their lions. Farting at Veggie Fest. And Jim tells us about his best moment. SKETCHES: Not-so-monster trucks. Franz Kafta’s bucket list. A song about lawyers. And whale farts.By Duck Logic

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Busy Beaver celebrates 30 years of buttons (Episode 1068) 21:24

1M ago21:24

21:24

Busy Beaver Buttons & Merch is an independent business that’s built a lot of big ideas around a small thing…buttons. They’ve made a stunning 63 million buttons to date. Busy Beaver’s celebrating its 30th anniversary with a party at Color Club on Saturday, September 13: “Hot Dam! We’re 30!” will feature performances by Sharp Pins (GBV set), the Hent…

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Chicago food icon Steve Dolinsky previews Pizza City Fest reset (Episode 1067) 30:55

1M ago30:55

30:55

Steve Dolinsky is synonymous with food in Chicago. He’s won 13 James Beard Awards and I swear his face can be seen on the walls of every restaurant in the city, from dives to fine dining establishments. He’s been part of the media landscape …TV, radio, and podcasting… for over 30 years. He was the Hungry Hound on ABC, the Food Guy on NBC and now he…

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172: "There's no telling where my penis will end up." 27:02

1M ago27:02

27:02

What'd you like? Send us a text. TALK: Billy Jack, Kung Fu, Oddjob, Pale Rider, Buford Pusser. And Lollapalooza. SKETCHES: Pajamas. Dudes in college. A hairbrush that works underwater. Flying Bad Boys.By Duck Logic

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Comedian Kristen Toomey heads to Apple TV with new special (Episode 1066) 29:01

1M ago29:01

29:01

This interview was a long time in the making – four years, to be exact – and that gets explained early in the show. In short, I sent an SOS to the world, and comedian Kristen Toomey received it. We met in Bensenville (home of Victory Auto Wreckers!) for a fun, smart, sharp conversation covering the art and science of being a working comic today, wh…

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‘Americana with teeth’: Dave Suh and the Dirty Wings (Episode 1065) 36:45

1M ago36:45

36:45

After many years of profile roles in some excellent Chicago bands, Dave Suh is putting himself out there with his new project, Dave Suh & the Dirty Wings. The digital release of their album, “Set to Begin,” is set for August 12 and will be followed by a record release show at Montrose Saloon on August 15 (also playing: The Bon Mots, badcandy, & Cis…

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171: "That's exactly how roast beef sounds." 25:55

1M ago25:55

25:55

What'd you like? Send us a text. TALK: Our Last Supper musical. Ozzy’s funeral. Food touching. Chicago diners. Mohicans. And Billy Joel’s drinking, um, issues. SKETCHES: Side Tracker, a detective who can't stay on task. The elephant in the room. A pretty complete back-to-college sale. And unless business advice. Plus more!…

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Time Thieves steal my power-pop heart (Episode 1064) 28:08

2M ago28:08

28:08

Jonathan, Tim, and Mustafa of Time Thieves are my guests for a new episode recorded on the NW side of Chicago. We talk about the band’s power-pop leanings, emergence from much noisier bands, both 2025 EP releases (“If You Survive” / “Come Home”), gambling, concert etiquette, and Manowar. I enjoy these guys as musicians and people, and hope you have…

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170: "We were getting along but we changed our mind." 27:01

1M ago27:01

27:01

What'd you like? Send us a text. The guys talk about Walt’s new haircut. Ozzy, of course. Old geezer musical acts. Judgmental state fairs. And comedians lip-syncing jokes. THEN sketches: Limericks from Pipefitters Union 597. Mini memorabilia. And an audio art project.By Duck Logic

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169: "I had a music teacher named Mr. Fluff." 27:39

2M ago27:39

27:39

What'd you like? Send us a text. TALK: Shopping on the cheap. Defective foods. The passing of a stand-up we knew. Way too alternative bands. Roller rink tunes. And the tiny civilization that lives under a theater stage. SKETCHES: Tales from the last tollbooth attendant. A highly opinionated traveler. A filter for the dumb things you say at work. An…

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DIY post-punk band Staring Problem talks ‘Equinox’ (Episode 1063) 16:07

2M ago16:07

16:07

The wonderful DIY post punk band Staring Problem joins me to talk about their bewitching album, “Equinox” on this episode. I’m joined by Lauren Owen and Mike Erickson for the conversation, which covers topics ranging from MTV, long distance drummers, the joys of nature, and the perils of digital living. ## Looking to transform your home, office, or…

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168: "The ass-less chaps were a nice touch." 26:00

2M ago26:00

26:00

What'd you like? Send us a text. Talk: Jurassic Park sequels. The joy of scooterboards. The violence of The Honeymooners. Old TV war shows. Spinoff podcasts like: shirts vs. screwdrivers. Sketches: Disinterested theater productions. Incoherent political shows. Suburban bars. Questionable grocery stores. Realistic porn.…

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Lucky Boys Confusion announces opening act ‘live’ on CCC (Episode 1061) 48:21

2M ago48:21

48:21

Lucky Boys Confusion returns to the House of Blues on 11/15/25 for The Soapbox Spectacle Vinyl Release Show. As I type this, the show is pretty much sold out, meaning if you waited on tickets, you may kick yourself early on during the listening of this episode.Stubhy from Lucky Boys Confusion is back on the show to reveal LBC’s opening act - and th…

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‘4-night spree of suspense, sleaze, and stylish psychosis’ planned for Logan Theatre (Episode 1062) 15:45

2M ago15:45

15:45

GIALLO GELATO Logan Theatre 2646 N. Milwaukee A 50th Anniversary Giallo Celebration July 18-21 | 11 pm | The Logan Theatre | Chicago Four nights of killer Italian movies celebrating their 50th anniversary will be featured at Logan Theatre next weekend for “GIALLO GELATO,” a cinema event curated and hosted by Stephanie “La Gialloholique” Sack. GIALL…

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Smoking Popes: Song-by-Song through ‘Lovely Stuff’ (Episode 1060) 43:00

2M ago43:00

43:00

The Smoking Popes released the excellent “Lovely Stuff” a few months back, which was the perfect excuse to have frontman Josh Caterer return to the show for his 14th (!) time. With the new album top-of-mind, we go song-by song through all 10 songs. I loved having the opportunity to hear about the songwriting process and behind-the-scenes stories th…

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167: "They're like furries but with pigeons." 29:41

2M ago29:41

29:41

What'd you like? Send us a text. The guys talk about A.I. rock bands, A.I. commercials, and A.I. manifestos. Plus, crop dusting (the smelly kind), Jayne Mansfield, mac and cheese gummies, and Tim has mic trouble. Then sketches… Poetic tributes to Benny Hill, notes from Walter’s brain, summer bars, and ancient poop.…

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Flake Michigan performs in a parking lot (Episode 1059) 17:19

3M ago17:19

17:19

Flake Michigan is a self-described, five-person, “Midwest Indie Saxy band from Chicago.” I’m joined by Sergio, Laura, and Dave just days before “Flaketoberfest” at Chop Shop (July 10), where they’ll celebrate the one-year anniversary of their “Ottawa” album. We talk about how Flake Michigan started, their hyperlocal approach to songs, their collabo…

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166: "As long as the bat wears a teeny, tiny condom." 25:59

3M ago25:59

25:59

What'd you like? Send us a text. Insects in basements. Bats in toilets. Laser scopes. Really bad movies. Watching the neighbor’s TV. Then: the truth about the constitution, jacked up mid-summer sale prices, a fool’s errand. Plus, more.By Duck Logic

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Face to Face at Motoblot (Episode 1058) 18:03

3M ago18:03

18:03

Trever Keith of Face to Face joins me for an interview recorded inside Loud Pizza Records, located inside Salt Shed in Chicago. The interview happened during Motoblot weekend at Salt Shed, a day before Face to Face’s headlining set on the final night. We covered a lot of the band’s storied history, some ties to Chicago music icons, comic books, and…

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Live at Legit Dogs - Glory Days, Heligoats, Chad the Bird, badcandy, Eric Oren (Episode 1057) 1:10:51

3M ago1:10:51

1:10:51

Wrapping up a spectacular three-month run of live events at Legit Dogs + Ice, my guests for this special recording include Glory Days, Chris Otepka (Heligoats, Troubled Hubble), Chad the Bird, Alex Subak (badcandy) and comedian Eric Oren. Thanks to everyone at Legit Dogs for making these events and episodes happen - I had a lot of fun working on th…

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165: "Their poop is very nutritious." 28:44

3M ago28:44

28:44

What'd you like? Send us a text. The Duck Logic guys talk about worm farmers, competitive kite flying, grocery stores on wheels, and the children’s show Diver Dan. Then: rhetorical questions, mushy cigarettes, a needless health class film, and a must-have unless kitchen item.By Duck Logic

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Gird your loins: The new Daisychain album rips (Episode 1056) 27:07

3M ago27:07

27:07

Nickole Regala, Sophia Williams, and Frankie Sripada of the bluesy, psychedelic, raw and authentic, band Daisychain join me for a chat just days before their album release show (6/20) at Sleeping Village and a week in advance of the release of the new album, “All in a Name.” This one was recorded outside local treasure Reed’s Local in Avondale, and…

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164: "It's starting to look like a drug den." 27:15

3M ago27:15

27:15

What'd you like? Send us a text. This week, the conversation is about drug dens, how there used to be stereos, welding, shop class mishaps, Ferris Bueller and the joys of southern Illinois. Then: sketches about a sale on matzas and the Shroud of Turin. Pajamas. Well-read mountain folk. And a song about water.…

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Wrestling music, Night Spice and Flowers for Dorian: go-to drummer Marc Esses (Episode 1054) 31:00

3M ago31:00

31:00

This episode sees the return of drummer, Mark Esses, who's behind the kit for super-cool bands like Downstait, Night Spice and Flowers for Dorian. We met at El Vado, a Mexican restaurant in McHenry, and we chatted about: Balancing Multiple Projects: Besides being the drummer in a bunch of bands, Mark Esses also keeps busy as a D.J. We talk about ho…

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Taste of Randolph preview with Spitalfield at Hide+Seek (Episode 1055) 39:25

3M ago39:25

39:25

Taste of Randolph returns this weekend (June 13-15) for its 28th year! The event happens at ground zero for food in Chicago: Randolph Street, between Peoria and Racine. To preview this year’s event, I sat down with Julie Darling (West Loop Community Organization President) at Hide+Seek (838 W. Randolph), a standout Randolph St. restaurant that offe…

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163: "Who's going to give me a ride home?" 28:26

3M ago28:26

28:26

What'd you like? Send us a text. The guys discuss goiters versus gout, then reminisce about the movie they made. Or did they? Plus the man with the most things. A little TMI at the morning status meeting. And: Terror.By Duck Logic

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Danimal Farm takes artistic residence in ‘Perseverance Hotel’ (Episode 1053) 25:38

3M ago25:38

25:38

Danimal Farm is a solo project created by singer/guitarist Danny Doom, formerly of Milk at Midnight. The album, “Perseverance Hotel,” is a comfortable, sometimes dark, collection of shimmering indie rock and indie pop songs that have stuck with me since the album’s February release. Danny Doom joins me to talk about the project, along with band mem…

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162: "Up and down all day long until he pukes." 26:03

4M ago26:03

26:03

What'd you like? Send us a text. New superhero movies, old Batman villains, Japanese schoolgirls, and blind drunk businessmen. Then sketches about Sammy Davis impersonators, Bob Dylan’s migraine, space janitors, and guys with unrealistic expectations.By Duck Logic

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Malört made impossibly worse by Noon Whistle Brewing (Episode 1052) 19:48

4M ago19:48

19:48

Almost exactly one year ago, I visited Noon Whistle’s Lombard Brewpub (800 E. Roosevelt) to understand why they were serving cicada-infused Malort. Sure enough, they got me again. Garlic Butterlört has arrived. In the brewery’s promotional copy, it’s described as “bringing big ‘better ingredients, questionable decisions’ energy. Rich, buttery goodn…

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Comedian Kevin Kellam welcomes you to ‘Kevin and Hell’ (Episode 1051) 31:36

4M ago31:36

31:36

I’m joined by comedian/radio host/wrestling journalist/former radio colleague Kevin Kellam, who’s recording a comedy album on stage at Lincoln Hall on August 9. We met outside the Brewed in Logan Square for a Sunday morning conversation that covered everything from the comedy album taping to Q101 philosophy. There’s also a detailed discussion on th…

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Live from Legit Dogs (Episode 1050) 1:04:00

4M ago1:04:00

1:04:00

The second live Car Con Carne event at Legit Dogs + Ice (322 S. Randall Road, South Elgin) happened on 5/15/25. Appearing at the event, and on this episode: Karen Shook, Carson from Obscurity Brewing, Aaron Williams, comedian Chris Bongat, Derision Cult and unannounced guest Sincere Engineer. In addition to being interviewed, Karen Shook, Aaron Wil…

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Kevin Chalfant: "The Voices of Rock Radio" 12:06

3M ago12:06

12:06

"The Voices of Rock Radio" perform at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, IL on Friday, May 30th, 2025. This all-star band features former lead singers from well-known classic rock bands, including John Elefante (Kansas), Kevin Chalfant (Journey/Storm), and Fran Cosmo (Boston). They will be performing a mix of classic rock hits from their respective…

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161: "He farts cuz he's happy." 25:55

4M ago25:55

25:55

What'd you like? Send us a text. Jim gets a voicemail from a kinky/leather website and tells us about his “special friendship” he had with a goat. Tim tells us how he lived under the family sink. And Walt had a pet alligator. Then sketches: a way-below-average doctor, a very basic truck driving school, a not-so-amusing amusement park, and a rug ful…

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Bellhead follows up on earlier promises with ‘Threats’ (Episode 1049) 35:41

4M ago35:41

35:41

Bellhead (Karen Righeimer and Ivan Russia) is a favorite of mine. The post-punk duo continues to take massive evolutionary steps forward with each new release; the new EP, “Threats,” is their finest moment yet. Rather than meet in my car, I invited Bellhead over to do an interview in my backyard (they’re like family at this point). My fire pit was …

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160: "Another episode of 'Jim Talks to Children.'" 28:15

4M ago28:15

28:15

What'd you like? Send us a text. Jim finds some cigs. Walt gets creeped out by a guy with a piggy bank head. And Tim tells us where memes come from. And, of course, Attack Squirrels. Then sketches about firm handshakes. Adequate construction. On hold hell. Cheery-flavored beer brewed far away from here.…

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Instrumental duo El Bisonte visits Chicago from Louisville (Episode 1048) 16:54

4M ago16:54

16:54

El Bisonte is a spectacular bass and drum instrumental duo (Henry Ignacio - bass and sounds; Blake Lowery - drums) from Louisville, Kentucky. I caught up with them last weekend before they headlined “Goatstock” in Norridge, and we talked about: *Their take on Chicago *Louisville’s most famous haunted attraction *How Henry gets “upskirted” at live s…

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159: "I don't get artificially inseminated. I get inseminated." 25:44

4M ago25:44

25:44

What'd you like? Send us a text. Peeing in the Stanley Cup. Flinging a Wimbledon platter. Or wearing Masters green jackets with or without pants. The guys discuss them all. And Tim tells us how he’s tight with the new pope because they were childhood buds. Then sketches about where to go after prom. Where not to get your car fixed. And Ken Burns fi…

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UR Mom was in my car last night (Episode 1047) 11:17

4M ago11:17

11:17

I’m hanging with UR Mom for this episode. Me and UR Mom have a lot to get into, including the just-announced Summerfest date! Maura Wolf (vocals, rhythm guitar), Tommy Hinds (guitar) and Alex O’Malley (drums) joined me to talk about the band’s beginnings and the speedy word-of-mouth that’s encircling the band. More impressive, they conducted the in…

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Introducing Afrofuturistics (Episode 1046) 11:30

4M ago11:30

11:30

Afrofuturistics is “A Chicago Collective of Horns, Bass, Hip Hop Beats” They’re jazz. They’re hip hop. They’re somewhere in between and everywhere around those edges. I met Eric Oldman and Keith Wakefield from the band outside Goat Village (4701 N. Cumberland) to chat as their band is taking off. ## Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-…