Best Steve Dolinsky Podcasts (2025)

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

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7d 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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Brett Feeley - Slowhand (Toronto) 25:14

19d ago25:14

25:14

Brett Feeley did what a lot of amateur cooks did during the pandemic: make pizza. Little did he know it would lead to Slowhand - a Detroit style operation on Toronto's East Side, where a sourdough starter is the key to a unique pie.

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

2d 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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Comedian Kristen Toomey heads to Apple TV with new special (Episode 1066) 29:01

12d 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

13d 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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Time Thieves steal my power-pop heart (Episode 1064) 28:08

21d 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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DIY post-punk band Staring Problem talks ‘Equinox’ (Episode 1063) 16:07

1M 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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Lucky Boys Confusion announces opening act ‘live’ on CCC (Episode 1061) 48:21

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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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Chris Pandel - Zarella (Chicago) 26:04

2M ago26:04

26:04

Chris Pandel teamed up with fellow Boka Restaurant Group Chef Lee Wolen to create Zarella, a pizzeria and taverna with two styles of pizza: a thin artisan and an even thinner tavern. Pandel tackled the latter, and he's damn proud of the results.

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

2M 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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Face to Face at Motoblot (Episode 1058) 18:03

2M 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

2M 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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Guillermo Paolisso - Capriccio (Chicago) 23:54

2M ago23:54

23:54

Argentinian born, Italian raised. Guillermo Paolisso came to Chicago and realized there was a gap in the market: Roman style. He and his wife now make their crunchy slices each day at Capriccio in the Lincoln Square neighborhood.

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

2M 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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Wrestling music, Night Spice and Flowers for Dorian: go-to drummer Marc Esses (Episode 1054) 31:00

2M 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

2M 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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Hunter Leslie - Detroit Pizza Depot (L.A.) 24:07

3M ago24:07

24:07

Hunter Leslie started out with a food truck, but realized pretty quickly as he moved from Detroit to L.A., the future was in a brick and mortar. He was one of the first Midwest transplants to open a Detroit style pizzeria in L.A. with Detroit Pizza Depot.

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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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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Jeff Scheer - Marlow (Maui) 25:05

3M ago25:05

25:05

Jeff Scheer ended up on Maui like a lot of people - by accident. But his commitment to the culinary scene there, as nascent as it is, has been admirable. We discovered his sourdough pizza at Marlow, in an upcountry mall, where the menu has lots of highlights.

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

3M 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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Instrumental duo El Bisonte visits Chicago from Louisville (Episode 1048) 16:54

3M 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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UR Mom was in my car last night (Episode 1047) 11:17

3M 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

3M 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-…

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Greek food, Glenview culture, metal AF: Stavros from Atlas Moth returns (Episode 1045) 47:26

3M ago47:26

47:26

Stavros from the Atlas Moth is back for his 4th appearance on Car Con Carne - it’s been over four years, so we were overdue for a chat. The first thing you may notice in this episode is how easy the conversation is between the two of us. Besides Stavros being a natural and funny conversationalist, we have a lot in common: music, comics, horror, vin…

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Qiana & Michele Di Bari - Sal e Pepe (Lahaina, HI) 25:17

3M ago25:17

25:17

Their motto is "One Part Milan, One Part Brooklyn, All Maui," so you know a pizza from Sal e Pepe is going to be special. This is a love story for sure, but it's also a story of resilience and courage, in the wake of the deadly Lahaina wildfires from 2023.

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With Patience trio’s terrific ‘Triptych’ tantalizes (Episode 1044) 21:03

4M ago21:03

21:03

Post-hardcore trio With Patience release their debut album, “Triptych,” on Friday, 5/9. In advance of that, guitarist/vocalist Chris Wade and bassist/vocalist Lance Curran join me on the lakefront in Rogers Park to talk about the band and album. ## Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutt…

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Save Ferris launches ‘Get Dancing’ tour in Chicago (Episode 1042) 14:10

4M ago14:10

14:10

It’s hard to be in a bad mood after a Save Ferris show. They are simply a fun band to see live, and their shows are a great way to kinda forget all the (looks around) madness going on in the world. That was reinforced on Saturday, August 26, when Save Ferris returned to Chicago to kick off their “Get Dancing” tour at Chop Shop (2033 W. North). I sa…

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Live performance of the Spectral Silhouette Radio Show (Episode 1041) 21:29

4M ago21:29

21:29

This is a historic first for the podcast: The cast of the beloved (and rapidly-growing) Spectral Silhouette Radio Show performs a scene created exclusively for Car Con Carne. What is the Spectral Silhouette? Before the performance, I had a great chat with Henry Scherer, the mad genius behind the concept, to learn more. Watch for ticket info on thei…

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FITZGERALDS celebrates its ‘Historic Place’ acknowledgment (Episode 1043) 49:04

4M ago49:04

49:04

FITZGERALDS (6615 Roosevelt in Berwyn) is, without a doubt, one of my favorite places to see music and simply hang out. The vibe is always chill, and the bookings are fantastic. Beyond that, the building is historic! FITZGERALDS was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Park Service at the end of last yea…

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Bronwen Kinzler-Britton & Jose Ibarra - Naughty Pie Nature (L.A.) 23:05

4M ago23:05

23:05

Bronwen Kinzler-Britton & Jose Ibarra both came from more fine-dining backgrounds, but realized they just wanted to work for themselves and make great pizza. Naughty Pie Nature operates out of a tiny corner kitchen space (no dine-in) in Echo Park, but they've had a nice, steady growth pattern since they were just a pop-up a year or so ago.…

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Threadless CEO Jake Nickell on influential company’s 25th anniversary (Episode 1040) 32:20

4M ago32:20

32:20

Threadless - the online artist community and design marketplace - is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Founder and CEO Jake Nickell joins me for char dogs at Poochie’s (a favorite for hot dog fans north of the city) and talks about the company’s history, his leadership role, and why he celebrates the weird designs. Discussed in this episo…

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Carla Harvey is the new Lords of Acid ‘Acid Queen’ (Episode 1039) 30:53

4M ago30:53

30:53

I’m joined for this episode by Carla Harvey, who we first came to know through her 15-ish years with the band she co-founded, Butcher Babies. At the beginning of this year, she announced that she’s the new “Acid Queen” in Lords of Acid, with a tour and album to follow. As I describe early in the episode, Lords of Acid fuses acid house, industrial, …

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Comasoft returns with new EP, Cobra Lounge show (Episode 1038) 20:48

4M ago20:48

20:48

Comasoft, the “gothy little rock band from Chicago,” is back! Jay and Chris jump in the car to talk with me about the band's history and future plans. Actually, Chris joined us for the last few minutes, but we were glad to have him regardless. Comasoft’s new EP, “Gather at the End,” comes out on Friday 4/25 and they’ll be celebrating that night wit…

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Record Store Day 2025 at Siren Records (Episode 1037) 12:40

4M ago12:40

12:40

Recorded at Siren Records, McHenry IL (3902 Main) on Record Store Day 2025 at 6:30 a.m. Siren Records owner Bill Linquist joins me for a conversation about this year’s RSD, as well as the impact RSD has on local record stores. Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automati…

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Crust Fund Pizza creator takes us to ‘Super Pizza World’ (Episode 1036) 55:03

4M ago55:03

55:03

Writer, fundraiser and pizza pro John Carruthers of Crust Fund Pizza is a Car Con Carne favorite, and it was awesome to have him back in the car to talk about his new cookbook, “Super Pizza World.” I met him at his Crust Fund Pizza distribution point, the alley behind his house, where we shared one of his masterful “Royko” (sausage + hot giardinier…

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Alex White - Yukon Pizza (Las Vegas) 26:56

4M ago26:56

26:56

Alex White's Great Great Grandfather used a sourdough starter when he ran a shop in the Yukon Territory more than 120 years ago. That same starter lives on in a Las Vegas pizzeria: Yukon Pizza, where they make sourdough crusts as well as some NYC slices.

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East Moon, Joseph Christopher, Chris Pienta live at Legit Dogs (Episode 1035) 34:49

4M ago34:49

34:49

This episode was recorded live at Legit Dogs & Ice in South Elgin (322 S. Randall Road), and includes interviews with East Moon, artist Chris Pienta and comedian Joseph Christopher (who also does a live comedy set for this episode!) ## Car Con Carne sponsored by Easy Automation: easy-automation.net Transform your living space with cutting-edge home…

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Creating a multimedia concert experience around Georges-Jean Méliès’ films: Jean-François Alcolea (Episode 1034) 16:25

5M ago16:25

16:25

Pianist, composer, improviser and scenographer, Jean-François Alcolea met me on the roof of Reggie’s when he was in Chicago for his “Right in the Eye” multimedia event. I can’t do the “Right in the Eye” event justice with a description, but for general understanding, he and his fellow musicians provide scores and background for the films of Georges…

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Live performance and chat w/ Mike Vinopal at Hey Nonny (Episode 1033) 40:28

5M ago40:28

40:28

Mike Vinopal (Opal Vinopal, Local Motive, badcandy, wht.rbbt.obj) joined me for food and conversation outside Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights (10 South Vail Avenue/heynonny.com). The episode starts with an acoustic performance of the Opal Vinopal song “Speck in the Universe,” and then transitions to the food from Hey Nonny… lots of food! Cheese curd…

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Vito DeCandia - Angel City Pizza (L.A.) 22:59

5M ago22:59

22:59

As a born-and-bred New Yorker (from Long Beach), Vito DeCandia was literally brought up in a pizzeria. He was stretching dough by the age of 12. His lifetime of baking eventually led him to the West Coast, where his wife was from. Two years ago he opened Angel City Pizza in Venice, where he continues to make what he knows: NYC style slices, squares…

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Indie bands set to bleat at ‘Goatstock’ (Episode 1032) 24:02

5M ago24:02

24:02

“Goatstock” is a new festival set for Goat Village (4701 N Cumberland, Norridge) on Saturday, May 10. Organizers (and Goatstock performers) Jamie and Deb of 13 Monsters came on the podcast to talk about the 10+ bands playing the event, as well as how it came to be. Also jumping in the car for this episode is fellow podcaster Evan J. Thomas (Better …

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FACS delivers another minimalist masterpiece (Episode 1031) 14:55

5M ago14:55

14:55

Brian Case of FACS returns to Car Con Carne, not long after the release of the band’s incredible 6th album, “Wish Defense,” and before they play Thalia Hall on April 17. We talk about Steve Albini’s role in the recording, as “Wish Defense” was the last thing he worked on before his untimely passing last year. We also talk about the ambiguity of Bri…

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‘Best local album of the year’ artist CalicoLoco (Episode 1030) 30:23

5M ago30:23

30:23

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 t…

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Familiar players break new ground as Violets (Episode 1029) 15:45

5M ago15:45

15:45

Violets is a new band bringing together players from Naked Raygun, the Methadones and Blood People: Aly Jados – vocals, guitar Bill Stephens – guitar Simon Lamb – guitar Fritz Doreza – bass, vocals Michael Soucy – drums As the band gets ready to play their 5th (!) show on 4/27 at Reggie’s (along with Riverboat Gamblers and the Evictions) and releas…

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John Notaro - Famous Ben's of SoHo (NYC) 19:05

5M ago19:05

19:05

John Notaro may have spent his early years in Brooklyn, but there's no denying pizza and baking are in his DNA. He spent years at Sbarro, then ran a bakery until he became partners at Famous Ben's, a SoHo landmark since 1979 (they celebrate 46 years in business this month). We talked about his "Palermo" which aficionados will recognize as a sfincio…