Car Con Carne
963 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 days ago - ★★★★★ - 37 ratingsCar Con Carne is an award-winning interview podcast hosted by legendary Chicago media personality James VanOsdol (Q101, WXRT, WGN, WLUP). Hosted in James's car, at live events, restaurants, brewpubs and recording studios, Car Con Carne offers engaging and honest conversations with people you want to know, mostly from the world of music.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Masonic Wave at Estelle’s (Episode 941)
April 11, 2024 18:38 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MBChicago noise rock band Masonic Wave joined me for a chat outside Estelle’s (2013 North Avenue). Bruce Lamont (vocals), Fritz Doreza (bass), Clayton DeMuth (drums) and Scott Spidale (guitar) talked about the new self-titled album, the band’s evolution, their other bands and the release show at Live Wire (4/13/24). Thanks to Estelle’s (2013 North Avenue/Wicker Park) for the fantastic food (Big Beefy FTW). Car Con Carne (a Q101 podcast) is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouT...
North side favorite Reed’s Local celebrates 10th year (Episode 940)
April 06, 2024 14:11 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MBReed’s Local (3017 W. Belmont) hits its 10th anniversary mark on April 10. To celebrate, owners Melissa and Joel jumped in the car to talk about its relationship to the Avondale neighborhood, how the bar was launched, whether “dive bar” is a negative term, and the upcoming REED’S FEST: 4/25 (TH) - Reverse Cowboys, VInny, Cartoon Graveyard, The Basement Party 4/26 (FR) Watermelon, Everyday Specials, Headless Honchos, Of Ghosts & Dust 4/27 (S) - Flesh Panthers, Miniskirt, Olivia and the Lov...
East Moon meets on West Side for macarons (Episode 939)
April 03, 2024 18:38 - 34 minutes - 31.5 MBWith their fantastic new EP, “End Transmission,” out Friday, East Moon members Jacob, Tera and Santi met me outside the Burlington for a highly enjoyable interview. Make a point of seeing the band at Burlington on April 12! To help the conversation along, we got a personal delivery of Bad Channel macarons. Horror movie-themed macarons? Only in Chicago. (Get ‘em at the Brewed.) Car Con Carne (a Q101 podcast) is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube (@TheAlexRossArt) to keep...
John Lennon Songwriting Grand Prize winner Jared Rabin talks shows, plans (Episode 938)
March 28, 2024 12:00 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBJared Rabin’s songwriting talent scored him the Grand Prize at the 2023 John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Beyond that, you’ve likely seen or heard him mentioned by American Songwriter, Bluegrass Today, NPR and more. As he gets ready to play Madame Zuzu’s Acoustic Brunch on April 7 and SPACE (opening for John Hiatt) on May 6, we met outside Zuzu’s to talk about his songwriting and career. Car Con Carne (a Q101 podcast) is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube (@TheAlexRossA...
Impulsive Hearts eat Taco Bell, making them ‘Fit 4 the Apocalypse’ (Episode 937)
March 25, 2024 11:00 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MBDanielle Sines, Adele Nicholas and Rachael Farinella of Impulsive Hearts make a run to the border with me, as we do an interview outside the Taco Bell in Avondale. As the third full-length, “Fit 4 the Apocalypse,” is about to be released (with a release show at Liar’s Club on 4/4/24), we talked about: *The band’s evolution across the three albums *The joys of Taco Bell, and the chain’s commitment and loyalty to Mountain Dew products. *The occasionally-biting details behind some of the ly...
Industrial musicians come together for ‘Thrashnetic’ mental health benefit (Episode 935)
March 17, 2024 01:47 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBFor this episode, I’m joined by Jim Marcus (Die Warzau, Go Fight), Karen Righeimer (Bellhead) and David Schock (concert promoter). All of them are involved with “Thrashnetic - The Josh Russo Memorial Benefit for Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention,” happening Saturday, April 6, from 4-11 p.m. at X-Ray Arcade in Milwaukee. Check out this line-up: GoFight (with Sapphira Vee) Hate Dept. Cyanotic Klack Bellhead am.psych Subspace I haven’t interviewed Jim since long before Ca...
Pita Inn with singer/songwriter Rachel Drew (Episode 936)
March 16, 2024 15:44 - 26 minutes - 24 MBSinger/songwriter Rachel Drew joins me for falafel and hummus at Pita Inn (Skokie) as we talk about her new release, “Old Sky New,” and preview her upcoming show at Fitzgerald’s (3/28). Car Con Carne (a Q101 podcast) is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube (@TheAlexRossArt) to keep up to date with one of the comics industry's most important and celebrated creators. ****** I’m teaming up with the American Lung Association to help them save lives! I’ve committed to cl...
Long after Bush, guitarist Nigel Pulsford surprises with ‘Losing Track’ (Episode 934)
March 11, 2024 11:00 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MBGuitarist Nigel Pulsford earned his reputation as a lead guitarist through his years in Bush. He was there through the “hitmaking years” for the band, performing on the first four albums (Sixteen Stone, Razorblade Suitcase, The Science of Things, Golden State). We talked at length about his recent(ish) solo album, “Losing Track” (streaming everywhere), as well as: *The Bush years: the whirlwind first album cycle, debuting at #1 with “Razorblade Suitcase” and the shifting cultural tides tha...
Car Con Blarney with THE TOSSERS (Episode 933)
March 09, 2024 02:35 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBIt’s Car Con Blarney! Tony Duggins, Aaron Duggins and Mike Pawla joined us for a chat from Million Yen Studios on Chicago’s Northwest Side. (Thanks to Andy Gerber for the hospitality.) In advance of the Tossers’ annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Metro. The show’s happening on Saturday 3/16 with openers Scott Lucas & The Married Men, Totally Cashed and The Chancers. Covered in this episode: *“I’m just trying to impress my parents by doing this.” *The challenges of bringing the...
Cinephile Stephanie Sack shares cineplex alternatives for March (Episode 932)
March 06, 2024 19:01 - 17 minutes - 16.3 MBCinephile Stephanie Sack returns to the podcast to promote cool, non-mainstream, movie events for you to check out in March! Car Con Carne (a Q101 podcast) is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube (@TheAlexRossArt) to keep up to date with one of the comics industry's most important and celebrated creators. ****** I’m teaming up with the American Lung Association to help them save lives! I’ve committed to climbing the tallest building in the suburbs (Oakbrook Terrace Tow...
#Blessed: Liar’s Club introduces ‘Sunday Church’ (Episode 931)
March 04, 2024 03:07 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MBLiar’s Club (1665 W. Fullerton) just kicked off “Sunday Church with Reverend Herb,” a weekly event aimed at “old schoolers, Sunday day drinkers, saints and sinners.” Returning favorite (and LIar’s Club owner) Herb Rosen joined me just as the first event was kicking off to talk about what’s in store at Liar’s Club for future Sundays. In short, you now have weekly plans on Sunday. (Don’t miss the Beer Nuts and Avondale Ramblers at Sunday Church on St. Patrick’s Day!) Car Con Carne (a Q101 po...
I:Scintilla singer Brittany Bindrim goes solo with ‘Vellela Velella’ (Episode 930)
March 02, 2024 16:53 - 22 minutes - 21 MBDarkpop, darkwave, electropop artist Brittany Bindrim joins me to talk about her first-ever solo album, “Velella Velella” (out March 8). As we eat tacos from La Traspasada in Avondale, we also talk about: Brittany’s non-music hobbies Why the members of I:Scintilla won’t be bothered or distracted by Brittany’s solo effort. This is Brittany's first time being pressed onto vinyl. Car Con Carne (a Q101 podcast) is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube (@TheAlexRossArt) to k...
Catching up with superstar Tiffany (Episode 929)
February 26, 2024 13:40 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBTiffany’s one of my favorite people to interview, and I was delighted to catch up with her after her recent show at Austin’s Fuel Room in Libertyville. We talked a lot about her approach to club shows, which I told her makes me uncomfortable. We also talk about her run as the Eiffel Tower in the UK version of the Masked Singer, her current music trajectory, her food entrepreneurship … and entrepreneurship in general. This is a fun interview that absolutely flew by as I recorded it. I trust...
Sybris at DMen Tap (Episode 928)
February 19, 2024 12:00 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBChicago favorites Sybris have returned! I’m joined outside DMen Tap (2849 W. Belmont Ave.) by all four members of the band: Angela Mullenhour (vocals, guitar) Phil Naumann (guitar) Shawn Podgurski (bass) Clayton DeMuth (drums) We talk about their soon-to-be-released, many-years-delayed, third album, “Gold on Hold,” as well as their upcoming show with Yakuza at Thalia Hall on February 25. The conversation was fueled by DMen Tap, specifically Doner Chicken, Poutine, Fried Cheese Curds an...
Rami Atassi brings eclectic sounds and influence to Forest Park (Episode 927)
February 12, 2024 13:00 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBChicago Magazine says Rami Atassi’s music shows an “eclectic range of influences—desert guitar, jazz, Tropicália, samba, Arabic folk music, and Afrobeat.” And it’s true: Rami is one of a kind, making truly unique world-flavored music. Rami met me at Gene & Jude’s to talk about his sound, his group (the Cosmic Dance Band) and his upcoming show at Robert’s Westside in Forest Park (7321 Madison) on 3/15/24. Rami’s also an accomplished guitar instructor, and I asked him lots of rookie quest...
Meet ‘first listen’ Chicago band Friko (Episode 926)
February 08, 2024 18:03 - 20 minutes - 19 MBFriko was a “first listen” band for me… a band that’s pop smart, experimental, noisy, contemplative, bombastic and shoegazy… sometimes within the same 4-5 minute song. And the vocals… oh man. Niko Kapetan (vocals/guitar) of Friko joins me for Thai food from Thai Lagoon in Wicker Park. We get into the debut Friko full-length album (“Where We’ve Been, Where We Go from Here”) and talk about band highlights so far (Bonnaroo! SXSW!). “Where We’ve Been, Where We Go from Here” will be out on 2/1...
From Juiceboxxx to Rustbelt: John Chiaverina (Episode 925)
February 05, 2024 01:24 - 23 minutes - 22 MBI’m joined by John Chiaverina (FKA Juiceboxxx), as his new project, Rustbelt, is taking off. I met the Milwaukee-based star at an appropriately “Wisconsin” locale: A Milwaukee Culver’s parking lot. Discussed in this episode: *Why John moved away from his Juiceboxxx past, and whether there were any challenges with introducing a new concept. *The new EP - You Got Nowhere to Go But You’re Going There Tonight *We’re all in our John Cougar Mellencamp phase. *When it comes to Culver’s, John’s...
Smashed Plastic celebrates 5th anniversary of pressing vinyl in Chicago (Episode 924)
February 01, 2024 13:10 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBCar Con Carne is officially part of the Q101 Podcast Network! I make the announcement during the first few minutes of the show; but to reiterate, it’s nice to be home. I’m joined for this episode by Andy Weber and Steve Polutnik of Smashed Plastic, as they celebrate their fifth year of making records in Chicago. We grabbed slices for the chat, which covered topics including: *What kind of risk was involved in opening the business? *How have they scaled up their operations? *What’s their...
Rob Dickinson of Catherine Wheel - ARCHIVE INTERVIEW (Episode 923)
January 28, 2024 01:48 - 8 minutes - 8.19 MBThis episode is a dive into my archives; no car or food for this one. Instead, I’m sharing a chat with Rob Dickinson of Catherine Wheel. Catherine Wheel delivered five full lengths in their day, starting with Ferment in 1992 and wrapping up with Wishville in 2000. Back in August 2006, Catherine Wheel frontman Rob Dickinson joined me for a chat when he came through Chicago to support his one and only solo album, “Fresh Wine for the Horses.” Thought you’d appreciate this flashback. And as ...
Celebrity chefs collab with Piece Pizzeria & Brewery for PAWS (Episode 922)
January 26, 2024 04:15 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MBBill Jacobs (Owner, Piece Pizzeria & Brewery) returns to the show to talk about Piece’s Slice To Meet You pizza collaboration benefit for PAWS Chicago. Every time you order one of their celebrity chef featured pizzas, $50 gets donated to PAWS Chicago. With featured collaborations with Stephanie Izard and Rick Bayless waiting in the wings, Bill and I dug into the collaboration done with the dream team of Hot Doug Sohn and Barry Sorkin (Smoque). Their creation, Hot Smoque’n Creole Pizza...
Legendary blues DJ Tom Marker talks Harlem Avenue Lounge benefit at Fitzgerald’s (Episode 921)
January 19, 2024 04:07 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBTom Marker’s been playing the blues on Chicago radio since 1975. He’s probably best known for his time on-air at WXRT radio, where he hosted the “Blues Breakers” specialty show for close to 40 years. These days, you can listen to Tom weekly on “Blues Time with Tom Marker,” Saturdays 7-9 p.m. on WDCB. Tom will be the emcee for “A Blues Benefit for Harlem Avenue Lounge Owner Ken Zimmerman,” at Fitzgerald’s on Monday, February 12. Harlem Avenue Lounge closed so the family can...
Last minute guest/podcast MVP: Dr. Daryl Wilson of the Bollweevils (Episode 920)
January 15, 2024 03:26 - 31 minutes - 28.7 MBSunday, January 14 in the Chicago area was, by all accounts, miserable. The windchill dipped well below zero and it was the kind of day where no one wanted to leave the warmth of their home. I had a rescheduled podcast interview planned for the afternoon; so, weather be damned, I was going to make the trip to the west suburbs to get it done. Unfortunately, my guest forgot about the rescheduled date (after he had to cancel the previous one due to weather). That left me cold and bitter with a...
‘Chair’ comes off the bench for Sister Soleil (Episode 919)
January 13, 2024 01:46 - 26 minutes - 24.7 MBThis episode marks the return of Sister Soleil (Stella Katsoudas). Back in the mid-late 90s, Sister Soleil exploded on the Chicago scene, selling out shows (and thousands of copies of the independent release “Drown Me In You”) A major label run for Stella followed, with two albums released by Universal. Neither captured the spirit, soul (pun unintended) or spark of the independent release. Now, in 2024, Stella’s finding new life in “Drown Me In You”. Radio stations are playing “Chair...
Everclear (Episode 918)
January 09, 2024 01:59 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBArt Alexakis of Everclear joins me for a special episode of Car Con Carne. Everclear returns to the greater Chicago area for two shows at the end of January: Thursday, January 25: Des Plaines Theatre Friday, January 26: Arcada Theatre I’ve interviewed Art a handful of times since my early Q101 days, dating back to the “Sparkle and Fade” era. What I’ve always appreciated about talking with Art is that he’s candid, honest and authentically “him.” Discussed in this episode...
Pop-punk vets go power-pop: Hot Alice (Episode 917)
January 05, 2024 02:09 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBThis episode was recorded outside Doctor Dogs in Roselle (Note: do not trust Doctor Dogs in the event of a medical emergency; please contact an actual doctor if you need immediate help). I’m joined by ¾ of Hot Alice: Chris Pagnani - Drums Chris Rogner - Vox & Guitar Tim Rogner - Vox & Guitar We talk about their history in the scene (the guys are ex-Allister, August Premier and Mutts), the new song, “All My Friends” (coming soon), and why being in a band now is more fun than it ...
Looking for non-mainstream movies in January? Cinephile Stephanie Sack has recommendations (Episode 916)
December 31, 2023 02:10 - 20 minutes - 19 MBBurnt out on the same menu of Wonka/Aquaman/etc. currently playing at the local cineplex? Returning guest and known cinephile Stephanie Sack highlights non-traditional January options, specifically focused on the Music Box Theatre’s “Giallo January”: January 1 -- House of Psychotic Women January 8 -- Closed Circuit January 13 -- Blow Out January 15 -- The Strangler January 20 -- Knife and Heart (Playing at the Leather Archives & Museum) January 22 -- Torso We also ...
Wrong War at BuckleDown Brewing (Episode 915)
December 29, 2023 15:03 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBPat Keenan from the band Wrong War and Ike Orcutt, Head Brewer/Owner of BuckleDown Brewing, jumped in my car for a fun chat focused on music and beer (naturally). See Wrong War at BuckleDown (8700 47th St. Lyons, IL 60534) on January 12. Also appearing: Bed Maker, The Mons and Deep Tunnel Project! Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube to keep up to date with one of the comics industry's most important and celebrated creators. Car Con Carne ...
‘I Don’t Wanna Go Fest’ curated by Speed Babes (Episode 914)
December 28, 2023 02:29 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MBSpeed Babes are celebrating their ninth anniversary as a band by curating the upcoming “I Don’t Wanna Go Fest” at Reed’s Local (1/4/24-1/7/24). The four nights are stacked, including sets from: Daarling / Heet Deth / Watermelon / Precocious Neophyte / Repent / Nightfreak / Voidclass / Miniskirt / Damage Dames / Jurassic Kong / Tuff Sudz / 96 Cougar. Speed Babes open each night with a 10-song set! To preview the event and talk about the band, Jesse Ewan of Speed Babes jumped i...
The Usuals rev up for new music in 2024 (Episode 913)
December 21, 2023 01:42 - 8 minutes - 7.99 MBI got caught up with the Usuals before their Punk Rock Tacos performance in December, 2023. They talked about their new album, which is ready to go, the “Godspeed” tribute album, and “the royal weeeee.” Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube to keep up to date with one of the comics industry's most important and celebrated creators. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Night Spice and Marina City ready to headline Thalia Hall (Episode 912)
December 20, 2023 14:17 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MBSaturday January 20 sees a fantastic double bill of independent local headliners at Thalia Hall. Marina City and Night Spice top the bill, with Muted Color and Grayson Dewolfe also performing. Joining me for this episode are Kevin Singleton of Night Spice and Ryan Argast of Marina City. Ryan and Kevin talked a lot about their years of knowing each other, as well as the importance of the scene developing local headliners, and the creative process and evolution of both bands. Oh yeah, we al...
The Run Around at Punk Rock Tacos (Episode 911)
December 19, 2023 02:19 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBCar Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube to keep up to date with one of the comics industry's most important and celebrated creators. The members of the Run Around jumped in the car before performing at Punk Rock Tacos in Villa Park. It had been over three years since we last chatted, so we took the opportunity to get caught up. One of the big takeaways is that what I thought was a dumb comment in our last interview has haunted the band ever since. ...
(LIVE PERFORMANCE/INTERVIEW) Robin Taylor Zander goes ‘The Distance’ (Episode 910)
December 18, 2023 03:34 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MBRobin Taylor Zander (Cheap Trick) joins me for this episode to talk about his debut album, “The Distance.” The album’s a welcome and familiar mix of sounds. As Zander says on the album’s back cover: “You may hear something that reminds you of a different time or a different place… hopefully this record makes you feel a certain kind of way, whichever way that may be is fine with me” Robin and I talk about “The Distance,” and are joined by legendary producer and engineer Jack Douglas...
The Queers (Episode 909)
December 17, 2023 00:31 - 29 minutes - 27 MBBefore the Queers headlined Punk Rock Tacos at Cemitas Poblanos, Joe Queer jumped in the car for an honest, unapologetic and fun interview. We talked about the benefits of being a touring band in the present day, the pros/cons of the internet, the joys of being a music fan, being a “glass half full” person, and building a live setlist on the fly. Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube to keep up to date with one of the comics industry's most important and...
Hushdrops’ John San Juan goes solo for Hideout show (Episode 908)
December 15, 2023 15:58 - 25 minutes - 23.8 MBJohn San Juan (Hushdrops, Josh Caterer) joins me for a chat in advance of his solo show happening December 29 at the Hideout (also featuring Outronaut and Depravos De La Mour). We talk about the status of Hushdrops (all systems go!), newly-recorded music, Spinal Tap, John’s potentially-AI-created band member, and the Hushdrops “hit” that may not make it to the solo show. Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube to keep up to date with one of the com...
Best of 2023! (Episode 907)
December 12, 2023 22:38 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MBThis year-end retrospective is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube to keep up to date with one of the comics industry's most important and celebrated creators. With the year winding down, we’re taking a look back on some of 2023’s highlights, including your “top ten” interviews (as voted in a recent online survey). Literally every interview from the past year is mentioned in this episode, and the clips are memorable, fun and engaging. If you’re new to Car Con ...
‘A skewed cabaret band of blues, jazz and rockabilly’ - The Claudettes (Episode 906)
December 08, 2023 22:32 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MBCar Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube to keep up to date with one of the comics industry's most important and celebrated creators. The Claudettes return for a Chicago show at Old Town School of Folk Music on Saturday, December 9. See the band that the Minneapolis Star-Tribune described as “A skewed cabaret band of blues, jazz and rockabilly…a sensibility that feels equal parts James Dean and David Lynch.” Buy tickets here: https://www.oldtownschool.org...
21 years later… it’s Woolworthy! (Episode 905)
December 02, 2023 22:43 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBCar Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube to keep up to date with one of the comics industry's most important and celebrated creators. It’s been decades … literal decades … since Woolworthy was an active band. Now, in 2023, they’ve returned with the guitar-driven power pop album, “Electric Heartbreak.” The release is less a return to form and more a continuation of all that’s come before. Joining me for this chat, sometimes at different times, are: Rudy Go...
Black Friday Deal: Capital Soirée at SubT (Episode 904)
November 22, 2023 13:40 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MBCapital Soiree headlines Subterranean on Black Friday (11/24/23). It’s one of the best deals you’ll find: Capital Soiree, Violet Crime, Pink Squeeze and Teen Blush for a reasonable $15. James Kourafas and Dean Sinclair from the band joined me to talk about the show, the band’s evolution and their excellent 2023 releases (including the recent single, “Kerosene”). Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Support Alex at alexrossart.com, and be sure to follow his YouTube page! ...
Ike Reilly previews ‘Music for Mars’ benefit for saxophonist Mars Williams (EPISODE 903)
November 17, 2023 04:06 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBMars Williams, the incredibly talented saxophonist best known for his work with Liquid Soul and Psychedelic Furs, was diagnosed with ampullary cancer just under a year ago. The cancer is awful, brutal and unforgiving, and his friends and collaborators are rallying behind him. Music for Mars is a benefit happening 11/25 at Metro, featuring Liquid Soul members, Jesse De La Pena, members of Psychedelic Furs, Jeff Coffin of DMB, Richard Fortus of Guns N’ Roses and Ike Reilly. Ike Rei...
‘We may not live long enough to see the world we’ve been dreaming of’ - Blind Adam and the Federal League (Episode 902)
November 14, 2023 15:21 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MBCar Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Support Alex at alexrossart.com, and be sure to follow his YouTube page! Blind Adam and the Federal League returns to the podcast on the heels of the release of the band’s third album, “The Fields We Know.” We met at Dante’s Pizzeria (3028 W. Armitage), and talked about the new release, activism, the upcoming tour with Bouncing Souls, and where Coldplay fits into all this. The band also played a spectacular acoustic version of “B...
From Journey and Vinnie Vincent Invasion to the art gallery: Robert Fleischman (Episode 901)
November 12, 2023 01:22 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBCar Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Support Alex’s YouTube page at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTPXeCUinfh6RDdmcn1co9g Robert Fleischman’s career has been fascinating. Most famously, he was brought in to be Journey’s lead singer as work started on the “Infinity” album. He was only in the band for five months, before he was replaced by Steve Perry, but he left an indelible mark on the band, co-writing songs like ‘Wheel in the Sky” and “Anytime.” Robert also was th...
Episode 900 - Sincere Engineer, Plain White Ts, Smoking Popes and Bollweevils at Epic Deli
November 09, 2023 15:00 - 55 minutes - 50.7 MBWelcome to Episode 900, presented by Alex Ross Art. For this landmark moment, I hosted a roundtable of friends at Epic Deli (2616 Schaid Ct, McHenry, IL): Deanna Belos of Sincere Engineer, Josh Caterer of Smoking Popes, Daryl Wilson of the Bollweevils and Tom Higgenson of Plain White Ts. As we eat each others’ signature sandwiches (an idea that came from Josh Caterer), we talk at length about food and music. No questions or topics were prepared for this episode… this is simply an hon...
‘Most of the times, the songs are extremely personal’ - Chicken Happen (Episode 899)
November 04, 2023 17:40 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBJust as Chicago indie band Chicken Happen gets ready to release its fourth full-length (IV), Lilly Choi jumps in my car for hot dogs and a chat about the band and the new album. IV releases on 11/10. Make a point of seeing the band at SubT for the record release show! Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Subscribe to Alex’s YouTube channel, and visit his website at alexrossart.com! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
‘Rocky Horror Picture Show' shadow cast (Episode 898)
October 29, 2023 02:53 - 17 minutes - 16.2 MBWith Halloween fast approaching, I made a visit to the Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb (135 North Second Street) to interview directors/cast members of the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” “shadow cast.” I’m joined by Elliot Lubicz, Josh Chesser, and returning favorite Birdy Vee (of Chicago punk band Sweetie). We talk about why “Rocky Horror” continues to endure, the fans, the music and what it’s like to be a “virgin.” This is a fun one… be sure to keep an eye out for future performance...
A visit to 13th Floor Haunted House with Patrick Brower of Challengers Comics (Episode 897)
October 23, 2023 14:15 - 39 minutes - 35.8 MBAll October long, Car Con Carne is featuring Halloween-related interviews and locations. This episode finds me back at 13th Floor Haunted House (5050 River Road, Schiller Park). Joining me for a trip through the haunt is returning guest Patrick Brower, co-owner of Challengers Comics + Conversation (1845 N. Western, Chicago). Patrick and I talk about our trip through 13th Floor before digging into the state of comics retail, comic conventions and the joy of Mego action figures. Challeng...
The Halloween circus is coming to town: Sideshow Villains at Alhambra Palace (Episode 896)
October 18, 2023 15:35 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MBGet ready for a live event unlike anything else happening in Chicago this season: Sideshow Villains’ Deviant Cabaret is happening at Alhambra Palace (1240 W. Randolph) on Sunday, October 22. Described as “a mix of dance, circus, and cabaret acts designed to disturb and delight,” the show will feature Sideshow Villains as well as aerialists, a juggler, trapeze artist, dancers, aerial rope artist, and performance artist Spitfire. This is going to be insane, and insanely awesome. Joini...
You wanted the heaviest … you got the heaviest… PHAT KISS (Episode 895)
October 14, 2023 16:09 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBPlus-sized Kiss tribute band Phat Kiss plays Livewire (3394 N. Milwaukee) Halloween night. Half the band joined me at Cobra Lounge to talk about the show, and everything relating to Kiss. Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Subscribe to Alex’s YouTube channel, and visit his website at alexrossart.com! Car Con Carne is also sponsored by In the Loop Magazine: When you’re a world-class music city like Chicago, there’s so much happening that it can be almost overwhelming—that’s...
Halloween time is Giallo time in Chicago: Cinephile Stephanie Sack (Episode 894)
October 10, 2023 13:53 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MBCinephile/Giallo expert Stephanie Sack returns to Car Con Carne to talk about some Giallo events happening in Chicago during this Halloween season. The centerpiece of that list is a special appearance by “Suspiria” actress Barbara Magnolfi at Chicago’s horror-themed cafe, the Brewed. Ms. Magnolfi will be there on October 14 from noon to 5pm for selfies, autographs and more. We also talk about Claudio Simonetti & GOBLIN performing the score to Argento’s “Demons” on Sunday, October...
‘We don't just sell rubber Halloween masks. We sell characters’ - Zagone Studios (Episode 893)
October 10, 2023 12:58 - 24 minutes - 22 MBEvery year, Halloween fans scramble to find the perfect masks and costumes to represent themselves through Spooky Season. For decades, a local mask maker has been there for them. Zagone Studios in Melrose Park has been making handmade (!) masks since the mid-70s. Their business continues to grow and thrive, thanks to an innovative and creative spirit, as well as a community that actively supports the products. I visited Zagone on a Saturday morning at the peak of Halloween ...
A visit with Tim Virgin to favorite haunt HellsGate (Episode 892)
October 08, 2023 02:25 - 31 minutes - 29 MBLet me just get this out of the way: The annual opening of HellsGate is one of my most anticipated events of the year. The immersive, engaging haunt is world class, and I leave there smiling and giddy every year. For this episode, I brought longtime friend/colleague Tim Virgin (94.7 WLS, Q101, WLUP, etc.) to experience HellsGate with me. After our journey, we were joined in the car by HellsGate founder/owner John LaFlamboy. Tim and I share our thoughts and favorite moments from o...