Punk Rock Paleontologist at the Field Museum
Who doesn't like a good dinosaur exhibit? Especially at Chicago's Field Museum? This month on Backstage with Lisa Fielding, we switch things up and talk with paleontologist and scientist Jingmai O'Connor about her work, Sue the dinosaur, and more. ----- Thanks to Jingmai O'Connor, Bill Simpson, K…
Cue to Choir: Uniting Voices of Chicago
In the latest episode, we talk with an iconic Chicago-based children's choir that was created in a direct response to the civil rights movements to bring people of all background together. From the suburbs to the city proper, we hear from a student who's been performing since she was a child, the…
From Ukraine to Cabaret Zazou
In the latest episode, we talk to a circus power couple. He is a professional juggler, a AGT finalist, a family man, and proud Ukrainian. His wife, a world famous Mongolian contortionist. Viktor Kee and Ulzii Mergen talk about their experiences in the spotlight, her harrowing journey from war-torn …
Chicago Is A Film City
We're back! We're turning the lights on and opening up the curtains for Backstage Chicago with Lisa Fielding. The podcast will continue on a monthly basis where we'll give you an inside look at the arts & culture scene around the Chicagoland area. In the latest episode, we spotlight the Chicag…
Lyric Opera: The woman behind the curtain
This week on Backstage Chicago, She's one of the few women calling the shots backstage in the live performance industry. Rachel Tobias has been the stage manager for the Lyric Opera for 20 years. She calls herself the air traffic controller of every stage production. We'll talk to Rachel about bein…
Cabaret Week: An Exploration of Chicago's Cabaret Scene
This week on Backstage Chicago, Lisa sits down with a group of performers bringing the first Cabaret Week to the city of Chicago May 6 - May 16. Each performer talks about the joys of live performance and the road to discovering their creative talents.
The Otherworld Theater: A Sci-Fi Production Company
This week on Backstage Chicago, Lisa travels to a hidden treasure in Wrigleyville called the Otherworld Theater. It's considered the premiere Sci Fi/Fantasy production company in North America and houses two stages, a bar, a dragon head and other oddities. Lisa sits down with the company’s founder …
Show Me How You Burlesque!
On this episode of Backstage Chicago, Lisa travels to Sway Dance studio on the north side to talk to three amazing burlesque dancers about the history of burlesque, their unique approach to the art form, and what people can learn about self-love.
Ravinia Music Festival: A Summer Staple
This week on Backstage Chicago, Lisa sits down with Jeff Haydon, President and CEO of Ravinia to talk about its history and how excited they are to be back after a three-year hiatus. This episode gives our listeners a first look at the official lineup for the 2022 festival. Stay tuned next week a…
World Comedy Expo: It's Time to Laugh
On this episode of Backstage Chicago, Lisa visits The Second City's UP Comedy Club to discuss the World Comedy Expo's debut, with Kerry Sheehan (Business Director), Saku Yanagawa (Artistic Director), and Kelly Leonard (The Second City). Together they talk how laughter unites us and why Chicago is t…