Hi Ho and Sweetie end 2024 with epic free show (Episode 1012)

Gilian from Hi Ho and Birdy from Sweetie jumped in my car at the end of 2024 to talk about their free show at Schubas (also including Reckoner), happening on 12/30/24 (New Year’s Eve Eve).   We’d originally planned to go food-less for this one, but to my surprise they arrived with freshly-baked c…

Streetz Artz Alliance brings local crafts to craft breweries (Episode 1010)

John E. Streetz, Head of the Streetz Artz Alliance, has been curating craft shows at suburban craft breweries for years. Odds are, you’ve probably been to one (either planned or accidentally). They’re great events that pull in an eclectic mix of area artisans… and are a perfect complement to the ne…

Americana artist Sara Jean Stevens performs (Episode 1009)

Chicago Americana artist Sara Jean Stevens just released a new video for the song “Thaw,” with a new EP, “Lovesick,” to follow on Valentine’s Day. To mark the occasion, she jumped on the podcast to do an absolutely stunning version of the song before our interview. See Sara in one of her upcomin…

David Singer’s ‘The Cost of Living’ turns 25 (Episode 1008)

David Singer is one of Chicago’s most versatile artists: he’s a songwriter, performer, filmmaker, screenwriter and podcaster.  He’s also a founding Board Member and President of Intonation. He’s back on Car Con Carne as his first solo album, “The Cost of Living,” is celebrating its 25th annivers…

Q101 Program Director James Kurdziel (Episode 1-0-1-1)

Q101 (101.1FM / WKQX) is back on Chicago’s FM dial, after many confusing and MIA years for the brand. A fresh listen reveals a station in line with what many (or at least I) would argue is a “classic” Q101 look and feel. Let’s be candid: Terrestrial radio is facing serious headwinds, and its succe…

Marina City frontman experiences Johnnie’s Italian beef for 1st time (Episode 1007)

Ryan Argast of Marina City returns to Car Con Carne for Italian beef sandwiches at the iconic Johnnie’s Beef. We eat the beefs while wearing rubber exam gloves, but I swear it’s normal behavior. We spent some time chatting about the new Marina City EP, Reflections, another big step forward for th…

50K Check celebrates vinyl release of debut (Episode 1K6)

50K Check celebrates the vinyl release of “50 Thousand Dollar Check” with an event atShuga on December 13. To talk about the album (and band) are members Mason Payne (guitar), Kisira Hill (bass) and Kelly Torch (vocals). As we chat, we enjoy fantastic food from Lilac Tiger (1742 W. Division St.)…

Local H: ‘PJ Soles,’ track-by-track (Episode 1005)

Hey, hello, how was your day? “Whatever Happened to P.J. Soles,” originally released 20 years ago, has grown to become a fan-favorite Local H album, and remains the favorite of band leader Scott Lucas. In his words, “P.J. Soles” was “the work of a band that had simply ceased to give a fuck.” Scot…

Quiet Pterodactyl celebrates 5 years with Angel Bat Dawid at Jerry’s (Episode 1004)

Quiet Pterodactyl celebrates five years of non-profit work providing music and arts experience and education to the Chicago community. Founder and President Trey Elder joins us for this episode. Also joining us is Angel Bat Dawid, a remarkable composer, clarinetist, singer & spiritual jazz sooth…

You Died brings the ‘post-apocalyptic cyberpunk dance party’ (Episode 1003)

“I’m ready to go if you’re ready to go-whoa.” You Died’s new album, “Machine Learning,” is out, and Fred Frey from the band returns to Car Con Carne to talk about it. See You Died in their record release show at Reggie’s on Friday, November 15! ## Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Auto…