Podcasts by The AMp from Vocalo
Interviews amplifying arts + culture + community.
Further podcasts by Vocalo Radio
Podcast on the topic Kunst
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Sandra Treviño Shows Us Nemegata from 2020-05-15T15:43
Sandra Treviño of Enchufate Chicago graces our presence once more, this time showing us the psychedelic goodness of Texan group Nemegata
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Buscabulla And Their New Album 'Regresa' from 2020-05-08T14:18
Sandra Treviño of Enchufate dedicates their entire show to reviewing the new album by New York-based Puerto Rican group Buscabulla
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BLNKHAUS Gallery Stays Active With Virtual Art Shows From Artists' Spaces from 2020-04-23T11:33
Like many event spaces, Logan Square's BLNKHAUS Gallery had to adjust to new realities amid COVID-19 pandemic. They are now hosting virtual art shows.
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Chicago Jazz, Art-Rock, And Electronic Fixture Jeff Parker On Reclaimed Soul from 2020-04-21T11:15
Reclaimed Soul host Ayana Contreras talked with guitarist/producer/arranger Jeff Parker about his latest album, his soulful approach to music, and about crate digging!
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The Fly Honey Show Goes On With Online Dance Workshops from 2020-04-16T10:50
Jill Hopkins spoke with Erin Kilmurray and John Cicora of The Fly Honey Show about how the sex and body-positive variety show is keeping the movement going with online dance workshops.
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Ayana Contreras Speaks With Guitarist/Producer/Arranger Jeff Parker. from 2020-04-09T13:57
Jeff Parker is a guitarist, producer and arranger working in the intersection of jazz and art-rock. He spoke with Ayana Contreras about his soulful approach to making music.
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Ayana Contreras Shares Uplifting Soul Tunes For The Times Of Isolation from 2020-04-02T11:06
Ayana Contreras is the host of Vocalo's Reclaimed Soul and joins us every week with a preview of this week's show.
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Tiger King Cameraman Recounts His Firsthand Experience at G.W. Zoo from 2020-03-31T13:46
Nico Marchetti was a crew member on Netflix's hit series Tiger King. Jill Hopkins spoke with the cameraman about his first hand experiences at GW Zoo.
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Guatemalan singer/songwriter Kathy Palma Talks About Growing Up And Her New EP "Ella Es" from 2020-03-20T12:29
Sandra Treviño spoke with Kathy Palma about the creative process behind her new EP and how her music transcends cultural and genre barriers.
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Ayana Contreras Highlights Soul and Reggae Covers of American Hits. from 2020-03-18T11:16
Ayana Contreras is the host of Vocalo’s Reclaimed Soul. She joined Jill Hopkins on The AMp to highlight her favorite Soul and Reggae covers of big American hits.
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The Voice Of Chad The Bird Talks Creativity In The Time Of Coronavirus from 2020-03-17T11:55
We spoke with Chicago comedian and storyteller Josh Zagoren about how he's holding up during coronavirus outbreak and the importance of storytelling in times of crisis.
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Chicago DJs Lady D and Psycho-B Talk About Their Decades of Experience from 2020-03-11T10:53
Chicago DJs Lady D and Psycho-B*tch join Jill Hopkins on the AMp to talk about their DJ journeys and experiences navigating the male-dominated scene for 25+ years.
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Zeshan B Is Back With a New Civil Rights Anthem "Brown Power" from 2020-03-11T10:41
First generation Indian and Muslim Soul singer Zeshan B is back with a new civil rights anthem and will help present the inaugural gala of Chicago's brand new South Asian Institute.
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Nerdette Podcast Brings Book Club to the Privacy of Your Home from 2020-03-09T10:57
Greta Johnsen, host of WBEZ's podcast Nerdette, joined Jill in studio to talk about this month's selection of their book club
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Winston Duke Talks Black Panther And Acting With Mark Wahlberg from 2020-03-05T13:00
Winston Duke is known for his roles as the leader of the Jabari tribe in "Black Panther" and the dad in "Us." He is now starring opposite Mark Wahlberg in the new Netflix murder conspiracy detectiv...
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Triviality Podcast Recreates the Spirit of Local Bar Trivia Nights from 2020-03-04T10:00
Triviality Podcast is a weekly trivia podcast done in a game show style. Lighthearted, informative and fun, it's perfect for local bar trivia nerds.
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Montana Butsch discusses how the Spotivity App helps Chicago's youth and parents from 2020-03-04T08:50
Founder&CEO of Spotivity, Montana Butsch tells Jill Hopkins how the app helps Chicago youth find safe and empowering after-school activities. It's a Chicago Bull's start-up finalist.
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The Floor Show is a new rock, homage and performance spectacle honoring David Bowie from 2020-02-20T09:20
The Floor Show creators, Alex Grelle, Jesse Morgan Young and Liam Kazar, speak to Jill about their new show centered around Bowie's drive to continually reinvent himself.
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Da'Vine Joy Randolph Talks High Fidelity and Dolemite from 2020-02-19T11:42
Jill Hopkins spoke with actress Da'Vine Joy Randolph about her recent roles in Dolemite Is My Name and Hulu's new TV series High Fidelity.
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Kurt Braunohler talks about his recent TV appearances on shows like The Good Place and Bob's Burgers from 2020-02-14T11:04
Comedian, actor and podcaster Kurt Braunohler joins Jill in studio to talk about his upcoming shows, life in comedy, and recent television appearances.
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The Field Museum Celebrates Black History Month with an Exhibition on Carl Cotton from 2020-02-13T11:35
Curator Reda Brooks talks to Jill Hopkins about how the Field Museum is celebrating Black History Month with an exhibition about Carl Cotton, the museum's first Black taxidermist.
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Hannibal Buress Talks New TV Special, NBA All-Star Celebrity Game and Chicago Food Cravings from 2020-02-13T09:05
Hannibal Buress is one of Chicago's greatest comedy exports. He's back in town for NBA All-Star Celebrity Game with his team captain Common among others. He spoke with Jill Hopkins about the game, ...
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Metro Owner Joe Shanahan Talks Winter Block Party and Recreating Blue Groove Lounge Vibes from 2020-02-06T11:56
We spoke with the owner of Chicago's Metro and Smart Bar, Joe Shanahan, about this weekend's Winter Block Party and the spirit of the early Chicago Hip Hop scene in the days of the Blue Groove Loun...
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Mental Giants Talk Hip-Hop History with Jesse De La Pena from 2020-02-06T11:08
Mental Giants were a crucial part of the Chicago Hip Hop scene in the days of The Blue Groove Lounge. Vocalo host Jesse De LaPena spoke with the duo about Chicago Hip Hop history, and their upcomin...
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Ang13 and Brittney Carter Talk Womanhood and Hip-Hop from 2020-02-04T13:31
Ang13 and Brittney Carter are some of the finest MCs in Chicago. They sat down with Jill Hopkins to chat womanhood, songwriting and the art of hip-hop.
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DJ's Pumpin Pete and Ca$hEra talk House and Hip Hop scenes old and new from 2020-02-04T08:15
In anticipation of this week's Winter Block Party, we spoke with DJ Pumpin Pete and Ca$h Era about the Hip Hop and House scenes back then and the state of Hip Hop culture right now.
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Author Kiley Reid on Race and Privilege in Her Debut Novel “Such a Fun Age” from 2020-01-31T13:41
Kiley Reid’s “Such a Fun Age” is a hyper-relateable story of race and privilege set around a young Black babysitter Emira and her White feminist employer, Alix, and what happens after a tense, raci...
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Second City Digs Into Archives in Celebration of Black History Month from 2020-01-29T11:24
This year, The Second City is bringing back its Black History Month Show, pulling from decades worth of iconic archival and classic sketches and songs created by African American alumni. we spoke w...
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AMp pays tribute to Kobe Bryant from 2020-01-27T11:02
Yesterday, the news broke about the tragic death of NBA player Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash. Jill Hopkins and Vocalo social media correspondent Curtis Shaw Flagg pay a tribute and remember the...
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Writer Terrence Chappell on Frankie Knuckles and his contributions to fostering inclusivity in the dance scene from 2020-01-27T09:43
House music godfather, Frankie Knuckles, was instrumental in creating sanctuaries for queer Black and Brown youth. We spoke with writer and cultural critic Terrence Chappell about Frankie Knuckle's...
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Dometi Pongo talks True Life Crime from 2020-01-24T09:38
Dometi Pongo is a journalist and the host of MTV's True Life Crime. Bekoe caught up with Dometi about his Chicago beginnings and what it takes to produce a documentary series that explores the unse...
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Chicago Poetry Center celebrates Valentine's with poetry and a fundraiser from 2020-01-23T11:41
Chicago Poetry Center Executive Director, Beth Sampson, and Poet in Residence, Frankeim Mitchell, joined Jill Hopkins to talk about "No Love for Love" Valentines fundraiser on 2/13/20.
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Endangered Species Protection Board struggles to revive endangered species in Illinois from 2020-01-23T11:35
WBEZ environment and climate reporter, Jerome McDonnell, joined us to talk about the work of Endangered Species Protection Board to record, protect and revive the 480 endangered species in Illinois.
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Cubs Charities Help Rebuild Athletic Fields in Puerto Rico. from 2020-01-08T15:40
After earthquakes in Puerto Rico, rebuilding communities is more important than ever. Alicia Gonzalez is the Executive Director of Cubs Charities. She spoke with Jill Hopkins about the Diamond Proj...
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WBEZ's Mariah Woelfel Breaks Down First Week of Legal Weed Revenue in Illinois from 2020-01-08T10:35
WBEZ News Producer Mariah Woelfel joined Jill Hopkins on the AMP to tell us how much cash Illinois has pulled in in the first week that marijuana has been legal.
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Sandra Trevino Shares Favorite Latin Alternative Tracks of the Year from 2019-12-20T13:06
Sandra Trevino is the Founder and Editor of Enchufate.com, one of Chicago’s leading resources for Latin Alternative music, art and culture. She brings us her favorite songs of the year.
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Ci3 Game Changer Lab Educates About Sexual and Reproductive Health Through Games from 2019-12-20T12:10
Ci3 Game Changer Lab at UChicago designs games that educate and improve the sexual and reproductive health of young adults. Director Mason Arrington talks how health and play converge in innovative...
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Top 5 Chicago Stories of 2019 with Reset's Jenn White from 2019-12-19T14:41
Jenn White of WBEZ's Reset joined Jill Hopkins on The AMp to look back at the biggest news stories that defined Chicago in 2019, including Mayor Lightfoot’s election, CTU Strike, Chance the Snapper...
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The Harlem Globetrotters Chat With Vocalo from 2019-12-19T14:02
Vocalo spoke with Harlem Globetrotters about their beginnings in Illinois, learning that ball spin, and the joys of basketball.
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Ayana Contreras Previews Christmas Themed "Reclaimed Soul" from 2019-12-18T12:56
Ayana Contreras is the host of Vocalo’s Reclaimed Soul and our tour guide down the River of Soul. She joins Jill Hopkins every Wednesday with a preview of next day's show.?
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Year in Queer: Biggest Local and National LGBTQ+ Stories of 2019 from 2019-12-18T11:40
Slo 'Mo Party and Reunion Co-Founder, and Chicago's party mom Kristen Kaza joined Jill Hopkins to look back at the year in queer - Stonewall 50, Megan Rapinoe, Chicago's first Black lesbian mayor, ...
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LaToya "Moneyball" Smith Talks Top 5 Sports Stories of 2019 from 2019-12-17T13:53
2019 was a big year for sports. We spoke with Vocalo Sr. sports correspondent LaToya "Moneyball" Smith about her top 5 biggest sports stories of the year.
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Immigrants Should Stay Away from Cannabis Industry, Once Legalized from 2019-12-12T12:37
Participation in legalized marijuana industry in Illinois can still have dire consequences for non-citizen immigrants. WBEZ reporter Maria Zamudio explains what immigrants should know.
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Chicago Public Library Recommends Best Reads of 2019 from 2019-12-12T12:33
Every year, Chicago Public Library compiles a "Best of the Best" list of recommended readings for Chicago readers. The list spans a variety genres, categories, and styles and includes Chicago authors.
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Free Street Theater's Karla Estela Rivera&Melissa DuPrey discuss the show "Good Grief" from 2019-12-11T12:30
"Good Grief," running at Free Street Theater through Dec. 21st, is a recounting of a complicated path towards healing and survival in times where there were little-to-no resources available.
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WBEZ's Mariah Woelfel Answers Chicago's Weed Questions Ahead of Legalization in January from 2019-12-10T09:33
With Jan. 1st quickly approaching, marijuana legalization in Illinois will soon come into effect. WBEZ News Producer Mariah Woelfel stopped by to discuss the latest concerns from Chicagoans ahead o...
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John Waters Talks Chicago, Defying Expectations and Staying "Filthy" from 2019-12-03T09:59
John Waters is an iconic filmmaker, writer and actor. Jill Hopkins spoke with the Baltimore native and the purveyor of the "trash" genre about his affinity for Chicago, his sense of humor, defying ...
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Book It Black To Bronzeville Brings Rakim To Chicago from 2019-11-25T13:33
Desiree Sanders is the Owner of Scrybes-N-Vybes and the Curator of Book It Black To Bronzeville. This week the book club is bringing Hip Hop legend Rakim to Chicago for a book discussion and live p...
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Diallo Brooks talks Impeachment Hearings&DACA from 2019-11-21T11:28
Diallo Brooks of People for the American Way brings us the latest updates on the impeachment hearings and more.
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The Color Purple: The Musical at Drury Lane Theatre from 2019-09-25T10:51:12
The Color Purple: the Musical is at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace, IL now until November 3rd! Two of the stars, Eben K. Logan and Sydney Charles, joined Jill Hopkins on The AMp this mornin...
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Chicago Public Library's Creative Digital Learning Space, YOUmedia, Turns 10 from 2019-09-24T10:57:38
YOUmedia is a creative digital learning space for teens at Chicago Public Library. This year the program is celebrating its 10 year anniversary of providing Chicago teens with tools to create, coll...
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DecibelCrawl Fest 2019 Showcases POC/LGBTQ Talent in Chicago from 2019-09-18T10:42:33
Chicago's Clyde Moreau found the inspiration behind DecibelCrawl Fest from his own personal experience seeing the lack of representation for POC/LGBTQ folks in the city's music scene. Following the...
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Terrence Chappell Reflects on Chicago's Red Summer 100 Years Later from 2019-09-17T11:05:08
In the summer of 1919, race riots broke out on the beaches of Chicago. 100 years later, black Chicagoans still face the aftermath of segregation that persist to this day. Listen as Jill Hopkins and...
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Founder of Riot Fest, Riot Mike, discusses the 2019 festival lineup, history of Riot, and more from 2019-09-11T12:09:04
Riot Festival was founded in 2005 by Mike Petryshyn (Riot Mike) and the fest is still going strong today. This upcoming weekend will be the 15th year of Riot Fest, taking place in Douglas Park. Lis...
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Kevin Coval Focuses on the Gentrification of Wicker Park in New Book "Everything Must Go" from 2019-09-05T10:32:31
Kevin Coval's newest book "Everything Must Go" celebrates Chicago's Wicker Park in the 1990's, which served as the poet's home as a young artist. It focuses on the politicization and gentrification...
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AMFM's Chicago FEAST Fest returns on 9/7 with a three course event of music, culture and food. from 2019-09-05T10:27:39
Ciera Mckissick stopped by The Morning AMp to talk with Jill Hopkins about the second annual FEAST Festival happening in Homan Square Park this coming Saturday, September 7th. The event seeks to ra...
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Marlon Wayans Reflects on his Legacy&Looks Forward to What Lies Ahead from 2019-08-22T12:35:12
Marlon Wayans is at it again! You know him as an actor, producer, writer, and comedian, and he has no plans of slowing down any time soon. Following the release of Netflix's "Sextuplets," Marlon jo...
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Back to school! Chicago teachers and CPS negotiating new teachers contract from 2019-08-20T11:42:14
Sarah Karp, WBEZ Reporter, joins Jill Hopkins on the Morning AMp to give us the lowdown on what's going on with negotiations between Chicago teachers and Chicago Public Schools regarding a new teac...
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Felonious Munk talks on fatherhood and the complexities of Chicago's comedy community from 2019-08-16T11:54:36
Emmy nominated comedian Felonious Munk stopped by The Morning AMp to talk with Jill Hopkins about fatherhood, the complexities of Chicago's comedy community, and more. Munk is best-known as the Ble...
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Beastie Boys Tribute Group "She's Crafty" Celebrates the Life&Legacy of Adam Yauch with "MCA Day" from 2019-08-14T10:51:08
Amy Sumpter, also known as MCAmy, stopped by the Morning AMp to talk all things Beastie. As a member of She's Crafty, Chicago's all-female Beastie Boys tribute, Amy graced the airwaves to talk abou...
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Toni Morrison's powerful lifelong legacy from 2019-08-07T11:29:36
Toni Morrison passed away at the age of 88 this week and Jill Hopkins was joined by WBEZ South Side Reporter, Natalie Moore, to discuss Morrison's powerful lifelong legacy ranging from her literary...
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Adam Burke talks "Cage Free Children" and how Chicago shaped his comedy from 2019-08-01T11:15:49
Jill Hopkins spoke with Chicago writer and comedian Adam Burke on The Morning AMp about a comedy fundraiser being put on for RAICES (The Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Service...
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Ross Golan talks his new stage-musical "The Wrong Man" from 2019-07-31T12:25:14
Ross Golan is a multi-platinum pop songwriter whose credits include "Same Old Love" with Selena Gomez and "My House" with Flo Rida. His own solo project is a one-man concept album about a man who's...
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Laundi Keepseagle Shares how Save Money Save Life Creates Welcoming Spaces for Change Despite Odds from 2019-07-25T11:19:37
Save Money, Save Life is Chicago rapper Vic Mensa’s non-profit organization, whose aim is to curate accessible events and knowledge that uplifts and contributes to pushing culture and creativity in...
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The Future is Feminist: Global Youth Ambassadors discuss leadership from 2019-07-24T11:32:27
Listen to three students from the Global Youth Ambassadors Leadership Summit discuss the future of feminist leadership. The Chicago Summit branch is building the next generation of global leaders a...
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New Comedy Central Series "South Side" Created By and For Chicagoans from 2019-07-23T10:45:08
Brought to life by local Chicagoans both in front of and behind the camera, Comedy Central's new series "South Side" gives viewers an authentic portrayal of what life in the city is all about. Set ...
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WakandaCon returns to Chicago July 26-28 from 2019-07-22T11:59:17
Wakandacon is an Afro-futuristic fan convention that celebrates Black culture and is back in Chicago for its 2nd year on July 26-28. The convention includes panel discussions among thought leader...
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Maria Ines Zamudio Breaks Down Chicago's Preventative Measures Surrounding ICE Raids from 2019-07-18T10:50:42
WBEZ reporter Maria Ines Zamudio spoke with Jill about Chicago's preventative measures to protect its residents from ICE raids happening throughout the city. Maria covers how essential it is to k...
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Comedian Mike E. Winfield Talks Highs and Lows of Dating, Life in LA, and his new movie PIMP from 2019-07-17T11:23:15
You might recognize L.A. Comedian Mike E. Winfield from The Office, BET, Brad Paisley’s Comedy Rodeo Special, and so much more. Today, Mike stopped by The Morning AMp to tell some jokes and share s...
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"Untitled" by Anaya Frazier from 2019-07-16T13:42:30
Louder Than A Bomb (LTAB) is the largest youth poetry festival in the world. LTAB is an annual event hosting over 1,000 youth poets for a month of Olympic-style poetry bouts, workshops, and special...
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"Big Dyke Energy" by Ari Appleberry from 2019-07-16T13:41:25
Louder Than A Bomb (LTAB) is the largest youth poetry festival in the world. LTAB is an annual event hosting over 1,000 youth poets for a month of Olympic-style poetry bouts, workshops, and special...
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"Untitled" by Marilyn Carroll from 2019-07-16T13:38:47
Louder Than A Bomb (LTAB) is the largest youth poetry festival in the world. LTAB is an annual event hosting over 1,000 youth poets for a month of Olympic-style poetry bouts, workshops, and special...
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"A Curse on You and Your White Hood" by Jay Post (Explicit) from 2019-07-16T13:36:53
Louder Than A Bomb (LTAB) is the largest youth poetry festival in the world. LTAB is an annual event hosting over 1,000 youth poets for a month of Olympic-style poetry bouts, workshops, and special...
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"Untitled" by Kennedy Harris (Explicit) from 2019-07-16T13:34:51
Louder Than A Bomb (LTAB) is the largest youth poetry festival in the world. LTAB is an annual event hosting over 1,000 youth poets for a month of Olympic-style poetry bouts, workshops, and special...
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Joshua Grosso of Les Miserables Reflects on his Musical Theater Journey from 2019-07-16T11:57:28
Joshua Grosso of Les Miserables joins Jill Hopkins to talk about how musical theater became such a big part of his life, his work with young inspiring artists, and how he sees himself reflected in ...
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Little Cabin Films Celebrates 10 Years of Film Making from 2019-07-11T10:35:54
Michigan filmmakers Nick Nummerdor and Andrew Morgan created Little Cabin Films in 2009 as a way to continue bringing their DIY entrepreneurship to life. With a passion for telling people's stories...
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Artist Juan Angel Chavez Transforms an Abandoned Basketball Court into a Community Art Space from 2019-07-10T10:47:24
Sculptor, Chicagoan, and avid skateboarder, Juan Angel Chavez joined Jill Hopkins in the studio to talk about his current project focused on the revitalization of a community and art space in Chica...
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Maria Ines Zamudio discusses the case of deported US veterans and their plight to return home from 2019-06-27T15:08:52
The Government reports that over 250 US military veterans have been placed in immigration removal proceedings in the last 6 years. With support by the Pulitzer Center, WBEZ reporter Maria Ines Zamu...
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Natalie Moore discusses predatory housing contracts of 50s-60s and the "plunder of Black wealth" from 2019-06-27T14:49:06
A report titled "The Plunder of Black Wealth in Chicago: New Findings on the Lasting Toll of Predatory Housing Contracts" found that Black families in Chicago lost between 3 and 4 billion of dollar...
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Miranda Bailey&Jim Gaffigan talk teen rebellions&living double lives in new dramedy Being Frank from 2019-06-25T12:10:58
The new film, BEING FRANK takes us back to 1992 where a young man named Philip is in the throes of teen angst. His dreams are dashed when his overbearing father, Frank, played by Jim Gaffigan, for...
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Lyric Opera Brings Fresh New Energy to New Production of West Side Story from 2019-05-24T11:12:54
With a cast of nearly 100 artists and musicians, the Lyric's production of West Side Story brings new energy and scale to the iconic musical that transports Shakespeare's story of Romeo and Juliet ...
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PREACH! Comedy Troupe Goes to Steppenwolf from 2019-05-23T10:36:30
PREACH! is a fiery collective of poets and comedians using spoken word and sketch comedy to seek truth and rage against the machine since 2016. They are throwing a Block Party at Steppenwolf's 1700...
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Free Spirit Media celebrates 18 years of championing youth voices in media from 2019-05-23T09:08:37
This month, Free Spirit Media in Chicago is celebrating 18 years of championing youth voices in media. The organization provides teens and young adults in communities of color on the West and South...
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Henry VIII's wives step to the front in a pop concert spectacle at Chicago Shakespeare Theater from 2019-05-22T12:17:48
"SIX" is a pop-concert spectacle that tells the story of King Henry VIII's six wives, their lives and fate. The electrifying show brings the overshadowed historical female figures to the forefront ...
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Jennifer Welch of Planned Parenthood discusses the Reproductive Health Act of Illinois from 2019-05-15T10:52:53
The increase of abortion ban bills across the country is posing a threat to Roe v. Wade. Alabama, Georgia and Ohio are among the latest conservative states to pass such bills at the State House lev...
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Klepper on "Klepper": The new docuseries looks at real people on the frontlines of social movements from 2019-05-09T12:32:19
"Klepper" is the name of the new docuseries from an acclaimed writer and comedian Jordan Klepper. The ex-Daily Show correspondent, and the host of "The Opposition with Jordan Klepper," ventures out...
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Only Highly Melanated Can Thrive When Second Sun Appears in Upcoming Sci-Fi Comedy Series from 2019-05-09T11:43:09
"I wanted Blackness to be an advantage in the world," says Lull Mengesha, author, entrepreneur and creator of the upcoming sci-fi comedy series "Rise and Shine." The series explores what happens wh...
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Girls Rock! Chicago Talks Empowerment Through Music from 2019-05-08T11:37:49
Gabriella Hirsch, Program Coordinator, and Britt Julious, a writer for the Chicago Tribune, joined Jill Hopkins in the studio to talk about the Girls Rock! Carnival, as well as their week long Girl...
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Sandra Trevino of Enchufate premieres new music from Army of Juan and Making Movies from 2019-05-03T12:00:47
Sandra Trevino is the Founder and Editor of Enchufate.com, Chicago's leading source for Latin Alternative music and news. She joins us every Friday to spill the juiciest gossip and updates from the...
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Activists Pidgeon Pagonis and Sean Saifa Wall Talk Intersex Justice from 2019-05-02T16:06:17
The "Intersex Justice Project" was started by activists Pidgeon Pagonis and Sean Saifa Wall to highlight the discriminatory and harmful medical practices of intersex surgeries and demand the end to...
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Free Spirit Media's The Real Chi learning newsroom empowers young adults to change media narratives from 2019-04-23T13:10:15
The Real Chi is a learning newsroom program from Free Spirit Media. It's based in the North Lawndale neighborhood and consists of participants ages 18-25 who report on everything from criminal just...
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Damon Young offers a personal account of being Black in America in new book from 2019-04-16T14:41:43
Damon Young is a writer, a cultural critic, a co-founder of Very Smart Brothas, and one of the most prominent Black voices on the internet. His first book is a memoir called "What Doesn't Kill You ...
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EduHam Makes History a Reality for Chicago Public School Kids from 2019-04-10T10:45:23
Lois MacMillan is a Master Teacher with the Gilder Lerhman Institute of American History, a Grammy award-winning educator, and the Senior Education Fellow for the Hamilton Education Program - bette...
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David Himmel Reflects on Radio's Past and Present in "The Last DJ" from 2019-04-08T10:28:23
David Himmel is an author and self-proclaimed journalistic mercenary. As an oldies radio DJ during a time when commercial radio was falling victim to automation, Himmel has a unique perspective on ...
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Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner Discusses Lesser Known Players in the Fight for Women's Suffrage from 2019-03-20T10:52:22
Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner joined us in the studio this Women's History Month to discuss her new book, "The Women's Suffrage Movement". The anthology focuses on the unsung voices from the battle for e...
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Maria Bamford Uses Comedy to Bring Awareness to Mental Health from 2019-03-15T10:32:45
Maria Bamford is a comedian and mental health advocate whose work is seen on Arrested Development, Lady Dynamite, Bojak Horseman and Adventure Time, to name a few. Bamford is everywhere in both com...
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Charles Preston Comes To The Defense Of The Millenial Voter from 2019-03-07T13:00:52
In an op-ed for the Chicago Sun-Times, Columnist Mary Mitchell writes that Chicago's millennial voters are to blame for the low turn out in the municipal elections. In a rebuttal for The Triibe, ac...
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Donnell Rawlings brings laughs to Chicago from 2019-03-07T12:11:19
You may know Donnell Rawlings as Day-Day from The Wire, or from his sketches on The Chappelle Show, or from his stand up. But odds are, if you saw him on the street the first thing out of your mout...
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The Morning AMp Breaks Down Mayoral Election Results with Triibe's Tiffany Walden from 2019-02-27T15:21:12
Chicago municipal elections took place on February 26th and the results were nothing but historic. Two Black women came in as the front runners in the race to become the next Mayor. Lori Lightfoot ...
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Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights are on the line to assist with voting issues from 2019-02-26T11:33:34
It's election day in Chicago, and today the city residents will be able to cast their votes for Mayor, City Clerk and Treasurer and Alderman. The Voting Rights Project is an initiative of Chicago L...
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Political Reporter Becky Vevea Gives a Crash Course on Upcoming Municipal Elections from 2019-02-25T11:16:36
Chicago’s municipal elections are tomorrow, February 26. Most Chicagoans are still undecided, and a crowded pool of candidates give voters a range of choices from connected establishment folks to p...
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Vocalo live at Winter Block Party X: Kevin Coval, John Walt Foundation, Defcee, Mother Nature&more from 2019-02-15T12:22:54
Jill Hopkins and Gabe Mendoza held it down with a live broadcast at this year's Winter Block Party. They spoke with several performing artists and organizations represented at the event that day, i...
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Chicago Magic Lounge Turns One and Celebrates Magic Community in its Unique New Location from 2019-02-15T11:29:44
The Chicago Magic Lounge is celebrating one year anniversary in its new location on 5050 N. Clark. Last year has brought over 100 magicians, over 450 shows, and entertained over 40,000 people who l...
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Actress Sydney Charles on staring in Nina Simone: Four Women from 2019-02-11T10:19:43
Sydney Charles joined Jill Hopkins in the studio to talk about her titular role in the play, Nina Simone: Four Women. The show is a tribute to the musical genius and activist, and tells a story tha...
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Abi Sanchez on recording his comedy album, "A.B.I.: A Bad Idea" from 2019-02-06T10:01:45
Abi Sanchez is one of Chicago's rising comedic talents. His relatable, observational, sometimes absurd style will be on full display when he records his comedy album, "A.B.I.: A Bad Idea", on Febru...
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Museum of Contemporary Photography Explores Migration and The Refugee Crisis in New Exhibit from 2019-01-31T18:00
The Museum of Contemporary Photography (MoCP) is the world’s premier college art museum dedicated to photography and was founded in 1976 by Columbia College Chicago. They began collecting in the ea...
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CEO of Planned Parenthood (IL) Jennifer Welch discusses the future of reproductive rights from 2019-01-23T11:07:33
This week marks the 46th anniversary of the monumental Roe v Wade Supreme Court ruling, which made abortion legal nationwide. To mark the occasion Jill Hopkins spoke with Jennifer Welch, the Presid...
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Collaboraction Theatre seeks submissions to upcoming youth fest "The Light" from 2019-01-22T11:25:03
Collaboraction Social Contemporary Theatre incites social change through community engagement and devised theatre practices. The company is now accepting submissions of short plays, dance, spoken w...
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Keep up with Chicago elections with Chi.Vote from 2019-01-17T13:39:09
There are 15 candidates who have thrown their hats into the ring to become the next mayor of Chicago and so many more running for other positions at the municipal level. Chicagoans looking to educa...
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Jovante Cunningham reflects on "Surviving R. Kelly" doc and the importance of speaking out from 2019-01-10T13:35:27
The six-part Lifetime documentary series “Surviving R. Kelly” has reignited conversations about the singer’s predatory behavior toward underage girls that first came to light in the early 2000s. Th...
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Sun-Times Reporter Kathy Chaney discusses the new wave of discourse on R. Kelly's abusive behavior from 2019-01-10T12:24:06
The six-part Lifetime documentary series “Surviving R. Kelly” has reignited conversations about the singer’s predatory behavior toward underage girls that first came to light in the early 2000s. Th...
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WBEZ Reporter Maria Zamudio Explains How the Government Shutdown Is Affecting Immigration Courts from 2019-01-10T12:02:22
The current partial government shutdown is the second longest shutdown in American history, and it's affecting all numbers of agencies including the Department of Homeland Security, The Executive O...
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Sons of The Silent Age are back with a David Bowie tribute in benefit for cancer research from 2019-01-08T15:14:45
Chris Connelly moved from his native Scotland in the 80's to pursue a career with industrial music icons The Revolting Cocks and Ministry. But his side project with Matt Sweeney (Filter, Smashing P...
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Lucas Brothers discuss their journey from law school to becoming comedians and cartoon stars from 2019-01-04T13:33:58
Before taking over the Up Comedy Club in Chicago Jan. 4-6, Lucas Brothers stopped by the Vocalo studio to talk about their journey from law school to becoming comedians and cartoon stars. For mor...
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Entrepreneur Alex Tardos and artist Brandon Breaux team up to open Chi Pizza Pie in Chatham from 2019-01-03T11:30:31
Jill Hopkins spoke with Entrepreneur Alex Tardos and artist Brandon Breaux about their new joint endeavor - the opening of a basketball themed "Chi Pizza Pie" restaurant and an adjoining “The Invis...
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Burns Twins discuss Fulcrum Point's "Peace in Chicago" show 12/19 at Harris Theater from 2018-12-17T11:08:15
Chicago's drums and trumpet duo The Burns Twins will be joining Nico Segal, Young Chicago Authors Poets, Loona Dae, Ric Wilson and Victor! for Fulcrum Point's "Peace in Chicago" concert this Wednes...
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Pocket Con Celebrates Comic Books by Youth and POC, this Saturday at the Cultural Center from 2018-12-13T12:24:08
Elgin Bokari is a Visual and Performing artist, a Program Director at Free Write Arts&literacy, the President of Elephant Rebellion and a Co-Creator of Pocket Con, a comic book convention that cele...
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Bethany Collins Previews Her January Showcase at The Art Institute of Chicago from 2018-12-05T11:09:05
Bethany Collins has already gained attention for her art that looks at American history and the race relations therein. Her showing in January at the Art Institute of Chicago will showcase her work...
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A Conversation with the Women of Color Behind the Matt Damon Improv Show from 2018-12-05T10:56:59
Matt Damon Improv is NOT the star of Good Will Hunting asking the audience for suggestions, however it IS a whole troupe of women of color slaying improv every week at the Annoyance Theatre. Jill ...
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Meet ROTUS Darienne Page from 2018-11-29T14:28:42
Former Obama White House staffer, Iraq War Veteran and co-author of West Wingers, Darienne Page, joined The AMp in-studio to discuss her journey from a $20 bar deal to Receptionist Of The United St...
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Q Brothers bring back their Hip Hop take on Christmas Carol from 2018-11-29T12:47:41
We spoke with actor and member of the Q Brothers collective, Pos Pringle about the current Shakespeare Theater production of Q Brothers's Christmas Carol and what makes the Dickens' classic story s...
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Magician Jamie Allan Performs a Trick, Talks with Jill Hopkins on The Morning AMp from 2018-11-28T11:19:13
Jamie Allan fuses magic with technology, performing and designing incredible modern illusions with iPads, Holograms, Laser Beams, Facebook and Twitter. He stopped by the Vocalo studio to talk a lit...
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"The Last Session" - The Gospel/Rock/Pop Musical Comes to Chicago from 2018-11-19T10:26:32
Chris Pazdernik, director of "The Last Session," Artistic Director of Refuge Theatre Project, Erik Pearson, the Music Director of "The Last Session" ,&cast members joined Jill Hopkins in the studio...
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The Goodman Theatre brings A Christmas Carol to Chicago from 2018-11-14T10:53:21
Molly Brennan and Jasmine Bracey joined Jill Hopkins on The Morning Amp, and are both part of Goodman Theatre's 41st annual production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, appearing November 17 - December 30. A...
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GlitterGuts Photography: Celebrating 10 Years of Shooting Portraits of Chicagoans from 2018-11-14T10:38:14
Eric Storm and Sarah Joyce, the co-founders for GlitterGuts, joined Jill on The Morning Amp to discuss their organization's 10th anniversary, and what's in store to celebrate this milestone. Eric ...
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Daniel Kay Hertz Memorializes Chicago's Past, Present, and Future from 2018-11-08T10:27:34
Daniel Kay Hertz teamed up with City Bureau to bring Chicagoins together to produce equitable media coverage, encourage civic participation and hold powerful forces to account. He is aiming to mold...
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Recapping the 2018 Midterm Elections on The Morning AMp from 2018-11-07T11:38:57
On the day after the 2018 Midterm Elections, Exavier Pope, a lawyer and the host of the "Suit Up" podcast, joined Jill Hopkins on The Morning AMp to breakdown the election results. The two discuss ...
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The Science of Sleep Rests in the Light from 2018-11-06T10:00:01
Yes we get to talk to scientists too... We spoke with Neuroscientist Dr. Doug Steel about the effects of full-spectrum light on sleep patterns, mental health and behavior. Tip: get a night-time scr...
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Fighting Back Against The Trans Erasure Begun by the Trump Administration with Delia Kropp from 2018-11-02T11:25:56
Delia Kropp, an actor, director, and transgender advocate joined Jill Hopkins in the studio to promote two projects essential to fighting back against the trans erasure begun by this presidential a...
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Studio B Showcases a Chicago-Based Recording Studio and Its Comeback from 2018-10-31T11:13:50
Studio B is a workplace comedy about a Chicago-based recording studio that is struggling to make a comeback. Some of the cast and crew of the web-series stopped by the studio to talk about the show...
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"The Innocents" Immersive Gay and Spooky Play from 2018-10-25T10:24:56
Les Innocents/The Innocents is a world premiere theatrical event running this October. Inspired by a real concert held in the Paris Catacombs in 1897, The Innocents is an immersive queer thriller f...
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E.A.T. Empowers Chicago's Underground Economy from 2018-10-18T10:22:28
Founded and established for and by post incarcerated and marginalized Black people in Chicago, Equity And Transformation strives to uplift the faces, voices, and power of the vast disenfranchised a...
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Kyle Ann Sebastian&The Annual Report on the Status Chicago's Women and Children from 2018-10-17T10:37:03
Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) recently released the second edition of its annual Report on the Status of Chicago’s Women and Girls. The report uses 2016 data from the U.S. Census and Illinois ...
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Everything You Wanted To Know About the 2018 Midterm Elections from 2018-10-16T10:32:20
On November 6th, Illinoisans will decide on a number of offices including who will be the state’s next Comptroller, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Governor and more. WBEZ Politics reporter B...
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Black and Blue play explores the policies of policing through the lens of two Black cops in Chicago from 2018-10-11T12:43:53
Two Black police officers patrol the notorious neighborhood on Chicago’s long-neglected south-east side known to locals as “Terror Town.” As veteran cops who “happen to be Black”, these men must na...
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The Many Hats of Ralph Arnold from 2018-10-09T10:44:42
Greg Foster-Rice, curator of The Many Hats of Ralph Arnold Exhibit, spoke with Jesse Menendez about the new art display and gave information on its opening. The exhibit tells the story of Ralph Arn...
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Brian Babylon releases debut comedy album "Babylon Ball Z" from 2018-10-05T15:57:46
Comedian Brian Babylon joined Jesse Menendez on The Morning AMp to talk about his flourishing comedy career in LA and his new album "Babylon Ball Z" (out now). For more info, visit: https://www.br...
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The Importance of Making All Black Lives Matter from 2018-10-04T15:06:55
Dr. Barbara Ransby joined Jill Hopkins on The Morning AMp to talk about her most recently published book. As a professor of African American Studies at University of Illinois Chicago, Dr. Ransby's ...
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IFAFF Organizers Uncover America's Corrupt Criminal Justice System through Film from 2018-10-02T13:37:08
The (In)Justice for All Film Festival (IFAFF) brings audiences films that explore America’s criminal justice system – police, courts, and corrections – and the industries that profit from it. Execu...
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"Settlement" art installation explores connections between North and West sides from 2018-10-02T11:34:44
"Settlement" is a roving sculptural installation that uncovers the material and human connections between Chicago’s North and West side communities and the histories that bind them. The ghostly arc...
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WBEZ's Patrick Smith Gives Updates on the Jason Van Dyke Trial from 2018-09-27T13:52:39
WBEZ's Political and Criminal Justice reporter Patrick Smith joined Jill Hopkins on The Morning AMp to discuss the latest updates on the Jason Van Dyke trial. Jason Van Dyke is a Chicago police off...
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TRQPITECA tell us about the International Chicago Underground Queer Transcendance Symposium from 2018-09-26T11:59:52
The International Chicago Underground Queer Transcendence Symposium (ICUQTS) is an all ages interdisciplinary art and community festival celebrating creative cultural engagement with local and inte...
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DESTINOS Theater Festival Back for its Second Year with International Productions Across Town from 2018-09-26T11:49:41
The Chicago Int. Latino Theater Festival is back for its second year, and is currently running until Nov. 4th across several marquee theaters including Chicago Shakespeare, Goodman, Victory Gardens...
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Shannon Cason brings The Trouble podcast live to Chicago from 2018-09-24T11:39:24
Shannon Cason is the host of The Trouble podcast about stories of getting in and out of trouble. Tonight he brings the podcast to live audiences in Chicago at Black Ensemble Theater. Shannon spoke ...
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Mr. and Mrs. Smith Comedy bring a sober and not-so-sober comedy series to the South Loop from 2018-09-21T13:39:39
Ramon Smith and Leah Eva are the duoo beghind the Mr. and Mrs. Smith Comedy. Their monthly comedy series is called “This is Your Brain on Beer,” a showcase that features Chicago’s Stand Up Comedian...
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DCASE brings YAS! Fest, a youth arts showcase to Chicago from 2018-09-19T11:31:10
Mayor Emanuel and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) are launching a day-long YAS! Fest, happening on Saturday, September 22. The event will feature the work of t...
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The Area film documents Englewood residents' fight against displacement by a railroad company from 2018-09-18T12:49:52
The Area is a documentary about corporate cronyism and displacement on the South Side of Chicago. It tells the story of Englewood resident Deborah Payne, one of hundreds of homeowners who were forc...
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96 Acres Project examines the impact of incarceration at the Cook County Jail with site-specific art from 2018-09-13T13:54:52
Radioactive is a series of community-engaged radio/visual broadcasts located between the largest architecture of Chicago’s West Side, the Cook County Department of Corrections, and the working-clas...
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Blnk Haus Gallery hosts first open-call exhibit around the theme of "Geometric Dreams" from 2018-09-11T12:08:25
Blnk Haus Gallery is a collaborative group of professional artists, curators, teachers and healers. The gallery aims to explore, discover, showcase, and promote artists primarily in Chicago; while ...
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Music critic Jessica Hopper documents Chicago nightlife of early 00's in new book Night Moves from 2018-09-10T12:10:33
In "Night Moves," Jessica Hopper chronicles her time as a DJ living in decrepit punk houses, biking to bad loft parties with her friends and exploring Chicago deep into the night. And, along the wa...
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DeRay Mckesson on the importance of storytelling in activism&new book On the Other Side of Freedom from 2018-09-06T14:34:09
In August 2014, following the fatal shooting death of Michael Brown by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, DeRay Mckesson took to the streets in protest of police violence. He joined up w...
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WBEZ reporters Becky Vevea and Tony Arnold discuss Chicago mayoral elections post Rahm's withdrawal from 2018-09-06T13:56:07
The announcement by Mayor Rahm Emanuel to not seek re-election sent shock waves through the city and cracked February's election wide open. There are the questions of "What's next for the exiting m...
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WLUW celebrates 40 years with a concert on Loyola campus on Sept. 7th from 2018-09-04T13:50:45
This week, Loyola University's student-run station WLUW 88.7 is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a concert taking place Sept. 7th on Loyola's campus, featuring local bands Deeper, The Slaps, a...
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PinkSlipped examines tokenism, equal pay and immigration through the eyes of 3 Latinx bffs from 2018-08-29T12:25:38
The web series PinkSlipped examines themes of tokenism, equal pay and immigration as it follows three Latinx bffs on the verge of losing their jobs. The series features Jessica Pare of Mad Men, Sie...
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Vanessa Sanchez the Vice President of Villapalooza talks Festival Activities and Community from 2018-08-24T11:34:21
The Little village Music Festival, is dedicated to promoting non-violent spaces for arts, culture, and community engagement. We are able to accomplish this by convening community organizers, volunt...
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Melanin Voices showcase local, unsung voices in literature 8/25 in Humboldt Park from 2018-08-23T12:38:49
Melanin Voices is a performance series of poetry and live literature created to showcase the local and unsung voices and highlight the narratives illuminated from their writings. The theme of this ...
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Melanin Voices showcase local, unsung voices in literature 8/25 in Humboldt Park from 2018-08-23T12:38:49
Melanin Voices is a performance series of poetry and live literature created to showcase the local and unsung voices and highlight the narratives illuminated from their writings. The theme of this ...
Listen
Melanin Voices showcase local, unsung voices in literature 8/25 in Humboldt Park from 2018-08-23T12:38:49
Melanin Voices is a performance series of poetry and live literature created to showcase the local and unsung voices and highlight the narratives illuminated from their writings. The theme of this ...
Listen