Recent Posts

Recalling Chicago Blues Legends

Recalling Chicago Blues Legends

This episode of our podcast is a remix of an earlier interview conducted by Chicago based journalist Brett Stewart recorded with Blues authority Bill Dahl, feature writer for the Chicago Tribune, radio broadcaster and author of the books , “Motown the Golden Years” and more 

“Searching for Mr. Rugoff” Film Review

“Searching for Mr. Rugoff” Film Review

Chicago native produces documentary, “Searching for Mr. Rugoff” If you are a fan of indie films, an aspiring filmmaker, or a movie industry insider you might have a particular interest in “Searching for Mr. Rugoff” a documentary film about the man whose professional business decisions 

“Belfast” Film Review with Comments by Branaugh

“Belfast” Film Review with Comments by Branaugh

I got a sneak preview of “Belfast” which was one of the highlights of the 57th Chicago International Film Festival. This podcast includes my review followed by some pre-movie comments from the writer/director Sir Kenneth Branaugh who was present to introduce his semi-autobiographical film and share some Chicago memories.

“Belfast” is told from the viewpoint a nine year-old boy as his world is turned upside down by the 1969 turmoil of Northern Ireland that consumed his neighborhood and ultimately his innocence.

Red Carpet Coverage of Rebecca Hall at CIFF 2021

Red Carpet Coverage of Rebecca Hall at CIFF 2021

Connie Wilson talks about the film “Passing” and chats with director Rebecca Hall (Christine, Vicky Cristina Barcelona) on the red carpet at The 57th Chicago International Film Festival. Update: I finally got around to actually seeing the film “Passing” on Netflix over the 2022 New 

“Oscar Micheaux” Documentary Film Review & Historical Commentary

“Oscar Micheaux” Documentary Film Review & Historical Commentary

“Oscar Micheaux -The Superhero of Black Film Making” is a useful contribution to the library of Black History subjects placing Micheaux into the pantheon of individuals who contributed to the rise of twentieth century African American culture and ultimately, in a more “woke” sense, to 

Mayor Harold and Mayor Pete | 2 Documentary Film Reviews

Mayor Harold and Mayor Pete | 2 Documentary Film Reviews

The 57th Annual Chicago Film Festival brought together two interestingly similar subjects, Mayor Harold Washington who became Chicago’s first African American mayor and Mayor Pete Buttigieg who was the mayor of nearby South Bend, Indiana who went on to become the first openly gay candidate for United States President.

Both of these films “Punch 9 for Harold Washington” and “Mayor Pete” are each in their own way stories of outsiders who triumphed over adversity and stories of our ever shifting political climate and changing social values.

Chicago International Film Festival 2021 Pre-Opening Reviews

Chicago International Film Festival 2021 Pre-Opening Reviews

Pre-opening preview review of “Broadcast Signal Intrusion” with Harry Shum.Jr. (Crazy Rich Asians) inspired by a true Chicago mystery. Also capsule reviews of SHORTS 1, a collection of 8 short subjects produced by filmmakers with ties to the Chicago area. Featuring works Winning in America, Close 

The Road Up | Documentary Film Review

The Road Up | Documentary Film Review

In this Chicago based documentary “The Road Up” Mr. Jesse part preacher, part drill sergeant guides a class of mostly middle aged job seekers through a training course designed to raise their self-esteem and hone their skills to improve their readiness for employment. The Cara 

Lyric Streams “Pagliacci”

Lyric Streams “Pagliacci”

The Lyric Opera of Chicago is providing a recorded version of Rugerro Leoncavallo’s iconic opera “Pagliacci” to view online free of charge for an indefinite period of time beginning now. Listen to our podcast review then visit lyricopera.org/pagliacci to reserve your streaming link.

Photo: Kyle Flubacker
Native Chicagoan Richard Damien – A Monk in the World

Native Chicagoan Richard Damien – A Monk in the World

Reno Lovison talks with master energy healer, actor, performer Richard Damien about growing up on the southside of Chicago and reminiscences about his experiences in the city as a young actor before his transformation to energy healer and intuitive life coach. Richard is the author 

Conversation with Chicago Composer, Author, Poet Regina Harris Baiocchi

Conversation with Chicago Composer, Author, Poet Regina Harris Baiocchi

Regina Harris Baiocchi is a celebrated African-American female composer and poet born, raised and currently living in Chicago. This discussion with Executive Producer and podcast host Reno Lovison sheds light on her journey as an artistic creative force and how she has been shaped by 

Garage Bands Rock Chicago

Garage Bands Rock Chicago

New Colony Six,

Spanky and Our Gang,

The Buckinghams,

The Ides of March,

The Shadows of Night,

The Cryan’ Shames,

Chicago (CTA).

This is a very interesting and entertaining video, produced for WTTW, that those who are interested in vintage Rock n’ Roll might enjoy.

Give it a LIKE or leave a comment to let us know who your favorite Chicago band is or was. Also any favorite memories.