Cubs PA announcer Jeremiah Paprocki is starting “Late Nights In Chicago,” a local, independently produced late night talk show taping its first episode on March 24 at the Studebaker Theater. Paprocki made history at 21 years old when he became the first African American announcer for Wrigley Field and the youngest in major league baseball. His new endeavor, with collaborator Caleb Brookman, is “Late Nights in Chicago,” which hopes to compete with other major talk shows while highlighting...

Helene Achanzar grew up throwing herself into any and every hobby — but she’s always been a writer. She found a natural voice for poetry at a young age; it was something she could engage with and practice without a formal environment. Now, Achanzar is the director of programs at the Chicago Poetry Center, where she manages poetry residencies, workshops and other educational programs for Chicago Public Schools. Bringing opportunities to students in Chicago Public Schools makes Achanzar look...

Sid Sriram transcends geographical boundaries and delves into his transnational identity on his debut English album ‘Sidharth.’ The Carnatic musician, playback singer, songwriter and producer sat down with Vocalo host Bekoe before his Chicago performance on March 4 at Lincoln Hall to talk about the South Indian cultural influence on his music and the album. ‘Sidharth’ is Sriram’s first all-English release, a moody blend of R&B and pop with strong elements of Carnatic music, the South...

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder delves into the buzz surrounding the oldest entertainment awards ceremony as he sheds light on both the good and the bad. Despite being the “granddaddy” of award shows, the Oscars have faced substantial backlash for their historical lack of inclusivity of Asian, African American and Latinx actors, films and filmmakers. As Ponder lays out his predictions for the awards categories, he invites viewers to join him on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube @TheReelCritic...

Erin Rembert is a pole dancer and “tooth fairy” (or tooth gem artist) inspired by her firm roots in Chicago and tangible alchemy. Honoring her ancestors is a throughline in all of Rembert’s work, with an emphasis on personal and spiritual wellbeing. Whether she’s helping people fall in love with their gem-adorned smiles or performing burlesque and cabaret, Erin Rembert honors her ancestors and spreads love to those around her. This is what her Chicago sounds like. This segment of “This Is...

The highly-anticipated second chapter in Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune’ brings the action back to the big screen, hitting the box office on March 1 — and collecting $81.5 million opening weekend. Vocalo resident film critic Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder called the film “a heroic tale worthy of the big-screen experience,” pointing out that, while Chalamet commands the screen, the actors surrounding him (especially Zendaya and Rebecca Ferguson) truly make the film stand out. ‘Dune: Part Two’ is in...

Glamhag is a multimedia artist, performer, director, production designer and fabricator who channels playfulness into every facet of their work. Whether it’s performance art on a major stage (or in someone’s living room), shooting films and music videos, creating their own brand or releasing work through Glam Productions, Glamhag hopes to create space for themself and others to create DIY works and inspire future artists. This is what their Chicago sounds like. This segment of “This Is What...

Chicago MC Robust is looking back on 20 years of his debut commercial album ‘Potholes in Our Molecules’ this year, and invites fans and friends to celebrate its anniversary on March 2 at Reggie’s Rock Club. Robust sat down with Vocalo’s Jesse De La Peña to discuss the album and its creation. A veteran of the Chicago underground hip-hop scene, Robust has worked alongside artists like Qwel, Defcee and more, many of whom worked on the album. The anniversary celebration will feature performances...

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder shares his thoughts on the new Hulu documentary ‘Sacred Soil: The Piney Woods School Story,’ directed by J.J. Anderson. The film follows the largest, and one of the oldest, historically-Black boarding schools in the US — The Piney Woods School in Mississippi — through the eyes of students and staff. The documentary is streaming now on Hulu. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on...

Multimedia artist, printmaker, zine maker and pie baker Sarita Hernández found their home through artmaking. Moving to Chicago in 2015 from southeast Los Angeles County, Hernández feels held by the Chicago arts community. Now, as a teaching artist and the co-creator of a local zine collective Marimacha Monarca Press, Hernández hopes to build the same sense of togetherness for others. This is what their Chicago sounds like. This segment of “This Is What Chicago Sounds Like” was produced by Ari...

Singer-songwriter and rapper Tkay Maidza has made a name for herself over the past decade by fusing multiple genres and performing onstage with electric energy. The Zimbabwean-born, Australian-rooted and LA-based artist is currently on tour in support of her November 2023 album “Sweet Justice,” her first full-length release in more than seven years. She describes the album as “retribution,” and it boasts features from Amber Mark, Duckwrth and Flume — plus some production credits from...

Chicago rapper, producer and model Jay Wood made waves in 2023 with his debut headlining performance at Schubas Tavern and the release of his EP ‘NOWHERE, FAST.’ Before the year wrapped, he sat down with Vocalo host Bekoe to discuss his multifaceted career and recent milestones. Referring to performing at Schubas as a rite of passage, the Chicago artist had his turn to headline the local venue in a sold-out show on Nov. 30, just before the Dec. 1 release of ‘NOWHERE, FAST.’ Looking ahead,...

‘Illinoise,’ based on Sufjan Stevens's Grammy and Oscar-nominated concept album ‘Illinois,’ brings its distinct music and dance experience to the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Multi-talented Chicago artist Tasha Viets-VanLear, known by many as just Tasha, is a vocalist in the production. The artist first heard Stevens’s album in high school, learning to play guitar to its songs. She sat down with Vocalo’s Nudia Hernandez after the production’s press night to talk about this full-circle moment,...

R&B artists Ambré and Payton Moore spread the love to the House of Blues with their sold-out Valentine’s weekend show. Ahead of the performance the duo sat down with Nudia Hernandez to talk about their pre-show rituals, their relationship and how they work together as artists. The couple first met on tour, when Moore was opening up for Ambré. Nearly a year later, they’re on the road again — this time as partners. Though they have yet to work together on a project, they say it may be a...

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder breaks down his thoughts on the 2024 Oscar nominations, and snubs. Much of the Oscar buzz has surrounded Ryan Gosling as he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in ‘Barbie’ while Margo Robbie, who portrayed the iconic doll, failed to receive a nomination. Greta Gerwig, the director behind the film, was also left off the nominee list, though America Ferrera was nominated for best supporting actress. Concurrently, no Black women were nominated for best...

Yaman Kelemet is a Chicago native and soloist dancer for the renowned Madrid-based dance company Compañía Nacional de Danza (CND) debuting a trio of works featuring classical, neoclassical and contemporary dance with music by Philip Glass, Mexican mambo, and more, at the Auditorium Theatre this Saturday, February 9th. Rocío Santos spoke to Yaman about growing up in Chicago’s northside and the suburbs, moving away from home to continue her passion for dance, her journey as a dancer living...

Efren Adkins values the exploration of personal identity, community connection and the transformative power of art as they navigate the meaning and purpose in life. As a biracial and bicultural artist and teacher, Adkins’ background has fueled their curiosity about identity, belonging and making sense of where they come from. This curiosity manifested in the form of art, becoming a driving force in their journey. Originally hailing from a small town near the Mexican border in Arizona, Adkins’...

After more than a decade of making music, singer and songwriter Jessica Jolia is preparing for the release of her debut album. Ahead of the release, she sat down with Vocalo host Bekoe to outline her journey, from her getting her start to where her career has taken her. Jolia’s 2014 debut single "Sometimes” became her first major breakthrough when it was featured in the film ‘Sister Code.’ She followed it up with the dance anthem “Want You,” amassing international acclaim. Be on the lookout...

The Phantom strikes again… After years of distance from playing Chicago shows, DJ Phantom 45 returned to the drum and bass scene to perform at West Fest in July 2023. Before his set at the street festival, the DJ sat down with Vocalo host (and longtime friend) Jesse De La Peña to outline his career — from drum and bass DJ to club management and back — and his new mixes from 2023. This conversation was produced and edited by Jesse De La Peña, recorded on June 26, 2023. Listen to Phantom’s...

(No spoilers) Elly Conway is the author of best-selling spy novels about fictional secret agent Aubrey Argylle, on a mission to uncover a global spy syndicate. But as her books begin to predict actual events in a real espionage organization, she attracts the attention of actual secret agents — and they need to know what’s in the next chapter. From director Matthew Vaughn, ‘Argylle’ stars Bryce Dallas Howard as Elly Conway, plus Sam Rockwell, Henry Cavill, Samuel L. Jackson, John Cena, Ariana...

Ava DuVernay's cinematic masterpiece 'Origin' explores the intersection of race and caste. DuVernay adapts Isabel Wilkerson's thought-provoking book, 'Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent,' into a film that delves deep into societal analysis. Reggie 'The Reel Critic' Ponder met with the filmmaker to unravel the creative journey behind the film, and the narrative she aimed to convey. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram...

In this week’s segment, Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder reviews ‘Origin,’ a film directed by Ava DuVernay that delves into Pulitzer Prize winner Isabel Wilkerson's pursuit to write ‘Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents.’ Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor delivers a magnificent performance in the film, portraying Wilkerson's curiosity and courage as DuVernay weaves personal trials into the narrative, challenging perceptions of oppression. ‘Origin’ sparks discussions on race, class and the human...

Ashley Johnson is a Chicago community activist, DJ, fashion designer and more. Johnson fell into her three prominent passions organically; she grew up always aware of community support and mutual aid (though not by name), and found a deep love for both DJing and fashion design during her time at Columbia College. Though she’s lived in many cities across the U.S. and beyond, Chicago’s cultural significance has always drawn Johnson back home to her roots. This is what her Chicago sounds...

Chicago-born, LA-based artist and celebrity hair braider Saneit returns to the city for a sold-out performance at City Winery on Jan. 24. Before the show, she sat down with Vocalo host Bekoe to discuss the importance of networking, her most recent project ‘AUTOMATIC’ and more! This interview was produced and edited by Bekoe. It originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during the Windy City Hour on Tuesday, Jan. 23. Keep up with Saneit on Instagram by following @iamsaneit, and check out her...

Chicago singer and multi-instrumentalist Akenya is gearing up for the release of her debut album ‘Moon in the 4th,’ drawing upon her deep connection to astrology as a second-generation astrologer. You’ve probably heard Akenya’s music already, on projects with Chance the Rapper, Smino, Noname or Saba — but she finally steps into the spotlight on her debut solo project, which she says is both long overdue and right on time. The project, led by single “Hades Moon,” invites listeners into her...