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SKaiser writesviewfinder
“Your opinion is your opinion, your perception is your perception–do not confuse them with ‘facts’ or ‘truth.’ Wars have been fought and millions have been killed because of the inability of men to understand the idea that everybody has a different viewpoint.” -John Moore
A young woman leaves her home country to live and work abroad for twelve months. It's her first time living in a foreign country alone and she feels out of place. For three months she finds her way making friends, learning the culture, language, exploring new foods, music, and traveling to neighboring towns. It's only when she reaches a city rich in history and war, told stories from a grieving generation of those lost, decades earlier, that she realizes she always understood the people in this strange and unfamiliar place. She deeply felt the undeniable human connection that was written long before she ever arrived.
A beautiful thing happens when we can bridge differences by sharing stories that resound with all of us.
What we see every day is framed within our perceptions. Perceptions built over the course of every day living, of the people in our lives, experiences in our community, and ourselves fitting amongst all of it. What is around you and how do you interpret it's meaning?
We want to see your perception through the lens of your eye. Bring us all the odd things, all the weird, can't look away, inspiring things. You're going to your favorite show and see something only you can understand, take out your camera (phone), shoot and send to skaiser@chirpradio.org
Are you aware of what's around you? Tell the story of your perception through photos.
Photos by Shawna Kaiser at the Out of Chicago Photography Conference
Rebecca writesMusic and Malt: Beermiscuous and Spiteful Brewing
Welcome to Music and Malt, a series that examines the intersections where music and beer meet in Chicago.
by Rebecca Suzan
In Chicago, music and beer are the cornerstones of a perfect summertime party. Fortunately, both were on hand to celebrate the 4th anniversary of Beermiscuous, Chicago’s craft beer café. I sat down with Andrew Hilsberg, Events Director at Beermiscuous, and Calvin Fredrickson, Account Manager at Spiteful Brewing and singer/guitarist for sewingneedle, at the celebration to talk about the artistry that goes into making and selling both beer and music.
RS: Andrew, how did you become involved with Beermiscuous?
AH: My entry into the beer world was marketing. I had worked in marketing in the music business and in print media. A couple months before it opened, I read a story on DNA Info about Beermiscuous, and I reached out to the owner. He hired me to start email newsletters, run social media, and make industry connections. I have an understanding of consumers, how to differentiate a brand, and how to get people to take notice and take action. I’ve always been at the intersection of commerce and culture, and I’m very fortunate that it’s been in music and beer. It becomes a lifestyle, not a job.
RS: I like that. It’s giving me hope that there are people out there doing things they love while I toil away at my day gig.
CF: Not every day is roses. There are tough days. There are some days you eat dirt. Not everybody wants to see you all the time, and some days you’re just not firing on all cylinders. Those days are discouraging, but most days are positive. I try to remember I’m lucky to do this. Very few people get this chance.
SKaiser writesCity Lit Books
by Shawna Kaiser
Inside the City Lit space community is built around the written word where you will find that special book which brings experiences and emotions all at once new and familiar. "I think it's very comforting to know there will always be another book waiting for me," said owner, Teresa Kirschbraun.
Rebecca writesMusic and Malt: 5 Rabbit Cervecería
Welcome to Music and Malt, a series that examines the intersections where music and beer meet in Chicago.
by Rebecca Suzan
Tucked away in an industrial complex in the South Side suburb of Bedford Park, 5 Rabbit Cervecería is a literal bright spot. Massive garage doors open to reveal an airy brewing facility and a taproom covered in colorful, Latin American-inspired artwork. Named for a day in the Aztec calendar and an Aztec deity, 5 Rabbit infuses the notably missing flavors of Central and South America into Chicago’s craft beer scene. I spoke with Selina Fabian who works in the 5 Rabbit taproom and learned that both the beer and music communities of Chicago are best served when they’re open to inspiration from unexpected sources.
Rebecca writesMusic and Malt: Dovetail Brewery
Welcome to Music and Malt, a series that examines the intersections where music and beer meet in Chicago.
by Rebecca Suzan
I've discovered a lot about Chicago since relocating here from New York City 9 months ago, but locals' reaction to the nickname "Second City" has been the most telling. The epithet places their city squarely within the long shadow cast by the Big Apple, but Chicagoans don't bristle at the comparison - they lean into it. I spoke with native Illinoisan JP Pfäfflin, social media manager for Dovetail Brewery and former publicist for Bloodshot Records, and learned that the craft beer and music scenes in Chicago epitomize the "bigger isn't always better" ethos.
RS: Is there a natural connection between music and beer?
JPP: The connection between music and beer is a David and Goliath story. Walking into Best Buy and seeing an endcap of Justin Timberlake CDs is the same as walking into a convenience store and seeing an endcap of Busch Lite. You've got the major music labels [Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group] and the major brewing companies [AB InBev, Molson Coors, Heineken International] and they've got the money to get those placements for their products. There are 5,000 independent brewers in the US - higher than before Prohibition - so there's even more limited cooler and tap space for those brands. It was the same with the artists at Bloodshot [Records]. The label is well-respected and well-recognized, but it was difficult going up against the major labels and getting radio play.