Entries categorized as “Community” 81 results

Clarence Ewing: The Million Year Trip writesNew Belgium Brewing and CHIRP Are Looking for the Next Car Trader. Is it YOU?

CHIRP Radio is proud to partner with New Belgium Brewing this year for their annual Tour de Fat celebration on Saturday, July 11th. There will be bands, costumes, food, drinks, and lots and (of course) lots of bikes.

We're also helping New Belgium find the next proud soul to become a Car-for-Bike Swapper. Every year in every city the Tour de Fat visits, an individual agrees to give up their car for one year in exchange for a bicycle and a chance to change their lives by living healthier and more eco- and community-friendly. You will get the funds and the know-how to build your bike just how you want it for your year of cycling action.

BONUS: The proceeds that New Belgium receives from your car will be donated to CHIRP Radio! How's that for a win-win-win situation?

If you're interested in becoming The Chosen One at this year's Chicago Tour de Fat, head over to New Belgium's information page for application submission instructions. And DO IT NOW! July will be here before you know it...you don't want to miss your chance! 

SKaiser writesAndrew Pelletier of Minor Characters

Two really great things happened since we met up with Minor Character’s Andrew Pelletier. You’re in for a treat. The videos below were released yesterday and feature Pelletier, accompanied only by piano, performing the band’s own "Weatherman" and Big Star’s "Holocaust".

The idea to cover "Holocaust" came one night on the road while the group was traveling back to Chicago from a show. The song came over the radio. "There's a track off Voir Dire, "To Young America", that is solo piano and voice and has the same mood and sentiment as "Holocaust". It reminds us a lot of it, and a lot of ourselves. We all love sad songs. I think Alex Chilton is the weirdest songwriter ever and expresses a lot of what we're trying to accomplish. It seemed like the right song for us to share with you,” Pelletier said.

The group released Voir Dire last October and since then recognize they’re in a place of transition. The album gave them a chance to redirect their creativity and work together on what’s next. Thus “Weatherman” seemed fitting.

“Its message of redemption is clear, for the most part, and I thought it'd be fitting to work in a song about that after the winter we had,” Pelletier said. “We're in a transitional phase - things change, people move, new projects are created - but I see myself always with Minor Characters. We work best when we're creating. Being creative together again is the next transition. We’re all very excited to start writing and push ourselves in different ways,”

Photo by: Shelby Pollard

Keep Reading…

SKaiser writesDark Matter Coffee & The 2015 CHIRP Record Fair

Photos by Christine Connelly & Shawna Kaiser

Music is synonymous with Dark Matter Coffee. Just like CHIRP Radio. So it makes perfect sense for our people to fall in love with their people upon meeting... at Pitchfork nonetheless.

“It’s only natural we collaborate with CHIRP Radio,” Kyle Hodges, Dark Matter Coffee’s Minister of Propaganda said. “We appreciate what CHIRP does in the music community and Chicago in general. We want to support anyway we can.”

The collaboration is next month’s 2015 CHIRP Record Fair & Other Delights where Dark Matter Coffee (DMC) is the Exclusive Coffee Partner & Sponsor. Five hundred bags of the exclusive CHIRP blend will hit shelves March 30th at all three DMC locations: The Mothership, Star Lounge, and Osmium.

“The energy and enthusiasm the people at DMC have for their coffee and community is contagious,” Jason Dempsey, Partnerships Director at CHIRP said. “I believe we draw on the same ideas of how to reach people in a very organic way. Talking with Kyle about the history of our organizations, and the paths we’re on, opens my eyes to all the possibilities and opportunities available in our communities.”

Keep Reading…

SKaiser writesHere’s to Independent Media

Here's a good reason why we're here: independent media. We may love living in the land of the free but when the United States owns 90% of these ten global media companies, you may stop and ask yourself what type of filter are only a few hundred executives using to feed the world. If you're here, then you're probably thinking the same thing as us: who needs that kind of repetitive, predictably commercialized uninspiring cow dung?

Think of the first song you'll carry forever. It's likely more than one comes to mind. We know music is powerful in changing people but we're lucky it doesn't stop there. Maybe it's a film, a photograph, painting, or simply someone telling a story without music or art that awakens something inside. The narratives included in our diverse self-expressions propel us forward, from all over the world. Why should we settle for anything less?

Okay, so we went macro, now let's bring it back home. We're CHIRP Radio: a volunteer-driven community radio station focused on local music, arts and culture. The city is a key part of everything we do. CHIRP volunteers and staff are people from all walks of life committed to the exciting diversity of those around us. We have an exciting year in front of us. CHIRP is five years old, we've grown to roughly 240 volunteers, and we're building the broadcast operation at 107.1FM in the warm months of the year. Pick an event to join us in celebration!

Here's an opportunity to support us. Please visit chirpradio.org/donatenow and contribute. Or consider becoming a sustaining member and receive sweet CHIRP gear. We love you, thank you. 

Now raise your hand (or wallet!) for CHIRP Radio!!!

Trix writesTake a Slow Ride Into Spring with a Benefit for West Town Bikes on March 6th

Learn about bike maintenance and enjoy some awesome live sets by OBNOX and Chicago soul ELCRO LEWIS GROUP, as well as DJ sets from CHIRP DJs, East of Edens Soul Express, and DJ Scrabblor! Proceeds from the event will benefit West Town Bikes, a bike shop and education space focusing on under-served populations and youth in the city of Chicago.

Presented by West Town Bikes, New Belgium Brewing & The Empty Bottle, the night starts out at 8pm with basic bike maintenance and winter bike revival and once the class is over, the music takes over!

This event is on March 6th and is 21 and over. Purchase tickets in advance for $10 or at the door.