We're happy to be nominated in four categories for the Reader's 2024 Best of Chicago poll. Find them all here and cast your ballot by December 31!
CHIRP Podcasts
First Time: First Pass - Michael A. Van Kerckhove
Michael A. Van Kerckhove is a native Detroiter and long-time Chicagoan. His writing has appeared in Belt Magazine, Entropy, Freeze Ray Poetry, and March X-ness, among other publications. He has told stories in other fine Chicago storytelling events including Essay Fiesta, I Know this Much is True, Is This a Thing?, Mortified, You're Being Ridiculous, and many more.
For that "describe yourself in three fictional characters" game, he's gone with Luke Skywalker, Edward Scissorhands, and Ally McBeal. But would now like to also acknowledge his inner Ted Lasso and Mrs. Maisel. Or maybe he's just sad those shows are over. This too shall...pass.
Learn more at MichaelVanKerckhove.com and follow him at @mvankerckhove (Twitter & Instagram) and his neglected TikTok @genxscorpio.
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Bobby Evers, Andy Vasoyan, and Julie Mueller. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
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Artist Interviews Jovan Landry Interview
This week, Features co-director Jessi D speaks with Chicago-based multidisciplinary artist and "One-Third Emcee," Jovan Landry. They discuss the thirds that make up her multidisciplinary artistry, her new EP, Intellectual Frequencies, and winning a grant and leading the charge to create Synergy, the first all-woman produced, performed, and engineered hip-hop album.
"I am doing many other things outside of the music, and so it takes a while for me to get to sitting down - sitting down is not always my forte. So having to sit down and actually focus on the music, and also, you gotta experience life [...] the process of experiencing life and coming back to it, and then you get more inspired than when you first started writing" - Jovan Landry on her slow and steady approach to releasing music
Produced by Jessi D.
Photo Credit: Alex Hazel Studios
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First Time: First Pass - Meagan McNeal
Meagan McNeal is a powerhouse singer, songwriter and recording artist from Chicago, Illinois. She is well versed in the genres of jazz, soul and R& B. Known for her diverse range and soulful voice, she attracted attention on the local circuit and received international acclaim with the release of her debut album entitled “Mindset” in 2014. Gracing the stage of NBC’s “The Voice” in 2017, Meagan’s radiating vocals landed her on the team of Grammy Award-winning artist Jennifer Hudson. Those experiences have broadened the scope of her potential and it has furthered her music career.
Meagan has refined her talents throughout the years and shaped her signature style. Described as an embodiment of love; her music effortlessly transcends boundaries and spreads messages of love, peace, righteousness and truth. Meagan continuously strives for improvement and positive change. Seated at the core of her artistry is the slogan, “Do It Afraid” which serves as a reminder to reexamine our relationship with fear and do what we are called to do even if we’re afraid.
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Bobby Evers, Andy Vasoyan, and Julie Mueller. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
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Artist Interviews Edging Interview
This week, Features co-director Marjorie Alford speaks with Faith Callaway and Will Logan Sallee of Chicago-based art post-punk band, Edging. They discuss their origins and make up of the band, their self-ascribed descriptor of "landscaper punk" and how it lead to their band's name, how the politcal climate has shaped their art and expression, and their Halloween plans.
"Truthfully it's scary, and it freaks us out, and we like to yell about it." - Will Logan Sallee
Produced by Jack Deubner.
Photo Credit: Micki Harris
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First Time: First Pass - Sarah Spencer
Sarah Spencer is an artist, educator, and CHIRP DJ currently based in Chicago. As Io the Alien (@iothealien), Sarah creates weird art quilts and mixed-media textile compositions inspired by street art, contemporary music, and the spirit of nonconformity. Her work has been featured in print and in galleries across the US.
Sarah is originally from Vancouver, Canada, where she spent her time as a corporate drone by day, and a comedian and dancer by night. A shapeshifter, Sarah is uncomfortable describing herself with nouns, as they rarely fit for long.
The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Bobby Evers, Andy Vasoyan, and Julie Mueller. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
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