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CHIRP Podcasts
First Time: First Wave - Andrew Sa
Actor and Vocalist Andrew Sa has earned the title of Chicago's premiere queer country crooner. Sa's career has always been rooted in songwriting that highlights his easy and elegant voice, but when he met mentor and pioneer Patrick Hagerty of Lavender Country, “Lonesome Andrew” was born. Diving headfirst into the catalogs of Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and other classic songwriters that defined his childhood, Sa easily slipped into this new but familiar persona. It wasn't long before all of Chicago was seeking out his voice.
Sa quickly became the star of The Cosmic Country Showcase, an instant smash hit camp-country revue based out of the Hideout, a bar that has fostered many golden voices for decades. One of those legendary voices, Kelly Hogan (Mavis Staples, Neko Case), instantly recognized Sa's abilities and quickly the two were booking gigs across the city as a duo. The young and talented Liam Kazar (Tweedy, Marrow) also recruited Sa for a duet on his debut album Due North. Sa also created a stunning film, Andrew in Anotherland, which was a celebration of Chicago's many voices that accompanied a live revue at the prestigious public amphitheater Millennium Park. Audiences and fellow artists alike reveled in Sa's intra-generational appeal that, while timeless, is rooted in a definitively young, queer perspective.
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. Production provided by Andy Vasoyan, Noah Janes, and Executive Producer Bobby Evers. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.
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First Time: First Wave - Patrick Hicks
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trick Hicks is a storyteller, digital creator, podcaster, and dad based in Chicago. His mini music documentaries on TikTok have gotten him 450,000+ followers and millions of views. He also hosts a music history podcast called Good Measure with Patrick Hicks. He has worked with and created content for major record labels, publishers, music festivals, films, and symphonies. And musicians from Willie Nelson to Questlove have reposted his videos.
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Artist Interviews Zoofunkyou Interview
This week, Features contributor Michal Gliszewski speaks with Jake Hennessy (drums), Matt Coglianese (bass), and Derek Dare (guitar and vocals) of Chicago based soulful-psychedelic group Zoofunkyou. They talk about the band's ten year history, keeping things fresh over the years by reworking old songs with new members, learning to write collaboratively, and sourcing inspiration through live music.
Produced by Jack Deubner and Jenn Rourke.
Photo Credit: Zoofunkyou
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Artist Interviews C3zr Interview
This week, Features contributor Daniel Edelstein speaks with Chicago-based pianist, producer, and teacher, Cesar Pino aka C3zr. They discuss his most recent full-length release, Round Voyage, the joy of connecting and collaborating with fellow artists, the jazz lounge, Opus, that he runs with his father and mentor, and his beloved keytar.
"That's the beauty of it... music is music, and so I just try to challenge myself and reach into different corners of musical spectrum." - Cesar Pino, aka C3zr
Produced by: Jessi D
Photo Credit: Vanessa Valadez
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Artist Interviews Laura Hall Interview
This week, Features Co-Director Marjorie Alford speaks with musical director Laura Hall. They discuss her 20+ year career in music, her friendship with Lisa McQueen that lead to the creation of the Phony Award Winning musical series, last year's run of improvised Little Shop of Horrors, her 20 seasons on Whose Line Is It Anyway?, and the creation of improv karaoke backing tracks to help others grow this unique skillset.
"It's fun that it's challenging." Laura Hall on improvising music
The latest Phony Award winning show Improvised A Chorus Line opens Sunday May 19th/
Produced by Marjorie Alford
Photo Credit: Greg Crowder
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