CHIRP Radio Podcasts CHIRP Radio

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

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

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 

This week, Features Co-Director Marjorie Alford talks with Chicago-based MC Bob Rok. They discuss the history of the name Bob Rok, the skits he creates with Greenlights Music, the ways in which "politics" touch every facet of our lives and why he mirrors that in his music, his upcoming concept album The Automat about labor and workers, and his disdain for AI and wealth hoarding. 


"Politics needs dancers. It needs celebration. It needs humor. Your life and your expression is incredibly important and you are a part of that." - Bob Rok


Catch Bob Rok live at Liar's Club, Thursday May 30th at 9 p.m. Or with Greenlights Music at this month's CHIRP Night at the Whistler, Sunday May 19th at 8:30 p.m. Listen to his latest album Memory Lane anywhere you stream music. 

Produced by Marjorie Alford

Photo Credit: Bob Rok

This week, Features contributor Liz Mason talks with Chicago-based singer songwriter Sacha Mullin. They discuss his new album Casino Wilderness Period, the surprising popularity of his favorite song Margaret, his musical background, and the importance of collaboration for artistic growth. 


"Just because you have a crayon in the box doesn’t necessarily mean you need to use it.”  Sacha Mullin, on knowing when and how to use his vocal range. 


Produced by Liz Mason

Photo credit: Sarah Elizabeth Larson

This week, Features contributor Michal Gliszewski speaks with Frank and River Rabbitte of Chicago-based "clandestine for no reason" alt-rock group wht.rbbt.obj. They discuss their failed attempt to keep their relationship separate from their musicianship, how their marriage continuously shakes up their musical abilities, and reading The Creative Act by Rick Rubin.


"Whatever medium your art is - if you're not doing what's fully authentically you, it's incredibly heartbreaking." River Rabbitte


Produced by Marjorie Alford.

Photo Credit: Robert Neumann