Sleeping at Last is the solo project of Illinois multi-instrumentalist Ryan O’Neal — and he’s about to take the stage with the Chicago Philharmonic this holiday season. He’s had music featured in shows including “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Vampire Diaries” and “Private Practice,” but O’Neal’s catapult to success came when his song “Turning Page” landed a coveted spot in the 2011 “Twilight” film “Breaking Dawn – Part 1.” On Saturday, Nov. 29, O’Neal will join the Chicago Philharmonic at the Auditorium Theatre for “Home for the Holidays.” The performance includes orchestral arrangements of O’Neal’s holiday covers and original songs. He sat down with Vocalo’s Nudia Hernandez to discuss how he got in touch with the orchestra and give some insight into his creative process. This interview originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia in the Afternoons on Tuesday, Nov. 18. It was hosted, edited and produced by Nudia Hernandez, with production support from Morgan Ciocca and Talia Lopresti. Dig deeper into the story at Vocalo.org, and keep up with us @vocalo on Instagram and @vocalo.radio on TikTok.

Chicago rap collective Pivot Gang and nonprofit John Walt Foundation are prepping for their favorite event of the year: John Walt Day, a concert benefiting the foundation in honor of deceased Pivot Gang member John Walt. The foundation supports young Chicago artists and musicians dedicated to spreading positivity through their art.  Taking place Nov. 28 at Metro, this year's concert coincides with group member Saba's homecoming on his Big Picture Tour. Pivot Gang's MFnMelo and Frsh Waters stopped by the Vocalo studio to discuss what it means to give back to the Chicago community and what fans can expect (maybe some special guests and new music?!). This interview originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia in the Afternoons on Wednesday, Nov. 19. It was hosted, edited and produced by Nudia Hernandez, with production support from Morgan Ciocca and Talia Lopresti. Keep up with us @vocalo on Instagram and @vocalo.radio on TikTok.

From director Justin Tipping and Jordan Peele's Monkey Paw Productions, new film "HIM" asks: "What is the price of success?" After enduring a career-threatening injury, pro-football prospect Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers) gets invited to train with his childhood idol Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans). While training in White’s private facilities, Cade is introduced to the darker side of pro-football.  Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says Cade’s naiveness paired with White’s ruthlessness allows the audience to sense something explosive is waiting to happen. “HIM” is also the acting debut for Tierra Whack and  Guapdad 4000 — both of whom are featured on the film's soundtrack alongside Gucci Mane, Denzel Curry, Sampa the Great, MAVI, Jean Dawson and more. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube, Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.

On April 27, the South Chicago Dance Theatre leapt into its seventh season at the Auditorium Theatre. Founded by Kia Smith in 2017, the dance company has performed on stages across the globe. Their 2024 performance, titled “New Horizons,” included six works by five outsourced choreographers, and one by Smith herself. The company centers on concert dance, a culmination of styles including ballet and Afro-jazz intentionally created for the stage. Before the performance, founder and executive artistic director Kia Smith sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to discuss the company’s roots and what audiences can expect from their performance. This interview was edited and produced by Nudia Hernandez. To stay up to date with the South Chicago Dance Theatre, follow them on Instagram @southchicagodancetheatre

Set against the backdrop of Chicago’s Cabrini-Green public housing project in the early ‘90s, ‘We Grown Now' (written and directed by Minhal Baig) follows the lives of two young boys as they navigate the trials and tribulations of their community. Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder spoke with Blake Cameron James and Jurnee Smollett, who play the characters Malik and Dolores, to hear more about the film. ‘We Grown Now’ is playing at Chicago’s Gene Siskel Film Center until May 2. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder gives his insights into ‘Challengers,’ a new sports romance drama from director Luca Guadagnino. The film stars Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a tennis star-turned-coach amid a messy, decades-long love triangle with her husband Art (Mike Faist) and his best friend Partick (Josh O’Connor). 'Challengers' blurs the lines between love and competition, guiding viewers through a tale where tennis is a backdrop to the intense battle for affection and dominance. ‘Challengers’ is in theaters now. “The Reel Critic” is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Monica Trinidad is a queer Latin visual artist, communicator, and cultural strategist from the South Side of Chicago, committed to amplifying marginalized voices through combining art and activism. Trinidad’s activism blossomed during their college years, where they first explored anti-war movements and recognized the power of young voices as a catalyst for change. This is what their Chicago sounds like. This segment of “This Is What Chicago Sounds Like” was produced by Ari Mejia. Keep up with Monica Trinidad on Instagram at @itsmonicatrinidad.

The co-founders of recurring party Lovers and Friends, Keli Knight and Yoly Rojas, create inclusive spaces for Black and Brown lesbians and queer people over 30. Immediately successful with packed guest lists and lines out the door from day one, Lovers and Friends recently celebrated their one-year anniversary. They sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to talk about the mission behind Lovers and Friends, the one-year anniversary bash and Yoly's experience on Netflix's "The Ultimatum: Queer Love." This interview was produced and edited by Nudia Hernandez. To stay up to date on Lovers and Friends Chicago events, follow them on Instagram @loversandfriendschi.

Dancer Isaiah Day took the stage for his Chicago debut last week with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Established in 1958 by renowned dancer Alvin Ailey, the dance company has been a beacon for dancers of color for more than six decades. During a residency at Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre from April 17-21, the company showcased the skills of its dancers with a lineup of contemporary works and Ailey classics. Just hours before he took the stage on April 17, Day sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to discuss his Chicago roots and how he got involved with the company. This interview was edited and produced by Nudia Hernandez. To stay up to date with Isaiah Day, follow him on Instagram @isaiahdemarcus.

With a goal of supporting positivity in Chicago’s rap scene, independent rapper Goalden Chyld's March 2024 album 'War Cry' found its way to number three on the Apple Music charts just days following its release. Often seen wearing military combat gear (like a helmet and vest), Goalden Chyld hopes to unite the community in his fight for positive change. Through his Unity Movement, the artst works to bridge community divides and foster a common understanding through conversation – noting true change requires collaboration with those most affected. He sat down with Vocalo mornings host Bekoe to discuss the album, the movement and his familial legacy. This interview was produced by Bekoe and edited by Morgan Ciocca and Blake Hall. Keep up with Goalden Chyld on Instagram @goalden_chyld.

Angry Blackmen blend authenticity and innovation in the realm of hip-hop. Brian Warren and Quentin Branch redefine the genre with their experimental sound on their latest project ‘The Legend of ABM.’ Angry Blackmen’s music explores the lens of two young Black men navigating the complexities of life in America. In conversation with Vocalo host Bekoe, they shared about the album, their upcoming performance at Pitchfork Music Festival and the social commentary that defines their music. This interview was produced by Bekoe. Keep up with Angry Blackmen on Instagram @angryblackmen_.

Just before the 2024 WNBA Draft on April 15, Vocalo host Bekoe spoke with sports expert Marquita Wiggins — AKA Quita Loves Sports — (from the Chicago Public Media audience team) to discuss their predictions. The 2023-2024 NCAA Division 1 women’s basketball season was record-breaking, with all eyes on standout players Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. As the Chicago Sky has the top three and seven picks for the WNBA draft, take a listen as Wiggins lays out her mock lineup. This segment was produced by Bekoe. Keep up with Marquita Wiggins on all social media platforms @quitalovessports.

Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder shares his insights on the apocalyptic film ‘Arcadian’ directed by Ben Brewer. The film follows Paul, portrayed by Nicolas Cage, and his twin sons, Thomas and Joseph, as they navigate a world where nighttime brings forth terror. Check out the Reel Critic’s review of both the film’s strengths and shortcomings. ‘Arcadian’ is in theaters now. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Chicago artist Rich Robbins newest album “IN GOOD TASTE” is out today, Sep. 4. Robbins sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to discuss his song “Balance,” which highlights the people around him, as no one can do it alone. He dives into the inspiration for the album, including features from Clairice, theMIND, femdot. and Renzell. This interview originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia in the Afternoons on Tuesday, Aug. 27. It was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez. It was edited and mixed by Morgan Ciocca, with production support from Talia Lopresti. Keep up with us @vocalo on Instagram and @vocalo.radio on TikTok. 

Adam Rust is the co-owner of Andersonville oddities shop Woolly Mammoth. Located at 1513 W. Foster Ave. since 2010, Woolly Mammoth has showcased the macabre and mystifying rarities from Chicago and beyond. Owned and operated by couple Adam and Skye Rust, Woolly Mammoth has grown into a staggering collection of oddities attracting locals and tourists alike. Featuring everything from human hair and bones to funerary and medical tools to taxidermied raccoons, stepping into Woolly Mammoth is like stepping into an alternate universe. This is what his Chicago sounds like. This segment of “This Is What Chicago Sounds Like” was produced by Ari Mejia. Keep up with Woolly Mammoth by following them on Instagram at @woollymammothchicago.

2024 action thriller ‘Monkey Man’ is Dev Patel’s directorial debut. The film follows a young man named Kid — played by Patel — who embarks on a journey to exact revenge on a mob of corrupt leaders responsible for the death of his mother. On his quest to fulfill his vendetta, Kid becomes the savior to a faction of helpless people experiencing torment from the same mob leaders he was pursuing. Check out the Reel Critic’s thoughts on the film — which hits theaters April 5. Find more information, including showtimes, at www.monkeyman.movie. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

On March 8, International Women’s Day, Chicago singer and guitarist Vivian Garcia headlined a celebratory show at the Epiphany Center for the Arts featuring an all-female lineup. Ahead of the show, she sat down with Vocalo’s Nudia Hernandez and Rocío Santos to break down her international career journey, her experiences as a woman in music and more. This segment originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia In the Afternoons on March 7. It was edited and produced by Nudia Hernandez. Follow Vivian Garcia on Instagram @flymariposachicago.

In 1968, Shirley Chisholm became the first Black woman elected to Congress in the United States. Four years later, she made history again as the first woman and African American to seek the presidential nomination from one of the two major political parties. Her life and legacy are honored on the screen for the first time in John Ridley’s 2024 biographical drama film: ‘Shirley.’ The film stars Regina King in the titular role and features Lance Reddick, Terrence Howard, Lucas Hedges, Christina Jackson and more. Film critic Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder said a biographical feature about Chisholm is “well overdue.” Hear more of his thoughts, and find ‘Shirley’ on Netflix. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Legendary DJ Mista Sinista of the X-Ecutioners DJ crew returns to Chicago after nearly 20 years to spin at Brown Sugar Tuesdays on April 2, a weekly old-school hip-hop DJ night at Renaissance Bronzeville. Mista Sinista, AKA Joel Wright, is known for his technical tricks during his mixes and has collaborated with artists including Common. He sat down with Vocalo’s Jesse De La Peña to discuss his work and what fans can expect from his Brown Sugar Tuesdays mix. This interview was edited and produced by Jesse De La Peña. Learn more about Brown Sugar Tuesdays by checking out @djmustafarocks on Instagram, and keep up with Mista Sinista by following him at @djmistasinistaofficialpage.

Lori Branch, Lady D and VITIGRRL are the Good Girls, a Chicago DJ trio that’s “not good for girls, just good.” With Branch’s mixes dating back to the ‘80s and Lady D’s back to the mid-‘90s, the DJs have long-standing roots in multiple generations of Chicago house music. The trio keeps the sound and spirit of house music alive, honoring the femme and LGBTQ pioneers who came before them. They celebrated their fourth anniversary this week, and will be performing at ARC Music Festival this summer. This interview was edited and produced by Nudia Hernandez. It originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia in the Afternoons on March 19. Keep up with the Good Girls on Instagram @goodgirlsdjs.

‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ is director Adam Wingard’s newest monster film, hitting American theaters March 29. Reggie Ponder shares his thoughts on this new installment of the Godzilla and King Kong cinematic universe. Following the events of ‘Godzilla x Kong’ (2021), humans and mighty titans coexist — mostly — harmoniously. But when an unidentified signal causes the creatures to experience hallucinations, the fragility of this relationship is pushed to the forefront, erupting in a series of wild battles true to the franchise. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Taste of Lebanon fits the description of many generationally-loved Chicago staples: Good prices, better food, small menu and nothing fancy. Manned by Ali Faraj, Taste of Lebanon is a no-frills, family-owned restaurant in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood, serving up shawarma and falafel to hungry neighbors for decades. Taste of Lebanon was opened by Faraj’s father in 1996, after trying his hand at numerous business ventures. Since then, the eatery has consistently served Lebanese street food out of a small-menu, fast-paced kitchen on West Foster Avenue. This is what his Chicago sounds like. This segment of “This Is What Chicago Sounds Like” was edited and produced by Ari Mejia.

Alynda Segarra is the driving force behind the band Hurray For The Riff Raff. After a little more than a year of production, HFTRR released their newest album ‘The Past Is Still Alive’ in February 2024. The album serves as a kind of memory box for Segarra, paying homage to both loved ones they have lost and those who continue to support them. Segarra sat down with Vocalo audio and community storytelling producer Ari Mejia and host Nudia Hernandez ahead of their Chicago tour stop to discuss the album and more. Hurray For The Riff Raff is currently on an international tour through May 26, with support from Chicago artists NNAMDÏ and Sen Morimoto. Find information and tickets on hurrayfortheriffraff.com. This interview was produced by Nudia Hernandez, conducted by Ari Mejia and Nudia Hernandez, and edited by Ari Mejia. It originally aired live on 91.1 FM during Nudia In the Afternoons on Thursday, March 14. Keep up with Hurray For The Riff Raff on Instagram @hurrayfortheriffraff.

Ghanaian-American artist Amaarae brought her ‘Fountain Baby’ tour to Chicago’s House of Blues on Thursday, March 21. Vocalo mornings host Bekoe was in attendance, and said the performance felt like a movie; the packed crowd (and the bartenders) were dancing all night long, with a diverse array of fans from all over the city. She performed fan favorites from the album including “Co-Star” and “Angels In Tibet,” leaving the audience mesmerized. Amaarae’s Fountain Baby tour continues through April 2 with upcoming shows in Philadelphia; Silver Spring, Maryland; Atlanta; Houston and Los Angeles. Find more information at www.amaarae.world. This segment was edited and produced by Bekoe. It aired on 91.1 FM during Mornings With Bekoe on Monday, March 25. Keep up with Amaarae on Instagram @amaarae.

Chicago DJ and self-declared “Meme Queen“ Hiroko Yamamura will hit the stage with a B2B performance with HAAi at ARC Music Festival on Friday, Aug. 29. In preparation for ARC weekend, she explained how minimum planning is ideal — her set will depend on the vibes, the people and the weather of that day. As music has been an integral part of her life, she shared her thoughts on pre-produced sets, how she defines genres and her honest advice to young DJs. This interview originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia in the Afternoons on Tuesday, August 19. It was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez. It was edited and mixed by Morgan Ciocca, with production support from Talia Lopresti. Keep up with us @vocalo on Instagram and @vocalo.radio on TikTok. Dig deeper into the story at wbez.org/vocalo.

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder sat down with Christina Jackson to discuss her role in the film ‘Shirley’ and the film’s importance. Set in 1972, ‘Shirley’ takes viewers on the campaign trail with Shirley Chisholm as she made her monumental run for president. Jackson stars as Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and the cast stars co-producer Regina King as Shirley Chisholm. ‘Shirley’ is now streaming on Netflix. “The Reel Critic” is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic. Hear Ponder’s full interview with Jackson at reggieponder.com.

Multi-media performance collective Manual Cinema brings audiences into their world of puppetry, intricate soundscapes and immersive visuals. Founded in 2010 by Ben Kauffman, Julia Miller, Drew Dir, Sarah Fornace and Kyle Vegter, Manual Cinema’s works go beyond puppetry to become multimedia, multi-sensory works of art akin to live cinema. The Emmy-winning collective has worked on countless stunning projects since 2010, including a collaboration with the Chicago Poetry Foundation, and their shadow puppets were featured in 2021 film ‘Candyman.’ Manual Cinema co-artistic directors Ben Kauffman and Julia Miller say they hope to present well-told stories in a new way through all of their projects. This is what their Chicago sounds like. This segment of “This Is What Chicago Sounds Like” was edited and produced by Ari Mejia. Learn more about Manual Cinema by visiting manualcinema.com.

Cubs PA announcer Jeremiah Paprocki is starting “Late Nights In Chicago,” a local, independently produced late night talk show taping its first episode on March 24 at the Studebaker Theater. Paprocki made history at 21 years old when he became the first African American announcer for Wrigley Field and the youngest in major league baseball. His new endeavor, with collaborator Caleb Brookman, is “Late Nights in Chicago,” which hopes to compete with other major talk shows while highlighting Chicago’s diverse culture and talent. Paprocki recently sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to discuss his new show, his journey into sports media and his role as a professional sports announcer with the Chicago Cubs. This interview was conducted and produced by Nudia Hernandez, and edited by Morgan Ciocca. Keep up with Jeremiah Paprocki on Instagram @jeremiahpaprocki.

Helene Achanzar grew up throwing herself into any and every hobby — but she’s always been a writer. She found a natural voice for poetry at a young age; it was something she could engage with and practice without a formal environment. Now, Achanzar is the director of programs at the Chicago Poetry Center, where she manages poetry residencies, workshops and other educational programs for Chicago Public Schools. Bringing opportunities to students in Chicago Public Schools makes Achanzar look back on opportunities and connections she had as a student, and the importance of meeting working artists at a young age. This is what her Chicago sounds like. This segment of “This Is What Chicago Sounds Like” was produced by Ari Mejia. Keep up with Helene’s work by visiting heleneachanzar.com.

Sid Sriram transcends geographical boundaries and delves into his transnational identity on his debut English album ‘Sidharth.’ The Carnatic musician, playback singer, songwriter and producer sat down with Vocalo host Bekoe before his Chicago performance on March 4 at Lincoln Hall to talk about the South Indian cultural influence on his music and the album. ‘Sidharth’ is Sriram’s first all-English release, a moody blend of R&B and pop with strong elements of Carnatic music, the South Indian sub-genre on which he was trained. This interview was produced and edited by Bekoe. Keep up with Sid Sriram on Instagram @sidsriram.

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder delves into the buzz surrounding the oldest entertainment awards ceremony as he sheds light on both the good and the bad. Despite being the “granddaddy” of award shows, the Oscars have faced substantial backlash for their historical lack of inclusivity of Asian, African American and Latinx actors, films and filmmakers. As Ponder lays out his predictions for the awards categories, he invites viewers to join him on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube @TheReelCritic for live updates during the awards show. “The Reel Critic” is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Erin Rembert is a pole dancer and “tooth fairy” (or tooth gem artist) inspired by her firm roots in Chicago and tangible alchemy. Honoring her ancestors is a throughline in all of Rembert’s work, with an emphasis on personal and spiritual wellbeing. Whether she’s helping people fall in love with their gem-adorned smiles or performing burlesque and cabaret, Erin Rembert honors her ancestors and spreads love to those around her. This is what her Chicago sounds like. This segment of “This Is What Chicago Sounds Like” was produced by Ari Mejia. Keep up with Erin’s work on Instagram @midnite_maven.

The highly-anticipated second chapter in Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune’ brings the action back to the big screen, hitting the box office on March 1 — and collecting $81.5 million opening weekend. Vocalo resident film critic Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder called the film “a heroic tale worthy of the big-screen experience,” pointing out that, while Chalamet commands the screen, the actors surrounding him (especially Zendaya and Rebecca Ferguson) truly make the film stand out. ‘Dune: Part Two’ is in theaters now. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Glamhag is a multimedia artist, performer, director, production designer and fabricator who channels playfulness into every facet of their work. Whether it’s performance art on a major stage (or in someone’s living room), shooting films and music videos, creating their own brand or releasing work through Glam Productions, Glamhag hopes to create space for themself and others to create DIY works and inspire future artists. This is what their Chicago sounds like. This segment of “This Is What Chicago Sounds Like” was edited and produced by Ari Mejia. To learn more about Glamhag and their work, visit glamhag.org.

Chicago MC Robust is looking back on 20 years of his debut commercial album ‘Potholes in Our Molecules’ this year, and invites fans and friends to celebrate its anniversary on March 2 at Reggie’s Rock Club. Robust sat down with Vocalo’s Jesse De La Peña to discuss the album and its creation. A veteran of the Chicago underground hip-hop scene, Robust has worked alongside artists like Qwel, Defcee and more, many of whom worked on the album. The anniversary celebration will feature performances by Robust and friends, including Dreas, Meaty Ogre and DJ Shazam Bangles. This conversation was produced and edited by Jesse De La Peña. Stay up to date with Robust on Instagram @robustchicago. Dig deeper into the story at Vocalo.org.

Spike Lee’s newest joint "Highest 2 Lowest" finds music mogul David King (Denzel Washington) in the middle of a life-or-death ransom plot and a moral dilemma – questioning whether a contract makes the industry more about the money than the music. The film also stars Ilfenesh Hadera, A$AP Rocky, Jeffery Wright, Dean Winters and Ice Spice. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder breaks down the film into eight C’s: crime, conflict, culture, comedy, cameos, concerts, characters and contracts. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube, Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder shares his thoughts on the new Hulu documentary ‘Sacred Soil: The Piney Woods School Story,’ directed by J.J. Anderson. The film follows the largest, and one of the oldest, historically-Black boarding schools in the US — The Piney Woods School in Mississippi — through the eyes of students and staff. The documentary is streaming now on Hulu. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Multimedia artist, printmaker, zine maker and pie baker Sarita Hernández found their home through artmaking. Moving to Chicago in 2015 from southeast Los Angeles County, Hernández feels held by the Chicago arts community. Now, as a teaching artist and the co-creator of a local zine collective Marimacha Monarca Press, Hernández hopes to build the same sense of togetherness for others. This is what their Chicago sounds like. This segment of “This Is What Chicago Sounds Like” was produced by Ari Mejia. Keep up with Sarita Hernández and Marimacha Monarca Press by visiting saritamaritza.wordpress.com or following @marimachamonarcapress on Instagram.

Singer-songwriter and rapper Tkay Maidza has made a name for herself over the past decade by fusing multiple genres and performing onstage with electric energy. The Zimbabwean-born, Australian-rooted and LA-based artist is currently on tour in support of her November 2023 album “Sweet Justice,” her first full-length release in more than seven years. She describes the album as “retribution,” and it boasts features from Amber Mark, Duckwrth and Flume — plus some production credits from KAYTRANADA. Stopping on tour in Chicago on Feb. 16 at Lincoln Hall, Maidza sat down with Vocalo’s Nudia Hernandez to discuss all things tour, SZA covers and thoughts on the new album. This interview was produced and edited by Nudia Hernandez. Keep up with Tkay Maidza on Instagram @tkaymaidza.

Chicago rapper, producer and model Jay Wood made waves in 2023 with his debut headlining performance at Schubas Tavern and the release of his EP ‘NOWHERE, FAST.’ Before the year wrapped, he sat down with Vocalo host Bekoe to discuss his multifaceted career and recent milestones. Referring to performing at Schubas as a rite of passage, the Chicago artist had his turn to headline the local venue in a sold-out show on Nov. 30, just before the Dec. 1 release of ‘NOWHERE, FAST.’ Looking ahead, Wood has visuals and event pop-ups in the works for 2024 – the year he is deeming the “Mamba.” This interview was produced by Bekeo, and edited by Blake Hall and Morgan Ciocca. Keep up with Jay Wood on Instagram @jaywoodsole.

‘Illinoise,’ based on Sufjan Stevens's Grammy and Oscar-nominated concept album ‘Illinois,’ brings its distinct music and dance experience to the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Multi-talented Chicago artist Tasha Viets-VanLear, known by many as just Tasha, is a vocalist in the production. The artist first heard Stevens’s album in high school, learning to play guitar to its songs. She sat down with Vocalo’s Nudia Hernandez after the production’s press night to talk about this full-circle moment, plus show preparation and what it’s like behind the scenes. This interview was produced by Nudia Hernandez. Keep up with Tasha on Instagram @wowtashawow and the musical @illinoiseonstage.

R&B artists Ambré and Payton Moore spread the love to the House of Blues with their sold-out Valentine’s weekend show. Ahead of the performance the duo sat down with Nudia Hernandez to talk about their pre-show rituals, their relationship and how they work together as artists. The couple first met on tour, when Moore was opening up for Ambré. Nearly a year later, they’re on the road again — this time as partners. Though they have yet to work together on a project, they say it may be a possibility in the future. This interview was produced by Nudia Hernandez, and edited by Nudia Hernandez and Morgan Ciocca. Keep up with Ambré and Payton Moore on Instagram @ambre & @paytonmooremusic.

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder breaks down his thoughts on the 2024 Oscar nominations, and snubs. Much of the Oscar buzz has surrounded Ryan Gosling as he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in ‘Barbie’ while Margo Robbie, who portrayed the iconic doll, failed to receive a nomination. Greta Gerwig, the director behind the film, was also left off the nominee list, though America Ferrera was nominated for best supporting actress. Concurrently, no Black women were nominated for best actress, though this year brought several unforgettable performances including Aunjanue Ellis Taylor in ‘Origin’ and Teyana Taylor in ‘A Thousand and One.’ For more information on all the nominations, visit www.oscars.org "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Yaman Kelemet is a Chicago native and soloist dancer for the renowned Madrid-based dance company Compañía Nacional de Danza (CND) debuting a trio of works featuring classical, neoclassical and contemporary dance with music by Philip Glass, Mexican mambo, and more, at the Auditorium Theatre this Saturday, February 9th. Rocío Santos spoke to Yaman about growing up in Chicago’s northside and the suburbs, moving away from home to continue her passion for dance, her journey as a dancer living abroad, the evolution of the dance scene, and finding healing power through dance. Compañía Nacional de Danza will be performing at the Auditorium Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 10. This interview was edited and produced by Rocío Santos for Domingos En Vocalo, on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM. Learn more about Compañía Nacional de Danza’s Chicago performance on auditoriumtheatre.org.

Efren Adkins values the exploration of personal identity, community connection and the transformative power of art as they navigate the meaning and purpose in life. As a biracial and bicultural artist and teacher, Adkins’ background has fueled their curiosity about identity, belonging and making sense of where they come from. This curiosity manifested in the form of art, becoming a driving force in their journey. Originally hailing from a small town near the Mexican border in Arizona, Adkins’ journey led them to Chicago for art school, where they have spent the last 16 years uncovering the facets of art and community within the city. This is what their Chicago sounds like. This segment of “This Is What Chicago Sounds Like” was produced by Ari Mejia.

After more than a decade of making music, singer and songwriter Jessica Jolia is preparing for the release of her debut album. Ahead of the release, she sat down with Vocalo host Bekoe to outline her journey, from her getting her start to where her career has taken her. Jolia’s 2014 debut single "Sometimes” became her first major breakthrough when it was featured in the film ‘Sister Code.’ She followed it up with the dance anthem “Want You,” amassing international acclaim. Be on the lookout for her latest single, "Caught In The Middle," set to release this month. This interview was produced and edited by Bekoe. To stay tuned with Jessica Jolia, check out www.JessicaJolia.com and @JessicaJolia across social media platforms.

When Chicago artist Mike DFG put on his mask for the first time, he knew it was time to start digging deeper into his artistic identity. The 21-year-old rapper has only been pursuing music professionally for around two years, but earlier this month made his Lollapalooza performance debut on the John Walt Foundation’s Chicago’s Got Next Stage. He’s also the founder of his own local imprint (Bigger Than the City, or BTTC) and a part of a local music collective (Social Introverts). Mike sat down with Vocalo’s Nudia Hernandez to discuss his experience at the festival and some of his upcoming performances. This interview originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia in the Afternoons on Tuesday, Aug. 12. It was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez. It was edited and mixed by Morgan Ciocca, with production support from Talia Lopresti. Keep up with us @vocalo on Instagram and @vocalo.radio on TikTok.

The Phantom strikes again… After years of distance from playing Chicago shows, DJ Phantom 45 returned to the drum and bass scene to perform at West Fest in July 2023. Before his set at the street festival, the DJ sat down with Vocalo host (and longtime friend) Jesse De La Peña to outline his career — from drum and bass DJ to club management and back — and his new mixes from 2023. This conversation was produced and edited by Jesse De La Peña, recorded on June 26, 2023. Listen to Phantom’s mixes on Mixcloud @TheRealPhantom45.

(No spoilers) Elly Conway is the author of best-selling spy novels about fictional secret agent Aubrey Argylle, on a mission to uncover a global spy syndicate. But as her books begin to predict actual events in a real espionage organization, she attracts the attention of actual secret agents — and they need to know what’s in the next chapter. From director Matthew Vaughn, ‘Argylle’ stars Bryce Dallas Howard as Elly Conway, plus Sam Rockwell, Henry Cavill, Samuel L. Jackson, John Cena, Ariana DeBose, Catherine O'Hara, Dua Lipa and others. Hear film critic Reggie Ponder’s review, and catch ‘Argylle’ in theaters now. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Ava DuVernay's cinematic masterpiece 'Origin' explores the intersection of race and caste. DuVernay adapts Isabel Wilkerson's thought-provoking book, 'Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent,' into a film that delves deep into societal analysis. Reggie 'The Reel Critic' Ponder met with the filmmaker to unravel the creative journey behind the film, and the narrative she aimed to convey. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic. For a more in-depth exploration of the interview and to hear more on Ava DuVernay's making of Origin, visit Reggie Ponder's website at reggieponder.com.