Vocalo.org

Vocalo on WBEZ (5.12.12)

vocalo — Sat, 12 May 2012 19:26:19 +0000

On this week's Vocalo on WBEZ, we featured:

Segment A

A conversation with Rachel Loyd. Rachel is an anti-human trafficking advocate and founder of the New York-based, Girls Educational and Mentoring Services (GEMS). She talked to team vocalo about her work on behalf of girls and women victimized by commercial sexual exploitation. Rachel, herself, was a victim.

Molly taught her mom how to use Facebook. Be a fly on the wall of this conversation. And hear people from around the way talk about their moms.

05-12 Vocalo Hour 1 Segment Aedit.mp3

Segment B

We revisit a story produced by Bill Healy as part of the WBEZ series Auburn Gresham, Chicago about Terrence Chappell and his mother Marilyn talking about what it's like to be young, gay, and black there.

A conversation that team Vocalo’s Shantell had with Robert V. Taylor, author of "A new way to be human". Robert,is the nation's first openly gay episcopal dean. He talked to us about his social activism work, and his thoughts on same-sex marriage.

05-12 Vocalo Hour 1 Segment B edit.mp3

Segment C

Chicago's The O'My's bring together soul, funk and American roots traditions all with a contemporary twist. This is their Live in Studio 10 performance.

05-12 Vocalo Hour 2 Segment C.mp3

Segment D

We closed out the evening with a funky set from our very own DJ Collective member, Shred One.

05-12 Vocalo Hour 2 Segment D.mp3

#teamvocalo

Vocalo on WBEZ Recap (5.5.12)

vocalo — Sat, 05 May 2012 23:20:09 +0000

Segment A

Racist or not Racist?

Molly and Brian got a call from Courtney, whose fifth grader niece is performing with a ballet troupe that asked every girl in the company to wear "nude" colored tights, and to slick back their hair in a tight ponytail. We asked the question-- is this RACIST or NOT RACIST, and what ensued was a firestorm of calls, stories, and points of view. Call 1-888-635-1112 and press #2 to add your thoughts to the mix.

Also, Ayana Contreras shares her conversation with Prince Talent a Chicago teen who remixed tracks from Marvin Gaye's 1972 album "What's Going On" for the What's Going On Now Project.

05-05 Vocalo Hour 1 Segment AEDIT.mp3

Segment B

Comic Book Day

In honor of Comic Book Day we try to understand one of our favorite superhero's powers work-Superman. In this conversation you'll learn about the Unified Theory of Superman's Powers. You'll also hear from comic book fans at Graham Cracker Comic Book store.

05-05 Vocalo Hour 1 Segment BEDIT.mp3

Segment C

The Buzzkill Interview

Dazed and confused? Have a case of apathy? Try the Buzzkill Mixtape - an impassioned collection of songs critical of the current political and capitalist system, corporate greed, looming ecological destruction, rampant racism, social inequality, and all together challenging the status quo.

Here's a conversation with Brian Buzzkill, an activist and frontman of Chicago's politically and socially conscious hip hop / reggae / punk group Agents of Change.

05-05 Vocalo Hour 2 Segment C EDIT.mp3

Segment D

The illest MCA tribute you'll ever hear. Including a Beastie Boys mix by Z Trip.

05-05 Vocalo Hour 2 Segment D.mp3

#teamvocalo

Vocalo on WBEZ (4.28.12)

vocalo — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:01:53 +0000

Segment A

First, you’re going to hear a conversation Molly and Brian had with the thought provoking duo of Dr. Cornel West and Travis Smiley, hosts of the Smiley & West show from Public Radio International, about their new book: The Rich and the Rest of Us: A Poverty Manifesto. Dr. West and Mr. Smiley shared their thoughts on the misconceptions often associated with poverty, as well as an economic system that they believe is set up to benefit the wealthy while keeping the opportunities for the impoverished limited.

Team Vocalo’s Shantell Jamison and her mom Sandra Jamison, took us back to the spring of 1978 for a story about a thief, a courageous women, and Pulitzer Prize winning Chicago columnist, the late Mike Royko.

04-28 Vocalo Hour 1 Segment A EDIT.mp3

Segment B

There was a time when games were considered child’s play. That’s certainly no longer the case. Team Vocalo’s Luis spoke with Professor Chauncy Hollingsworth, who teaches game ethics, game design, and history of gaming at DePaul University about how games have become a part of the cultural fabric of a society.

04-28 Vocalo Hour 1 Segment B EDIT.mp3

Segment C

We talked to Jaime Black of Dynasty Podcasts about a new Rock Alternative radio station that's coming to Chicago.

04-28 Vocalo Hour 2 Segment C EDIT.mp3

Segment D

Known for deftly blending a wide range of multi-ethnic sounds, we present a set by DJ Quantic.

04-28 Vocalo Hour 2 Segment D.mp3

#teamvocalo

Vocalo's "Record Store Week" show 4.20.12

Jesse De La Pena — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:24:00 +0000

De La's Corner

Tonight on the "Friday Night DJ Series" 4.20.12

8-9pm "RSW Round Table Discussion" (Talking about Record Stores, Labels & more) special guests: Michael Serafini,

Hakim Murphy, Chuck Wren & Steve Mizek

DJs: Charlie (9-10pm) & Trancid (10-11pm)

Hosted by Jesse De La Pena on Vocalo 89.5fm (www.vocalo.org/player)

More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/401103136580389/

Vocalo on WBEZ Recap (3.31.12)

vocalo — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 04:28:57 +0000

Segment A

Team Vocalo’s Molly & Brian shared a great conversation they had with Noel Calloway, director of the independent film, Life, Love, Soul. The film stars Jamie Hector & Chad Coleman (otherwise known as Marlo & Cuddy from the critically acclaimed HBO series, the Wire). Love, LIfe, Soul premieres April 13th in Chicago.

Speaking of stars, if you grew up during the 60s watching Star Trek, you’re going to love Shantell's interview with Nichelle Nichols. She was one of the first black women featured in a major television series in a role other than a servant. In her role as Lieutenant Uhura, Nichelle famously kissed Captain James T. Kirk. This would become known as the first inter-racial kiss on U.S television.

03-31 Vocalo Hour 1 A.mp3

Captain Kirk must have been pretty suave. Later in the hour, we heard a conversation that Luis Antonio Perez had with some of his friends of the opposite sex. What was the topic? How not to talk to women of color.

+ a conversation with Jaira Harrington, a Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Chicago, who has spent the last three Summers in Brazil. She breaks down race/racial identity in Brazil.

03-31 Vocalo Hour 1 B.mp3

Segment C

We couldn't think of a better way of observing Cesar Chavez Day then by airing Jesse's conversation with Son Jarocho group, Las Cafeteras. They performed a moving song called "Trabajador/Trabajadora".

+ Jesse De La Pena chatted with James “Casper” Jankowiak . Casper is a teaching artist & activist, he talked to Jesse about his upcoming art show and his teenage years as a young graffiti artist influenced his life.

03-31 Vocalo Hour 2 C.mp3

Segment D

We feature some of Chicago's best DJs. Check out some awesome sets by DJ John Simmons and Intel.

03-31 Vocalo Hour 2 D.mp3

Vocalo on WBEZ Recap (3.24.12)

vocalo — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:00:21 +0000

What did you miss one episode 6 of Vocalo on WBEZ?

SEGMENT A

Team Vocalo brought us a conversation with a model by the name of Koku Gonza. She talked to us about why she believes that the National Bridal Market trade show doesn’t represent the diversity of brides to be.

+A Throwback Soundbyte: On June 2^nd, 2011 Dozens of couples tied the knot civil union ceremony in Millennium Park, a day after licenses were issued in Illinois for the first time. We'll share a soundbyte of one of the first ceremonies performed on that historic day.

03-24 Vocalo Hour 1 Segment A (EDIT).mp3

SEGMENT B

We featured an interview with Steve Bogira of the Chicago Reader. Steve talked to Luis and Shantell about a story that appeared in the Reader early this month, called "The Color of His Skin", the story of Joe Henson, an African American man that was killed 41 years ago during an altercation with a group of white teenagers. Plus, an interview with Larry Bennett, author of the book "The Third City: Chicago and American Urbanism".

+A tribute to Pilsen Artist and Muralist Francisco Mendoza.

03-24 Vocalo Hour 1 Segment B.mp3

SEGMENT C

We featured a story called “Love in the Time of Aqua Net and Crushed Cherries”. This story was brought to us by local writer, poet, and co-founder of Proyecto Latina. Irasema’s story is a personal story of growing up in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago, and was scored by DJ Jesse De La Pena.

+A conversation with Chicago Neo-Soul & Reggae singer Pia Renee. She’s soulful and socially conscience, two key ingredients for an amazing sound.

03-24 Vocalo Hour 2 Segment C (EDIT).mp3

SEGMENT D

DJ sets by Vocalo DJ collective members Pumping Pete and Trancid.

03-24 Vocalo Hour 2 Segment D.mp3

We hope you enjoy! #teamvocalo

Vocalo on @WBEZ (3.17.12)

vocalo — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 21:43:01 +0000

Here's the recap of Vocalo on WBEZ (3.17.12):

Team Vocalo talked to WBEZ Rob Wildeboer about his series "The Costs of Catching a Case"-

03-17 Vocalo Hour 1 Segment ABLOG.mp3

We checked out a story shared by Scott at Grown Folks Stories, plus Luis Antonio Perez brought us his conversation with Kathy O'Neal of the Irish-American Heritage Center in Chicago.

03-17 Vocalo Hour 1 Segment BBLOG.mp3

Chicago represented at SXSW last week. Since we couldn't go, we commemorated the occasion by sharing one of our favorite Live From Studio 10 performances featuring Kids These Days.

03-17 Vocalo Hour 2 Segment CBLOG.mp3

Finally, we closed out with two great DJ sets, by our very own Vocalo Collective member Joc Max & Guest DJ New Life.

03-17 Vocalo Hour 2 SegmentDBLOG.mp3

#teamvocalo

Friday Night DJ Series 3.16.12

Jesse De La Pena — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 23:10:13 +0000

De La's Corner

FNDS:Danny the WildChild & Mc Questionmark (Live in the studio)+ Gramophonedzie, DeeJay ChickenGeorge & Philip De La Mora (8pm-2am CST) hosted by JDLP on Vocalo 89.5fm Chicago (Streaming at www.vocalo.org/player) FROM CHICAGO TO THE WORLD!!!

JDLP's interview with Chicago House Music Icon Lil Louis

Jesse De La Pena — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 01:48:19 +0000

De La's Corner

Lil Louis interview on Vocalo's _Friday Night DJ Series_.mp3

Friday Night DJ Series 3.9.12 Special guest Lil Louis

Jesse De La Pena — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:37:39 +0000

De La's Corner

Friday Night DJ Series 3.9.12: Special guest Legendary House Music DJ / Producer/ Promoter & Founder: Lil Louis (Interview) + Chief Boima, Kid Cut Up, Big Once & Charlie. Hosted by JDLP 8pm-2am CST on Vocalo 89.5fm Chicago

Vocalo on WBEZ (3.3.2012)

vocalo — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 22:44:51 +0000

What did you miss on the last Vocalo on WBEZ (3.3.2012)? Birth Control. This topic has been a head scratcher for us. The debate over President Barack Obama’s policy on contraceptive coverage has been in the spotlight these last few weeks, with two sides struggling to frame the issue as either one over access to birth control or of religious freedom.

First up, Team Vocalo Members, Luis and Shantell wanted to learn a bit more about the religious perspective on the birth control debate. So they talked Rev. James R. Halstead, associate professor of Religious Studies and chair of the Department of Religious Studies at DePaul University in Chicago. They spoke with him about why some Catholics officials and religious groups came out against President Barack Obama’s policy on contraceptive coverage. We also heard from Kelly, a college student, who uses BC to alleviate the devastatingly painful cramps she gets with her period. But because she receives insurance from her mom's employer, a Catholic institution, Kelly has to pay for birth control out-of-pocket. Listen to her story:

03-03 Vocalo Hour 1 Segment A.mp3

We also heard from “The Council of Feminist Thought” (Molly Adams, Kimbriell Kelly from the Chicago Reporter, Cultural Critic April Scissors, and Erin Ryan from Jezebel.com). They brought us an interesting conversation about President Obama as Father in Chief. Is President Obama too paternalistic?

03-03 Vocalo Hour 1 Segment B.mp3

We love highlighting local musicians, and especially those with an interesting story. Enter Moses Gun. They defy stereotypes and rock out. Also, do you know why international orange is used in all rescue equipment? Find out why. Luis Antonio Perez brought us an exclusive Grown Folks Story you just have to take a listen to.

03-03 Vocalo Hour 2 Segment C.mp3

Finally, we closed out the hour talking to one of Chicago’s most prolific DJs, our very own: Jesse De La Pena (Interview + Set).

03-03 Vocalo Hour 2 Segment D.mp3

Join us next week 3.10.2012 8-10PM CST.

#teamvocalo

Vocalo on WBEZ 2.25.2012

vocalo — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 00:41:37 +0000

Vocalo on WBEZ is a mixtape of our favorite music, stories, and conversations. On Episode Two of Vocalo on WBEZ we brought together a couple of great conversations with some of favorite people. Here's the recap for 2/25/2012.

Segment One

Yeah, we've got your usual predictions and praises, but along with WBEZ's Alison Cuddy, Reggie Ponder the Reel Critic and Matthem Fagerholm of HollywoodChicago.com, Molly & Brian question the Oscar's relevance to the American public after the LA Times revealed the homogenous makeup of the Academy.

02-25 Vocalo Hour 1 Segment A 1.mp3

Segment Two

Do-min-i-zuel-lan (noun) A comidic team or comic duo with a Dominican Republican and Venezuelan team.

#teamvocalo's Luis Antonio Perez shares his conversation with Lori & Wendy. The tall and short of it is that they're funny chicas.

02-25 Vocalo Hour 1 Segment B.mp3

Segment Three

Besides being 2x Grammy Award winning artist (featuring on Kanye West's records) and a brilliant rapper/MC from Chicago, GLC is a restless force trying to inspire and teach the youth positive values and morals, speaking in hundreds of high schools and youth organizations.

GLC talked to Jesse Menendez about growing up on the South Side raised by "street organizations" and how he got out to become an acclaimed artist and a motivational speaker.

02-25 Vocalo Hour 2 Segment C.mp3

Segment Four

Vocalo crowned two winners in our search for the "Quest For The Best" DJ Battle. We welcomed Shred One and Shazam Bangles as the newest members of our DJ Collective. Check out their interviews and sets.

02-25 Vocalo Hour 2 Segment D.mp3

#teamvocalo

Friday Night DJ Series 2.17.12

Jesse De La Pena — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 00:49:53 +0000

Tonight we will be playing all 12 DJ sets (twice) from the "Quest for the Best" DJ (Prelim) Recorded live at Simone's. Starting at 8pm & again at 11pm. (The night was hosted by Luis Perez & Dirty M.F.) DJ Pumpin Pete & myself will be talking about the competition & the finals coming up this Wednesday 2/22 at the Shrine. JDLP

Vocalo debuts on @WBEZ 91.5FM #publicradiowithswag

vocalo — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 23:14:30 +0000

This Saturday (2/18), Vocalo will make it's debut on WBEZ 91.5 FM! You all know what we do and how we do it. Now we're going to represent on the big station with our own unique mix of music, stories, and conversations. "Vocalo on WBEZ" will be hosted by Jesse Menendez, and will be produced in collaboration with #teamvocalo (Molly, Brian, Shantell, Luis, Sarah, Nick, Fyodor, Jesse De La Peña ), and, well, you. Yes, you! That's right, our fans and listeners largely inspire the stories that we feature, and this won't be any different. So get ready because Vocalo is taking over the airwaves every Saturday from 8-10pm.

Here's what the team has on deck this Saturday (2/18):

Luis' conversation with Dr. Jesus "Chuy" Negrete, Chicano Musicologist and Founder and Director of the Mexican Cultural Institute, on the role of music in preserving history.

Jesse's interview with Hip-Hop artist Add-2 about his new single "Modern Day Coons" and the role of hip hop in social commentary.

Brian and Molly's chat with feminist rock star Jaclyn Friedman about her book What You Really Really Want: The Smart Girl’s Shame-Free Guide to Sex & Safety.

Luis and Shantell's "real talk" discussion with Ameena Matthews, activist and star of the documentary film The Interrupters.

And a Reggae inspired DJ set from Vocalo's DJ Collective member (& KCRW DJ) Jeremy Sole.

Let us know what you think about the show by tweeting with #teamvocalo and we'll incorporate your ideas and thoughts into future shows. We hope you'll show us some love by spreading the word! See you Saturday night on WBEZ 91.5 FM from 8-10pm.

#teamvocalo

The $400,000 Demerit: A Charter School Under Fire For Its Disciplinary Fine System

Molly Adams — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:17:15 +0000

The AMp's Blog

Molly and Brian spoke with resident Wonder Woman Dr. Coya Paz, Pritzker Fellow LaCreshia Birts, and Superintendent Michael Milkie about how Noble Street Charter School has taken heat from parents this week for gathering over $400,000 in student disciplinary fines in the past two years. That number is an accumulation of the $5 fines student pay for each offense to offset the costs of disciplinary programs that they must attend after they accrue 12 detentions.

Here's the question: Is this strict discipline to help kids get in line, or a prejudicial measure that's keeping kids with the highest need out of our charter schools? Let's see if we can answer it.

Noble Charter.mp3

LaCreshia's orginal story can be heard here on WBEZ.org.

Image Credit: WBEZ/ LaCreshia Birts