The Arias brothers (Fernando, David, Erick and Luis) of Avantist jump on the show 48 hours before headlining Empty Bottle for their “Hexagon” single release show.   We talk a lot about their avant garde, singular style and the blood...

Old friend/returning hero Josh Caterer (Smoking Popes) joins me for a heart-stopping volume of delicious food from Chicago Culinary Kitchen (2391 N Hicks Rd Palatine, IL 60074).   When Josh and I rave about the food in the episode, please know...

Karen and Ivan of Bellhead join me for hot dogs from Herm’s Palace in Skokie (3406 Dempster).   The new EP, “Good Intentions” is fantastic, and we focus a lot on those songs. We also talk about tour stories (including Nazis and warring...

FAN EXPO Chicago celebrates its 51-year history with an event that brings tons of pop culture heroes to the Donald E. Stephen Convention Center from August 10-13.

 

I talk about this year’s event with two of the main people behind it: Andrew Moyes (VP of FAN EXPO HQ) and Betty Waypa (Director of Content, FAN EXPO HQ). We preview some of the big names and events happening this year, starting with my most-anticipated: The 40-year cast reunion of “National Lampoon’s Vacation.”

 

Get tickets at: https://fanexpohq.com/fanexpochicago/buy-tickets/

##

 

Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation (easy-automation.net).

 

A truly smart home, bar/restaurant/intelligent office, etc. is never a one-size-fits-all proposition. Your Easy Automation Pro will meet with you to determine your needs and then customize the system for you. From the family room, bar to the boardroom, it’s under control.

 

Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net

 

Or just call at 630.730.3728

Today's Snack comes from The Artist Formally Known as Vince Band. "Magazine Pages" is the first single from the new six-track album, "A Problematic Opera," and it rocks. TAFKAVince features Vince SanFilippo on vocals and guitar, Lauren Kurtz on...

Graham Bonnet’s voice is a singular force in rock and roll. You can hear the power and muscle in his singing through his time in Rainbow, Alcatrazz, MSG and so many more bands. Most recently, he put out the age-defying hard rock monster “Day Out...

¾ of Chicago area pop-punk band Fluorescents (Tyler, Bobby, Sasquel) join me for a chat outside Gene & Jude’s.   Over hot dogs, we talk about their upcoming show at Cobra Lounge (6/2), as well as:   *Their “ripping” cover of “Party...

It seems crazy, but Ugly Kid Joe hasn’t toured the states in 27 years.   On the eve of the band’s appearance at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Ugly Kid Joe shredders Klaus Eichstadt and Dave Fortman join me for Vietnamese food in a hotel...

(Rejected episode headlines: “Next to Stew,” “Driven to Cheers”)   The legendary Stewart Copeland joins me for an interview in advance of his Chicago area performance of “Police Deranged for Orchestra” at the Genesee Theatre in...

Gary Numan is an innovator, synth wizard and influence to artists and fans alike. I caught up with him backstage at the Rave in Milwaukee for a longform chat about his career and worldview. Some of the topics discussed:   His upcoming acoustic...