Ktown Connects

As a youngster growing up in Kenosha, Braxton Molinaro discovered his love for theater. A passion that has only grown stronger through time. Braxton has honed his craft from coast to coast and has brought a taste of these high-quality performances back to Kenosha working with the KAPA Repertory Theatre with recent shows, Stuart Little, Wonka, and the now famous Little Shop of Horrors performance on Sixth Avenue last year. We connect with Braxton and talk about hanging out with Topher Grace, working alongside George Takei, Jane Lynch, and his encounter with Al Pacino!  

Braxton’s next project is directing a reimagining of the classic Tennesse Williams play A Streetcar Named Desire, taking place at Circa on 7th, 4902 7th Ave, February 20th – 22nd.  The production stars Bridget Regan (The Rookie, Jane the Virgin, Agent Carter) as Blanche DuBois, Anthony Konechny (X-Men: Apocalypse, Supergirl, Animal Kingdom) as Stanley Kowalski, Norman Towns (HIM, HBO’s Insecure) as Steve Hubbell, Elizabeth McLaughlin (Pretty Little Liars, Hand of God), Logan Donovan (Masters of Sex, Grey’s Anatomy), and Jennifer Brown (The Game). 

Click here to get your tickets now! 

This episode was recorded live in front of a studio audience at 58 Below in Downtown Kenosha on January 31, 2026. 

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha! 

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.  

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St. 

Drop us an email at [email protected] 

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more! 

Ktown Connects is brought to you by: 

Southport Tea, 5701 Sixth Ave 

Ron’s Place, 3301 52nd St 

Union Park Tavern, 4520 Eighth Ave. 

Shannyn Franklin – ReMax Elite 

Public Brewing Company 628 58th St 

The Law Offices of Frank J. Parise, 7001 30th Ave 

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St 

One Stop IT, 520 58th St 

About Time Moving Systems 

Sallese & Co, 709 56th St 

Gerber’s Pub, 2405 63rd St 

Coming from a Greek family with deep restaurant roots, Dino Katris tried to escape his ultimate destiny – but he always came back to restaurants. In just a short time, Dino has become recognized for honoring the legacy of classic eateries while giving them renewed energy.  

Most recently he helped bring a downtown restaurant back with Mr. Yee’s, 5030 Sixth Ave., he is also involved in Yogi’s Pud’n, 2302 52nd St – and coming in Spring 2026  - Melkat’s, 7943 Sheridan Road. We talk to Dino about his past, present and future ventures, and his connection to Kenosha!  

This episode was recorded on November 23rd, 2025 at the Better Call Parise Recording Studio in Downtown Kenosha – call on the Law Offices of Frank J. Parise when your bad day gets even worse! 

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha! 

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod. 

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman 

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St. 

Drop us an email at [email protected] 

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more! 

Ktown Connects is brought to you by: 

Union Park Tavern, 4520 Eighth Ave. 

About Time Moving Systems 

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St 

Dickow Czak Tile Carpet One, 6403 75th St 

Shannyn Franklin – ReMax Elite 

Carbox, 1750 22nd Ave 

Franks Diner, 508 58th St 

Aaron Hunzinger of AHDidIt 

White Lilac, 5029 Sixth Ave 

Sallese & Co, 709 56th St 

Wink Beauty Boutique, 10909 Sheridan Rd 

A+ Mobility, 2324 18th St 

The Port of Kenosha Beverage House, 705 50th St 

Faded Barbershop for Men, 4807 7th Ave 

Lakeshore Pedal Tours, 5001 Simmons Island Dr 

Alpaca Art, 4326 Seventh Ave 

Public Brewing Company 628 58th St 

What is happening here? Ktown Connects is reaching across the border! We connect with JJ McAuliffe, owner of McAuliffe’s Pub, 3700 Meachem Road in Racine! 

JJ knew the assignment and he came to talk, so enjoy this super-sized episode! We get to know young JJ – how he discovered his love for metal and punk rock as a kid, to booking bands in the 80’s, his issue with Elvis Costello, and how he evolved into the owner of one of Racine’s premier tavern!  

McAuliffe’s Pub is open 7 days a week, with Music Bingo on Thursdays, and lots of great live shows. Follow them on Facebook for all the updates! 

This episode was recorded on November 22nd, 2025 at the Better Call Parise Recording Studio in Downtown Kenosha – call on the Law Offices of Frank J. Parise when your bad day gets even worse! 

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha! 

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod. 

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman 

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St. 

Drop us an email at [email protected] 

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more! 

Ktown Connects is brought to you by: 

Union Park Tavern, 4520 Eighth Ave. 

About Time Moving Systems 

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St 

Dickow Czak Tile Carpet One, 6403 75th St 

Shannyn Franklin – ReMax Elite 

Carbox, 1750 22nd Ave 

Franks Diner, 508 58th St 

Aason Hunzinger of AHDidIt 

White Lilac, 5029 Sixth Ave 

Sallese & Co, 709 56th St 

Wink Beauty Boutique, 10909 Sheridan Rd 

A+ Mobility, 2324 18th St 

The Port of Kenosha Beverage House, 705 50th St 

Faded Barbershop for Men, 4807 7th Ave 

Lakeshore Pedal Tours, 5001 Simmons Island Dr 

Alpaca Art, 4326 Seventh Ave 

Public Brewing Company 628 58th St 

Today we connect with Michelle Pedicone, owner of 58 Below, 504 58th St., home of the best rock and roll stage in Kenosha. We talk to her about growing up in Kenosha, opening the bar with her husband Dom (who passed in 2020), and how she is carrying on his legacy.  

Follow their website for a full schedule of upcoming shows – most of them with NO COVER CHARGE!  

In addition to the great live music, they also have Bingo nights, Trivia, pinball, and more fun!  

They have a full menu of delicious food, including Philly steak sandwiches, mac & cheese, burgers, and more. Kitchen open till 9pm on weeknights and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. If you need a late night bite, stop in at 58 Below! 

This episode was recorded on November 17th, 2025 at the Better Call Parise Recording Studio in Downtown Kenosha – call on the Law Offices of Frank J. Parise when your bad day gets even worse! 

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha! 

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod. 

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman 

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St. 

Drop us an email at [email protected] 

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more! 

Ktown Connects is brought to you by: 

Aason Hunzinger of AHDidIt 

Union Park Tavern, 4520 Eighth Ave. 

About Time Moving Systems 

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St 

Dickow Czak Tile Carpet One, 6403 75th St 

Shannyn Franklin – ReMax Elite 

Carbox, 1750 22nd Ave 

Franks Diner, 508 58th St 

White Lilac, 5029 Sixth Ave 

Sallese & Co, 709 56th St 

Wink Beauty Boutique, 10909 Sheridan Rd 

A+ Mobility, 2324 18th St 

The Port of Kenosha Beverage House, 705 50th St 

Faded Barbershop for Men, 4807 7th Ave 

Lakeshore Pedal Tours, 5001 Simmons Island Dr 

Alpaca Art, 4326 Seventh Ave 

Public Brewing Company 628 58th St 

On this special episode, we connect with Ron Purtee and JJ McAuliffe to talk about BLANKFEST 19 coming to McAuliffe’s Pub, 3700 Meacham Road in Racine for three days – Friday, December 12th – Sunday, December 14th. Admission is one new or gently used clean blanket which will be given out to local charities. Enjoy a weekend of great entertainment at this iconic Racine establishment while helping out this great cause.  

BLANKFEST 19 schedule 

Friday: Katie & Betsy, Shameless Place, & The Slow Harvest 

Saturday: The Talkie, Moon Rebel & La Fea 

Sunday: Sarah Lynn Huss 

For more details, follow them on Facebook here 

We also talk to Ron more about his work as a filmmaker, click this link to check out his short films! 

If you want to hear more from JJ McAuliffe, hit that subscribe button. We have a full length episode with JJ coming very soon! 

This episode was recorded on November 22nd, 2025 at the Better Call Parise Recording Studio in Downtown Kenosha – call on the Law Offices of Frank J. Parise when your bad day gets even worse! 

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod. 

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman 

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St. 

Drop us an email at [email protected] 

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more! 

Ktown Connects is brought to you by: 

Aaron Hunzinger of AHDidIt 

Union Park Tavern, 4520 Eighth Ave. 

About Time Moving Systems 

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St 

Dickow Czak Tile Carpet One, 6403 75th St 

Shannyn Franklin – ReMax Elite 

Carbox, 1750 22nd Ave 

Franks Diner, 508 58th St 

White Lilac, 5029 Sixth Ave 

Sallese & Co, 709 56th St 

Wink Beauty Boutique, 10909 Sheridan Rd 

A+ Mobility, 2324 18th St 

The Port of Kenosha Beverage House, 705 50th St 

Faded Barbershop for Men, 4807 7th Ave 

Lakeshore Pedal Tours, 5001 Simmons Island Dr 

Alpaca Art, 4326 Seventh Ave 

Public Brewing Company 628 58th St 

It’s time for another KENOSHA CONVERSATION as we reconnect with past guests Rob Greskoviak, owner of Villa D’Carlo, and Kevin Ervin, who owns Frank’s Diner with his wife Julie. Both Rob and Kevin have been longtime members of the Downtown Kenosha B.I.D., so of course we dive into all things Downtown Kenosha and its ever-changing landscape — but we also chat about so much more as we dig even deeper with two of our favorite local business owners!

This ep was recorded on 11/13/25 at the Better Call Parise Recording Studio – call on the Law Offices of Frank J. Parise when your bad day gets even worse!

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit ktownconnects.com, click on the phone & leave us a message

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod. 

Your hosts are Donny Stancato & Jason Hedman 

Get your Ktown Connects merch at The Lettering Machine

Get early, ad-free episodes plus bonus content from this week’s guest and more — become a Patreon supporter today! Click here

Thanks to our sponsors

Franks Diner

AHDidIt 

Union Park Tavern 

About Time Moving Systems 

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations

Dickow Czak Tile Carpet One

Shannyn Franklin – ReMax Elite 

Carbox

White Lilac

Sallese & Co

Wink Beauty Boutique

A+ Mobility

The Port

Faded Barbershop for Men 

Lakeshore Pedal Tours

Alpaca Art

Public Brewing Company

Kevin Ervin
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Apple apple.co/4pjCugw

Ktown Connects Holiday Special
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A Kenosha Christmas Carol
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Ep100
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St. Patrick’s Day Parade
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Shad DeLacy has led a life of experiences. Although many downtown shoppers may know him as the salesman/manager for many years at SJ Crystals, Shad has taken numerous paths – both within himself and around the world. Now that Lew Aceto of SJ Crystals has retired, this gave Shad the kick he needed to conquer his longtime dream of being his own business owner.  

Shad is the new owner of a two-for-one shop located at 4906 Seventh Avenue. Now open is Stitches Tailor Shop and coming soon (November 29th is the rumor) it will be joined by Her Clothing Shop, specializing in women’s attire. Shad isn’t doing this alone, he has family and friends helping out with his venture, and he is joined in the studio by his stepdaughter, Micayla, who is currently preparing to open and manage Her Clothing. 

More about Stitches Tailor Shop here. 

More about Her Clothing Shop here  

This episode was recorded on November 3rd, 2025 at the Better Call Parise Recording Studio in Downtown Kenosha – call on the Law Offices of Frank J. Parise when your bad day gets even worse! 

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha! 

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod. 

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman 

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St. 

Drop us an email at [email protected] 

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more! 

Ktown Connects is brought to you by: 

Carbox, 3317 Duran Avenue Racine, WI

Union Park Tavern

Franks Diner

Shannyn Franklin – ReMax Elite

Aaron  Hunzinger of AHDidIt 

About Time Moving Systems 

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St 

Dickow Czak Tile Carpet One

Carbox

Public Brewing Company 

Wink Beauty Boutique

A+ Mobility, 2324 18th St 

The Port of Kenosha Beverage House

Faded Barbershop for Men - New Location 4807 7th Ave. 

Sallese & Co

Lucci’s Grandview

Lakeshore Pedal Tours

Alpaca Art

White Lilac

The Lettering Machine

Katie Gray grew up with the Rhode theater – quite literally, her father, Jeff Gray, was one of the early members of Lakeside Players! Today, she has been in every corner of the Rhode Center for the Arts and currently serves as President of the Lakeside Players. This drama group is located in the beautiful downtown Rhode theater and has a wonderful season in the works.  

Heathers the Musical kicks off this weekend and runs through November 9th! 

Get your tickets now - one of their biggest fundraisers returns! November 15th is Casino Night! 

Do you have some extra time and want to be a part of the great history of this 98-year-old theater? Become a volunteer! 

For a schedule of events, tickets, and volunteer info, visit their website by clicking this link! 

This episode was recorded on October 20th, 2025 at the Better Call Parise Recording Studio in Downtown Kenosha – call on the Law Offices of Frank J. Parise when your bad day gets even worse! 

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha! 

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod. 

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman 

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St. 

Drop us an email at [email protected] 

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more! 

Ktown Connects is brought to you by: 

Carbox, 3317 Duran Avenue Racine, WI

Union Park Tavern

Franks Diner

Shannyn Franklin – ReMax Elite

Aaron  Hunzinger of AHDidIt 

About Time Moving Systems 

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St 

Dickow Czak Tile Carpet One

Carbox

Public Brewing Company 

Wink Beauty Boutique

A+ Mobility, 2324 18th St 

The Port of Kenosha Beverage House

Faded Barbershop for Men - New Location 4807 7th Ave. 

Sallese & Co

Lucci’s Grandview

Lakeshore Pedal Tours

Alpaca Art

White Lilac

The Lettering Machine

Fifteen years ago, Rachel and Mike met while working at a little southside gastropub named Bull & Bear! Over the years, Bull & Bear began diving into on-site brewing and evolved into the Kenosha Brewing Company, and this dynamic duo have been serving up fantastic food, tasty beers, and top notch service ever since! 

Stop in to Kenosha Brewing Company, Wednesdays through Sundays, for a great time. Be sure to try these smoked wings – which they claim are the BEST IN TOWN – their delicious hot beef sandwich – and wash it down with one or two of their great 13 original beers they have on tap!

Kenosha Brewing Company is also available for private events, and they occasionally offer up live music – a great party that you won’t want to miss! 

Check out their website here for more info, and be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram! 

This episode was recorded on September 8, 2025 at the Better Call Parise Recording Studio in Downtown Kenosha – call on the Law Offices of Frank J. Parise when your bad day gets even worse! 

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha! 

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod. 

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman 

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St. 

Drop us an email at [email protected] 

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more! 

Ktown Connects is brought to you by: 

Carbox, 1750 22nd Ave 

Franks Diner, 508 58th St 

Aaron Hunzinger of AHDidIt 

Union Park Tavern, 4520 Eighth Ave. 

About Time Moving Systems 

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St 

Dickow Czak Tile Carpet One, 6403 75th St 

Shannyn Franklin – ReMax Elite 

Dickow Czak Tile Carpet One, 6403 75th St 

Shannyn Franklin – ReMax Elite 

Public Brewing Company 628 58th St 

Alpaca Art, 4326 Seventh Ave 

White Lilac, 5029 Sixth Ave 

Sallese & Co, 709 56th St 

Wink Beauty Boutique, 10909 Sheridan Rd 

A+ Mobility, 2324 18th St 

The Port of Kenosha Beverage House, 705 50th St 

Faded Barbershop for Men, 4807 7th Ave 

Some people love him, some people love to hate him, some people just hate him. But we connect with former Alderman, and the creator of the local news website Kenosha County Eye, Kevin Mathewson.   

From his young days of partying in Kenosha, to fighting the “old boys club” at City Council, and to his current day feuds, Kevin came to our studio proclaiming to be an “open book,” and he allowed us to ask him all the tough questions from his storied life!  

This episode was recorded on August 25. 2025 at the Better Call Parise Recording Studio in Downtown Kenosha – call on the Law Offices of Frank J. Parise when your bad day gets even worse! 

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha! 

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod. 

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman 

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St. 

Drop us an email at [email protected] 

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more! 

Ktown Connects is brought to you by: 

Dickow Czak Tile Carpet One, 6403 75th St 

Shannyn Franklin – ReMax Elite 

Carbox, 1750 22nd Ave 

Franks Diner, 508 58th St 

Aason Hunzinger of AHDidIt 

Union Park Tavern, 4520 Eighth Ave. 

About Time Moving Systems 

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St 

Lucci’s Grandview 6929 39th Ave 

Public Brewing Company 628 58th St 

Alpaca Art, 4326 Seventh Ave 

White Lilac, 5029 Sixth Ave 

Sallese & Co, 709 56th St 

Wink Beauty Boutique, 10909 Sheridan Rd 

A+ Mobility, 2324 18th St 

The Port of Kenosha Beverage House, 705 50th St 

Faded Barbershop for Men, 4807 7th Ave 

Lakeshore Pedal Tours, 5001 Simmons Island Dr