Records & Real Estate Podcast

Gather 'round as we reminisce over matzah ball soup and the bonds that tie us to the thrumming heart of Chicago's music and real estate scene. We're joined by Adam Thurston, the maestro behind the iconic venues Schuba’s and Lincoln Hall, to discuss the delicate symbiosis of nurturing live music within the Windy City's bricks and mortar. With a spotlight on Audiotree, Adam shares how this innovative platform is revolutionizing music discovery and bolstering emerging talents in the digital age. 

Our conversation crescendos as we traverse the challenges and triumphs of orchestrating nearly 600 live shows annually, highlighting the dedication of his teams and the unique "Far Out" series that captures bands in the most unexpected of places. Imagine the excitement of scouting diverse locations across Chicago, each with its own story, enhancing the vibrant tapestry of our music landscape. And if you think managing a bustling venue stops him from enjoying shows—think again! We discuss the balancing act of show-going post-parenthood, proving that his passion for music is as alive as ever.

As we wrap up, we explore the shifting cultural tides post-pandemic and the fertile ground they offer for innovation in music and hospitality. The future beckons with possibilities, from the bustling development in Fulton Market to the pivotal role venues like Schuba’s hold in shaping artists' careers and audience experiences alike. So plug in, tune up, and join us on this symphonic journey through the melodies and mortar of Chicago's beating heart.

Have someone you think should be a guest on this podcast? Let us know! Email your suggestions over to: [email protected], [email protected]

Connect with Karen and Andrew at Be Realty: Be Realty Group

Email the Show: [email protected]

Guest: Adam Thurston of Audiotree, Schubas, and Lincoln Hall

Link: Schubas / Tied House

Link: The Bagel Restaurant

Link: Marco Benevento

Link: Khruangbin

Link: South Port Corridor Chicago

Link: Shakey Graves

Link: Fulton Market District

Ever met a music journalist with an encyclopedic knowledge of music, and a knack for capturing the vibrancy of the Chicago music scene? Join us as we explore the captivating worlds of music and real estate with our esteemed guest, Jeff Elbel. As an accomplished writer and photographer for the Chicago Sun Times and Illinois Entertainer, Jeff offers a unique perspective on the industry. In our enlightening chat, we traverse through various topics, from the challenges of record manufacturing and vinyl production in the United States to keys to overcoming adversity through creativity.

This episode takes you on a musical journey, offering a backstage pass into the making of the album "Three Finger Opera", an inspiring tale of resilience and artistic expression in the face of personal hardship. What does it take to craft such a musical masterpiece? Jeff shares his wisdom, shedding light on the fascinating interplay between music, creativity, and overcoming life's obstacles. Our conversation then takes a delightful detour as we review the 1999 album "Keep it Like a Secret" by Built to Spill, sharing our love for the classic record and reminiscing about personal memories it evokes.

But there's more. We pivot from the realm of music to explore the symbiotic relationship between tunes and real estate. We stroll down memory lane visiting various iconic Chicago venues and dissect our experiences witnessing stellar performances. Along the way, we tap into the challenges faced by talented bands, the empowering journeys in the music industry, and even Jeff's unique connection to record label giant Seymour Stein. So, don’t just stay tuned—lean in, listen, and join this riveting discussion.

Have someone you think should be a guest on this podcast? Let us know! Email your suggestions over to: [email protected], [email protected]

Connect with Karen and Andrew at Be Realty: Be Realty Group

Email the Show: [email protected]

Guest: Jeff Elbel 

Link: Illinois Entertainer

Link: Chicago Suntimes

Link: Three Finger Opera

Link: The Claudettes

Link: Built to Spill

Prepare yourself for a musical extravaganza, as we embark on a journey filled with melodies, anecdotes, and passion with our special guest, Mauricio Reyes. Known for his time as a DJ at Chirp Radio Chicago, Mauricio's love for music is as contagious as it gets. From his early family influences and his Colombian roots to his dream of creating a band, Mauricio's stories are sure to captivate any music lover.

Together we dive into our shared love for discovering new music, exchanging our favorite bands, and reminiscing about the best venues to catch a live show. Mauricio's insights into the world of volunteer radio stations and the crucial role they play in promoting local music are especially enlightening. As we stroll through his beloved neighborhood of Ukrainian Village in Chicago, we learn about its evolution and the impacts of gentrification. His residency in the area since 2002 adds a unique perspective to our conversation.

The grand finale is an engaging discussion on the evolution of music festivals, with the spotlight on Coachella. Mauricio's chance encounter with "Trainspotting" author, Irvine Welsh, is a cherished memory, and his favorite DJs and upcoming shows are a testament to his dedication to music. It's a journey through time, locales, and music genres that ends with a fitting reflection on Mauricio's missed opportunity to be in a band, a testament to his unwavering love for music. Join us in this unforgettable episode filled with passion, knowledge, and a whole lot of rhythm.

Have someone you think should be a guest on this podcast? Let us know! Email your suggestions over to: [email protected], [email protected]

Connect with Karen and Andrew at Be Realty: Be Realty Group

Email the Show: [email protected]

Guest: Mauricio Reyes

Real estate: Ukrainian Village

Link: Subterranean
 
Link: Chop Shop

Link: Trainspotting soundtrack

Link: CHIRP Radio

Link: JJ Thai

Link: Beer Temple

Link: Tryzub

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Be Realty Group 2023.

Let's take a trip down memory lane, as Karen and Andrew reconnect with Andy Farag, the incredible percussionist from Umphrey’s McGee. Remember those legendary Thursday night parties from our college days at Indiana University? Well, they're back, along with fascinating anecdotes about Andy's musical journey, from his first drum set at 16 to his current iconic career. And let's not forget to mention Mike Miro's unforgettable influence in Andy's life and his eventual move to South Bend to join Umphrey’s McGee.

Prepare to have your musical horizons broadened as we uncover the diverse world of doo-wop, classic rock, hip-hop, and jazz that has shaped our lives. Get some fresh tunes on your playlist with the unique sounds of High Fade, a Scottish rock-funk band, and Fontaine's DC, an Irish pop-punk band. Santana's impact on Andy’s development as a percussionist, the need for self-regulation in a band, and our collective love for Chicago’s music scene will be our shared soundtrack.

Now, who doesn't love a good barbecue? Hear the story behind Andy Farag's signature barbecue rub, its evolution, and some mouthwatering uses for summer grilling. We'll then take you through the chaotic yet exhilarating world of music festivals. Andrew’s experiences at the High Sierra Music Festival and Lollapalooza, the pros and cons of music festivals, and the indelible effect of bands like Beautiful Engines are all part of this rollercoaster ride. So, kick back and let the good times roll!

Have someone you think should be a guest on this podcast? Let us know! Email your suggestions over to: [email protected], [email protected]

Connect with Karen and Andrew at Be Realty: Be Realty Group

Email the Show: [email protected]

Guest: Andy Farag

Link: Umphrey's McGee.com

Link: Frontera Grill/Rick Bayless

Link: Indiana University

Link: Bluebird

Link: Andy's Ripping Rub

Link: Sydney Marovitz

Link: South Bend

Link: Potbelly

Link: Lollapalooza

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Be Realty Group 2023.

Come along on a captivating journey through the annals of the iconic Pink Building, the Edgewater Beach Apartments Corporation, as we sit down with John Plamondon, its treasurer, and a finance professor at DePaul. This episode unveils the charm, history, and recent renovations of this architectural marvel, once a grand hotel complex, and now a flourishing co-op community. Whether you're a real estate enthusiast or a history buff, you're bound to find something intriguing as we unfold the transformation of this unique property.

But it doesn't end there! Besides being a finance guru and a real estate connoisseur, John is also a passionate music lover, vinyl collector, and self-proclaimed audiophile. He takes us through his personal musical journey, from his stint as an original member of Fall Out Boy to his exploration of jazz music. With an impressive hi-fi setup at his disposal and a vast collection of vinyl records, John's enthusiasm for music is contagious. His insights into vinyl cleaning and proper care are a treasure trove for any vinyl enthusiast listening.

As we round off this fascinating episode, we also delve into the dynamics and delights of parenting. With a mix of real estate, music, and life's simple joys, this episode is your perfect companion for an engaging and enlightening time. So sit back, relax, and join us for this exciting episode of Records and Real Estate that's sure to keep you hooked till the end.

Have someone you think should be a guest on this podcast? Let us know! Email your suggestions over to: [email protected], [email protected]

Connect with Karen and Andrew at Be Realty: Be Realty Group

Email the Show: [email protected]

Guest: John Plamondon

Link: Edgewater Beach Apartments, What is a Co-op?

Link: DePaul University

Link: La Pharmacie Chicago

Link: Fall Out Boy

Link: The Benjamin Marshall Society

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Be Realty Group 2023.

In this episode of Records and Real Estate Karen and Andrew interview the incomparable Tommy Choi Co-Founder of the Weinberg Choi Team and one of the owners of Keller Williams ONE. Tommy is a huge Pearl Jam fan, a lifelong Chicagoan, and is a source of inspiration for many young Realtors and entrepreneurs. Tommy tells an impeccable story. He also is a man of integrity. One story he tells is how he attempted to mend a fence between marginalized communities hurt by the racist practices adopted by Realtor associations from the past when he formally apologized for the Chicago Associations of Realtors role in redlining and steering.

Simon Sinek – https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action?language=en

Phish – www.phish.com

Pearl Jam – www.pearljam.com

Weinberg Choi – http://weinbergchoi.com/

Keller Williams One – https://kwonechicago.com/

Chicago Association of Realtors – www.chicagorealtor.com

Isabel Wolkerson – https://www.npr.org/2020/08/04/898574852/its-more-than-racism-isabel-wilkerson-explains-america-s-caste-system

Air Jordan – https://www.nike.com/jordan

Monteverde – https://monteverdechicago.com/

Kasama – https://www.kasamachicago.com/

Our conversation with bass/guitar/bass 6 player for The Claudettes is a musically focused episode that dives deep into the Chicago music scene and specifically the scene in and around Lakeview. Zachariah James Verdoorn talks about the punk scene where he grew up in South Dakota. How seeing Prince and moving to Minnesota changed his life and may have even saved his life. And about his relationship with the Chicago music scene as a younger man and today. Zach also does some great impressions of members of Fishbone. Karen and Andrew talk about Lakeview, Talking Heads (obviously), Fela Kuti, Remain in Light, Angelique Kidjo, and Brian Biancardi for the final time.

Have someone you think should be a guest on this podcast? Let us know! Email your suggestions over to: [email protected], [email protected]

Connect with Karen and Andrew at Be Realty: Be Realty Group

Email the Show: [email protected]

Guest: Zachariah James Verdoorn

Link: The Claudettes

Link: Oh My God

Link: Hideout Chicago

Link: Lakeview - Chicago Neighborhoods 

Link: Berlin Nightclub

Link: Queen Mary Tavern

Link: Fishbone

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Be Realty Group 2023.

On this episode of Records and Real Estate Karen and Andrew sit down with Libby York who discusses her career as a Jazz Singer, being a restaurateur and an historic home owner. Come join us for the next hour as we slowly have epiphanies about music and real estate and family history! We promise not to sucker punch you!

Bullet Notes:

• Libby York is a jazz singer and a restaurateur and a 40 year resident of Key West. She hails from the Amlings Flowerland family. She was a scary miner in the Amlings haunted house!
• Amlings Flowerland provided fresh flowers to the Chicagoland area and beyond for years and years. There grounds were across the street from Kiddieland.
• Melrose Park real estate.
• Houdini was sucker punched by a child?!?!?!
• Escape to an episode of Records and Real Estate to run from your stress and we’ll do the same.

Have someone you think should be a guest on this podcast? Let us know! Email your suggestions over to: [email protected], [email protected]

Connect with Karen and Andrew at Be Realty: Be Realty Group

Email the Show: [email protected]

Guest: Libby York

Link: Amlings Flowerland 

Link: Andy’s Jazz Club 

Link: Epiphany Center for the Arts 

Link: Melrose Park 

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Be Realty Group 2023.

We’re speaking with the wonderfully well-connected and knowledgeable Mike LeMaistre of Jam Productions. Jam is a 50-year-old company that was born out of promoting small concerts in Chicago, and it’s still a big part of what Jam does today. Having been a talent buyer, Mike’s worked at Jam for 26 years, which plays into his viability as a mortgage recipient when he bought his current home in Morton Grove. He previously lived in a condo in Logan Square, which he still owns. 

Mike shares a great story about his encounter with Prince and discusses why he organized a Talking Heads concert at the Vic. Plus, he had a short-lived DJ career, culminating in a “DJ Poseur” show during the setbreak of an Umphrey's McGee New Year's Eve Run!

Have someone you think should be a guest on this podcast? Let us know! Email your suggestions over to: [email protected], [email protected]

Connect with Karen and Andrew at Be Realty: Be Realty Group

Email the Show: [email protected]

Guest: Mike LeMaistre of Jam Productions

Link: Morton Grove 

Link: Logan Square

Link: The Vic

Link: The Riviera

Link: Alfie

Link: Beastie Boys

Link: Talking Heads

We’re speaking with Ron and John, the owners of Orbit Records. They started their online record store before online stores were even a thing! What started as a hobby has evolved into a unique endeavor that stayed afloat (and thrived) during the pandemic. Ron and John mention how they met and their close family ties. Ron shares his love for jazz, blues, and playing the piano. John tells us why 78 vinyls sound bigger and better. Plus, the guys mention some of the crazy characters they’ve met when they were first building their extensive record collection. Listen in…

Have someone you think should be a guest on this podcast? Let us know! Email your suggestions over to: [email protected], [email protected]

Connect with Karen and Andrew at Be Realty: Be Realty Group

Email the Show: [email protected]

Guests: Ron and John of Orbit Records

Link: Galewood

Link: Caputos

Link: Jazz Record Mart

Link: Shellac

Link: Left Commy

Link: Chicago Bungalow