The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is a natural national treasure tucked away just outside of Chicagoland – and most residents don’t know about it! Midewin Public Affairs Officer Veronica Hinke and Prairie Supervisor Wade Spang joined Rick Kogan on the air to tell him about what the prairie has to offer, why it is so important to preserve such an ecosystem and to promote their upcoming event this Saturday.

Thomas Allen Pauly joined Rick Kogan in the studio to talk about his journey from being a telephone repairman to a world-renown horse racing artist. With him was Brand Ambassador Johnny Costello from the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, Woodford Reserve. Johnny made a couple of mean mint juleps and told Rick about his love for racing, which began as a teenager, ditching school to sneak into the Arlington Racetrack. Then, the group talked Thomas’ special edition Woodford Reserve Kentucky […]

Rick Kogan talks with author David Hamlin about his book Winter in Chicago: Drugs, Death and Rock n’ Roll on Chicago’s AM Radio Dial, the story of a young reporter at a Chicago radio station who attempts to uncover the story of a friend’s mysterious death amid a web of drugs, corruption, sexism and abuse of power.  Hamlin also talks about his previous career as the head of the Illinois chapter of the ACLU, his time in Chicago that saw […]

Move aside, Hamilton! There’s a new rap musical in town. Rick spoke with the cast and crew of the Stage 773 production of “Dundee: A Hip-Hopera.” He heard from the show’s writer Gabe Caruso, musical director Brad Kemp, director Molly Bierman, and actors Andrea Lattanzio, Ross Comptton and Surena Pridgen, who told him about the writing process, the concept of a “rap-play” and the creative challenges that it provides. They all agree with Rick that collaboration is the height of creativity. […]

Tonight on After Hours, Rick Kogan explores the fascinating and intricate art of collaboration in art, publishing, theatre and music. To begin, writer Pat Cannon and photographer Jim Caulfield joined Rick in-studio to talk about their book, The Space Within: Inside Great Chicago Buildings, which explores the striking architecture of Chicago. As it’s their fifth book together, they are no strangers to the collaboration process, and they tell Rick about how they chose the featured buildings and gained access to their interiors. […]

Tonight on After Hours, Rick welcomes singer Spider Saloff to talk about her life and career as well as listen to some of her music, including a stunning rendition of “How Long Has This Been Going On” by George and Ira Gershwin. Peter Kahn, one of the editors of “The Gold Shovel Anthology: New Poems Honoring Gwendolyn Brooks”, and distinguished English Professor Kenneth Warren of the University of Chicago also join Rick to discuss Centennial Brooks, a three-day celebration of […]

This week on After Hours with Rick Kogan: Author Fern Schumer Chapman and illustrator Tom Greensfelder are in-studio to discuss their latest book, “Stumbling on History: An Art Project Compels a Small German Town to Face Its Past.” You can find out more about the book and all of Fern Schumer Chapman’s work at fernschumerchapman.com. Amelia Bethel, one of two writer/performer/creators of the new “Drinking & Writing” show “Feminism & Other Things”, is on the phone to talk about the new […]

  Chicago Symphony Orchestra assistant principal, William Buchman, joined Rick Kogan to talk about the “A Toast to Gershwin” CSO benefit.  Sean Patrick Leonard joined Rick in studio to discuss his film “Rockabye”. http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3313236/3313236_2017-03-21-160736.64kmono.mp3?ad_params=zones%3DPreroll%7Cstation_id%3D3782.mp3

This week on After Hours, Rick has a full show with plenty of great conversation. First, Rick welcomes singer Catherine O’Connell & novelist Mary Pat Kelley to talk all things Irish and upcoming show Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at the Union League Club (stpatricksdayatulcc.eventbrite.com). Next, David Marienthal is in-studio to talk about his efforts to keep alive the memories of the clubs owned by his uncle and father (Mr. Kelly’s, London House, Happy Medium). Joining in on the conversation are performers Tom Dreesen […]

Author Kevin Davis has just had his book, The Brain Defense: Murder in Manhattan and the Dawn of Neuroscience in America’s Courtrooms. The book explores the case of Herbert Weinstein, who mysteriously admitted to murdering his wife, following an argument. Kevin explains changes in the justice system inspired by an orange-sized cyst in Weinstein’s brain.