Welcome to the second part of the three-volume Episode 1000 anniversary episode, recorded at live events held at four locations throughout the greater Chicagoland area. My original idea was to combine all the interviews and performances into one single release. As fate would have it… it’s just too much content for one single episode, so I decided t…

Welcome to the first of a three volume Episode 1000 anniversary episode recorded at live events held at four locations throughout the greater Chicagoland area. The next two volumes will be released over the next two days. My original idea was to combine all the interviews and performances into one single release. As fate would have it… it’s just to…

This episode is brought to you by stubborn tenacity. SubT and Beat Kitchen are two of Chicago’s favorite music rooms, and for good reason. Both are embedded in their respective neighborhoods (Wicker Park and Roscoe Village, respectively), have warmth and character, and provide consistently great entertainment. Robert Gomez, owner of both venues, jo…

“We’re Matt and Jess and we’re the co-founders and primary runners of Brain Graffiti, an independent DIY music zine that covers the current state of independent music across the country.”bendingbrains

Sideshow Villains’ Deviant Cabaret brings their mix of circus and cabaret acts ‘designed to disturb and delight’ back to Alhambra Palace (1240 W. Randolph) on Sunday, October 27th. This is the latest project from Dante Ingram, and she joins me to preview the show, which may involve everything from knife throwing and puppetry to trapeze and a jaw-dr…

In what’s become a favorite annual tradition, old friend/radio colleague Tim Virgin (94.7 WLS) and I meet up at Hellsgate (hellsgate.com) in Lockport for a trip through the haunt and a podcast conversation with creator/owner John LaFlamboy. I say it a lot, and I mean it: HellsGate is the best of the haunts. I look forward to it every year, and it t…

T1 Fest is back this year, with three nights worth of killer shows at Reggie’s (2105 S. State Street), from 10/10-10/12. T1 Fest’s mission is to fight Type 1 diabetes, otherwise known as juvenile diabetes. Their mission: “To make a difference using the power of music and community to bring people together to create awareness for Type 1 Diabetes.” T…

Kingdom Come is a four-issue DC Comics graphic novel miniseries that came out in 1996. Mark Waid wrote it, Alex Ross envisioned it and painted it, and this epic story continues to ripple through not just the comics industry but the mainstream. It’s a study in heroism, morality, and generational change. And despite the large cast of characters, this…

McHenry Outdoor Theater - Golden Age Cinemas (1510 N Chapel Hill Rd, McHenry, IL 60051) will host a Halloween Triple Feature, including independent cult favorites “High on the Hog” and “Halloweed” and the sometimes overlooked/always awesome “Halloween 3.” I recorded this one inside the concession stand at the McHenry Outdoor Theater, and was joined…

Returning favorite Stephanie Sack is back to preview the 25th edition of the Chicago Horror Film Festival, happening this weekend. Stephanie’s an associate producer of this year’s event, which focuses on women in horror and the “Final Girl” trope. The fest’s happening at the Logan Theatre from September 27th through the 29th. Plan on three days of …

Chicago composer Maxx McGathey, best known for his work with Gramps the Vamp, releases his first solo album, “Imaginary Eyes,” on September 27. We met at Roma’s (4237 N. Cicer) for Italian beef (that’s what we do here in Chicago) and talked about the mo`ie score, cool instrumental, vibes of the new album. It’s instrumental music for people who thin…

Red Scare Industries celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The new compilation, “20 Years of Dreaming and Scheming,” includes contributions from Laura Jane Grace, Sludgeworth, the Brokedowns, the Falcon, Won’t Stay Dead and the Bollweevils. I’m out of the car for this one … Toby Jeg and Brendan Kelly of Red Scare joined me at the Q101 studios …

Disco Pancake (1155 N. Wells) is a new breakfast/brunch spot in Old Town that gives the most important meal of the day a sparkly, casual and fun shot in the arm. Take, for example, the Disco Stack, the most expensive stack of pancakes in the city, featuring 20-carat gold syrup and golden flakes. Joining me to chat about the concept is co-owner Crys…

Roy McGrath is a Chicago based tenor saxophonist and multi-woodwind instrumentalist, composer and bandleader. Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico and educated in Boston, New Orleans and Chicago, Roy brings to bear these diverse influences in his playing and composing. In addition to leading and recording his own ensembles, he is a member of se…

Atmospheric doom metal band Avernus joins me for a conversation at Melinda’s Pub (6906 W 111th Worth). After a considerable time away, Avernus returns with the stunning new release, “Grievances.” We talk about the new album and its broad, cinematic scope, as well as the band’s jagged path to the present day. “Grievances” is a solid album; it’s doom…

flowersatherfeet is a promising new shoegaze band from Chicago. How new? They’ve been together for roughly four months. We’re on the ground floor here. Ivory, Robert and Tim from the band join me at River Street Tavern in East Dundee (102 N. River St.) for a fun episode that kicks off with an in-car, acoustic performance of their new single “Tempte…

Violet, Saffron and Tyler from horror pop-punk band Won’t Stay Dead join me for food and adult beverages at DryHop Brewers (3155 N. Broadway). As we eat delicious DryHop menu items like the DryHop Double Smash Burger, Fried Pickles and the Marinara Pizza, we also enjoy DryHop beers (the beauty of recording outside the car). I had the seasonal Wolpe…

The Jesus Lizard is back! The band is set to release “Rack” on September 13, their first new album of new music since “Blue” (1998). TJL guitarist Duane Denison joins me for a conversation about the new album, the early Chicago days, and whether “Rack” and a lengthy tour are signs of what’s to come for the band. In Chicago? Don’t miss the Jesus Liz…

David Drejas of OUTDrejas joins me for dinner at Twisted Q in Homewood (2053 Ridge Road; twistedq.com). As we dive into brisket platters and brownies, we talk about: *The Corey Feldman opening slot that led to profound physical pain *The benefit of opening for Counting Crows, including the resulting live release (Live at the PAV) *David’s sartorial…

Practically four years since the last time we chatted (over Zoom in COVID days), ¾ of 8-bit crEEps met me in the parking lot of Cobra Lounge. We talked about the band in advance of their opening slot for Ultimate Fakebook and Hembree at Cobra on Saturday 9/17. While we talked, we also enjoyed delicious macarons from Offbeat Macarons. Band drummer R…

CHIRP Radio Founder/General Manager Shawn Campbell joins for this episode to talk about CHIRP’s growth, mission and approach. If you haven’t yet had the chance to listen, CHIRP (chirpradio.org) is a totally independent, hyperlocal, “non-comm” station run by volunteers. It’s true to the spirit (and perhaps the promise) of radio, and runs live 24/7 f…

Pravda Records celebrates 40 years of independent music with PRAVDAFEST at Fitzgerald’s in Berwyn (6615 Roosevelt) on August 31. The all-day event spans three stages and includes performances from: Nathan Graham, Steve Dawson, Diplomats of Solid Sound, The Handcuffs, Ivan Julian with Nick Tremulis, Chris Greene Quartet, Sunshine Boys, The Service, …

CHNNLL is a Chicago-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. a.k.a. Chris Davidson tempers emotional subject matter with bold melodies, coating raw truths in hummable hooks. Check out his music and up coming shows. https://www.chnnll.com/bendingbrains

Mac Sabbath, fast food-themed Black Sabbath cover band, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The band returns to Chicago for a show at Reggie’s on August 28. Since the characters of Mac Sabbath exist under a cloak of anonymity, I’m joined by band manager Mike Odd for a conversation about one of the most insane band concepts I’ve ever seen. Se…

Roots/Americana/garage rock band Shukin and the Ramblers (actually, Matt Shukin and one Rambler, Rob) join me for Italian beef at Pop’s in Lyons. We talk about the debut EP, No Canteen, and then Shukin and Rob play two acoustic songs in the car: “No Canteen” and “The Water." See Shukin and the Ramblers at Widows Harvest in Plano next month! It’s on…

What is the state of the music industry in 2024? I know I can’t answer that one, so I invited old friend Tom Schmall to talk about it. Tom’s a Promotion, Marketing, and Artist Development Specialist for Red Light Management. In previous roles, he led promotion and marketing for record companies like Interscope and Maverick, and cut his teeth on ind…

Mike Pallen of award-winning Mikerphone Brewing (121 Garlisch Dr, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007) returns to Car Con Carne. Moments before Mikerphone’s senses-shattering burger throwdown between Biker Dude Burgers (Darrin Klapprodt) and Chicago Culinary Kitchen (Greg Gaardbo), Mike jumped in the car to talk craft brewing trends, Mikerphone’s history a…

Coming July 27: 12th annual Homegrown Arts and Music Festival 2024 Live from BaseCamp at Four Lakes - Lisle IL 20 Bands. 15 Acoustic Artists. 12 Art Vendors. Aaron Williams (Homegrown Founder/Promoter) returns to the show to preview this year’s event. Joining him are two new-to-Car Con Carne guests: Michael (“Iggy”) from the Citrosonics and Arreis!…

Remember DC’s “World’s Finest” comics, where Superman would join forces with Batman? Or Marvel’s “Marvel Team-Up,” where Spider-Man would be paired with a new hero every month? That’s kinda like what this episode is all about. This episode’s content is done as a collaboration with “Barguments” podcast host Dan Levy (and will also be found on the Ba…

Adalia Powell-Boehne is a singer-songwriter composer living in Cincinnati, Ohio. She is 1/4 of the band KNOTTS. When she’s not performing she’s driving her kids around or writing in her journal.bendingbrains

Jack Russell of enduring rock band Great White gets the deep dive treatment in a new autobiography written by local author K.L. Doty, “The True Tale of Mista Bone: A Rock + Roll Narrative.” K.L. Doty joins me in Geneva to chat about the book as we enjoy award-winning food from FoxFire Restaurant in Geneva (17 West State Street). FoxFire’s the real …

Ravenswood on Tap comes to Ravenswood & Berteau on Chicago’s north side on July 20-21. “Malt Row” will be well-represented with a list of participants, including Begyle Brewing, Cultivate by Forbidden Root, Demo Brewing Company, Dovetail Brewery, Half Acre Beer Company, Hop Butcher For The World, Is/Was Brewing, KOVAL Distillery and Spiteful Brewin…

See Orleans, Peter Beckett (Player) and Walter Egan: Des Plaines Theatre on July 27! ## Orleans’ first album came out 51 years ago … and the band still exists in the present day. Orleans is joining forces with Peter Beckett (Player) and Walter Egan for a night of yacht rock awesomeness at the Des Plaines Theatre on July 27. Specific to Orleans, the…

I’m back in Tinley Park for a chat with Flipside Brewing owner Erik Pizer. As Flipside revs up its second anniversary plans, we chat about the business and beer while eating from Flipside’s menu (my order of smash burger and brussel sprouts was fantastic). Erik also walks us through the nuances of different popular beer styles, kinda like an ad hoc…

wht.rbbt.obj performs and chats outside The Village Inn Pizzeria Sports Bar and Grill (8050 N. Lincoln in Skokie), bringing “femme fatale-fronted roadhouse raunch” to the Mazda 3. Frank, River, Mike and AC all crammed in the car for an acoustic performance of “Your Love’s a Crime” (off the just-released EP, Romeo Bravo Bravo Tango). See wht.rbbt.ob…

I made a name for myself in Chicago media (WKQX, WGN, WLUP, WXRT) and a career for myself in the digital and marketing spaces. On the journalism/broadcasting front, I've earned multiple Lisagor awards in Chicago, as well as a national Edward R. Murrow award. As a podcaster, my long-running "Car Con Carne" podcast was named "Best Music Podcast, 2022…

Shelby Pollard is the founder and Black Bobbin, a company that works with and constructs guitars, amp, effects pedals, and more. Shelby is a multi-discipline artist from Chicago that specializes in product and portrait photography. www.blackbobbin.combendingbrains

I last interviewed Devon Kay at Riot Fest 2021. Since then, Devon Kay & the Solutions have put out lots of music and done lots of things. This catch-up was long overdue. Unlike our Riot Fest chat, we’re joined this time by four of the Solutions. Remarkably, they all fit in the backseat of my Mazda (perhaps not comfortably, but they fit). While it’s…

Deanna Belos of Sincere Engineer returns for a backstage conversation from Q101’s PIQNIQ at the Taste of Randolph. Deanna’s one of the most authentic, enthusiastic and positive forces I’ve met in the scene, and that energy carries through to this chat. Deanna also breaks the news that two new acoustic songs are coming soon!Next stop for Sincere Eng…

Before Local H headlined the second night of Q101’s PIQNIQ at Taste of Randolph, Scott Lucas returned to Car Con Carne for a quick catch-up. Scott gives an update on the reissue of “Whatever Happened to P.J. Soles,” chats about the Lifers podcast and the Lifers movie (branding!), and discusses the strategy behind making a Local H setlist. And after…

This one was a delight to record. Alex Greenwald and Darren Robinson of the long-running California band Phantom Planet joined me backstage at Taste of Randolph to talk about their career, music and future. ## A smart home connects virtually all of the technology in your home. With an Easy Automation-installed smart home system, you and your family…

I caught up with Niko from Friko at Taste of Randolph, months after the release of “Where We’ve Been, Where We Go from Here,” and weeks before Friko takes the stage at Lollapalooza. ## A smart home connects virtually all of the technology in your home. With an Easy Automation-installed smart home system, you and your family can control nearly every…

Moments before doors opened on 2024’s Taste of Randolph, Julie Darling (West Loop Community Organization President) and Kelli Packer (West Loop Community Organization Spokesperson) jumped in the car to talk about the 27th Taste of Randolph, its vendors, the music acts and where that “suggested donation” at the gate goes to… Sampled during the conve…

The two sets of sisters comprising Neptune's Core are on a creative roll. Since I last spoke with them, they nailed down their live show and their music continues to take chances and go to interesting places. I can only imagine what they'll be capable of by the time they can all legally vote. Give this band your ears. Neptune’s Core has two new son…

Blake Smith of beloved Chicago alt rock band Fig Dish joins me in my backyard for grilled brats and beer, which is what one consumes when making a big announcement. The big announcement? *Fig Dish returns with first new music in over 27 years. *The new album, Feels Like the Very First Two Times, releases on 9/6/24 on Forge Again. Preorders availabl…

This episode finds me outside El Vado in McHenry (929 Front St.) for a chat over tacos with Americana singer-songwriter Karen Shook. As I mentioned early in the interview, her sound is more “Nashville” than “McHenry” (though what, really, is a McHenry sound?). I enjoyed my chat with her, and hope you’ll visit her website (karenshook.com) to learn m…

Cinephile Stephanie Sack returns to preview cool screenings at local independent theaters. Discussed in this episode: -“Go Go Godzilla,” a Godzila marathon at the venerable Music Box Theatre -Chinatown - 50th anniversary screening at the Pickwick (Park Ridge) -Hollywood 90028 at Alamo Drafthouse -Modern Horror Retro Vibes Double Feature of Pearl an…

“I don’t think I’ve listened to a band that had a genre distinct unto themselves. Even crazier is that every song on Robot Heart Throb’s first album is almost completely unique”- Pacific Ridge Records. Jared casts Saxophone solos with explosive ADHD, lucious flute-playing sings in midwest Emo style. Heart-on-your sleeve lyrics spin stories with hip…

The third MS fundraiser is happening on June 29 at Bottom Lounge. Returning guest/longtime friend Stubhy Pandav (Lucky Boys Confusion, Super Happy Fun Club, Shock Stars, etc.) joins me to talk about the event, as well as living with MS. Joining him in the conversation are MS Sucks team members Dan Volz and Lizz Lukes. And because Stubhy and I have …

Ravinia’s Senior Artistic Producer, Erik Soderstrom, joins me for a conversation about the 2024 summer season line-up. See you at Elvis Costello/Daryl Hall, Violent Femmes and more! Tickets for the The 2024 Ravinia Festival Summer Schedule are on sale. Don't miss your chance to see The Beach Boys, Elvis Costello, ZZ Top and more under the stars thi…