Vocalo

11/20/2024

“I know that I really like something if I feel amazing in it.”

Chicago singer m.e.h. makes an impression on stage, whether she’s baring her heart behind the microphone or stepping out in sculptural hairdos. For new series “Getting Dressed with Vocalo,” the artist talks breaking fashion “rules” and the importance of collaboration.

With a residency at Dorian’s and a Lollapalooza debut in her recent rearview mirror, the Chicago singer reflects on what it takes to feel good in what she wears.

11/19/2024

November’s Poised To Break Through lineup is here! Featuring fresh tracks from Chicago talent like NEV and Amir Tunde, plus artists from beyond the windy city like Dante Graves and Liv Hanna. Spin the playlist now on Spotify, and save to your music library for next month’s picks.

Vocalo's Poised to Break Through playlist is your ticket to the underground.

11/14/2024

Earlier this week, Pitchfork Music Festival announced it will not return in 2025, after 19 years of the annual fest. The news came as a surprise to past attendees and performers.

Pitchfork Fest was a strong supporter of local artists, many of whom are disappointed and saddened by the festival’s departure. We heard from three Chicago musicians following the news.
​​https://vocalo.org/pitchfork-fest-canceled-20241113/

11/13/2024

says acting a work by playwright August Wilson is a rite of passage for every actor. He stars in the new film adaptation of , directed by his brother who co-wrote the screenplay with family friend . Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder spoke with Williams and John David Washington on the red carpet at the Chicago International Film Festival ...

11/12/2024

Yesterday afternoon, Pitchfork Music Festival announced that the event will not return to Chicago after a 19-year run. Vocalo afternoon host Nudia Hernandez and digital producer Morgan Ciocca have the scoop with some thoughts from Chicago artists Sen Morimoto, Jeff Parker and Kara Jackson, who have all taken the stage at the festival.

Tune in at 3:40 p.m. — 91.1 FM or our web player.

11/12/2024

Tune in TODAY to hear November’s tracks! Featuring new music from artists Aryze, Tala Silva, AKS, SymbaSyd, Chinigettinsaucy and more! Spin the playlist on Spotify, and save to your music library for next month’s refresh! 91.1 FM

Seven standout tracks for facing the oncoming cold.

11/12/2024

English singer Elmiene was excited to take a turn using ’s toy glockenspiel for his . His performance highlights his vocal ability and warm personality.

(NPR Music) The emotion the British singer-songwriter pulls from is linked to his fascination with ’90s R&B.

11/05/2024

Adapted from Richard McGuire's graphic novel, new film ‘Here’ opens a window into a home inhabited by multiple generations of families throughout a century. From director Robert Zemeckis and writer Eric Roth, the film stars Tom Hanks and Robin Wright.

Vocalo’s resident film critic Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder discussed the film’s themes with Robert Zemeckis, his wife Leslie and their daughter Zsa Zsa (who both star in the film) on the red carpet at the Chicago International Film Festival.

Director Robert Zemeckis says the film is about how “the only constant in life is that everything changes.”

10/30/2024

Chicago rapper and librarian — or “Rapbrarian” — Roy Kinsey sees musicians as authors and albums as books. He hopes to honor hip-hop as a literary art form through his new library project: The Rapbrary.

Kinsey sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to discuss the Rapbrary’s goals, new music on the way and the importance of carving out a safe space for banned books.

MC and public librarian Roy Kinsey is spreading the word about his West Side library via events, a Chicago Public Library Foundation Awards performance and a documentary.

10/29/2024

Chicago rapper and librarian Roy Kinsey is the Rapbrarian, and the founder of the Rapbrary. In Kinsey’s mind, rap and reading go hand-in-hand, and through the Rapbrary he celebrates hip-hop as a literary art form while defending banned books.

TUNE IN at 2 pm to hear Kinsey sitting down with host Nudia Hernandez to discuss growing up on the West Side, his upcoming album and what’s next for the Rapbrary.

10/28/2024

The South Chicago Dance Theatre was founded by choreographer Kia Smith in 2017 — now boasting performances across the globe. Smith detailed the journey with Vocalo’s Nudia Hernandez.

Since 2017, the South Chicago Dance Theatre has brought a blend of classical and contemporary dance to theaters worldwide.

10/25/2024

“Snails are always retracting into their shells, and that’s what Grace is doing in her life.”

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder spoke with writer and director Adam Elliot about his new claymation film ‘Memoir of a Snail.’ Elliot broke down the film’s title, discussed building a relatable character and delved into the film’s deeper themes including loneliness, trauma, religion and self-esteem.

Whimsical claymation film 'Memoir of a Snail' explores the chaotic beauty of life.

10/25/2024

“The role of artists, to me, is to make revolutions irresistible.”

Chicago visual artist Monica Trinidad sits at the intersection of art and activism.

Visual artist Monica Trinidad is a force of creativity and activism who stands firmly at the intersection of art and organizing.

10/24/2024

“I think my music is a confessional subconscious.”

Chicago based artist Sparklmami sat down with Vocalo’s Nudia Hernandez to talk about building visual and sonic worlds, musical inspirations and June single “fajas.”

The multidisciplinary artist sees music as only one part of her creative vision.

10/24/2024

“Everybody had to bring their A-game and bring the truth.”

Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder spoke with Malcolm Washington about his directorial debut ‘The Piano Lesson’ at the Chicago International Film Festival.

Director Malcolm Washington says his goal for the play's adaptation was to tell the truth.

10/23/2024

Chicago musician Akenya is headlining the ‘Under the Dome’ concert tomorrow at the Chicago Cultural Center. Get to know the artist by revisiting her interview with Vocalo.

Chicago vocalist and instrumentalist Akenya sat down with Vocalo host Bekoe to discuss her upcoming debut album, 'Moon in the 4th.'

10/22/2024

October’s picks are here, featuring 10 rising artists from Chicago, Canada and beyond. Discover new music from Sandra Kluge, Airamas, Papi Jamon, ZILOH and more! Listen to the playlist below …

Bringing you new tracks from 10 up-and-coming artists.

10/21/2024

“All that glitters is not gold,” in Zoë Kravitz’ directorial debut ‘Blink Twice.’ Reggie Ponder () reviewed the psychological thriller.

Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder reviews Zoë Kravitz's thrilling directorial debut 'Blink Twice.'