Vocalo

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.'

10/18/2024

Chicago choreographer and dancer Erin Kilmurray sat down with Vocalo’s this summer to discuss production planning and recent work.

Chicago choreographer, dancer and curator Erin Kilmurray wants to invite you to 'the Function.'

10/17/2024

Summer film ‘Dandelion’ is a drama marked by romance and music. Reggie Ponder sat down with stars and to discuss the movie.

Stars of 'Dandelion' KiKi Layne and Thomas Doherty explore finding their own voice while filming.

10/16/2024

Tune in NOW to hear October’s picks! Featuring new music from artists Rhea the Second & MVTE, Carlile, Tala Silva, Jack Vinoy, Karina Castillo and more! Spin the playlist on Spotify, and save to your music library for next month’s picks.

Vocalo's new music picks for our October on-air rotation!

10/16/2024

Ghanaian-American artist took over Chicago’s House of Blues earlier this year. Learn more about her dynamic performance and latest album below …

Ghanaian-American artist Amaarae brought her 'Fountain Baby' tour to Chicago’s House of Blues on Thursday, March 21.

10/11/2024

“This is a fantasy just waiting for a dreamer.”
Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder praises elements of ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ movie musical, but says the film ultimately fell short of expectation.

Though vocals impress, Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says Joker: Folie à Deux is a “matinee movie at best.”

10/10/2024

“We have something very special here.”

Chicago Fashion Week returns to the runway after more than a decade with 50+ events through Oct. 20, celebrating the diversity of Chicago style.

Opening tonight and running through Oct. 20, Chicago Fashion Week provides a uniquely Chicago lineup.

10/07/2024

LA duo GAWD share the stage with Anderson .Paak on the — both as his backing vocalists and opening act. The two singers sat down with Vocalo to discuss the work-heavy tour and when they decided to step into the spotlight.

Los Angeles R&B duo GAWD takes fans to church every night they open for Anderson .Paak.

10/03/2024

“They don’t know how I’m gonna show up, but they know I’m gonna look good.”

For Chicago musician Manasseh, music and fashion are art forms that come from the heart. Discover his fashion favorites and style advice in our new series “Getting Dressed With Vocalo.”

Chicago singer Manasseh gets dressed every day without a full-body mirror — he just lays his clothes out on the bed.

09/24/2024

Stars of new film ‘Young King’ say their performances aim to “make a point about the love of a Black family.”

Reggie ‘The Reel Critic’ Ponder sat down with the film’s stars, Vincent Washington, James Arthur Sims and Kirby Griffin, to discuss their characters and the film’s themes.

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder sat down with stars Vincent Washington, James Arthur Sims and Kirby Griffin.

09/24/2024

Chicago musicians Pivot Gang, Marquis Hill, KAINA & DJ Lady D (Chicago) took over Millennium Park on Friday for Vocalo's . Relive the magic with some photos below!

An unseasonably warm September evening proved to be ideal conditions for Vocalo’s Summer Finale ...

09/23/2024

"The Pivot don't stop."

On Friday Pivot Gang headlined Vocalo's in Millennium Park — but first they sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to discuss some new music in the works and share the songs they've had on repeat lately.

West Side hip-hop group Pivot Gang celebrates new releases and Squeak’s birthday at Sept. 20 Millennium Park set.

09/19/2024

“You just gotta put yourself out there, get out of your little box.”

Chicago artist Clue chatted with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez about his roots in graffiti, the making of Vocalo’s Summer Finale poster and working with his mentor Sentrock, and shared advice for other young artists.

Emmanuel Gomez — better known as Clue — is the 23-year-old rising visual artist you need to know.

09/18/2024

Our friends Pivot Gang are stopping by the studio to take over our airwaves! TUNE IN from 3-4 PM — you don't want to miss this ... you may even hear some new music 🫢

91.1 FM 📻 http://Vocalo.org

09/18/2024

Film critic attended this year’s Toronto International Film Festival () — and brought back reviews of three new films added to his category of “underdog exceeding all expectations”: ‘Rez Ball,’ ‘The Fire Inside’ and ‘Unstoppable’

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder loves an underdog.

09/17/2024

Chicago artist Clue made our artwork — including this exclusive screen print! Donate in advance to take one home from Millennium Park on FRIDAY 9/20 ...

https://donate.wbez.org/secure/summer-finale

09/17/2024

September’s Poised To Break Through picks are here, featuring 10 artists to keep an eye on! Discover new tracks coming from across the globe, including tracks from Mayan DeLion, Grecia Monroc, Steven Golliday and more! Spin the playlist now on Spotify, and save to your music library for next month’s picks.

September’s 10 “Poised To Break Through” picks are here.

09/13/2024

Chicago R&B singer Loona Dae’s debut album ‘ATARI!’ “takes the listeners on a journey from unrequited love to finally realizing and conquering self-love.” Released in August 2023, she’ll perform songs from it live for the first time this Sunday at the Empty Bottle.

Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez sat down with the artist to discuss translating ‘ATARI!’ to the stage and the pros and cons of working with a romantic partner.

The psychedelic R&B artist returns to the stage for the first time in two years to perform songs from 'ATARI!'