Episodes
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‘1992’ follows two father-son pairs against the backdrop of the year’s Rodney King riots. One father, Mercer, has just been released from prison and given custody of his teenage son Antoine. The other, Lowell, has spent his life prepping his son “Riggin Bigby” for a life of crime — staging a plan to steal catalytic converters from the factory where Mercer works. As the heist falls into place, the characters’s lives are brought together as Mercer tries to keep his son from following in his footsteps and Lowell tries to influence his son to do the opposite.
‘1992’ stars Ray Liotta as Lowell, Tyrese Gibson as Mercer, Scott Eastwood as Riggin Bigby and Christopher Ammanuel as Antoine. The film hit theaters Aug. 30.
This segment was hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow him on Instagram and X @TheReelCritic. -
Chicago trumpeter Marquis Hill and vocalist Manasseh took over Vocalo’s airwaves to discuss their new transcendent single and upcoming Millennium Park performance on Sept. 20. Hill is set to take the Pritzker Pavilion stage for Vocalo’s Summer Finale alongside fellow Chicago artists Pivot Gang, KAINA and DJ Lady D. The free concert will celebrate local music and summer’s last days. Hill and Chicago vocalist Manasseh recently sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to discuss the upcoming performance and their favorite parts of summertime Chicago.
Learn more about Vocalo’s Summer Finale at Vocalo.org.
This segment originally aired live on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia In the Afternoons. It was produced by Nudia Hernandez and edited by Morgan Ciocca, with production support from Abigail Harrison. -
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Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder shares his thoughts on Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut, a chilling psychological thriller exploring power, possessiveness and patriarchy. ‘Blink Twice’ follows Frida (Naomi Ackie) and a group of friends as they join charming tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) on vacation at his private island, and things are not quite what they seem. Everything comes to a head when Frida’s friend Jess (Alia Shawat) goes missing, unraveling a web of secrets and lies about King, the island and Frida herself. ‘Blink Twice’ is in theaters now.
This segment was hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow him on Instagram and X @TheReelCritic. -
After releasing his second studio album ‘God Said No’ in late June, Omar Apollo is off on a world tour — stopping in Chicago on Aug. 23. Recorded at London’s Abbey Road Studios, the album explores the complex emotions tied to heartbreak, with a feature from poet Mustafa and a voice note from actor Pedro Pascal. The album comes as Apollo prepares for the premiere of his debut film, Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Queer,’ set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival in early September.
He spoke with Vocalo’s Nudia Hernandez about his teenage drive to pursue music (propelled by his dad saying he sounded “terrible”), his acting debut and if he really spent 50k “out of spite” like the new album says.
Omar Apollo will perform at the Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island on Aug. 23, on tour in support of ‘God Said No.’ Find dates and more info at omarapollo.com.
This segment originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia In the Afternoons on Thursday, Aug. 22. It was produced by Nudia Hernandez and edited by Morgan Ciocca, with production support from Abigail Harrison. -
This weekend, I-94 and Deep Joy present Revival: A celebration of Chicago and Detroit house music and culture. Taking place at First Presbyterian Church on Aug. 17, Revival celebrates Chicago and Detroit as the birthplaces of house and techno music. Revival will feature 11 DJs, including three from Detroit — Deon Jamar, Tammy Lakkis and Dej.y — and eight from Chicago — Mark Grusane, Craig Loftis, Vitigrrl, DJ Lori Branch, DJ Lady D, CtrlZora, Zeetus Lapetus and Bonita Appleblunt.
Ahead of showtime, Revival organizers Vitigrrl and CtrlZora stopped by the Vocalo studios with church event coordinator Dozzy Ibekwe and Pastor Black to discuss the event, its goals and the history of the First Presbyterian Church. Revival is from 3 - 11 p.m. Learn more about I-94 and Revival on Instagram @i94_legacyproject.
This segment originally aired on Vocalo Radio during Nudia In the Afternoons on Wednesday, Aug. 14. It was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez, and edited by Morgan Ciocca. -
Chiwetel Ejiofore’s film ‘Rob Peace’ follows the life and early death of a young man who risks everything to help his imprisoned father. It was based on the 2014 biography ‘The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace’ by Jeff Hobbs. Rob Peace is a brilliant young man who goes on to attend Yale University — but begins selling marijuana in college to help pay his father’s lawyer fees. In his review of ‘Rob Peace,’ Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder pointed out how the film highlights the difficulties of breaking the chain of generational trauma. Listen now to hear his full review.
This segment was hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow him on Instagram and X @TheReelCritic. -
Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder shares his thoughts on Greg Kwedar’s 2023 film ‘Sing Sing,’ which follows true events surrounding a group of incarcerated men as they stage a comedic theatrical production within the walls of Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison in Ossining, New York. Participating in the prison’s Rehabilitation Through the Arts program, the men find purpose and a newly-ignited passion for acting. Ponder feels the film shed a much-needed positive light on incarcerated men of color. Listen to hear his full review!
This segment was hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow him on Instagram and X @TheReelCritic. ‘Sing Sing’ is now in theaters. -
Growing up in a Filipino family in the Chicago suburbs, Tala Silva spent her childhood singing karaoke at every family gathering. Now an adult, Silva has made a career out of her childhood passion for singing. Beginning her songwriting process with nothing but a guitar, Silva builds on her ideas until they become melodic stories of love, heartbreak and passion. Silva aptly describes her music as “bedroom pop,” which is where she writes and records all of her songs in a homemade studio. Since her first release in 2019, Silva has put out 13 singles and one EP, saying music is the best way to channel her emotions. She spoke with Vocalo’s Nudia Hernandez about her songwriting process, recent singles and new music to come.
Tala Silva will be playing at HAZ Cooperative Studios (1706 S Halsted) on August 17.
This segment was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez. It was edited by Morgan Ciocca, with support from Abigail Harrison. -
New film ‘Sing Sing’ follows the real-life story of a group of men who, while incarcerated at Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison in Ossining, New York, explore life’s purpose and vulnerability as they aim to put on an original comedy production with the prison’s Rehabilitation Through the Arts Program. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder met with producers Greg Kwedar and Monique Walton to discuss the film’s emotional impact and intentionality.
This segment was hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow him on Instagram and X @TheReelCritic. ‘Sing Sing’ is now in theaters. -
22-year-old Australian artist grentperez took the Lollapalooza stage on the final day of the festival. Perez began his music career uploading covers from his bedroom on YouTube at only 12 years old. Now, the 22-year-old has found continued success for himself, reaching millions of listeners worldwide. He met with Vocalo Radio ahead of his performance to discuss his early days on YouTube, share advice for young artists and let us know to look out for new music on the way next month.
This segment was hosted by Abigail Harrison. It was edited and produced by Morgan Ciocca, with support from Nudia Hernandez and WBEZ’s Mendy Kong. -
Canadian artist Savannah Ré made her way to Chicago for her first international festival set at Lollapalooza on August 3. The artist opened Lolla's Bacardí Stage on day three of the festival, and met with Vocalo shortly afterward to discuss her JUNO Award wins, getting a shoutout from Lolla headliner SZA and the Toronto R&B scene.
This segment was edited and produced by Morgan Ciocca, with support from Abigail Harrison and WBEZ’s Mendy Kong. -
Singer-songwriter PawPaw Rod made his Lollapalooza debut this weekend, seamlessly blending the sounds of retro soul with modern influences. But his cultivation of style doesn’t end with his music — PawPaw Rod describes his fashion sense as “something old, something new and something borrowed,” taking inspiration from his family, his surroundings and his childhood interests. He spoke with Vocalo’s Nudia Hernandez about finding his personal style, being “from everywhere” and the welcoming nature of Chicago.
This segment was hosted by Nudia Hernandez. It was edited and produced by Morgan Ciocca, with production support from Abigail Harrison and WBEZ’s Mendy Kong. -
West Side hip-hop collective Pivot Gang (AKA Saba, Joseph Chilliams, MFnMelo, Frsh Waters and Dae Dae) stopped by Lollapalooza on August 2 to present young artists on the T.I.P. Fest pop-up stage, hosted by John Walt Foundation. The four featured artists — Nae Chic, Jonathan, Queen and Zia Jenaye — were awarded the opportunity during the nonprofit’s annual T.I.P. (Teens in the Park) Fest, a city-wide showcase of local artists, musicians and poets between the ages of 14 and 24.
Pivot Gang met with Vocalo’s Nudia Hernandez shortly after the pop-up set to discuss the importance of providing opportunities for young Chicago artists and musicians. They also delved into writing songs inspired by ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ and new music in the works — some of which they plan to play at Vocalo’s Summer Finale in Millennium Park next month.
Pivot Gang will be performing for FREE at Vocalo’s Summer Finale at Millenium Park on Friday, Sept. 20. Other performers include Marquis Hill, KAINA and DJ Lady D. RSVP not required.
This segment was edited and produced by Morgan Ciocca, with production support from Abigail Harrison and WBEZ’s Mendy Kong. Keep up with Pivot Gang on Instagram @pivotgang. -
Chicago artist Godly the Ruler will take the Bacardí Stage at Lollapalooza Friday for their first performance — and first time attending — the festival. They spoke with Vocalo’s Nudia Hernandez the day before their set about being a little dramatic, having a ‘Blanket’ (a-la Kevin Abstract) summer and their go-to post-show dinner.
Godly the Ruler will perform at Lollapalooza’s Bacardí Stage at 12:50 p.m. on Friday, August 2. This segment was edited and produced by Morgan Ciocca, with production support from Abigail Harrison and WBEZ’s Mendy Kong. -
When Chicago singer-songwriter adan diaz heard he’d be performing the first night of Lollapalooza, he thought it must be a mistake. The 20-year old Chicago musician went to the festival for the first time last year. Now he’ll be closing its BMI Stage at 6:50 p.m. on August 1.
diaz sat down with Vocalo’s Nudia Hernandez ahead of the festival to discuss his family and friends’ reactions to the news, getting kicked out of Lolla last year, writing in English vs. Spanish and saving his outfit decisions for the last minute.
This segment was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez. It was edited by Morgan Ciocca, with production support from Abigail Harrison. Keep up with adan diaz on Instagram @adandiazzz -
‘Deadpool & Wolverine' debuts an unprecedented friendship fighting against evils new to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) learns his world is on the brink of extinction, he enlists the help of an unlikely ally: Wolverine (Hugh Jackman). As the two traverse new landscapes, they encounter familiar foes who take viewers by surprise. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder shares his thoughts on the film — which hit theaters on July 26.
This segment was edited and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder on Instagram and X @thereelcritic. -
Chicago singer, songwriter and astrologist Akenya kicked off Pitchfork Music Festival’s final day on Sunday, starting the Green Stage’s festivities strong. Although she took the stage with fellow Chicago artist Noname in 2022, this was Akenya’s first solo performance at the festival.
Originally aiming to release her debut album Moon In the 4th in May, Akenya now says the release date is on divine timing but hopes to share more new music before 2025. In the works for nine years, the album will tie into her astrologer roots and explore the transformation of personal experience into music.
Backstage at Pitchfork Music Festival, Vocalo’s Nudia Hernandez spoke with Akenya about the upcoming album, her thoughts on Scorpios and working as an independent artist.
This interview was edited and produced by Morgan Ciocca. Keep up with Akenya on Instagram @akenyamusic. -
Zimbabwean-Australian rapper Tkay Maidza made her Pitchfork Music Festival Chicago debut on Friday, July 19, taking the stage in a stunning leather outfit complete with “FAME” stitched in large letters across the back. Although her claim to fame is her discography, Maidza is also known for stepping out in intricate and innovative outfits. After her performance on the Red Stage, Maidza spoke with Vocalo’s Nudia Hernandez about her tips for festival fashion and broke down some of her most iconic looks.
This interview was edited and produced by Morgan Ciocca. Keep up with Tkay Maidza on Instagram @tkaymaidza. -
After years of attending Pitchfork Music Festival as a guest, Chicago singer, songwriter and poet Kara Jackson will take the stage there for the first time on Saturday. Having watched many of her friends and collaborators captivate the festival’s audience over the years, now it’s her turn to do the same.
Ahead of Pitchfork Fest — back home from international festival sets in Europe — Jackson spoke with Vocalo’s @nudiaonair about performing in her hometown, her 2023 album ‘Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love?,’ the European taco drought and having an emotional moment while opening for Corinne Bailey Rae.
The former Chicago and National Youth Poet Laureate takes the Green Stage at Pitchfork Music Festival in Union Park this Saturday (July 20) at 2:30 p.m.
This interview was produced by Nudia Hernandez and edited by Morgan Ciocca. Keep up with Kara Jackson on Instagram @karakara. -
Nicole Riegel’s 2024 film ‘Dandelion’ follows Theresa — A.K.A Dandelion — a struggling singer-songwriter who books a last-effort gig at a motorcycle rally in South Dakota before giving up on her dream. There she meets Casey, a guitarist who’s long-since walked away from his musical pursuits. A romance blossoms and for the first time, Dandelion finds her authentic voice.
KiKi Layne and Thomas Doherty, who star as Dandelion and Casey discussed the film with Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder, delving into finding their voices as actors and the way Dandelion’s identity as a Black woman impacts her artistry. ‘Dandelion’ hits theaters July 12.
Follow Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder on Instagram and X @thereelcritic. - Show more