Wgn - The Nocturnal Journal With Dave Hoekstra Podcast

Last week on Nocturnal Journal with Host Dave Hoekstra, Dave touched on Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation with the president of the foundation Jackie Dixon and Director Janine Judge, but, this week he talks to Director of the Bob Bonis Archive, Inc.,  Larry Marion who curated the Rolling Stones photo exhibit The Rolling Stones at Chess at Chess Records, previously renovated by the Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation. Larry reminisces on his favorite Rolling Stones memories. The exhibit celebrates the 55th […]

Emmet Broderick of the Kane County Cougars Minor League team has always believed in the power of teamwork that’s why he’s in the Allstate Skyline Studios to talk with Host Dave Hoekstra about the history of his team, the Kane County Cougars, and his past volunteer work with the military. Listen to the full interview here:

Singer-songwriters Jonas Friddle and Anna Jacobson join host Dave Hoekstra in our Allstate Skyline Studio for a LIVE performance of songs from his latest album, “The Last Place to Go.” You can catch the duo live at this month June 29 at The Venue in Aurora and June 30 at SPACE in Evanston. Jonas tells us more about how he got into folk music after college, leading him Chicago in 2007. For more information on “The Last Place to Go,” […]

Host Dave Hoekstra talks to former State Senator William Marovitz, now co-producer of hit musical Miracle about the 2016 Chicago Cubs World Champion. After working on the production since the year of the history making championship and plenty of nay-sayers along the way, it is finally ready for the public. Miracle will be played at the Royal George Theatre located at 1641 N. Halsted. Looking for some reviews before you go? What better review than by key players of the 2016 […]

Tonight on Nocturnal Journal: Host Dave Hoekstra starts the show with Tennessee Author Lee David Zimmerman as he discusses the inspiration behind his book of essays, “Americana Music: Voices, Visionaries, and Pioneers of an Honest Sound.” You can find Lee’s book at Barnes & Nobles, Amazon and Target. Former State Senator William Marovitz, now co-producer of hit musical Miracle about the 2016 Chicago Cubs World Champion. After working on the production since the year of the history making championship and […]

Host Dave Hoekstra starts the show with Tennessee Author Lee David Zimmerman as he discusses the inspiration behind his book of essays, “Americana Music: Voices, Visionaries, and Pioneers of an Honest Sound.” You can find Lee’s book at Barnes & Noble, Amazon and Target. For more information on Lee David Zimmerman visit his website storiesbeyondthemusic.com.

Robert  Rolfe Feddersen and his band perform LIVE in our studios with Host Dave Hoekstra. Keep an eye out for his new album “Pepper in His Heart” produced by legendary Steve Albini. Feddersen is accompanied by Terri Ann Feddersen on percussion, Ingrid Schinnoski on fiddle and voilin and Rick “The Shadow” Haehnlien on acoustic bass. The band tells us all about how they got started and the history that inspires them to continue to play. For more information on Robert […]

The President of Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation Jackie Dixon and Director of Janine Judge joins the conversation in the studio with Host Dave Hoekstra to tell all about updates at the historic Chess Records studio and the upcoming Rolling Stones photo exhibit. Be sure to go check out Willie Dixon’s Blue Heaven Foundation in person during their Rolling Stones exhibit, “The Rolling Stones at Chess,” June 5th at 2120 S. Michigan Ave. For more information on Willie Dixon’s Blues […]

Host Dave Hoesktra is joined by Long time Chicago promoter Ron Onesti in our Allstate Skyline Studios to discuss his two new projects: reopening the 1925 Art Deco Des Plaines Theatre and Wild West/rockability theme in Union, Illinois. For more information on Ron’s venues go to arcadalive.com

Tonight on Nocturnal Journal: Host Dave Hoekstra is joined by Long time Chicago promoter Ron Onesti in our Allstate Skyline Studios to discuss his two new projects: reopening the 1925 Art Deco Des Plaines Theatre and Wild West/rockability theme in Union, Illinois. For more information on Ron’s venues go to arcadalive.com. The President of Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation Jackie Dixon and Director of Janine Judge joins the conversation in the studio to tell us all about updates at the […]

Six years after his death, Musician J.J. Cale has a new album “Stay Around.” Dave Hoekstra talks to J.J.’s longtime manager Mike Kappus as they discuss what’s to come on this album, J.J.’s legacy and more. Want more information on J.J. Cale’s new album and more? Check out his website http://www.jjcale.com.

Tonight on Nocturnal Journal: Dave starts the show with a tribute to late Chicago journalist Pat Colander. Joining him in our Allstate Skyline Studio is former Chicago Reader editor Mike Lenehan, award-winning Chicago journalist and attorney Bonnie McGrath, Pat’s brother and sister Tom Colander and Marian O’Quinn, and her best friend Marilyn Lenti-Joyce. Keep the conversation going with Mike and Bonnie on Twitter @michaellenehan3 and  @bonmcgrath! Six years after his death, Musician J.J. Cale has a new album “Roll On” […]

Chicago blues legend Lurrie Bell joins the conversation in the studio accompanied by guitarist Dan Carelli for a live performance in our performance studio. Lurrie’s manager Amberly Stokes gives Dave all the details on Lurrie’s health and his new pearly whites. Want to know more about Lurrie? You can visit his website http://www.lurrie.com. Be sure to go see Lurrie’s pearly whites in person May 22 at Buddy Guy’s Legends, May 30 at Smoke Daddy, and June 2 at Cafe News […]

A band from the Community Arts Exchange performs live from our Allstate Performance Studio. Dave talks to Rolando Palacios of Community Arts Exchange, Jaime Garcia, Isaiah Collier, Laura Cambron, and Curator Gilles Aniorte Tomassian since he was on the interview—and here’s their website to connect listeners. about breaking down walls in the music community. For more information check it all out at caechicago.org/

Dave Hoekstra kicks off the show with a conversation that’s for the birds — literally! Artist and Curator Marya Veeck joins Dave in our Allstate Skyline Studios as she tells us more about her beautifully crafted birdhouses showcased at her annual birdhouse show at August House Studios and rescuing birds in need. Plus, Director of the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors Annette Prince, Local artist Anne Farley Gaines of Women’s Caucus for Art, and Nancy Bechtol of August House Studios joins Marya […]

Dave Hoekstra talks to author of “Sing it!,” Meryl Danziger, about her book based on the life and legacy of Pete Seeger in honor of his 100th birthday. Check out the full interview here:

Tonight on Nocturnal Journal: Soon retiring Baseball Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson and baseball photographer Jean Fruth joins host Dave Hoekstra in our Allstate Skyline Studios as they discuss the state of America’s favorite pastime, how Jeff is going back to his root with Grassroots Baseball, a program created for the promotion and celebration of amateur baseball. The five month program began earlier this week Wednesday, May 1 at the start of the historic Route 66 and will continue […]

Chicago artist Tony Fitzpatrick and his artist assistant Yulia Kuznetsova from Russia join us in the studio as they tell the story of how they met and why art has driven Yulia to pursue a career in the U.S that Tony agreed to sponsor. Plus, the attorney that has helped them along the way, Fiona McEntee. Ira Williams of non-profit organization which serves over 1,000 low-income individuals and families annually by delivering safe, quality affordable housing and workforce development programs, […]

From open mics to in our studio, local singer Christine Melody joins Host Dave Hoekstra in the studio for a live performance. Dave caps the show as Christine Melody performs in our Allstate Skyline Studios.

Jhmira Alexander Co-President of Chicago’s Public Narrative, an organization that bridges the gap between journalists and communities join Dave in the studio to talk about their partnership with local high school Schurz High School. Schurz students and Catherine Moran join Jhmira as they speak out against the negative perceptions of their school.