Returning favorites Take the Reins jumped in the car before headlining Punk Rock Tacos at Cemitas Poblanas in Villa Park on May 10, 2024.

In addition to catching up on all the things that have been happening with the band since we last chatted in 2023, the band debuted an acoustic version of a new, as-yet unheard, song called “Dead Leaves.”

Car Con Carne (a Q101 podcast) is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube (@TheAlexRossArt) to keep up to date with one of the comics industry's most important and celebrated creators.

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The summer season at Ravinia kicks off next month… and there’s no place more comfortable to see outdoor shows.

Your Ravinia Ticket gets you a free ride in Metra’s UP North Line… e train ride to and from the park on Metra’s Union Pacific North Line. Just show your same-day concert ticket to the conductor, and you’re good to go!

Go to ravnia.org for the full season schedule and tickets!

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I want you to join my team! I’m training for the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb at Soldier Field on May 19. Go to fightforairclimb.org/chicago and click “register as a team member.” From there, search “Car Con Carne” and get yourself signed up!

Join me at Soldier Field. Let’s have some fun, do good and feel good.

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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 device and system in the house in ways that are easy and fun to use.

Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules.

Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call Dan at 630.730.3728

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie and Deb of Leo Graphics Chicago (4200 W. Diversey) join me for conversation and food from the remarkable Hermosa Restaurant (4356 W. Armitage).

We’re joined by Hermosa Restaurant owner/visionary Ethan Lim. Ethan has built up Hermosa on his own terms, and his warmth and authenticity are present inside the space and in every bite he prepares.

As we talk, we dig into the sandwiches that everyone is talking about: Hermosa’s Cambodian fried chicken sandwiches. Before you even listen or watch, take the time to order ahead and get one of them in your belly this week. This is a “top five” sandwich for Chicago; no exaggeration.

Ethan’s story, history and perspectives are refreshing, and I think you’ll enjoy hearing what he has to say.

As for the Leo Graphics team: Jamie and Deb are a blast to hang out with. We talked about their independent print shop business, which fuels and supports the local music community. They explain the process and economics behind their work in making record jackets (they share highlights from the likes of King Gizzard and Vortis), and the benefits of focusing on smaller-batch orders.

They also shared examples of the work they do on physical records; if you’re watching the video version, you’ll love seeing what they did for artists like Naked Raygun and My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult.

The Leo Graphics chat came to a crescendo when Jamie and Deb show what they brought for “show and tell”: Car Con Carne stickers of all sizes & a cool banner! They do fantastic work, and if you’re looking for print work: signs, album jackets, decals, drum heads, stickers … whatever … give them a shout!

Jamie and Deb are also in 13 Monsters. If you see this in time, check them out at Cary’s Lounge (2251 W Devon Ave) on Saturday, May 11!

Car Con Carne (a Q101 podcast) is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube (@TheAlexRossArt) to keep up to date with one of the comics industry's most important and celebrated creators.

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The summer season at Ravinia kicks off next month… and there’s no place more comfortable to see outdoor shows.

Load up your picnic basket and head to the show… or take advantage of some of Ravinia’s outstanding food options inside the park.

Violent Femmes are set to do an album play of their debut album with the Chicago Philharmonic. It’s been hard for me to imagine stripped down songs like Gone Daddy Gone and Add It Up done with a classical collaboration. Get tickets and see the full schedule at ravinia.org.

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I want you to join my team! I’m training for the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb at Soldier Field on May 19. Go to fightforairclimb.org/chicago and click “register as a team member.” From there, search “Car Con Carne” and get yourself signed up!

Join me at Soldier Field. Let’s have some fun, do good and feel good.

##

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 device and system in the house in ways that are easy and fun to use.

Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules.

Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call Dan at 630.730.3728

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Her Head’s on Fire band members Jeff Dean (Guitars) and Rodrigo Palma (Bass) join me for veggie tacos at TBK Grill in Skokie.

We talk about the differences between recording the new album, “Strange Desires” (out 5/17), and the previous release (College Rock & Clove Cigarettes).

We also cover topics like the creative process, royalty in tacos, how to handle band personnel when more than one member share the same name and why all musicians in Chicago will end up in one of two camps.

Car Con Carne (a Q101 podcast) is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube (@TheAlexRossArt) to keep up to date with one of the comics industry's most important and celebrated creators.

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The summer season at Ravinia kicks off next month… and there’s no place more comfortable to see outdoor shows. I’ll see you in Highland Park next month for Robert Plant & Alison Krauss (6/12). JD McPherson’s opening that one. And then, I can’t even believe this is a thing… Violent Femmes are set to do an album play of their debut album with the Chicago Philharmonic. It’s been hard for me to imagine stripped down songs like Gone Daddy Gone and Add It Up done with a classical collaboration. Get tickets and see the full schedule at ravinia.org.

##

I want you to join my team! I’m training for the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb at Soldier Field on May 19. Go to fightforairclimb.org/chicago and click “register as a team member.” From there, search “Car Con Carne” and get yourself signed up!

Join me at Soldier Field. Let’s have some fun, do good and feel good.

##

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 device and system in the house in ways that are easy and fun to use.

Transform your living space with cutting-edge home automation. Experience seamless control over audio/video, lighting, climate, security, and more. Embrace the future of smart living – your home, your rules.

Get a quote by visiting Easy-automation.net, or call Dan at 630.730.3728

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.