“Chicago Live” the next season begins

One of the highlights of living in Chicago is that we have all types of entertainment and some of it, more than entertainment, but an experience that will be remembered for years to come. Radio is for many a lost media. Yes, we have it on as we drive, unless we are listing to a CD , but for the most part, unlike the “old days” ( before TV and computers), we don’t sit in our living room waiting for a special show. Well folks, there is a show that is worth taking the time to listen to and not only can you catch this show on WGN Radio, but if you are in the “loop” area, you can be a part of the audience as it is created. Yes, “Chicago Live”, a jam-packed hour of politics, music, comedy and special guests, hosted by Rick Kogan, a Chicago newspaperman who grew up here and lives here and is tuned in on all that happens in our city.

Each Thursday night, in six week segments, in the small theater located in the “basement” of the famed Chicago Theatre, a radio broadcast is taped for play on Saturday nights at 11 p.m. onn WGN radio 720. For those of you who are computer geeks, you can get the broadcast on your computer via the “podcast” at www.wgnradio.com. Each week, there are guests of all types; political comedians, singers, actors, newspaper writers and analysts as well as Mr. Kogan who is the emcee and each week takes us on a trip through history as he does his “almanac”. Tonight’s featured “Ann Landers” and the year 1955. It was very special ( as they all are)We are also treated to the antics of the marvelous performers of Second City ( another Chicago institution).

Tonight’s guests included Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas ( owners of the famed Alinea restaurant) and authors of “Life on the Line”,  a post-election discussion hosted by Eric Zorn, a comical look at the co-hosts of the upcoming Academy Awards hosted by Michael Phillips along with his dentists to discuss the teeth of the stars, the hysterical comedy of Will Durst, Jazz Singer Ava Logan and special guest, the incredible Cookie Monster ( Kogan’s interview of “Cookie” was adorable) along with the antics of the Second City members Sayjal Joshi,Michael Lehrer and Chris Witaske. The musical director and show director was T.J.Shanoff, also of Second City.

This is one hour of  pure entertainment with something for everyone. Instead of fighting the traffic or riding the crowded bus home, why not take the hour after work to go to The Chicago Theatre Downstairs, at 175 N. State Street ( door is on the south side of the building), have a drink, make some new friends and then do the meet and greet before heading home- you will be much more relaxed when you get there and then on Saturday night, you can tune in and relive the memory of the night and just maybe, you will hear your own laughter. Tickets are only $20 and can be purchased at the box office, at all Ticketmaster outlets and Ticketmaster phone 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.thechicagotheatre.com and/or www.ticketmaster.com

To learn about upcoming shows and guests or to download a podcast, visit www.chicagolive.com

Get to know Rick Kogan a little better by listening to his Sunday morning program, “The Sunday Papers” on WGN Radio 720 am