Today we connect with Michelle Pedicone, owner of 58 Below, 504 58th St., home of the best rock and roll stage in Kenosha. We talk to her about growing up in Kenosha, opening the bar with her husband Dom (who passed in 2020), and how she is carrying on his legacy. Follow their website for a full schedule of upcoming shows – most of them with NO COVER CHARGE! In addition to the great live music, they also have Bingo nights, Trivia, pinball, and more fun! They have a full m...
On this special episode, we connect with Ron Purtee and JJ McAuliffe to talk about BLANKFEST 19 coming to McAuliffe’s Pub, 3700 Meacham Road in Racine for three days – Friday, December 12th – Sunday, December 14th. Admission is one new or gently used clean blanket which will be given out to local charities. Enjoy a weekend of great entertainment at this iconic Racine establishment while helping out this great cause. BLANKFEST 19 schedule Friday: Katie & Betsy, Shameless Place...
It’s time for another KENOSHA CONVERSATION as we reconnect with past guests Rob Greskoviak, owner of Villa D’Carlo, and Kevin Ervin, who owns Frank’s Diner with his wife Julie. Both Rob and Kevin have been longtime members of the Downtown Kenosha B.I.D., so of course we dive into all things Downtown Kenosha and its ever-changing landscape — but we also chat about so much more as we dig even deeper with two of our favorite local business owners! This ep was recorded on 11/13/25 at the Better C...
Shad DeLacy has led a life of experiences. Although many downtown shoppers may know him as the salesman/manager for many years at SJ Crystals, Shad has taken numerous paths – both within himself and around the world. Now that Lew Aceto of SJ Crystals has retired, this gave Shad the kick he needed to conquer his longtime dream of being his own business owner. Shad is the new owner of a two-for-one shop located at 4906 Seventh Avenue. Now open is Stitches Tailor Shop and coming soon (Nov...
Katie Gray grew up with the Rhode theater – quite literally, her father, Jeff Gray, was one of the early members of Lakeside Players! Today, she has been in every corner of the Rhode Center for the Arts and currently serves as President of the Lakeside Players. This drama group is located in the beautiful downtown Rhode theater and has a wonderful season in the works. Heathers the Musical kicks off this weekend and runs through November 9th! Get your tickets now - one of their bi...
Fifteen years ago, Rachel and Mike met while working at a little southside gastropub named Bull & Bear! Over the years, Bull & Bear began diving into on-site brewing and evolved into the Kenosha Brewing Company, and this dynamic duo have been serving up fantastic food, tasty beers, and top notch service ever since! Stop in to Kenosha Brewing Company, Wednesdays through Sundays, for a great time. Be sure to try these smoked wings – which they claim are the BEST IN TOWN – their de...
Some people love him, some people love to hate him, some people just hate him. But we connect with former Alderman, and the creator of the local news website Kenosha County Eye, Kevin Mathewson. From his young days of partying in Kenosha, to fighting the “old boys club” at City Council, and to his current day feuds, Kevin came to our studio proclaiming to be an “open book,” and he allowed us to ask him all the tough questions from his storied life! This episode was recorde...
Jackie Niccolai has lived a life of ups and downs, good choices and poor choices. After an abusive relationship, she felt that she became a target of a local news website and launched a heavy counterattack in the summer of 2024 which led to a now infamous feud. But as time went by, Jackie realized that there were serious stories in our government that needed to be addressed and her blog, Kenosha County Eyeball, has evolved beyond the feud and she now feels that our local governme...
Inspired by the print media of her youth, as well as her art mentors, Sarah Opatz created Kenozia this summer to celebrate local artists of many different mediums. Find free copies of issue #1 of Kenozia (while supplies last) at Anderson Arts Center, the Kenosha Public Library branches, the Kenosha Public Museum, East View Coffee, Cut Stone Pizza, The Lettering Machine, Public Brewing Co, and Blue House Books. You won’t find Kenozia on any social media, but she does have a ...
You might not know it, but chances are you have already enjoyed some of the delicious fresh produce from Grow Space Vertical Farms, 3127 Roosevelt Road. For over the past two years, they have providing some of our local businesses with their produce! Today we connect with Robert Carlson, who is the co-founder & CEO of this new business. Cultivate a healthier, greener life! Check out their website here! This episode was recorded on July 28, 2025 at the Better Call Parise Recor...
This week we connect with Amalia “Maya“ Salinas, owner and operator of Wooden Chair Antiques, 5710 Fourth Ave. All her life, Maya has dreamt of owning her own business, and she has finally made her dreams come true in Downtown Kenosha – but there is so much more for her to conquer – she is a strong woman with a vision of her future, and it looks like nobody, even John Fox, will be able to stop her! Wooden Chair Antiques is open Wednesdays through Sundays – be sure to stop by the Mega (d...
It’s time for another Kenosha Conversation as we welcome back two fantastic Downtown Kenosha business owners: Chelsea Sallese of Sallese and Company – the newest salon and boutique in Downtown Kenosha with a focus on enhancing our community by supporting local artists and stylists; and Ben Trecroci of Trecroci Realty. Ben is following in the footsteps of his late father, Frank, by providing honest and reliable realtor service for Kenosha and the area! Find out more about Sallese and Co ...
Rachel Young-Sipos has a long history here in Kenosha, her family has been here for several generations, dating back to her great-great grandfather Charles Young being the longtime lighthouse keeper in Kenosha. Through the years, Rachel’s love for music has led her in different directions. From her operatic aspirations, to hanging out at local open mics to meeting her future husband, Chris Sipos, and taking the local stages by storm, we cover it all! Visit their website to learn ...
Behind all the great things Kenosha has to offer, there are many people behind the scenes who bring these things for life. And for over 50 years, Frank Carmichael has been one of those people. From his early days as a popular Tremper student, to becoming a movie theater owner by age 20 and a magazine publisher not long after, Frank has always asked the question, “What is there to do in this town?” and responded with options. Currently, Happenings Magazine is approaching its 49th year pr...
After learning the ropes working for the Mike’s franchise around Kenosha in the 2010’s, John Ziemba launched out on his own in 2017, opening Johnny’Z Pour House at 10936 Sheridan Road. After establishing this business as a proven success, Johnny is branching out with TWO new enterprises! Next week, the Lake Andrea Beer Garden opens for the season and John and his staff will be running the drinks and entertainment this summer. Then in June, an official second location opens on the north side w...
It’s a reConnection and a reMix very special episode when we welcome Joy of Lulu Birds, 5913 Sixth Ave-A, and Sam of Blue House Books, 5915 Sixth Ave-A, to fill us on the changes since they were on the show over four years ago! This episode was recorded on April 21, 2025 at the Better Call Parise Recording Studio in Downtown Kenosha – call on the Law Offices of Frank J. Parise when your bad day gets even worse! The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, cli...
Today we connect with local artist Mitch Braver = for the past seven years, Mitch has been tattooing customers at Tallulah Tattoo in Downtown Kenosha. You can find more details at his website oldhabitsdeadrabbits.com - there you can also find details on how to pick up his book featuring his fantastic line art drawings. We dig deep with Mitch to talk about his influences on his art, including the late UW-Parkside Professor Dennis Bayuzick and how his mother played an important role in h...
On this episode we connect with Ben DeSmidt, co-owner of Union Park Tavern as well as serving as our 65th District Assemblyman and Art Debaere, owner of Champions Sports Bar, 17th District Alderperson, president of the Kenosha Tavern League and a representative for the Wisconsin Tavern League. Although these two may differ poltically, they are both local tavern owners who are involved in politics and on this special “Kenosha Conversation” episode, we dig deep into the local issues which our c...
Ron’s Place originally opened back in 1972, long before Tony and Emily Vole were even born. But this couple purchased the business last year and are looking forward to continuing providing Kenosha with their delectable 5x5 burgers, their world famous Long Island Ice Teas, and their wonderful hospitality and exceptional customer service. Ron’s Place, 3301 52nd Street opens at 11am daily. Find out more HERE! This episode was recorded on April 7, 2025 at the Better Call Parise Record...
We get artsy this week on Ktown Connects as we connect with artist Janette Hill! You might not know it by talking to her, but Janette wasn’t born here in Kenosha – join us as we dive into her past, what brought her to the Midwest and how she fell in love with art. Janette is a multi-talented artist – she has illustrated dozens of children’s books, painted backdrops at some of your favorite Kenosha locations, and dives into acrylic painting - creating amazing pieces of bold colors, fun f...
Jason
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