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Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM is Chicago’s only NPR Music affiliate and only Urban Alternative station — the first of its kind in the country. We strive to highlight and uplift artists and changemakers breaking through the noise, both in and out of Chicago. Our goal is to make listeners say and feel: THIS is what Chicago sounds like. Dig deeper into our stories and conversations at Vocalo.org.
Vocalo is a subsidiary of Chicago Public Media, and is the sister station to WBEZ Chicago.
Vocalo is a subsidiary of Chicago Public Media, and is the sister station to WBEZ Chicago.
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Whether she’s baring her heart behind a microphone or stepping onstage in fearless outfits and sculptural hairdos, Chicago singer m.e.h. makes a strong impression — and it’s intentional. Describing her style as eclectic, colorful and energetic, the musician takes notes from icons like Erykah Badu and André 3000 to blend bold patterns and pay close attention to silhouettes.
For Getting Dressed with Vocalo, m.e.h. gave listeners a glimpse of her intricate wardrobe and styling processes.
This segment was hosted and edited by Vocalo producer Morgan Ciocca. It was produced and engineered by WBEZ’s Dave Miska. Special thanks to WBEZ’s Mendy Kong. Dig deeper into the story at Vocalo.org.
A24’s new psychological thriller ‘Heretic’ follows two young religious missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), as they spend the day knocking on doors to spread the word of God. When the women arrive at the home of Mr. Reed, played by Hugh Grant, the two find themselves trapped in an intricate and deadly game designed to test their fath. Hear film critic Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder’s review, and catch ‘Heretic’ in theaters now.
"The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.
On Monday, Nov. 11, Pitchfork Music Festival announced via social media channels that it will not return to Chicago in 2025. After 19 years, the annual fest has earned a reputation for supporting locally-based talent. Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez is joined by digital producer Morgan Ciocca on Tuesday to discuss, and heard from Chicago artists Jeff Parker, Sen Morimoto and Kara Jackson — all of whom have taken stage at the festival.
This segment originally aired on Tuesday, Nov. 12, during Nudia In the Afternoons on Vocalo 91.1 FM. It was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez, and edited by Morgan Ciocca. Dig deeper into the story at Vocalo.org.
Malcolm Washington directs a new adaptation of August Wilson’s 1987 play ‘The Piano Lesson,’ which was featured at the Chicago International Film Festival. On the red carpet at the festival before its premiere, Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder met with writer Virgil Williams and the film’s star John David Washington to discuss writing alongside director Malcolm Washington, being mentored by Denzel Washington, and advice for youth in the arts.
"The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.
Robert Zemeckis’ new film ‘Here,’ adapted from Richard McGuire's graphic novel, depicts a family across a century of generations in the same home. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says the film’s nonlinear timeline can be confusing at times, and it often looks to the past with nostalgia.
On the red carpet at the 60th Chicago International Film Festival, Ponder spoke with Zemeckis, along with his wife Leslie Zemeckis and daughter Zsa Zsa Zemeckis. They discussed the film’s themes, his growth as a director and what Zsa Zsa believes to be his “secret sauce.”
This segment was hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow him on Instagram and X @TheReelCritic.
Roy Kinsey is the Rapbrarian, a Chicago rapper and librarian who celebrates hip-hop as a literary art form through his new special library: The Rapbrary. After recently setting up the Rapbrary’s shelves in its first space, Kinsey emphasizes the power of storytelling as legacy — especially at a time when book bans are surging.
He sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to discuss the Rapbrary’s goals and being mindful about the things we leave behind for future generations.
This segment originally aired on Nudia in the Afternoons on Tuesday, Oct. 29. It was produced by Nudia Hernandez and edited by Morgan Ciocca. Dig deeper into the story at Vocalo.org, @Vocalo on most platforms and @Vocalo.Radio on TikTok.
Ten years in the making, Australian adult stop-motion film ‘Memoir of a Snail’ (2024) follows Grace Pudel, an oddball outcast and snail collector who must learn to persevere through loneliness and misfortune.
Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder spoke to writer and director Adam Elliot about the claymation, which was featured at the Chicago International Film Festival. Elliot broke down the film's title, the intentionality behind creating a relatable character and the film’s deeper themes.
"The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.
Chicago-based multidisciplinary artist Sparklmami already knows what her world looks like. Now, she’s figuring out its sound. Her musical influences include ‘70s Brazilian jazz and funk, Mexican bolero and the music she listened to growing up in Texas.
The artist sat down with Vocalo’s Nudia Hernandez before her Oct. 24 performance at the Chicago Cultural Center to talk about curating visual and sonic identities, musical inspirations and June single “fajas.”
This segment was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez, and edited by Morgan Ciocca. It originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia In the Afternoons on Thursday, Oct. 3. Dig deeper into the story at Vocalo.org, and follow us @Vocalo on Instagram, X and Facebook, or @Vocalo.radio on TikTok.
At the 60th Annual Chicago International Film Festival, Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder spoke with director Malcolm Washington about his directorial debut: an adaptation of August Wilson’s 1987 play ‘The Piano Lesson.’
The film follows the Charles family as they navigate the Great Depression’s aftermath in 1936 Pittsburgh. The household is plagued with conflict as disagreements ensue over what to do with their prized family heirloom: a piano carved with designs by an enslaved ancestor. The adaptation stars the director’s brother John David Washington, plus Erykah Badu, Danielle Deadwyler, Ray Fisher and more.
"The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.
Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder reviews Todd Phillips’ ‘Joker’ sequel – ‘Joker: Folie à Deux.’ The film finds failed comedian Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) — AKA the Joker — incarcerated at Arkham State Hospital. Battling his murderous alter ego and awaiting trial for his crimes, Fleck meets the love of his life: Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga). ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ is now in theaters.
This segment was hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow him on Instagram and X @TheReelCritic.
Chicago Fashion Week is back after more than a decade with 50 events across the city and surrounding suburbs, including runway shows, exhibitions, styling sessions and designer talks. Opening tonight and running through Oct. 20, Chicago Fashion Week provides a uniquely Chicago lineup starting with A Celebration of Chicago Style at the Chicago Cultural Center. Chicago Fashion Week producer Carrie Lannon stopped by the studio to discuss its return and some of the diverse programming. Learn more on chicagofashionweek.com.
This segment was hosted and produced by Morgan Ciocca. Follow Vocalo on Instagram, X and Facebook at @vocalo, or TikTok @vocalo.radio. Dig deeper into the story at Vocalo.org.
Getting Dressed With Vocalo is a new series highlighting Chicago musicians who have standout personal styles. Get ready with us.
Known for his ethereal vocals, Chicago singer Manasseh also has a reputation for stepping out in some memorable outfits. The artist describes his style as imaginative, fun and solid; he knows people expect a look when he steps outside, surely including an impeccable pair of boots … “but they really don't know what to expect.” He described why “more is everything,” remembered his favorite childhood outfit and shared some style advice.
This segment was hosted and edited by Morgan Ciocca, with production support from Mendy Kong. It was engineered and produced by Dave Miska. Dig deeper into the story at Vocalo.org.
New film ‘Young King’ follows Diondre Howell, a young man re-adjusting to civilian life after serving in the Iraq war. Howell finds himself changed after the traumas of combat, now struggling to maintain relationships with his loved ones. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder sat down with ‘Young King’ stars, Vincent Washington, James Arthur Sims and Kirby Griffin, to discuss their characters and the film’s themes.
This segment was hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow him on Instagram and X @TheReelCritic.
West Side hip-hop group Pivot Gang will take the stage at Millennium Park on Sept. 20 as the group headlines Vocalo’s Summer Finale, a concert celebrating Chicago’s music scene and the final days of summer. For many of the members, this will be their first time performing at the Pritzker Pavilion, and they plan to debut some new songs during the set. On Sept. 20, the group, composed of Saba, Joseph Chilliams, MFnMelo, Frsh Waters and Dae Dae, will also be celebrating the birthday of band member Squeak, who was tragically killed in 2021.
The group sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to play some of their favorite songs from Chief Keef, Tems and Mk.Gee — plus premiere their new single out Oct. 3. They also delved into green room necessities, pre-show rituals and what fans can expect from the Summer Finale performance.
This segment originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia In the Afternoons on Wednesday, Sept. 18. It was produced by Nudia Hernandez and edited by Morgan Ciocca. Learn more about Vocalo’s Summer Finale at Vocalo.org/events.
Emmanuel Gomez, better known as Clue, is the 23-year-old rising street artist you need to know. Born and raised in Chicago’s Little Village, Gomez has fostered his deep passion for visual art over the last decade, starting out with graffiti tags and growing into a distinct brand boasting collaborations with the WNDR Museum and the National Museum of Mexican Art. Gomez’s Clue character (a green cartoonish figure with question marks for eyes) can be found all over the city — from murals to screen-printed tees to painted-on skateboards — including on the official artwork for Vocalo’s Summer Finale on Sept. 20. He sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to discuss his artistic evolution, working with Sentrock and the Little Village references infused into the Summer Finale artwork.
This segment originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia In the Afternoons on Tuesday, Sept. 17. It was produced by Nudia Hernandez and edited by Morgan Ciocca. Learn more about Vocalo’s Summer Finale at Vocalo.org/events.
Film critic Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder loves an underdog. After attending this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, he added three new films to his “underdog exceeding all expectations” category: ‘Rez Ball,’ ‘The Fire Inside’ and Unstoppable.
"The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.
St. Louis-born, Chicago-based psychedelic R&B singer Loona Dae waited until the time was right to release her debut album ‘ATARI!’ in August 2023. After a little more than a year of prep, she feels it’s the perfect time to take the project to the stage for the first time — on Sept. 15 at the Empty Bottle. She sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to discuss the importance of building suspense, working with fellow St. Louis artist Smino and the pros and cons of making music with your romantic partner.
This segment originally aired on Vocalo 91.1 FM during Nudia In the Afternoons on Tuesday, Sept. 10. It was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez, and edited by Morgan Ciocca. Keep up with Loona Dae on Instagram @loonadae, and dig deeper into the story at Vocalo.org.
This month, DJ Lady D ends a packed season with Vocalo’s Summer Finale, a free concert at Millennium Park’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion on Sept. 20 with fellow Chicago artists Pivot Gang, KAINA and Marquis Hill. The crowd there can expect “a little bit of a different set from Lady D,” as she plans to blend house, funk, soul and disco. Lady D’s Summer Finale set comes after performances at ARC Festival, NASCAR Chicago, Wicker Park Fest and Northalsted Market Days. She spoke with Vocalo’s Nudia Hernandez and took over the station’s airwaves to spin songs from Honey Dijon, Gavin Turek, Chicago band oux and more.
This segment originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia In the Afternoons on Wednesday, Sept. 4. It was produced by Nudia Hernandez and edited by Morgan Ciocca. Learn more about Vocalo’s Summer Finale at Vocalo.org/events.
‘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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