{"id":4161,"date":"2023-07-20T16:41:25","date_gmt":"2023-07-20T21:41:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mkultramagazine.com\/?p=4161"},"modified":"2025-06-24T16:00:02","modified_gmt":"2025-06-24T21:00:02","slug":"when-she-walks-watch-the-sparks-will-fly-firecrackin-on-the-fourth-of-july-no-sad-songs-tonight-somethings-in-the-air-a-real-state-of-independence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mkultramagazine.com\/?p=4161","title":{"rendered":"When she walks, watch, the sparks will fly. Firecrackin’ on the fourth of July (complete)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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I have returned. And, “man alive”, have I been busy. Considering I normally work 10 hours a day from home, try to get biking in, as well as somehow managing to maintain the MK ULTRA umbrella and sleep is challenging. Some things have been put on the back burner and these updates for “Diary of a Damned Man” was obviously the first. Even some of the regular podcasts have had the brakes put on. Max Bravo and I are jumping back into working on the book after that was put on hold in 2017. Max spent a good bit of time last spring scanning hundreds of images and documents from the archives which I had begun digging into in 2017. And now more recently I was going thru boxes and have found hard copies and CD’s packed full on concert and other events related to the journey I dived into back in 1995. Over the last few months we’ve had a good friend and family member, Matthew Clark, suffered a severe stroke shortly after relocating to Austin TX. On 5\/21\/2023 Amy Abramite and I shot and recorded an interview with my old friend Pete Berwick. We followed the show with a tribute to Matthew Clark. The show we did with Pete suffered a huge malfunction and though the filming with 3 cameras was all good, we lost the audio. The Matthew tribute went well and a couple weeks later 6\/11\/2023 Emily Sifrit would pay a visit to do a tribute to our friend Nick Huffman who passed away 1 year ago on June 9th, 2022<\/p>\n\n\n

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I suppose a good place to pick up and move backwards is to go back to the 4-day July 4th weekend which kicked off when I took an early Metra train to Aurora to see L.A. GUNS but this time without my favorite sidekick, Bob Hoeksema. I arrived at the station on a picture perfect Saturday morning and took brunch at Two Brothers Roadhouse 205 N Broadway Aurora, IL twobrothersbrewing.com<\/a> which is where this Metra station ends or begins depending on which way you’re travelling. The address also houses the Two Brothers Artisan Spirits Distillery<\/em> their hybrid, two-column, 20-plate still. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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July 1, 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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A “Detroit Jason” Kenski wet dream, the craft brewery selection. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Day 1: I stopped in for lunch two days in a row on my way from Chicago and on my way back the next day and very pleased that I did. Over the years I’d only stop in for a drink while waiting on the train to the city. I decided I’d try out their menu since I’d be in Aurora a little longer than usual. On my way in I sat at the bar and ordered my usual margarita rocks and salt with a shot of silver tequila on the side. The bartender was great and made good conversation as I sat and ordered my fish tacos. They came out VERY quickly and I wondered how can they be any good. I’m a huge fan of cabbage and their recipe is perfect with pico de gallo for the “zip!”. Well, I was wrong they exceeded my expectations, and I’m a bit of a taco snob. I knew I’d be coming back thru the next day and had already decided what I would order.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Super 8 in Aurora 4228 Longmeadow Drive On Rte 34 Behind Honda Aurora, IL<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I arrived at the Super 8 in Aurora a bit skeptical after reading some of the reviews posted here which was only after I booked my stay. I arrived about an hour before check in which is not usually a problem. The man at the desk held on to my drivers license and walked out of the office area and down the hall. I was getting worried. he told me that they were getting my room ready. I was in town to cover the LA GUNS concert for my magazine and had already taken two trains from Chicago and an Uber from the train station and just wanted to get situated. I walked around the ground floor and saw that the pool had been drained. A swim might have been nice but wasn’t a big deal. I saw some members of one of the bands in the lobby who were coming back to shower. When they were done I was still waiting in the lobby getting antsy. Finally after almost an hour I checked in and was surprised that they did not charge the $100 mandatory room deposit. I got to my room and WOW the negative reviews could not have been more wrong. On my door was a DO NOT DISTURB hanger and inside my perfectly cleaned room was at a perfect 60 degrees F. I had a few hour to relax until my photographer arrived who was driving in from Gary IN. I had no problem logging on to Wi-Fi which had a nice strong connection. After i was finished catching up on messages I relaxed in one of the comfortable beds and watched TV. My photographer arrived and we were off. When I retuned that night the motel was quiet and I slept very well. Up early Sunday I went downstairs for coffee watched the news and cleaned up before leaving. I only have one negative thing to say and its that they did not have an ATM on premises  where i could make a cash withdrawal in order to leave a tip for the maid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If I ever need to go back I will stay here again for sure. It was a wonderful experience and there is nightlife nearby and many places to dine. Thank you Super 8 Aurora. you were all fantastic and affordable.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Two Brothers Roadhouse Brunch Day 2: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I had some time to kill before my train to the city was leaving so I arrived at 11AM sharp and ordered the usual. A margarita rocks and salt with a shot of silver tequila on the side. This time the glass was smaller but the drink was just as good There was a really small young woman working the bar and I say small because she was carrying some mighty heavy food service supplies. Also as friendly as the guy the day before. I ordered the beer battered fish (cod) and chips and was very good as I had expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outside a storm was brewing and downtown was getting flooded. There was the NASCAR event and a Cubs game. The train I intended to board was running very late and it would be too crowded or me. Two Brothers Roundhouse is the place to be if you wanna kill time and I had a couple of hours so I went back to the bar, opened my laptop and enjoyed the atmosphere and a couple more drinks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I told a friend it’d be worth a ride out one weekend to try the prime rib. I haven’t had a nice prime rib in years, If its anything like what I had this rainy July weekend I know it’ll be killer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

THANKS TO THE FRIENDLY STAFF!<\/p>\n\n\n

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The night before after Eden Lake an old friend\/artist\/model\/photographer who would be working the show for me picked me up and we went to a place called the PIAZZA 85 Executive Dr. Aurora, IL. We would be covering L.A. GUNS and Eden goes back years with the band from her days living is Los Angeles. However when we entered the massive multi level establishment the greeting we received was far from friendly. <\/p>\n\n\n

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The line wasn’t very long. L.A. GUNS usually play at my favorite venue., The Arcada Theater in St. Charles. However Ace Frehley had the venue that night and L. A. GUNS only the second night of their “Black Diamonds” Tour would headline a night on their friend Chip Z’Nuff’s “Glam Slam Metal Tour”. Attendance would be divided but the band delivered one of their finest performances to date. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Eden and I got to the door and I had never seen security like this leading to the immediate impression that the club has had its share of rowdiness. First thing was like going to a courthouse, we had to empty pockets and remove all jewelry into a tray. Eden got it bad as they went thru all of her gear as they questioned why we didn’t have tickets. Well no, we’re on the guest list as I was about to say. Then we walked thru a metal detector like in a courthouse or airport and finished with a metal detector wand swiped over our persons. The man I think was head of security was rather harsh and asked for our credentials only to tell us that we weren’t on the list. “Wanna bet?” We stepped aside and Eden was texting Tracii and I was texting the tour manager Justin, and as we did he yelled at us to leave or buy tickets because we were “NOT ON THE LIST!” It was then that a well mannered lady came over and politely asked our names. She put us on the list and we walked into a place that had all the potential to be a killer space to attend a event. She told us her name was Susie and if we had any problems to call on her. She actually came by us a couple of times to check in. <\/p>\n\n\n

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AZ and Eden Lake after chatting with L.A. GUNS guitarist Ace Von Johnson and bassist Johnny Martin. <\/p>\n\n\n

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After we ate some rather bland bar food we hung in the VIP area as bands played leading up to L.A. GUNS. I should add here that our bartender was pretty awesome. I wish I got her name. But we weren’t there to drink we were there for our boys. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

photos by Eden Lake for MK ULTRA Magazine with a contribution by Christine Verchota<\/p>\n\n\n

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Ace blowing bubble gum photo by Christine Verchota<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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After almost a solid year starving for a real hard rock show on June 9th we got to cover FASTER PUSSYCAT at the Arcada in St. Charles and less than a month later another real rock show came through Aurora IL at the Piazza headlined by another of our favorite lives acts L.A.GUNS and they did not disappoint. In fact firing on all cylinders on their second night into the BLACK DIAMONDS Tour they were tighter than ever. In fact since 2017 when Phil Lewis and Tracii Guns reunited with an all new L.A.GUNS with a combination of touring members of each other\u2019s bands at the time, they\u2019ve been consistently putting out product and touring extensively. Now along with Johnny Martin on bass, Ace Von Johnson on guitar and Shawn Duncan behind the drum kit they seemed tighter than ever which is really saying something considering this outfits take no prisoner professionalism when it comes to delivering a live set.<\/p>\n\n\n

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We all know by now that when the lights dim and OZZY\u2019s Mr. Crowley starts to play over the PA that it\u2019s showtime and they came out on fucking fire. All wrapped in black they took to the stage and opened up with \u2018Cannonball\u2019 from 2021\u2019s \u201cCheckered Past\u201d and then it was a nice hour plus long time travel journey of songs from the first release to the latest \u2018Black Diamonds\u2019 which has been met with critical praise. MK has become a regular at all of the regional shows and it\u2019s refreshing to see them shake up the setlist from time to time. At this point they have such a library of material it\u2019s impossible to hear a tune like \u2018Malaria\u2019 each time out but they more than make it up with a classic track such as \u2018I Wanna Be Your Man\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Maybe the fellas are well rested after last years outing on the Sonic Slam 2022 Tour but not only were they on fucking fire, it was obvious that they were having a lot of fun playing for us. The 14 song set included classic hits and newbies from the latest platter such as \u2018Diamonds\u2019 and \u2018You Betray\u2019. Johnny Martin and Ace Von Johnson have been with the group long enough to have found their place in and Shawn Duncan doesn\u2019t have us missing anyone else who has sat on the stool the last few tours.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Tracii Guns is without a doubt a guitar hero if not hero at this point and Phil Lewis sounds as fresh as ever with vocals as strong as they\u2019ve ever been that there\u2019s no point in even mentioning ages in this report. But we fans know how old we are and thank you L.A. GUNS for being a big part of the ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See ya soon!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you to tour manager Justin Andres and Tim Heyne at Entertainment Group, Inc<\/p>\n\n\n

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As I mentioned earlier I would not be able to take the train I had planned. The freak rainstorms that would continue for over a week off and on not only had NASCAR cancel one race but postpone and shorten the latter. The Cubs also had a major rain delay. The train was delayed almost an hour and the platform was crowded and there was no way I was going to get one it. So I had 2 hours to kill and went back inside the Two Brothers Roundhouse and had a few drinks and opened my tablet on the bar and killed some time. I would skip the 220PM for the 420PM trip. It wasn’t much more appealing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even with the delay the train was very full at the first stop. By the time we got downtown the drunks were rowdy. I could not wait to get home. The only thing that got me thru is was a guy and his mother and tis guy knew just about as much about SCI FI and Horror films than anyone. He could rattle off all of Charles Bands Full Moon Productions in order by the year. However when all was said and done I’d have to get thru this crowd of loud passengers and out of the station. A short walk down Jackson Blvd passed the sears Tower to the Brown Line and I was two trains from home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1:12 PM CDT, July 2, 2023 Heavy rains flood Chicago roads and force NASCAR to cut short a downtown street race<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CHICAGO (AP) \u2014 Heavy rains flooded Chicago streets Sunday, trapping cars and forcing NASCAR officials to cancel the last half of an Xfinity Series race set to run through the city\u2019s downtown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The National Weather Service warned the flooding could be \u201clife-threatening,\u201d with numerous impassable roads, overflowing creeks and streams and flooded basements across the Chicago area. Up to 6 inches of rain fell in suburban Cicero and Berwyn by midday, according to t he NWS website<\/a>. Flood warnings had mostly expired by evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Illinois State Police said parts of Interstate 55 and Interstate 290 have been closed because of flooding, with at least 10 cars trapped in water on Interstate 55 near Pulaski Road, a major north-south thoroughfare in the city. Trains were stopped in some parts of the city as wel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I finally arrived at my stop I walked into Walgreens and ordered a bottle of Jameson. I needed to kick back, wind down and chill. As far as I know I had to work the next day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Monday July 3rd 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At 7AM I was logged into my work computer and started my research for the day and I had 6 phone calls to make. An hour or so later my boss saw that I was online and told me we were of for the day. I mentioned I had some calls to make and would wrap these calls up and call it a day. By 11 AM my workday was over. And I had 6 candidates to send in. I gather my biking gear and started biking and then I heard from Max. He had something to give me and asked that I meet him at the Bulldog Ale House. I was close enough so why not. I got there and ordered a drink and Max arrived shortly after and he forgot to bring the framed pineapple piece of art . As we sat there and caught up I suggested I just bike by his place and pick it up. We ended up watching “Spinning Gold” the movie version of the history of Casablanca Records. Afterwards I put the artwork in my backpack and peddled home. I had a big day the next day and needed a solid night of sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Tuesday, July 4, 10 a.m., Longfellow Center & Park<\/strong> Oak Park IL<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Pete Berwick had asked me if I would join he and his wife Denise and their daughter Faith to march along with other RFK JR supporters in the parade. I rarely say no to a friend when they ask for my help. Since the show we did a month earlier with Amy had failed as far as audio it would also gave us some fresh ammunition for a make up show on the following Sunday July 9th PodCast. At 730AM Pete and Denise were outside to pick me up. Next stop was their daughter Faiths apartment which is only about a mile away from my own. It was a nice place. Lots of old wood and high ceilings and windows. From there we were off to Oak Park and drove thru one of my old neighborhoods on the way. There are lots of landmarks and memories. A few places in Wicker Park have survived the onslaught of new construction that has taken over the once “hip” neighborhood. When I lived there from 1998-2001 a lot of “rock stars” also lived in the area at the time and one would usually see them out and about in stores or clubs. Now, our definitions of “rock stars” my not be the same. At this time Wax Trax Records still had a record label office in Bucktown. Al Jourgensen still lived in the area and I’d see him at Jewel quite frequently. Chris Connolly worked at Reckless records. Members of Thrill Kill Kult lived and worked in the neighborhood. I’d run into members of Filter at Ace hardware. Wesley Willis could be spotted at Kinkos and the list goes on. These were the kind of “rock stars” responsible for the music that MK ULTRA had relocated to Chicago for. <\/p>\n\n\n

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With Faith Berwick at the meet up location Longfellow Center & Park<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Meeting the group preparing for the 15 block parade<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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The message is very important about the divide in the US as of late. I would have my belief reinforced that the far left Democrats do not want to “heal the divide”<\/strong>. And neither does the radical right. Whatever happened to moderates? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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I went into the parade knowing full well that it’s be a mixed response from onlookers. Yes there were scatters of people cheering and clapping for us. On the other hand many people, people in Oak Park with nice big homes and yards would boo and yell go away and give us thumbs down\/ One resident yelled to us DON’T FOR WEALTH? WTF? Biden isn’t wealthy? And these self righteous hypocrites in their highly valued Frank Lloyd Wright homes aren’t wealthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In June 2023, the median listing home price in Oak Park, IL was $379.3K, trending up 2.7% year-over-year. The median listing home price per square foot was $234. The median home sold price was $450K.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some were even as anti anti-patriotic they booed when one of my fellow marchers yelled “GO AMERICA!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I shouldn’t be surprised as I would play a clip of the following newscast on the PodCast pete and I would do the following Sunday<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Talker.News \u2014 \u201ca curated source of news stories and data-driven content for publishers and broadcasters\u201d \u2014 reports how a new OnePoll survey asked 1,000 people across the U.S. questions pertaining to their knowledge regarding the meaning behind Independence Day. Of the respondents who were asked, 99 percent identified as either a born or naturalized citizen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The results the OnePoll survey received were rather interesting (to put it nicely): When asked why we celebrate the Fourth of July, only 59 percent of people gave the correct answer \u2014 \u201cThe signing of the Declaration of Independence.\u201d The other 41 percent got it totally wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another 45 percent of respondents also guessed the incorrect date that the signing took place \u2014 choosing 1777 instead of 1776 \u2014 and 40 percent had no idea that the \u201cright to bear arms\u201d is part of the Second Amendment. As far as the \u201cright to free speech\u201d goes, 11 percent of survey-takers had no idea it was under the First Amendment.<\/p>\n\n\n

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This country is deeply divided and the one thing I’ve fought for since I was approx 17 years old is the freedom of speech. Social media doesn’t help at all and creates even more divide by those who feel as though they finally have a valid platform for them to bark from as non qualified as they are. Social justice is very anti American. But now you are tried and convicted in the court of public opinion.<\/p>\n\n\n

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It was a hot, hot day. My water had been depleted. We all gathered at the end of the route next to a ballpark to converse before heading our own ways. Then the real fun part came when Pete forgot where he parked the car. And I was feeling overheated and thirsty. We spent about 30 minutes looking for it when Pete’s daughter called to say she had found it. Soon we’d be on our way. I had an entire day off again so I made some margaritas and grilled some ribeye’s. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Thursday July 6th 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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After work I went to a bike ride to do some errands and was schedule to meet my good friend John Polachek for dinner at Tank Noodle at 7 PM. John is also one of the guitarists for I LOVE RICH known as Full Throttle. I stopped into Tai Nam Food Market 4925 N Broadway, Chicago, IL. It is an Asian supermarket stocking a sizable selection of sauces, meats, veggies, snacks & fresh seafood. I picked up some good noodles and some sweets mostly several flavors of Japanese Hi-Chew!<\/p>\n\n\n

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Tank Noodle 4953-55 N Broadway, Chicago, IL .Tank provides a cozy community on the corner of Argyle street and North Broadway. In addition to tasty Pho, they serve Banh Mi Sandwiches, Rice Noodle Soups, and Hot Pot dishes. Also some chef’s specials such as the Squid with Pickled Mustard Greens, Roasted Quail, or Bitter Melon & Shrimp Soup. i’ve been eating there for years. This particular night it was busier than most weeknights. It had to be due to the Argyle Night Market. It was packed when I found a table and by the time John showed up the line was out the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As it got increasing more crowded the orders were getting mixed up. My entr\u00e9e was brought to me before our appetizer and John waited patiently for a good 30 minutes if not longer for his entr\u00e9e. Meanwhile it was getting so crowded that one person waiting to be seated was actually on top of John and he asked politely if he could have some space to eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our conversation was typical o f any meal with John. The Rock n Roll business always at the top of the list. And the state of how quickly the woke culture is affecting the state of living in America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the time we left it was dark outside and I didn’t have lights for my bike but made it some safe and sound. I had a few days to prepare for the next MKULTRASOUND Podcast. During those days it continued to rain heavily off and on. So far July had been a very rainy month.<\/p>\n\n\n

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TANK’S SAMPLER APPETIZER SPECIAL<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fresh Spring Roll with Pork & Shrimp, Fresh Spring Roll with Shredded Pork & Pork Skin, Fried Pork Egg Rolls, sugar cane shrimp ball , lemongrass steak, pork cake, vermicelli noodles, lettuce, basil, mints, cucumber, fried scallions with garlic, and house special sauce on the side.<\/p>\n\n\n

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SHREDDED PAPAYA SALAD (GOI DU DU)RED BELL PEPPER, GREEN BELL, PEPPER, CELERY, CARROT, ONION, BASIL, CILANTRO, VIETNAMESE CORIANDER, PEANUTS, LIME JUICE<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunday July 9th PodCast with Pete Berwick<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Pete Berwick and his latest book: Too Wild to Tame: The Story of the Boyzz<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n


In the late 1970s, Chicago was fertile ground as record labels fell over themselves in the rush to sign new rock acts, like how Seattle became a decade later. Local rock fans rooting for their hometown heroes couldn\u2019t go a few days without watching one of their favorite bands from Illinois, the heart of the Midwest, get signed to a deal: Survivor, Cheap Trick, Starcastle, Gambler, Trillion, Hounds, Pezband, Off Broadway, and Tantrum, to name a few.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


And then came The Boyzz, the only band from the bunch that truly mattered. This is their story\u2014buckle up!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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one of the many times onstage with Pete (Wrigleyville North 2015)<\/p>\n\n\n

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Phyllis’ Musical Inn Wicker Park<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

PETE BERWICK is a Renaissance man; a professional actor and consummate entertainer with over forty years experience in live performance, film, television, music production, comedy, character acting and improvisation. He has also written four novels, recorded and produced six albums of critically-acclaimed music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’ve always listened to both sides of an argument and though I may disagree with what one side or the other believes, I’ve never silenced their right to do so. I am aware that many listeners may not agree with my guests opinions. In fact some may want to shut it down or not listen to the podcast or read my work anymore. The ability to speak ones mind without retaliation should be the right of any citizen who wished to speak their mind. Sadly that’ not the current climate in the United States of America. I’ve always given any guest to express their thoughts in my printed page or o any of the many broadcasts or projects I’ve been a creator of whether or not they reflect my own. – Alex Zander<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next presidential election is creeping closer and closer, and during this time of political extremities and heated debates, we need to ask ourselves how we got to this point. How did our two most prominent political parties become so polarized? Liberals are labeled as snowflakes and conservatives are labeled as bigots. No matter our beliefs, how can we move forward as a country when we won\u2019t even listen to each other?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It seems, in an effort for politicians to differentiate themselves from the others, they move further and further away from the center of the political spectrum. One apparent trend caused by this polarization of parties is the polarization of voters. The idea has become that one party garners support from minority groups while the other garners support from the white majority, but if we look deeper, is that all there is?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve separated these political parties, issues and controversies into two categories: black and white, right and wrong. What people refuse to understand is that many things in life aren\u2019t black and white; they are grey and they are nuanced.<\/p>\n\n\n

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“The State of the Union According to Pete Berwick”
MKULTRASOUND PodCast with Alex Zander<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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