Ktown Connects

Get your tickets now at the link here!

Gerber’s Pub, 2405 63rd St

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

w/Briana & Gabbi-Fine Print Fashion Show

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 19:00:00 -0500

We connect with Briana, owner of Von Lee Vintage, and Gabbi, of Moda Bella Salon & Spa. These two amazing ladies are bringing fashion downtown in a big way as organizers of the Fine Print: A Kenosha Charity Fashion Show on Saturday, October 17th at The Marianne (formerly The Vault) - with 100% of proceeds benefiting Women's and Children's Horizons!

Fine Print delivers high fashion and glamour to downtown Kenosha. It’s an opportunity to dress up, step out, and experience Kenosha through a decidedly more glamorous lens.

This episode was recorded at the Southport Tea Ktown Connects recording studio on September 7, 2026. (Season 8 EP18)

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Southport Tea, 5701 Sixth Ave
Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Gerber’s Pub, 2405 63rd St

The White Lilac, 5029 6th Ave

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

200th Episode Spectacular! - LIVE

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 10:00:00 -0500

How do you properly celebrate 200 episodes of Ktown Connects? We throw a huge party, invite our past guests and have a rapid-fire afternoon of hilarity and hometown connections. If you were unable to attend, or just want to relive that magical day, here is our 200th Episode Spectacular featuring a wide array of special guests: Lou Rugani, Anthony Kennedy, Spirit Shakers, Trish and Boda of Faded Barbershop for Men, Kevin Ervin, Jake "Jake's Kenosha Area Weather Page" Hoey, Sarah of Wink Beauty Boutique, Dave Chatmon of Lettering Machine, Chelsea of Sallese and Co., Aaron Hunzinger of AHdidit, Haven Fair, Daniel Thompson of Saint of Sixth, Mitch Braver of Middle City Tattoo, Craig Pias of The Port, Hill Wozniel of Hill's Hotrod Hideout, Koerri Elijah, Daniel Gaitan, Russ Collier of Southport Tea, and superfan Jason Dill! Along with several surprise guests!

This episode was recorded live in front of an audience at Union Park Tavern on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Follow Stephanie's blog here for the latest!

Gerber’s Pub, 2405 63rd St

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

w/Sarah & Stephanie - Kenosha Co. Board

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 19:00:00 -0500

What goes on with our Kenosha County Board? What is the Kenosha County Board? We get these questions and more answered as we connect with Supervisors Sarah Kirby of District 9, and Stephanie Knezz of District 2, this week! You will have a front row seat to the decisions shaping our community this week as we connect with these brilliant community leaders.

Want to learn more about the Pride Month resolution which failed to pass committee this June? Read here.

This episode was recorded at the Ktown Connects Southport Tea studio on August 10th, 2026.

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Gerber’s Pub, 2405 63rd St

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

w/Rose - Kenosha News

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 19:00:00 -0500

You may not have met Rose Androwich yet, she's only been in Kenosha for about a year, but chances are good that you have already read her work as the Business Reporter for the Kenosha News! We connect with Rose and talk about her early days in Berwyn, Illinois, how she fell in love with journalism in high school and what brought her to Kenosha. Rose quickly fell in love with her new hometown and saw the community love for our local small businesses. When it comes to covering our local small businesses, Rose says, she has "great source material!" We look forward to seeing Rose's journalism career flourish here in Kenosha!

Season 8 episode 15 was recorded at the Ktown Connects Southport Tea studio on July 30th, 2026.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Gerber’s Pub, 2405 63rd St

The White Lilac, 5029 Sixth Ave

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

w/Sydney & Madelyn-Revival Room Resale

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 19:00:00 -0500

If you are a vintage shopper, you might be familiar with Revival Room Resale, 3417 14th Ave. If you aren’t a vintage shopper one bit – you will still enjoy this episode as we connect with the vibrant duo of Madeyln and Sydney. Best friends who had a dream and chased it. We had a lot of fun with these ladies and this one was tough to edit (subscribe to Patreon to listen to the 3+ hour version). Revival Room Resale is open weekends – Saturdays 10-6 and Sundays 10-4, but their brilliant online webstore is open 24/7! Click this link now and find your next vintage treasure while you listen to the episode!

Be sure to stop in the weekend of August 8th & 9th for their One Year Anniversary! Great sales and specials. Click here for more!

This episode was recorded at the Ktown Connects Southport Tea studio on July 13th, 2026.

Upcoming Ktown Connects Events:
Ktown Clean at Simmons Island Beach House
Saturday, August 1st - 9:30am

200th Episode Spectacular at Union Park Tavern
Sunday, August 16th - 4pm

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Gerber’s Pub, 2405 63rd St

The White Lilac, 5929 Sixth Ave

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

w/Pablo Escribano - Franks Diner

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 20:00:00 -0500

There's a new pancake flipper in town! Yes, the rumors are true! Pablo and Diana Escribano have purchased Franks Diner and will take over full ownership at the end of the month. We had to get the scoop straight from Pablo!

This episode was recorded at the Ktown Connects Southport Tea studio on July 16th, 2026.

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Gerber’s Pub, 2405 63rd St

The White Lilac, 5029 Sixth Ave

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Save the date for our 200th Episode Spectacular at UPT - Sunday, August 16th • 4PM

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

w/Russ-Southport Tea

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0500

Let’s get this par-tea started as we connect with Russ Collier – owner and operator of Southport Tea, located at 5701 Sixth Ave in Downtown Kenosha. We dive deep into Russ growing up in Winthrop Harbor – a community so devoid of activities, that his family had to regularly visit our fine city of Kenosha for recreation and fun. Russ has an interesting story which brings him to the bustling city of Chicago, the west suburbs (where he discovered his love for tea), and bringing his family to Kenosha where he would eventually decide to leave the corporate world for something that would be more beneficial to his family life and mental health. In the fall of 2024, Russ launched Southport Tea, a simple table at Kenosha Public Market, which has now led to his own brick and mortar tea retail shop which opened this spring!

Southport Tea is open Wednesdays – Sundays. Visit their website here for more info.
And be sure to follow them on Facebook to stay informed of all his latest blends!

This episode was recorded at the Ktown Connects Southport Tea studio on June 29th, 2026.

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Save the date! Sunday, August 16th for our 200th Episode Spectacular live at Union Park Tavern (4520 8th Ave)

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Gerber’s Pub, 2405 63rd St

The White Lilac, 5029 Sixth Ave

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message! Say anything!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

w/Rick Branch - Roundabouts

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 19:00:00 -0500

Turn this one up to 11 as we connect with local music legend and community leader Rick Branch! Rick grew up not far away, in Zion, and had a love of music that began as a young boy influenced by records his parents would play growing up. By the time he reached his teens, he began singing in garage bands and establishing lifelong connections in the local music scene.

Today, Rick is the singer of The Roundabouts, as well as president of MAAM (Musicians Assisting Advancing Music), they are the organizers of the long-time Kenosha staple – Tuesdays at the Shell – this weekly free concert series kicks off July 7 at the Pennoyer Park Bandshell with Lunde and continues each Tuesday through September 7. Bring a chair, maybe a blanket, bug spray, and some drinks to the lakefront Tuesdays at 6pm. This event is also a fundraiser! MAAM is a non-profit that gives back to KUSD music students – so be sure to buy some 50/50 raffle tickets at the Shell.

Follow the Tuesdays at the Shell Facebook page for their full schedule as well as weather updates.

For more info about The Roundabouts, visit their website here.

This episode was recorded at the Ktown Connects Southport Tea studio on June 29th, 2026.

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Gerber’s Pub, 2405 63rd St

The White Lilic, 5029 6th Ave

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Save the Date of Sunday, August 16th at 4PM for our 200th Episode Spectacular at Union Park Tavern.

w/Ole Johnson - Kenosha Theatre

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 22:00:00 -0500

Ole Johnson is a young man with passion. His love for history and the theatrical experience led to meeting Jeff Baas, owner of the Kenosha Theatre, 5919 Sixth Ave. For decades, Baas has worked to restore the 1927 theatre which has been closed since 1963. Ole Johnson has come on board as a “volunteer spokesperson” for the theatre, doing what Ole says, “a favor nobody asked for.” He is the organizer of the upcoming fundraiser – the Public Domain-A-Thon – this Saturday, June 13th at the Houghton Performance Center at Reuther Central High School, 913 57th St. This all-day event features 8 classic films throughout the day and FREE ADMISSION! Click the link here to find all the details, including the schedule of films.

For more information about the Kenosha Theatre, including how you can donate, visit their website here!

Check out this video about the current state of the Kenosha Theatre and looking forward to the future!

This episode was recorded at the Ktown Connects Southport Tea studio on June 1st, 2026.

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Gerber’s Pub, 2405 63rd St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

w/Ann - Morelli's Deli

Thu, 28 May 2026 19:00:00 -0500

Today we connect with Ann Morelli. Ann and her husband, Tom opened Morelli’s Deli in 1998. For the past 28 years, this dynamic duo and their staff have been serving up some of the best hot beef, deli sandwiches, and soups to the Kenosha community. Ann talks about her and Tom’s past experience with convenience stores which led to their success taking over what was formerly Southport Pantry and prior to that White Hen Pantry as well as how overcoming struggles forced them to evolve from a simple convenience store to a full-on neighborhood delicatessen.

Morelli’s Deli, 7506 7th Ave is open seven days a week, Monday – Fridays at 7am, Weekends at 9am. Check out their website here, and be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to get up on their latest specials!

This episode was recorded at the Ktown Connects Southport Tea studio on May 18th, 2026.

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling what you love about the pod!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Gerber’s Pub, 2405 63rd St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

The White Lilic - 5029 6th Ave.

at Kenosha Book Festival

Thu, 14 May 2026 19:00:00 -0500

Kenosha Book Festival is held across the street from Studio Moonfall, 5031 7th Ave., the third Sunday of the month this summer: May 17th, June 21st, July 19th, August 16th, September 20th, and BOOK-O-WEEN on Saturday, October 31st.

We have a variety of guests today, including event organizer, author, and Studio Moonfall owner, Donovan Scherer. Stop in to Studio Moonfall or see him this summer at Kenosha HarborMarket

Featuring mini-interviews with local authors:

This episode was recorded live on location at Kenosha Book Festival Chapter One in Downtown Kenosha on April 26, 2026.

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Gerber’s Pub, 2405 63rd St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

w/Trevor Brooks-Kenosha Coffee Roasters

Fri, 01 May 2026 04:00:00 -0500

July 16, 2026 update. As of today, Kenosha Coffee Roasters have closed their doors. We are sorry to hear the news and wish the best to Trevor in the future.

...

What do we got brewing here? It’s Trevor Brooks of Kenosha Coffee Roasters!

We connect with Trevor and chat about his younger days being mentored by Keno-core punk rock legends, remembering old friends and recalling the days as a Reuther student where he wandered the neighborhood and felt a special connection to the Cast Iron Front building on 11th and 55th St.

Kenosha Coffee Roasters is located at 1106 55th St and open Monday – Friday 6am-3pm, and Satrudays and Sundays 7am-2pm. Order ahead of time at kenoshacoffeeroasters.com to pickup or get it delivered on DoorDash or Uber Eats!

And check out Trevor and the Kenosha Coffee Roasters this summer at the Kenosha Harbor Market

This episode was recorded at the Southport Tea Ktown Connects Recording Studio in Downtown Kenosha on April 20, 2026.

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Gerber’s Pub, 2405 63rd St

This Saturday, April 18th check out Danny do double-duty as Old Brown Shoes and with Dropping Daisies at McAufflife’s Pub!

w/Danny Crucianelli-Old Brown Shoes

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:00:00 -0500

From his young years being surrounded by musicians and music lovers, to becoming a child care worker, to summoning the spirit of a pretentious cranky blues musician, we connect with Danny Crucianelli of Old Brown Shoes!

Follow Old Brown Shoes on Facebook and Instagram to be up to date on all his upcoming performances!

Old Brown Shoes takes the stage on the last Sunday of every month at Rustic Road Brewing, from 6pm – 8pm.

This episode was recorded at the Southport Tea Ktown Connects Recording Studio in Downtown Kenosha on April 6, 2026.

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Gerber’s Pub, 2405 63rd St

Rustic Road Brewing Company is Downtown Kenosha’s premiere craft brewer. They have 14 beers on tap with a rotating selection of their dozens of recipes – brewed right there in-house!

w/Chuck Nelson - Rustic Road - LIVE!

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:00:00 -0500

The final stop of our World Tour 26 brings us to Franks Diner where we sit down with Chuck Nelson, owner of Rustic Road, 5706 Sixth Ave. We talk with Chuck about his previous career, why Kenosha, and dig deep into his love life!

Like wings? Get there for their Happy Hour, Monday – Friday from 4pm-6pm, where you get THREE HOT FRESH CHICKEN WINGS FREE with every pint purchase! If that doesn’t satisfy your hunger, dive into Chuck’s Cheesesteak or their veggie tacos!

Live music is on at Rustic Road as well. Utilizing The Loft upstairs, check out some of Kenosha’s greatest local musicians blow the roof off the place!

There’s also Beer Bingo Wednesdays, Music Bingo Thursdays, and Trivia Fridays!

This episode was recorded live in front of a studio audience at Franks Diner in Downtown Kenosha on March 21, 2026.

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Gerber’s Pub, 2405 63rd St

w/Lori & Neva-Pretty Weird - LIVE!

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 19:00:00 -0500

We get weird as we sit down and get to know Lori and Neva – the mother/daughter team behind Kenosha’s newest and most unique vintage shop – Pretty Weird, 4706 Seventh Avenue.

From taxidermy of all kinds, odd jewelry, clothing that your eccentric aunt may have worn, strange pieces of art, and so much more, Pretty Weird needs to be seen to be believed! Stop in to see them Thurdays and Fridays, Noon – 5pm, and Saturday and Sundays, 10am – 5pm, and tell ‘em Ktown Connects sent ya! Be sure to like them on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all the new stuff going on!

This episode was recorded live in front of a studio audience at Public Brewing Company in Downtown Kenosha on March 10, 2026.

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Gerber’s Pub, 2405 63rd St

w/Josh & Rex -Public Brewing Company - LIVE!

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 19:00:00 -0500

We sit down with two of our favorite people at Public Brewing Company – General Manager Rex and Executive Chef Josh for this mini-conversation to talk beer, cheese, and more.

Unfortunately, on April 6, 2026, just a few weeks after recording this episode, Lakefront Brewing, announced they were shutting down Public Brewing immediately and indefinitely. Sad day in Kenosha.

This episode was recorded live in front of a studio audience at Public Brewing Company in Downtown Kenosha on March 10, 2026.

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Follow Luke on Instagram to keep up to date with everything he has coming up!

Gerber’s Pub, 2405 63rd St

w/Luke Olson - LIVE!

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:00:00 -0500

From vandalizing Dairy Queen to a billion streams! Luke Olson sits down with us for a live appearance at Union Park Tavern to talk about his life and music. As the lead vocalist of the indie-rock band The Walters, Olson saw the group go through its share of ups and downs before their signature song “I Love You So” became a viral sensation on TikTok.

In addition to The Walters, Luke stays busy performing with his brother Anthony with The Olson Brothers and just released his solo album, I Said Love, earlier this year.

Find his solo album, along with music from The Olson Brothers and The Walters, on Spotify and other streaming services. If you prefer a hard copy, you can purchase The Walters’ latest album, Good Company, on CD and vinyl by clicking here!

This episode was recorded live in front of a studio audience at Union Park Tavern in Downtown Kenosha on February 9, 2026.

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Gerber’s Pub, 2405 63rd St

w/Chelsea - The Final Girl - LIVE!

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:00:00 -0600

It’s getting spooky in here, as we connect with Chelsea, the owner and operator of Kenosha’s one and only horror-themed bar – The Final Girl, 7546 Sheridan Road. In addition to the spectacular murals strewn across the bar, five pinball games, and a bunch of board games for your amusement, The Final Girl also has a wide selection of alcohol and THC drinks and a one-of-a-kind food menu! Check out their website for all the latest updates here! And follow The Final Girl on all the social medias!

This episode was recorded live in front of a studio audience at The Port of Kenosha Beverage House in Downtown Kenosha on February 9, 2026.

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Click here to get your tickets now!

w/Braxton Molinaro - LIVE!

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 19:00:00 -0600

As a youngster growing up in Kenosha, Braxton Molinaro discovered his love for theater. A passion that has only grown stronger through time. Braxton has honed his craft from coast to coast and has brought a taste of these high-quality performances back to Kenosha working with the KAPA Repertory Theatre with recent shows, Stuart Little, Wonka, and the now famous Little Shop of Horrors performance on Sixth Avenue last year. We connect with Braxton and talk about hanging out with Topher Grace, working alongside George Takei, Jane Lynch, and his encounter with Al Pacino!

Braxton’s next project is directing a reimagining of the classic Tennesse Williams play A Streetcar Named Desire, taking place at Circa on 7th, 4902 7th Ave, February 20th – 22nd. The production stars Bridget Regan (The Rookie, Jane the Virgin, Agent Carter) as Blanche DuBois, Anthony Konechny (X-Men: Apocalypse, Supergirl, Animal Kingdom) as Stanley Kowalski, Norman Towns (HIM, HBO’s Insecure) as Steve Hubbell, Elizabeth McLaughlin (Pretty Little Liars, Hand of God), Logan Donovan (Masters of Sex, Grey’s Anatomy), and Jennifer Brown (The Game).

This episode was recorded live in front of a studio audience at 58 Below in Downtown Kenosha on January 31, 2026.

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Gerber’s Pub, 2405 63rd St

w/Dino Katris-Mr. Yee's and beyond

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:00:00 -0600

Coming from a Greek family with deep restaurant roots, Dino Katris tried to escape his ultimate destiny – but he always came back to restaurants. In just a short time, Dino has become recognized for honoring the legacy of classic eateries while giving them renewed energy.

Most recently he helped bring a downtown restaurant back with Mr. Yee’s, 5030 Sixth Ave., he is also involved in Yogi’s Pud’n, 2302 52nd St – and coming in Spring 2026 - Melkat’s, 7943 Sheridan Road. We talk to Dino about his past, present and future ventures, and his connection to Kenosha!

This episode was recorded on November 23rd, 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, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

w/JJ McAuliffe

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:00:00 -0600

What is happening here? Ktown Connects is reaching across the border! We connect with JJ McAuliffe, owner of McAuliffe’s Pub, 3700 Meachem Road in Racine!

JJ knew the assignment and he came to talk, so enjoy this super-sized episode! We get to know young JJ – how he discovered his love for metal and punk rock as a kid, to booking bands in the 80’s, his issue with Elvis Costello, and how he evolved into the owner of one of Racine’s premier tavern!

McAuliffe’s Pub is open 7 days a week, with Music Bingo on Thursdays, and lots of great live shows. Follow them on Facebook for all the updates!

This episode was recorded on November 22nd, 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, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

w/Michelle Pedicone-58 Below

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 19:00:00 -0600

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 menu of delicious food, including Philly steak sandwiches, mac & cheese, burgers, and more. Kitchen open till 9pm on weeknights and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. If you need a late night bite, stop in at 58 Below!

This episode was recorded on November 17th, 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, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

For more details, follow them on Facebook here

BLANKFEST 19 - w/Ron Purtee & JJ McAuliffe

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 19:00:00 -0600

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, & The Slow Harvest

Saturday: The Talkie, Moon Rebel & La Fea

Sunday: Sarah Lynn Huss

We also talk to Ron more about his work as a filmmaker, click this link to check out his short films!

If you want to hear more from JJ McAuliffe, hit that subscribe button. We have a full length episode with JJ coming very soon!

This episode was recorded on November 22nd, 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!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merch at The Lettering Machine

w/Rob (Villa D'Carlo) & Kevin (Franks Diner)

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 19:00:00 -0600

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 Call Parise Recording Studio – call on the Law Offices of Frank J. Parise when your bad day gets even worse!

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit ktownconnects.com, click on the phone & leave us a message

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato & Jason Hedman

Get early, ad-free episodes plus bonus content from this week’s guest and more — become a Patreon supporter today! Click here

Thanks to our sponsors

Franks Diner

AHDidIt

Union Park Tavern

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations

Dickow Czak Tile Carpet One

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Faded Barbershop for Men

Lakeshore Pedal Tours

Alpaca Art

Public Brewing Company

Kevin Ervin
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Ktown Connects Holiday Special
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A Kenosha Christmas Carol
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Ep100
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St. Patrick’s Day Parade
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w/Shad DeLacy-Stitches & Her Clothing

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 19:00:00 -0600

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 (November 29th is the rumor) it will be joined by Her Clothing Shop, specializing in women’s attire. Shad isn’t doing this alone, he has family and friends helping out with his venture, and he is joined in the studio by his stepdaughter, Micayla, who is currently preparing to open and manage Her Clothing.

More about Stitches Tailor Shop here.

More about Her Clothing Shop here

This episode was recorded on November 3rd, 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, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Carbox, 3317 Duran Avenue Racine, WI

Union Park Tavern

Franks Diner

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Dickow Czak Tile Carpet One

Carbox

Public Brewing Company

Wink Beauty Boutique

For a schedule of events, tickets, and volunteer info, visit their website by clicking this link!

Faded Barbershop for Men - New Location 4807 7th Ave.

Sallese & Co

Lucci’s Grandview

Lakeshore Pedal Tours

Alpaca Art

White Lilac

The Lettering Machine

w/Katie Gray-Lakeside Players at the Rhode

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 19:00:00 -0500

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 biggest fundraisers returns! November 15th is Casino Night!

Do you have some extra time and want to be a part of the great history of this 98-year-old theater? Become a volunteer!

This episode was recorded on October 20th, 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, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Carbox, 3317 Duran Avenue Racine, WI

Union Park Tavern

Franks Diner

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Dickow Czak Tile Carpet One

Carbox

Public Brewing Company

Wink Beauty Boutique

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Faded Barbershop for Men - New Location 4807 7th Ave.

Sallese & Co

Lucci’s Grandview

Lakeshore Pedal Tours

Alpaca Art

White Lilac

The Lettering Machine

w/Rachel & Mike-Kenosha Brewing Company

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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 delicious hot beef sandwich – and wash it down with one or two of their great 13 original beers they have on tap!

Kenosha Brewing Company is also available for private events, and they occasionally offer up live music – a great party that you won’t want to miss!

Check out their website here for more info, and be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram!

This episode was recorded on September 8, 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, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

w/Kevin Mathewson-Kenosha County Eye

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 19:00:00 -0500

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 recorded on August 25. 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, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

w/Jackie Niccolai-Kenosha Exposed

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 19:00:00 -0500

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 government is riddled with corruption and needs to be exposed.

A few weeks after this episode was published, Jackie decided to rename her show Kenosha Exposed, to step away from her feud and focus on other Kenosha issues.

To read more, find her website here and follow the Kenosha Exposed on social media.

This episode was recorded on August 11. 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, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

w/Sarah Opatz-Kenozia 'zine

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 19:00:00 -0500

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 website, visit here to learn more about Kenozia magazine and how you can purchase a copy! Support local media and support print media! Follow her website to find out where you will be able to pick up a copy of issue #2!

This episode was recorded on August 14. 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, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Cultivate a healthier, greener life! Check out their website here!

w/Robert Carlson-Grow Space Vertical Farms

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 18:00:00 -0500

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.

This episode was recorded on July 28, 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, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Faded Barbershop for Men,

w/Amalia-Wooden Chair Antiques

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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 (don’t call it a flea) Market held on the first Saturday of the month through October.

Follow Maya and Wooden Chair Antiques on Facebook here and also on Instagram and her Tik Tok channel – Live Life Well to keep up to date on all her upcoming plans!

This episode (S7EP13) was recorded on June 30, 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, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Find out more about Sallese and Co by following their Instagram!

Faded Barbershop for Men, 2227

Kenosha Conversation w/Chelsea Sallese and Ben Trecroci

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 19:00:00 -0500

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!

On the market to buy or sell a home or business? Call on Trecroci Realty!

This episode was recorded on June 16, 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, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Visit their website to learn more about Sipos & Young

w/Rachel Young-Sipos

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 19:00:00 -0500

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!

Be sure to follow them on Facebook here! And don’t miss their regular Open Mics every first friday at Union Park Tavern.

Want to learn more about the history of our Kenosha lighthouses? Click here

This episode was recorded on May 26, 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, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

w/Frank Carmichael

Thu, 29 May 2025 19:00:00 -0500

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 providing the area with free weekly print entertainment; the Kenosha Comedy Club continues to bring top notch entertainment to Downtown Kenosha, and music festivals like Peanut Butter & Jam, Tribute Island, and Cheese-A-Palooza rock our town. And we forgot to mention he is also the operator of the Lakeside Deck at Wyndham Garden. And, he hosts a radio show with his wife, Kim along with Reanna weekdays from 9am - 11am on AM1050 WLIP (streaming at wlip.com)

What doesn’t Frank do? Not much, you will learn as we connect with Kenosha icon Frank Carmichael.

To find out all about the upcoming events, flip through this week’s copy of Happenings Magazine. Visit hap2it.com to get information and tickets to the Kenosha Comedy Club and other upcoming events!

Your Ktown Connects Hosts are Jason Hedman & Donny Stancato

This episode was recorded 5/19, 2025 at the Better Call Parise Studio – call on the Law Offices of Frank J. Parise when your bad day gets worse!

The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options, 3016 75th St

About Time Moving

Faded Barbershop for Men, 2227 63rd St

Follow the new Lake Andrea Beer Garden Facebook page to stay connected to all their upcoming events!

w/Johnny'Z Pour House

Thu, 15 May 2025 19:00:00 -0500

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 with Johnny’Z Animal House, 2324 18th Street.

We get the whole scoop today when we connect with John and his General Manager, Onna. Thank you for listening!

This episode was recorded on May 5, 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, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Reconnect and Remix w/Joy-Lulu Birds and Sam-Blue House Books

Thu, 08 May 2025 18:00:00 -0500

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, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

w/Mitch Braver

Thu, 01 May 2025 19:00:00 -0500

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 his young life.

If you are looking for some great ink – check out Mitch on Instagram and drop him a line to setup an appointment today!

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, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Kenosha Conversations w/Ben DeSmidt & Art DeBaere

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 18:00:00 -0500

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 commuity faces every day.

This episode was recorded on April 10, 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, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

w/Tony and Emily-Ron's Place

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 17:00:00 -0500

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 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, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Check out Janette’s website by clicking here!

w/Janette Hill-artist

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 19:00:00 -0500

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 florals, precious pet portraits, and whimsy abstracts.

This episode was recorded on April 7, 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, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Saturday, June 21st – Hill's Hot Rod Hideout 10th Anniversary Party

Ktown Conversations w/Craig Pias & Hill Wozniel

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 19:00:00 -0500

We continue our Kenosha Conversations series with owners of two of the greatest dive bars in Kenosha – Craig of The Port of Kenosha Beverage House and Hill of Hill’s Hot Rod Hideout. In this episode, these two icons talk about the struggles and benefits of being a bar owner in Kenosha, all while sharing numerous drinks with your hosts. This episode does contain adult language.

Mark your calendars for these two important summer events:

Sunday, July 13th – The 5th Annual Port Hot Wheels Grand Prix tournament

This episode was recorded on March 24, 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, click on the phone and leave us a message!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Visit To and From Gift Shop to find that perfect gift for yourself or a loved one! Check them out on Facebook here.

w/Trista Jablonski-To and From Gift Shop

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 17:00:00 -0500

Today we connect with Trista Jablonski, the new owner of To and From Gifts, 5535 Sixth Avenue. Trista tells us all about her early days growing up in Kenosha – attending Indian Trail Academy during one of the darkest periods in Kenosha High School history, why she left Kenosha for a few years to pursue a career in youth ministry, and why she returned to her hometown and decided to, with zero retail experience, buy To and From Gift Shop in Downtown Kenosha and make it her own!

Trista and her husband are double dippers when it comes to local businesses, she helps out her husband with his business – Reliant Home Services, check them out if you are in the need of handyman repair work!

This episode was recorded on March 24, 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, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

For more sights and sounds of Jim, and booking information, visit his website here!

w/Jim Namio-entertainer & artist

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 19:00:00 -0500

What came first the singing or the suits? Well, you can find out this week when we connect with the smooth dresser with the captivating voice – Jim Namio.

Jim has been a lifelong creator -- whether it was writing as a child while listening to film soundtracks, developing into a nationally recognized acrylic artist in high school, or making fabulous meals while working at some of Kenosha’s iconic restaurants.

A few decades ago, Jim, never known for his singing, decided to give karaoke a try and fell in love with recreating the soulful sounds of Sinatra and the like which he grew up surrounded by.

These days, Jim rarely gets out on karaoke nights, as he has grown to become an amazing entertainer establishing a classic nightclub environment with The Jim Namio Show – for an evening of Rat Pack sounds with the smooth voice of Jim Namio - Follow him on Facebook for all the details on where he will be this season!

This episode was recorded on March 10, 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!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Public Brewing Company, 628 58th St

Lucci’s Grandview, 6929 39th Ave

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Chelsea Sallese of Sallese & Co, 709 56th St

w/Michael Ventura-Mars Cheese Castle

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 19:00:00 -0500

Smile and say “CHEESE!” Today we connect with Michael Ventura of Mars Cheese Castle. Michael, who runs this iconic Kenosha business with his family, is the grandson of the late Mario Ventura Sr, who along with his wife Martha, started up a little cheese shop over 75 years ago!

In this episode we get into all the details about the history of Mars Cheese Castle – going back to their Uptown Kenosha roots back in 1946! Along with how Michael grew up in “the Castle” and how he eventually got involved in the family business.

If you are unfamiliar with Mars Cheese Castle, you really need to get out of the house more often. They are located under their iconic sign near the intersection of I-94 and Highway 142, check out their website here!

This episode was recorded on March 10, 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, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha!

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Click here for more details!

St Patrick's Day Parade

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0600

The Inaugural Eric Olson Memorial St Patrick’s Day Parade is coming on Saturday, March 15th, and with all the details we have three of the event organizers in the studio with us – Kevin Ervin of Franks Diner, Mick Kelly of Captain Mike’s and Jonathan Olson of Swedes’s.

Saturday, March 15th activities in Downtown Kenosha:

7am Franks Diner opens serving up Irish food specials

8am Captain Mike’s opens, serving Irish breakfast sandwiches

8:30am Dyeing of the harbor

9am Swede’s opens, serving breakfast burritos

10am Guiness Beer Run – kicks off at Captain Mike’s

11am The St Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off at 50th Street moving south along 6th Ave to Library Park

Block parties at Captain Mikes, Swede’s and Cut Stone

1pm Children’s Parade outside of Swede’s

3pm The Craic – Irish band, playing at the Captain Mike’s block party

Also in this preview episode for Season 7, check out a sneek peek of all of our fantastic Ktown Connects sponsors for this upcoming season!

Ktownconnects.com

w/Eric Houghton-Ktown Burlesque Show

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0600

Learn all about the history of the Ktown Burlesque Show from co-creator, co-producer, and one of the stars of the show - Eric Houghton - in this special mini-episode recorded at the Rhode Center for the Arts.

The 10th Ktown Burlesque show is coming to the Rhode Center in Downtown Kenosha for six amazing performances: Friday, January 17th at 8pm; Saturday, January 18th, two shows, 7pm and 10pm; Friday, January 24th at 8pm; and two shows Saturday, January 25th, 7pm & 8pm.
Get your tickets now for this unique show that promises to be a great time!
www.ktownburlesque.com

Jason and Donny already have their table purchased for the 10pm show on Saturday, Jan 18th. If you got your tickets for that showing, hit us up and pre-game with us at one of our favorite local pubs!

w/Dean Tawwater-Tawwater Sign Co

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 18:00:00 -0600

If you have seen some of the beautiful hand-painted signs around Kenosha, there is a good chance that the steady hand behind that sign is none other than Kenosha artist Dean Tawwater!

After growing up in Kenosha and discovering a love for art, Dean branched out and explored the US, but like most of us, he returned to his beloved hometown where he began taking his art seriously, renting out studio space and hosting his own art shows both in Racine and in Kenosha, where he focused on his art passion – figure drawing. Eventually, in order to make a living, he opened his former art studio at 2214 60th Street as Tawwater Sign Company. His work can be seen at numerous local places, including Franks Diner and Union Park Tavern!

Click here to visit Dean’s website to see his past work and contact info on how he can make your local business come to life with new hand-painted signage.

This is our Season 6 finale! Thank you so much for your support throughout a great 2024 and we are excited to return in 2025 with an all new Season 7!

This episode was recorded on Friday, November 8th at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

Thanks to our great sponsors for making this episode possible:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Bill Lawrence

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 18:00:00 -0600

Today we sit down with local radio icon and legendary “nice guy” Bill Lawrence!

Bill spent over 30 years in radio, with most of those years as the morning voice on Kenosha’s own WLIP. Bill talks about how he fell in love with the Chicago Cubs and radio as a kid growing up in Racine County, his first starts and stumbles in radio, and looks back on his on-air feud with former co-worker Lenny Palmer!

Currently, Bill is semi-retired, but trying to stay active in the community, if you would like to reach him, drop him a line at bhilly61@gmail.com

This episode was recorded on Monday, November 3rd at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

Thanks to our great sponsors for making this episode possible:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ktown Conversation w/Steve Casey & John Fox

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 18:00:00 -0500

This week, we dive into a Ktown Conversation with two former civic leaders, Steve Casey, former Alder for the 12th district from 1988-2010 and John Fox, Downtown ambassador and former 2nd district Alder from 2016-19.
We chat it up roundtable style about some of the hottest topics in Kenosha in 2024 including the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, the Downtown Kenosha developments, and much more!

This episode was recorded on Monday, October 21st at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

Thanks to our great sponsors for making this episode possible:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Luke & Meghan-Hold My Beer

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 18:00:00 -0500

Luke and Meghan are proud “Kenoshans by choice,” they are an amazing couple who individually relocated to our town many years ago. After falling in love with each other and then the downtown area, the two made the decision to open a business. We sit down with Luke and Meghan and talk about what inspired them to incorporate alcohol and axes!

Hold My Beer offers a perfect night of entertainment – stop on by sample up to 50 delicious craft beers on their self-pour stations, grab something to eat, and play one of their table games. If you want to have some real fun, reserve a lane and try your hand at axe-throwing! For more info, including reservations and their current food and drink menus, visit their website here!

This episode was recorded on Monday, October 21st at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

Thanks to our great sponsors for making this episode possible:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Ronny F**kin' Valeo RIP (unedited interview)

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 18:00:00 -0500

We were saddened to hear about the passing of Kenosha icon and our good friend Ronny Valeo, who died October 16, 2024 at the age of 63. We were honored to have Ronny in our studio earlier this year to tell his story.

Our show format is usually 90-120 minutes of chat, and then we edit it down to under an hour for the final public release.
But all of our interviews are also published in this unedited form on our Patreon page. Subscribers can pay $2 or more a month to hear bonus material of all our guests, among other special features.
www.patreon.com/ktownconnects for more.

This is the full 2-hour, unedited interview with Ronny which we wanted to share with all of his friends, fans, and family. This episode contains all the stuff, good and bad, that was edited from the regular episode published earlier this year.

RIP Ronny. The world is a less interesting place without you.

This episode was recorded on February 12th, 2024 at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Sarah Prince-Latibule

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 17:00:00 -0500

Sarah Prince dreamt of one day having her very own latibule - - a cozy, safe, hidden away place... And now she has it with her very own boutique shop and arts and craft studio – Latibule, located at 4906 Seventh Ave. Not only is Latibule a perfect place to get a one-of-a-kind gift, but Sarah also hosts numerous craft and painting classes throughout the week. Plan you upcoming friend’s holiday experience with a night at Latibule! Visit the website here for details!

This episode was recorded on Monday, October 7th at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

Thanks to our great sponsors for making this episode possible:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Russ Klisch & Matt Geary-Lakefront & Public Breweries

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 19:00:00 -0500

You may have heard the rumors, but have you heard the facts? One fact is that longtime Milwaukee beer icon Lakefront Brewery has taken over prime ownership of Public Brewing Company in Downtown Kenosha this past summer.

You gotta listen to this episode to get all the details as we connect with Russ Klisch, co-founder and President of Lakefront Brewery and we welcome back Matt Geary, founder of Public Brewing Company to hear all about the future of our favorite local brewery!

UPDATE: On April 6, 2026, Lakefront Brewery announced they were closing Public Brewing Company immediately and indefinitely. Sad day in Kenosha.

To hear even more from Matt, you can find his February 2021 appearance on the Ktown Connects Podcast here!
Apple Podcasts- bit.ly/KtownPublicApple
Spotify - bit.ly/KtownPublicspotify
Youtube - bit.ly/PublicYoutube

This episode was recorded on Monday, October 7th at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

Thanks to our great sponsors for making this episode possible:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Rebecca Rivera-singer and ceramic artist

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 19:00:00 -0500

This week we connect with the lovely and talented Rebecca Rivera. Rebecca came to Kenosha under very typical circumstances, but since she arrived, she has begun to make a splash in the local art world! She is a singer/song-writer under the name Rebz River! Find her music here on Spotify!

But wait – there's more!! She is also a ceramic artist and has opened classes at her Wild Roots Ceramics Studio – find more information by following them on Instagram and Facebook!

This episode was recorded on Monday, September 9th at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

Thanks to our great sponsors for making this episode possible:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Emiko Chiappetta-Reid Street Studios

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 19:00:00 -0500

This week we connect with Emiko Chiappetta! After many years of professional teaching, Emiko has branched out with her very own art education studio with the Reid Street Studio, located at 920 61st Street! Reid Street Studios specializes in group and one-on-one art studio experiences for ages 3-18. For details, check out their website here!

Emiko is also joined in our studio with her husband, Tony Chiappetta, fourth-generation owner of Chiappetta Shoes, 4820 75th Street. Tony appeared on the show with his brother Nick on episode 145 (November 2023).

This episode was recorded on Monday, August 26th at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

Thanks to our great sponsors for making this episode possible:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/David and Jeannette-Port of Fear Film Festival

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 17:00:00 -0500

David and Jeannette Haight are longtime Kenoshans and organizers of The Port of Fear Film Festival – which is coming to Kenosha next weekend at the Kemper Center! It’s much more than just films – come enjoy the Spooky Market – with vendors selling both handmade arts and crafts and creepy collectibles. Cocktails and food trucks will also be on site. Admission to the Market is free, but tickets are needed to enter the theaters to see the films – just $10 for either a full-length film, or a block of shorts.

The Port of Fear Film Festival will be held at the Kemper Center, 6501 Third Ave on September 13th from 3pm-10pm, with an 8pm movie on the lawn; and Saturday, September 14th 10am – 8pm with an awards ceremony then after party at Church and Market.

For ALL the details, including film trailers, vendor lists, and tickets, click here to visit their website at portoffearff.com.

This episode was recorded on Monday, August 26th at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

Thanks to our great sponsors for making this episode possible:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Quinn Smith-About Time Moving

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 19:00:00 -0500

We’re movin’ and shakin’ this week, as we welcome Quinn Smith to the Ktown Connects Podcast. Quinn moved to Kenosha around 2012 and has built his business About Time Moving Systems into the #1 movers in the Kenosha area! If you are ready to relocate, contact Quinn and his staff for whatever needs you may have! Check out their website for more info!

This interview was recorded on August 12, 2024 at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

Thanks to our great sponsors for making this episode possible:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Sherry Ludwig-Bisou Lingerie

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Sherry Ludwig, owner of Bisou Lingerie, 635 58th St, in Downtown Kenosha, says that her life drastically changes about every ten years. Well, from a hell-raising teenager to a military wife, to single woman who had just moved to Kenosha, Sherry has lead an interesting life! Since 2011, she has been a Downtown Kenosha business owner, and last year, just two years shy of her decade switch, she has opened a second store! Next time you are in Lake Geneva, stop in at Coquette, 605 W Main Street.

Bisou Lingerie offers the best in women’s undergarments = FIT IS IT, and Sherry and her staff can help you find your perfect size because wearing a bra shouldn’t be a problem! Visit their website, bisoubras.com for more info!

This interview was recorded on August 12, 2024 at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

Thanks to our great sponsors for making this episode possible:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Candy Eisenhauer - Part 2/2

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 19:00:00 -0500

This is part two of a two part interview, be sure to listen to part one to hear about Candy’s wild years!

In the early 90’s, Candy Eisenhauer had sobered up and was looking for a new outlet in life. Taking her love of music, she opened CD Warehouse on 80th Street in 1996. Shortly after that, she joined the Kiwanis Club of Western Kenosha – within six years, she would become president of the organization and this led to the first Taste of Wisconsin in 2008.

In 2022, things took a turn. It was announced that that summer would be the last Taste of Wisconsin and by the end of the year, Candy announced she was closing her store.

But.... in what feels like a the plot of some feel-good movie, 2023 brought back both the Taste of Wisconsin – and CD Warehouse! The latter now in a new location at 2529 75th St (click here for more). With Candy’s blessing (and her inventory) former employee Nate Cucciare reopened the store, telling Candy that it wasn’t time to say goodbye to this legendary music store.

The Taste of Wisconsin 2024 is coming THIS WEEKEND! July 26th – 27th – and 28th along Kenosha’s harbor. Be there!

This interview was recorded on July 15, 2024 at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

Thanks to our great sponsors for making this episode possible:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Candy Eisenhauer - Part 1/2

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 19:00:00 -0500

This is Part One of a Two Part Interview.
Part Two arrives in your podcast player on Tuesday!

Growing up on what was then Kenosha’s “West Side,” young Candy Eisenhauer was sneaking listening sessions of her older sister’s 45 records. It would just be a little hint of the amazing woman she would become. Enjoy this connection with musician, community leader, and legendary former business owner – the First Lady of Kenosha Rock and Roll!

Thanks to our great sponsors for making this episode possible:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/John "Toast" O'Neill

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 19:00:00 -0500

One day, John O’Neill spent a night in Kenosha attending his sister’s wedding. Just that one visit and he fell in love with the town. It wouldn’t be long before he packed up his stuff and left Kettering, Ohio at the age of 26 to move to Kenosha.

John, aka “Toast,” has been working the stand-up stages in the area for many years, you can catch him honing his craft every Wednesday night at the Open Mic hosted by the Spirit Shakers at the Kenosha Yacht Club.

With his fiance, Morgan, the pair have launched their own photography business this year, be sure to check out Toast-Tea Photography here!

Follow him on Instagram at Toastradahmus

You can find Toast every weekend this summer at the Bristol Renaissance Faire at the VEGETABLE JUSTICE booth!

The Renaissance Men of Comedy features Toast and many other comedians from the Ren Faire. Come out on Thursday Aug 15th 8pm, at the Rhode Center for the Arts in Downtown Kenosha Advance tickets $10, at the door $15. Click here for tickets now!

Thanks to our great sponsors for making this episode possible:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

The Port Grand Prix is THIS Sunday, July 14th! This Bronze Al Molinaro fundraiser will once again feature your pals Jason and Donny from Ktown Connects! Click here for more!

w/Meryl Strichartz-Simmons Island Beach House

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 17:00:00 -0500

Don’t tell Meryl Strichartz that she isn’t a true Kenoshan! Although she may have not been born and raised here, she has been here for more than 30 years and has embraced Kenosha as her true hometown! For many years, Meryl has been building her beachfront empire, her first steps was with the Lakeshore Pedal Tours – these fun bikes you have seen in the Downtown area. This summer, she has launched the rebirth of the Simmons Island Beach House!

For generations, Simmons Island has been forgotten by Kenosha, and even more so, the classic 1934 Beach House – now, our little not-really-an-island Island has a new life!

The Simmons Island Beach House is open daily at 10am for rentals, shopping, and concessions (beer garden opens at noon) and has everything you could possibly want for a day at the beach! Water rentals, beach fun rentals, gift shop (“needs” and “wants”), food, ice cream, and beer! They are also the home base for the Lakeshore Pedal Tours! They have so many things going on this summer, it’s hard to list them all! But be sure to come down on August 24th for their second annual Lake Fest!

To learn more about the Simmons Island Beach House, click here to visit their website!

Stay up to date on all the latest news at the beach by following them on Facebook here!

Thanks to our great sponsors for making this episode possible:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

The Port Grand Prix is Sunday, July 14th! This Bronze Al Molinaro fundraiser will once again feature your pals Jason and Donny from Ktown Connects! Click here for more!

w/Teddi Morin-Ruffolo's Spa

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Teddi Morin wasn’t your average teenager. Growing up watching her father become a successful tattoo artist, and eventually business owner gave her the confidence and strength to succeed in her own life. At the age of 16, Teddi was already a licensed tattoo artist. But she continued to grow, and now as a woman, she is now the shareholder and operator of Ruffolo’s Spa, located in Downtown Kenosha at 5610 7th Ave. We are joined in the studio today by Teddi and her co/worker, licensed aesthetician Jasmine, whose birthday wish was to spend it with her favorite local podcast!
Since 1962, Ruffolo’s has served the community, first as a barber shop and for many years as a full-service hair salon and spa on 52nd St and their new location Downtown which is focusing more on skin care opened in September 2023.

Visit their website here to learn more!

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

The Port Grand Prix is Sunday, July 14th! This Bronze Al Molinaro fundraiser will once again feature your pals Jason and Donny from Ktown Connects! Click here for more!

w/Lily & Jenna-Who Did That? Social

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Lily Karnes and Jenna Zeihen first met while competing for Miss Kenosha, through the years, they have both won the pageant, with Lily winning in 2019 and Jenna in 2022. More recently the two now serve on the board for Miss Kenosha and as a mentor to the next generation.

But, Lily and Jenna, along with the third piece of their puzzle, Hannah Stone, have recently launched Who Did That? Social – if you are looking to give your business that social media boost that it needs, contact these young media influencers to take you to the next level! Click here for more!

Also, Jenna Zeihen operates her SoulSpace at the Kenosha Creative Space, click here for more info!

Thanks to all our great sponsors!

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

The Port Grand Prix is Sunday, July 14th! This Bronze Al Molinaro fundraiser will once again feature your pals Jason and Donny from Ktown Connects! Click here for more!

w/Chelsea Sallese

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 19:00:00 -0500

After spending her younger years in Kenosha, Chelsea Sallese got out of town for a few years and when she returned, she really realized just how much she loves Downtown Kenosha and the community!

Now as an adult, Chelsea is involved in many different avenues around town. You might have had her serve you a cocktail at one of our great drinking establishments.

Currently she is the Brand Ambassador of the Salon Professional Academy, and she has a chair at Hush Beauty Lounge in Downtown Kenosha.

She is also a member of the Kenosha Business Improvement District (BID) board on the Outreach and Retention Committee.

And somehow, she manages to be the best mom in the world to four lovely kids!

For more about the Salon Professional Academy visit their website here and if you are interested in a class, call 262-697-6000 for class information.

Want to see what Chelsea can do for your hair at Hush Beauty Lounge? Hit her up on Instagram @chelsesallesedidit

Thanks to all our great sponsors!

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Jaramie Brantley-Keno Nite Market

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Jaramie Bentley spent his younger years in Kenosha not taking life too seriously and having a good time pursuing his passion – basketball. This led him to different places across the Midwest, through all these experiences, he grows and learns that authenticity is the way to live life. Jaramie grew into an artist with a growing interest in creating consciously positive hip hop with his first group The Freedom Finders and expanded his knowledge and love of making music, which led to creating music under the Jaramie the Great aka Great the Man. Check out his music here!

After being inspired by what was happening while he lived in Omaha, he returned to Kenosha with a passion to bring some of the awesome stuff he saw in Nebraska back to his hometown. He continued his involvement in music, organizing hip hop shows around town, which led to the founding of The In Crowd, which he created with Ron Dean Brown, and the launch of the Keno Nite Market!

The Keno Nite Market has moved to the beautiful beachside Pennoyer Park for the summer – Saturdays 4pm-10pm on June 22, July 27, August 24, and September 28. Follow them on Facebook here for all the latest updates!

Email - theincrowdwisconsin@gmail.com for more info.

Thanks to all our great sponsors!

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Angie & Ben (2024)

Thu, 30 May 2024 19:00:00 -0500

The couple so nice, we’re doing them twice!

That’s right Angie and Ben of Union Park Tavern and Pavle’s Lounge return to Ktown Connects. But we had a lot of new stuff to talk about and they brought a milk crate full of alcohol for us to enjoy, which resulted in some candid talk about why they bought a second bar (Pavle’s Lounge, 1724 52nd St), Ben’s recent foray into politics as a candidate for the 65th District Assembly (a position that has been held for many years by Tod Ohnstad = see episode 99, March 2023), and Angie’s recent health issue which left her family and friends concerned for her as she sat in a coma for 10 days!
Check out Angie & Ben’s first appearance on the show, EP25 released on 1/7/21 to learn more.
Spotify
Apple Podcast

Jenny Don’t and the Spurs, an Americana group from Portland Oregon will be taking the stage at Pavle’s Lounge on Sunday, June 2nd starting at 5pm. Stop on by for a drink and check out this touring act. No cover!

Ben DeSmidt will hopefully be our next 65th District State Assembly representative. Learn more about Ben’s campaign here!

This episode was recorded on May 20th, 2024 at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Tamarra Coleman-Shalom Center

Thu, 23 May 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Tamarra Coleman may have grown up on Christmas Lane, but she still holds on to that glorious spirit most reserve for December all year long! Through her life, she has remained active in the community with several years as a Kenosha Unified School Board member and president, and currently she is the Executive Director of the Shalom Center!

The Shalom Center offers up many great resources for local citizens who are down on their luck, from their daily Soup Kitchen (5pm-6pm), to the Food Pantry (Wednesdays & Fridays, 8:30-11:30), to their new Hope Hub Community Center (weekdays, 8:30-4:30), the Shalom Center is here for you to give you that little hand when you desperately need it.

For more information about the Shalom Center, visit their website here!

This episode was recorded on May 20th, 2024 at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Spirit Shakers

Thu, 09 May 2024 19:00:00 -0500

While attending UW-Parkside, Maxwell Melendrez and Oscar Mercadillo met and hit it off immediately with their shared love of music. As the years went on and they mastered their skills among local bands such as Mixed Company, Miss B Haven, The Oscillators, Sun Silo, and Lunar Lizard, the two formed Spirit Shakers! Their music incorporates a cornucopia of genres – rock, folk, hip-hop, jazz, etc. Check out their latest album “It’s About Time” now available on all those streaming services! Maxwell and Oscar can be found out and about in some of our greatest nightlife establishments hosting open mics throughout this summer and all year, including 58 Below, Kenosha Yacht Club, and George’s Encore and McAuliffe’s Pub in Racine.
Follow Spirit Shakers on Facebook here for all their latest updates!

This episode was recorded on May 6th, 2024 at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Shannyn Franklin-Re/Max Newport Elite

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Shannyn Franklin got to know Kenosha as one of your favorite bartenders at tg's back in the day. She has carried that straight-shooter honest attitude that everyone loves to real estate and is now a licensed agent with Re/Max Newport Elite!
Whether you are buying, selling, or just curious about the local market, Shannyn would love to offer her support and service!
Visit her realtor webpage here!
Follow her on Facebook here!
Or give her a call at 262-960-5182 to begin your real estate journey!

We are taking a few weeks off. Ktown Connects will return with an all-new episode on April 25th!

This episode was recorded on March 11, 2024 at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Maria Caravati-Equinox Botanical Boutique

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 19:00:00 -0500

While growing up on what was Kenosha’s west side on Roosevelt Road, a young Maria Zarletti established a strong work ethic with her first job at a nearby popcorn wagon and later at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen a few blocks from her home. She also developed an interest in personal care and nurturing, but nursing did not appeal to her. In 1998, she launched her Equinox massage therapy at the Kemper Center. After two successful years, she landed her own storefront at 5901 Sixth Ave-A. Many years later, Maria Caravati evolved Equinox to incorporate her other passion – horticulture. Equinox is now Equinox Botanical Boutique, as Maria and her staff still offer the same massage therapy but now with a full selection of high-quality plants, wines, and other gifts.

Follow them on Facebook by clicking here!

This episode was recorded on March 11, 2024 at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Lacie Dobyns

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Growing up in Southern Illinois, Lacie Dobyns began to have an interest in dentistry. Her path took her around the world as a model for Model Mayhem and Suicide Girls, a temporary career which would fund her schooling to become a registered dental hygienist.

From her days as a canvas on season 4 of Spike TV’s “Ink Master,” to today as a dental hygienist running a children’s dental program, which helps Kenosha kids learn more about the importance of dental health, we had a great time talking with Lacie about her life and what connects her to Kenosha!

This episode was recorded on March 11, 2024 at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Violet Wilder

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Melissa, Jayna, and Kimberly met while attending UW-Parkside and discovered that they shared a love for music. After evenings spent together watching Disney musicals and drinking whiskey, these talented ladies began to harmonize both their voices and their friendship. They began to take the stage at open mics at Sazzy B’s and on the UW-P campus, leading to the formation of their alt-folk rock band Violet Wilder. They perform in many different variations, from a cappella performances like singing the national anthem at local events, to taking the stage as a three-piece, or performing as a five-piece, with Andrew, Zach, Dave, or Justin on bass and percussion for a full band sound. Violet Wilder are creatives who are a bit off the beaten path, they take their music in new and interesting ways. You can listen to their full-length album “For the Record” anywhere and everywhere you can stream music and if you like what you hear, you can purchase their CD and a T-shirt you can wear when you see them take the stage this summer throughout the area. Visit their website here for all the info!

This episode was recorded on March 11, 2024 at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Chet Griffith - ArtWorks/Pencillarium

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 19:00:00 -0600

It took Chet Griffith a few years after moving to Kenosha to finally explore the local art scene, and when he finally did, it rekindled the love of art that had lay dormant. He picked up his pencils again and became a member of Lemon Street Gallery and ArtSpace. A few years later, his skills at framing helped him launch his own art supply and framing store – ArtWorks. Today, ArtWorks has moved to its current location at 4513 Sheridan Road and now features The Pencillarium! What is a penciallrium, you ask? Chet has the answers, or just stop in and see for yourself! Visit their website here for more info!

This episode was recorded on February 26th, 2024 at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Brit Windel-DayBreak Church

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 19:00:00 -0600

While in Colorado, Brit Windel met his wife Stacie and shortly after, Brit fell in love with Stacie’s hometown of Kenosha. The couple came to town in 2012 and two years later, they launched their DayBreak Church inside Bullen Middle School. In 2014, they got their brick-and-mortar location in Downtown Kenosha at 5631 Sixth Avenue. Their service is every Sunday at 10am. See more at ourdaybreak.church

Brit is also an advocate for helping our community, and that shows with DayBreak Church’s many interactive community events, and his volunteer work on the Kenosha Lakeshore Business Improvement District (aka the “BID”). Currently, Brit is serving as the president of BID. Click here to learn more about what BID is and what they do for the community!

This episode was recorded on February 26th, 2024 at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

This show would not be possible without our wonderful sponsors:

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Ronny Valeo

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 19:00:00 -0600

Crank it up to 11, because we are going to rock it with Ronny Valeo! We got the one and only Kenosha music legend to come out of hiding and sit down and talk about his life....

From his first guitar, to his factory job, to a certain thrash frontman breaking down in tears, Ronny Valeo recalls his life as the guitarist for alternative metal band Screamer and industrial metal band The Electric Hellfire Club, as well as owning Kenosha’s coolest record shop, Grand Central Records, with his brother Leonard – for 30 years!

Recommended rocking:

Screamer – “Outcast” from “Target Earth” (1988)

Electric Hellfire Club - “Where Violence Is Golden” from “Burn Baby Burn” (1993)

This episode was recorded on February 12th, 2024 at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Frank J. Parise

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 19:00:00 -0600

When Frank Parise was in third grade, his teacher asked him to read the classic novel “To Kill a Mockingbird.” and he became enraptured with the character of Atticus Finch. When most kids wanted to grow up and become sports athletes or rock stars, Parise wanted to be a lawyer. It was a tough road, but he did it, and by happenstance, he was brought back to his hometown of Kenosha to practice law. Today, he leads The Law Offices of Frank J. Parise, where they specialize in criminal defense – drunk driving, speeding and traffic violation, juvenile cases, and more. If Frank can’t help you, he will surely find someone who can! If you are in need of legal assistance, you “Better Call Parise” at 262-656-9906!

But this episode isn’t all just boring lawyer talk! One of Frank’s favorite hobbies is playing the guitar and he has shown his talents all over Kenosha in local bands like The New Vinyls and Vinyl Remix – his bands have never taken themselves too seriously, they take the stage to have a party with the guests and a show with Frank Parise at the mic and holding a guitar is always a great time. Watch for his new musical collaborations coming soon!

This episode was recorded on February 12th, 2024 at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Aaron Hunzinger-AHdidit

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 19:00:00 -0600

Growing up just south of Kenosha in Gurnee, Aaron Hunzinger was a tinkerer – he had a fascination with taking things apart and seeing what made them work. Also a young subscriber of Mini-Truckin magazine, he developed a love for cars at a young age.

Evanston Awning Company, has been going strong for five generations. How does an awning company stay relevant in a world of air-conditioning? They create awnings for numerous films and TV shows for period sets in Chicago and the area, starting with “The Untouchables” in 1987, leading to run-ins with numerous Hollywood celebrities over the years.

However, when the working day is done, that’s when Aaron really starts to shine as the operator of AHdidit – his little hobby of creating lamps caught the eye of a pretty woman he met who encouraged him to see his creations as art, which led to a few exhibitions at Lemon Street and the Chicago “Tour of the Chi-Tower.”

Today, Aaron is a proud family man who still loves to create, whether it's still making lamps, or creating leather items. But now his working space has grown and he has returned back to one of his earliest loves – working on cars in fun and interesting ways. Follow AHdidit on all those social media accounts, including Facebook and Instagram, and if you have any interest in seeing him hard at work, check out his live feeds on YouTube and TikTok!

This episode was recorded on January 29, 2024 at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Know Your Vote 2024 - Live at the Rhode Center for the Arts

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 19:00:00 -0600

The Know Your Vote - Kenosha Mayoral Forum 2024 was held on Sunday, February 4th at the Rhode Center for the Arts in Downtown Kenosha

Moderated by Pete Serzant of WLIP AM1050
Timekeeper: Jenna Zeihen

This podcast was taken from a video produced by Kenosha Community Media and directed by Jason Rimkus

Theme song, “Kenosha My Hometown” performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod

Special thanks to:

Quinn Smith of About Time Moving Systems

Steve Casey of Casey Family Options Funerals and Cremations

Kevin Ervin of Franks Diner

Pete Serzant
Jenna Zeihen
Lisa, Rich, Zach, and the rest of the staff at the Rhode Center for the Arts
Sharon at the Copy Center
Liz Snyder of the Kenosha News
Jason Rimkus and Kenosha Community Media
Jeanette and Mick of Portside Catering
Ben DeSmidt
Laura Gregorski

The Kenosha Mayoral primaries are Tuesday, February 20th, 2024

For more info on the local information, including voting locations and more, visit kenosha.org

w/Jenny Ulbricht-East View Coffee Company

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 19:00:00 -0600

Today, Jenny Ulbricht is a proud mother, wife, and owner/operator of East View Coffee, but she has had a wild side! We sit down and talk about her travels around the world and how her path led her to Kenosha - the land of her ancestors!

East View Coffee Company is definitely a place to enjoy a tasty beverage, but it is also a coffee company! Now located in their new brick and mortar location at 716 58th St, they offer freshly roasted and sustainably sourced coffee beans roasted right on site.

Visit their website here to learn more information and follow them on Facebook here for their up-to-date seasonal hours!

This episode was recorded on January 29, 2024 at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Betsy Ade

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 19:00:00 -0600

She’s so much more than just another voice! We sit down and learn more about Kenosha’s very own BETSY ADE! Betsy is the lead singer of local rock group Betsy Ade and the Well-Known Strangers. Check them out on their website by clicking HERE!

This episode was recorded on January 15, 2024 at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects!

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Alex Kudrna-Backyard Dream Productions

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 19:00:00 -0600

As a young kid growing up on the northside of Kenosha, Alex Kudrna was already a producer – directing the neighbor kids on his backyard stage. He has grown up with a love for Kenosha and in 2016 purchased the Orpheum building in Downtown Kenosha – his goal is to bring Hollywood to Wisconsin and Kenosha via film industry tax incentives!

Alex has launched the O-Coworking Space in the Orpheum building and, with the help of producer Ken Stouffer, brought Backyard Dream Productions to reality. Backyard Dream specializes in local video production and can help you bring your advertising to the next level!

Visit the Backyard Dream Studios page here!

If you or someone you know is in need of an independent working space, for a day, for a week, or something more long-term, check out the O-Coworking Space in the Orpheum building at 5819 Sixth Ave. Check out their website here for more info!

Special thanks to these great sponsors!

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

This episode was recorded on December 4, 2023 at the Ktown Connects recording studio in Downtown Kenosha!

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Joe Geiger-Jackpot Rentals

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 19:00:00 -0600

“Kenosha Joe” Geiger has done so much in his life, it’s difficult to talk about it all! Joe started his own lawn care business just out of high school and is now in the port-a-potty business as owner of Jackpot Rentals. If you get out to any of the great local Kenosha events – you have most likely used one of his portable restrooms. We get all the dirt on Joe’s life and how he developed his vision into one of Kenosha’s most successful independent businesses!

For more info, visit the Jackpot Rentals site here!

Joe still owns that lawn care service he started as a young man too! Do you need some lawn care in 2024? Contact Kenosha Joe here!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

This episode was recorded on December 4, 2023 at the Ktown Connects recording studio in Downtown Kenosha!

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Stacy Juga-Vintage Underground

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 19:00:00 -0600

Growing up on the south side of Kenosha, Stacy Juga had dreams of one day becoming a veterinarian, but at the same time, she began to develop an appreciation of the older items she would find around her grandparents' house. As a military wife, Stacy spent many years overseas before returning to her hometown and now is now the owner/operator of one of Kenosha’s greatest treasure shops – Vintage Underground.

Vintage Underground is located in beautiful downtown Kenosha at 5817 Sixth Ave and open Tuesdays – Saturdays – follow them on Facebook for more!

This episode was recorded on Monday, November 6, 2023, at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Nick & Tony-Chiappetta Shoes

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 17:00:00 -0600

From a young age growing up sweeping floors in an inner-city Kenosha shoe store, Nick and Tony Chiappetta learned that their family business was a special thing. These brothers are now fourth-generation operators of Chiappetta Shoes, located at their beautiful new store at 4820 75th Street. Chiappetta Shoes offer an old-school, sit-and-fit, customer-focused experience you will not find anywhere else! In addition to footwear, they also provide the best orthotics and inserts around!

This episode was recorded on November 6, 2023, at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Crystal & Rob-Blast From the Past Pizza

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Put on your Guess jeans and your Air Jordans, grab your walkman and head down to Blast From the Past Pizza, located in the Metra train station at 5414 13th Ave, use the parking lot to the north. Today we connect with Rob and Crystal Hayes, who first opened their business in Kenosha County before moving to their current location this year.

Blast From the Past Pizza offers up great wings, delicious specialty cocktails, sandwiches, Tetris tots, and of course, great pizza! We sit down with Crystal and Rob and get their story!

This episode was recorded on October 23, 2023, at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/DeShaun Foster-Blak Coffee

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 19:00:00 -0500

If you recall our episode with Alvin Owens (ep.82, May 2022), you will remember the national field trips Owens organized for Bullen students to learn more about their own heritage and the history of our nation. Well, one of those kids Owens mentored at a young age has branched out to become a mentor of his own!

DeShaun Foster, a lifelong Kenosha native, was thinking about ways to get involved in the community and got the idea of opening a coffee shop from his young daughter. After a warm up stint doing a pop-up at the Owens’ Regimen Barber Shop Collective, DeShaun opened up his very own coffee shop – Blak Coffee – in Downtown Kenosha earlier this year.

Blak Coffee, 5615 Seventh Ave., is open 7am – 3pm Tuesdays – Saturdays, click here to visit their Facebook page to see what’s new!

This episode was recorded on October 23, 2023, at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Shannyn Franklin – ReMax Newport Elite
Franks Diner, 508 58th St
Aason Hunzinger of AHDidIt
Union Park Tavern, 4520 Eighth Ave.
ROAR – Be heard
Lucci’s Grandview 6929 39th Ave
Wink Beauty Boutique, 10909 Sheridan Rd
Hydn Cheese
Public Craft Brewing Company 628 58th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Brenda & Becky-Alpaca Art

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 18:00:00 -0500

While growing up in Kenosha, twin sisters Brenda and Becky talked about owning a business together someday. After visiting a paint-your-own pottery studio in Michigan, Brenda brought the idea back home and her sister was on board 100%.

Their own paint-your-own pottery studio, Alpaca Art, which has continued to grow, and is now located at 4326 Seventh Ave. Alpaca Art is a great spot for people of all ages to paint your own beautiful master-piece!

For more info, click here to visit their website, alpacapottery.com

This episode was recorded on October 9, 2023 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:
Lucci’s Grandview 6929 39th Ave
Shannyn Franklin – ReMax Newport Elite
Franks Diner, 508 58th St
Aason Hunzinger of AHDidIt
Union Park Tavern, 4520 Eighth Ave.
ROAR – Be heard
Wink Beauty Boutique, 10909 Sheridan Rd
Hydn Cheese
Public Craft Brewing Company 628 58th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Pete Serzant-WLIP AM1050

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Since he was a kid trying to stay awake listening to the radio for 24 hours straight, Pete Serzant had a dream of becoming a radio personality. Straight out of high school, he began taking steps to achieve his dream and now has the morning drive segment at AM1050 WLIP - Kenosha's premier local radio station.
We chat it up with Pete about growing up in Kenosha, working his way up the ladder at WLIP, and try to get some dirt out of him regarding past and present co-workers!

This episode was recorded on October 9, 2023 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:
ROAR – Be heard
Lucci’s Grandview 6929 39th Ave
Shannyn Franklin – ReMax Newport Elite
Franks Diner, 508 58th St
Aason Hunzinger of AHDidIt
Union Park Tavern, 4520 Eighth Ave.
Wink Beauty Boutique, 10909 Sheridan Rd
Hydn Cheese
Public Craft Brewing Company 628 58th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com
Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com
Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.
Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Bryce O'Boyle-Love Your Community

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Bryce O’Boyle and friends sat in Pennoyer Park on a beautiful day a few years ago and started daydreaming about hosting a music festival at our fantastic band shell. Many others have surely sat there and thought similar things, but Bryce and his crew came through on their vision by launching the Love Your Community non-profit organization and their first Beach Front Arts Fest in the summer of 2021. The third annual event will be this Saturday, July 22nd from noon – 11pm at Pennoyer Park and will feature a day full of live music, awesome art vendors, delicious food trucks, and even a beer tent. Admission is free, so come out this weekend for a glorious day on Kenosha’s lakefront!

This episode was recorded on July 17th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

We’ll will be taking a little time off to enjoy our summer – Ktown Connects will return with all new episodes in September! Thank you for listening!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Tina & James Warner-Millie Bo Peep

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 19:00:00 -0500

One of the newest Downtown Kenosha businesses is Millie Bo Peep, 5720 Sixth Ave. It’s your one-stop shop for all things for babies, toddlers, and kids up to size 10.
We sit down with Tina and James Warner and talk about their younger years growing up in Kenosha, how their love blossomed over years of friendship, and how they turned their dreams of owning a business in Downtown Kenosha into a reality!

Millie Bo Peep is open Wednesdays through Sundays and you can see their fine products at their website by clicking here!

This episode was recorded on June 19th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

We’ll will be taking a few weeks off to enjoy the summer! Ktown Connects will be back with all-new episodes on July 21st!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Jill Plaisted

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 19:00:00 -0500

If you get out and experience local music in Kenosha over the past few years, chances are good that you have already caught The Jill Plaisted Band live in action. Jill may be a talented musician and songwriter, but she also has many other attributes that contribute to her being one of our favorite people in Kenosha.

The Jill Plaisted Band have been delivering their storyteller Americana style all over our area and have a few dates set for this summer:

July 19th - Lakeside Lounge at Kemper Center

July 27th - Taste of Wisconsin - HarborPark

Sept 9 - Union Park Tavern

Oct 14 Hill's Hot Rod Hideout

Oct 15 Kenosha Art Market

We chat it up with the sweet and lovely Jill Plaisted today and fail miserably at getting her to say something bad about anyone or anything!

“Lights of Vegas” written by Jill Plaisted and performed live in the Ktown Connects studio.

This episode was recorded on June 19th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Kyle & Andy-Tavern on Sixth

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 19:00:00 -0500

One of the hottest new spots in Downtown Kenosha is Tavern on Sixth – located at 5712 Sixth Avenue. They offer a full food menu and the best cocktails around which you can enjoy inside their classic establishment, or outside on the curbside or alley terrace. For all you golf fans, check out their golf simulators on the second floor – a great place for private parties and events! Listen in today as we welcome owner Kyle Kavalauskas and general manager Andy Bilski to the show! For more about Tavern on Sixth, visit their website here and be sure to follow them on Facebook for all the latest updates!

This episode was recorded on June 6th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Anna Pitts-Anna's on the Lake

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 19:00:00 -0500

A few years back, Anna Pitts and her sister were enjoying a drink at Harborside Common Grounds, a Downtown Kenosha hub of caffeine overloads and social activity for 22 years. Like many of us do, they had a little dream of what they would do if they ever owned their own coffee shop. Little did they know at the time, when Common Grounds closed last fall, Anna and her family jumped at the opportunity to carry on the tradition of delicious drinks, delectable pastries, and scrumptious sandwiches along our beautiful Kenosha harbor with the opening of Anna’s on the Lake, 5159 Sixth Ave! But wait, there’s more! At Anna’s, you can enjoy an alcoholic beverage of your choice on the triple tiered deck and grab a brat or hot dog from their grill!

We sit down with Anna and talk about how her life led her to this career and much more!

Follow them on Facebook here to stay up to date with all their upcoming plans and summer hours!

Do you enjoy Kenosha history, check out this story written about the history of their building written by Ktown Connects’ own Jason Hedman!

This episode was recorded on June 6th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Jason Rimkus-Kenosha Community Media

Thu, 18 May 2023 19:00:00 -0500

For decades, he has been the master of Kenosha public access – beginning back with Jones Intercable, then to Warner cable, and Time Warner. Today he holds the title of Media Coordinator with Kenosha Community Media – a group which has kept our television sets (and now our website) LOCAL - with amazing programing like Dr. Destruction's Crimson Theater and live events like the upcoming parade on July 3rd.

Kenosha Community Media operates out of the Kenosha Public Library Southwest Branch, 7979 39th Ave and still broadcasts over cable – now on Spectrum. Non-Spectrum users can watch the KCM channel on your ROKU device by downloading the free Kenosha Community Media channel, or just visit their website here to see what’s playing! If it’s at 5pm on Sundays or 11am on Wednesdays, you’ll hear the Ktown Connects Podcast, and you could hear Jason Rimkus’ episode – how weird would that be?

We had a great time talking to Jason about growing up in Kenosha and how he found his way into the media world. The full conversation with Jason was over 2 hours long and has been edited for your listening enjoyment – to hear the full episode unedited, become a patreon supporter at www.ktownconnects.com.

This episode was recorded on May 8th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

w/Peter Johnson-Green Ridge Cemetery

Thu, 11 May 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Today we connect with former Lance/Tremper student, retired Lance/Tremper schoolteacher, and current General Manager of Green Ridge Cemetery and local historian Peter Johnson!

This episode was recorded on May 8th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Mini Samuel-NextHome Refined

Thu, 04 May 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Mini Samuel is the owner/broker at NextHome Refined, where they put humans over houses. For all your real estate needs, visit her website at minisamuel.com

This episode was recorded on April 24th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/K-Town Toy Show - Jeff & Jarame

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 19:00:00 -0500

If you want to hear an hour of geek talk about vintage toys, you’ve come to the right place!
Jarame and Jeff launched the K-Town Toy & Collectible Show in 2021 and it is returning this year for four events, starting Sunday, May 21st at the Moose Lodge, 3003 30th Ave.

K-Town Toy and Collectible Show has become Kenosha’s largest and most diverse toy and collectible show. With over 50 tables of your favorite vintage and modern toys and collectibles there is always something for everyone!

Additional dates this year include August 20th, November 19th and a special Train and Toy Collectible Show on December 17th!

Follow them on Facebook here for all their updates!

And check out their website here!

Do you love old toys? Check out one of Jarame & Jeff’s favorite Facebook groups here!

This episode was recorded on April 24th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Chef Mary Radigan

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 19:00:00 -0500

If you are a longtime Kenoshan, you know the Radigan name. For over 80 years, Ray Radigan's Supper Club was nationally known and respected. Ray's granddaughter, Mary, has learned from her family's hard work and perseverance and struck out on her own as a world-class chef.
We sit down with Mary and talk about the rich history of Ray Radigan's and how she took that love for the kitchen she developed as a little girl and made it into a career.
For some of Mary's delectable foods, stop in at Tenuta's Delicatessen and Liquors, 3203 52nd St., visit their website here for more info!

This episode was recorded on April 17th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Erin Merritt-Modern Apothecary

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Dr. Erin Merritt is a lifelong Kenoshan who saw that her city was in need of an independent pharmacy. In 2014, she opened her own business, Modern Apothecary, on the corner of 50th Street and Seventh Avenue in Downtown Kenosha. Over the winter, she moved to a bigger and 57better location in the heart of Downtown at 5700 Sixth Avenue. Modern Apothecary has all the items that those big box stores have and can get you all of your pharmaceutical needs, but they offer that hometown touch that you won’t get elsewhere. Stop on down and check out Dr. Merritt’s beautiful shop and visit their website for more information!

Click here to read about the history of the original location in this story written by Ktown Connect’s own Jason Hedman!

This episode was recorded on April 10th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

100!!!!

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 19:00:00 -0500

It's our 100th episode super special spectacular special!!!

Warning: This episode does contain some dirty language.

We are joined by our dear friends Sarah of Wink Beauty Boutique, Jake "The Weather Guy" Hoey, and Kevin Ervin of Franks Diner as they help us celebrate 100 episodes of Ktown Connects! And you might hear a few special guests as well!

Thank you - yes, you, the listener - for your support of our show! We couldn't have done it without you! We are talking a few weeks off, but will be back soon to start on the next 100!

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Tod Ohnstad - WI 65th District Assembly Representative

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 19:00:00 -0500

49 years ago, Tod Ohnstad came to Kenosha on a Greyhound bus with a job at American Motors and not much else. He soon became interested in leadership, worker’s rights, and politics. After completing his career with AMC/Chrysler he dove into local government, serving as the 6th District Alderman beginning in 2008. In 2013, he was elected as the representative of the 65th District of the Wisconsin State Assembly, where he serves today.

For more on Tod Ohnstad, visit his website here, or call his Madison office at 608-266-0455.

This episode was recorded on February 27th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Mark Gascoigne - 24's Rumors Lounge

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 19:00:00 -0600

Our next guest has shown his love and appreciation for Kenosha his whole life. Mark Gascoigne may be best known as a co-owner and operator of Coins Sports Bar for 20 years. Beginning at Coins, he began to host fundraisers and charity events for the community and has raised countless amounts of dollars for our neighbors – and he has no intentions of stopping his involvement with helping out the community.

We sit down with Mark and go way back to his early days growing up in Kenosha, his high school and city league All Star baseball and basketball stints, learning the ropes of the bar business at the original Rumors Lounge (which was located at the NW cover of 19th Ave and 52nd St), all the way up to his current venture – 24's Rumors Lounge, 1402 52nd St.

24’s Rumors opens daily at 11am and as well as being a great spot for a cold drink and a game of darts or pool, they also offer up delicious food that is a step above the average bar menu. Mark is joined by special guest Chef Ron Love, the man behind the fantastic sandwiches and more at 24’s Rumors. Follow them here on Facebook for all the latest news, including live entertainment on Friday and Saturdays, karaoke on Sundays and Wednesdays and much more!

This episode was recorded on February 27th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:
Union Park Tavern, 4520 Eighth Ave.

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Lew Aceto - SJ Crystals

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 19:00:00 -0600

SJ Crystals, located at 5701 Sixth Avenue in Downtown Kenosha has been providing fine clothing for over 100 years! It’s one of Kenosha’s longest operating retailers and we sit down with current owner Lew Aceto to talk about the rich history of this business and how Lew and his great staff can make you look your absolute best!

For the finest in men’s fashion, check out their website here and stop in to see Lew and tell him you heard him on Ktown Connects!

This episode was recorded on October 10th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Sharon Rossow - Copy Center

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 19:00:00 -0600

Sharon Rossow is the second-generation owner of Copy Center, 5036 Sixth Ave., in Downtown Kenosha. Celebrating their 50th year this summer, Copy Center offers ‘quick-like-bunny' printing service. Sharon talks about growing up downtown, the lives of her prominent mom and dad, Judy and Gordy Rossow, and more in kickoff episode to our fifth season.

Bowls N Books 2023 is coming March 29th at the Rhode Center for the Arts in Downtown Kenosha! Click here to learn more!

And find out more about the great things the Lakeside Players have to offer at the Rhode Center this season by clicking here!

Follow Sharon’s side hustle job Be Kind Recycle on her Facebook page here!

Find out what's going on with Sharon’s brother Mitch – by clicking here!

This episode was recorded on February 13th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Ktown Connects is brought to you by:

Hydn Cheese

Public Craft Brewing Co.

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more! Thanks to our patreon supporter of the week - Jake Hoey!

w/Danielle Weybright-Portside Catering

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 19:00:00 -0500

Chef Danielle Weybright is the creator at Portside Catering, she is joined by co-owner Jeanette Armstrong. Jeanette, along with her husband Mick Kelly, are owners of Captain Mike’s Beer and Burger Bar, 5118 Sixth Ave (for more about them, you can find our interview from December 2020 in our archives).

At Portside Catering, Danielle creates a custom menu which serves the client in the most perfect way. We sit down with Danielle to talk about her love for the kitchen and so much more!

To book Danielle and Portside Catering for your next big event, or even a small dinner party, click here to visit their website!

For more on Captain Mike’s, click here!

And if you have family or friends coming to town and looking for a great place to stay, check out Captain’s Quarters Airbnb!

This episode was recorded on October 10th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Next Home Refined, 7850 Green Bay Road

Acupuncture and Wellness of Wisconsin, 3917 47th Ave

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Daniel Gaitan-Kenosha News

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 19:00:00 -0500

A graduate of Indian Trail Academy, Daniel Gaitan found an interest in journalism which took him to DePaul University and then back to Kenosha to work with the now-defunct non-profit Life Matters Media, a short stint at Kenosha.com and now he returned to the Kenosha News on the reporting team as of last year. Gaitan is always seeking the story and is building connections throughout Kenosha.

Got a hot lead, or just an interesting story to share? Drop him an email at dgaitan@kenoshanews.com

This episode was recorded on September 26th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Acupuncture and Wellness of Wisconsin, 3917 47th Ave

Next Home Refined, 7850 Green Bay Road

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Shelby and Jake-ArtSpace Podcast

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 19:00:00 -0500

It’s the Kenosha equivalent of Avengers:End Game, but with a lot less death, when Ktown Connects collaborates with fellow podcasters, Shelby Nesmith and Jake Hoey of The ArtSpace Podcast!

You can find their podcast where ever you found this one, and click here to follow them on Facebook.

We dive in with Shelby, who is also the Development Coordinator at the Lemon Street Gallery and ArtSpace, 4601 Sheridan Road.

Jake has been down this path before, to hear more from him, listen in to our 2020 episode with Jake here.

Follow Jake’s Kenosha Area Weather Page here!

This episode was recorded on Monday, September 26th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Acupuncture and Wellness of Wisconsin, 3917 47th Ave

Next Home Refined, 7850 Green Bay Road

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Haven Wells

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 19:00:00 -0500

We’re not sure exactly how today’s guest made the time to come in to the Ktown Connects studio for an interview, but we sure are grateful she did!

Haven Wells, aka Miss B Haven, was once known as “The Little Entertainer” as a child musician performing the circuits around Rockford, Illinois.

Now, she is all grown up and taking Kenosha by storm as the member of TWO of the hottest local bands – keys and backup vocals with Betsy Ade and the Well-Known Strangers, and drums and backup vocals with Would You Kindly?

In addition, she is also a music teacher with KUSD, and she opened her own private studio for music lessons at Havenly Arts Studio in Downtown Kenosha.

Oh, and she also hosts Open Mic nights every Monday at Rustic Road and Thursdays at the Kenosha Creative Space!

Lots of links to check out here!

Follow Miss B Haven on Facebook here!

Learn more about Havenly Arts Studio – a private studio for music lessons involving piano, ukulele, guitar, beginner stings, percussion, and vocals.

Find everything you want to know about Betsy Ade and the Well Known Strangers here!

She is also the drummer for another fantastic band – find out more about Would You Kindly? here!

And you can also find her hosting Open Mics every Monday at Rustic Road and on Thursdays at the Kenosha Creative Space

This episode was recorded on September 12th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Next Home Refined, 7850 Green Bay Road

Acupuncture and Wellness of Wisconsin, 3917 47th Ave

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Brandi Cummings-Kenosha Public Library

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 19:00:00 -0500

For many years, Brandi Cummings has been the face and voice of our own Kenosha Public Library system. We sit down with Brandi and talk about her connection to Kenosha and why libraries are still so important to our community!

For more info on what our libraries have to offer, click HERE!

This episode was recorded on September 12th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Next Home Refined, 7850 Green Bay Road

Acupuncture and Wellness of Wisconsin, 3917 47th Ave

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Gary Schneeberger

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 19:00:00 -0500

Born and raised in Kenosha, Gary Schneeberger, may have spent a few decades away, but he has returned with a ROAR!

We talk to Gary about growing up in Kenosha, how he got interested in writing, and what led him to today.

If you are looking for ways to BE HEARD, visit Gary’s website here and be ready to ROAR!

Find info about his 2018 book “Bite The Dog: Build a PR Strategy To Make News That Matters” here!

Find more about his book - Frank Sinatra on the Big Screen: The Singer as Actor and Filmmaker here!

And here is the link for his latest release – From Connery to Craig: The James Bond Film Series!

This episode was recorded on August 29th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Next Home Refined, 7850 Green Bay Road

Acupuncture and Wellness of Wisconsin, 3917 47th Ave

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Emily Jacobs-Fancy Snacks Charcuterie

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 19:00:00 -0500

For almost 10 years, you heard today’s guest on our local rock station, WIIL as the better half of the weekday Tom & Emily Morning Show. After COVID, Emily Jacobs reevaluated things in her life and discovered a new passion in creating charcuterie boards for friends and relatives – now, nearly two years later, her business has exploded with Fancy Snack Boards.

We sit down with Emily and find her connection to Kenosha, her life on the radio dial, and what comes next!

For more about Fancy Snack Boards, check out her website here!

Be sure to like her Facebook page!

If you were a fan of her on WIIL, check out this cool mini-documentary about Tom and Emily here!

This episode was recorded on August 29th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Next Home Refined, 7850 Green Bay Road

Acupuncture and Wellness of Wisconsin, 3917 47th Ave

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Lyna & Kevin-A Summer's Garden Florist

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 19:00:00 -0500

Kevin and Lyna Postuchow met while working at a local floral shop – their love for each other and for their craft blossomed and then soon took over owners of A Summer’s Garden Flowers and Gifts, 5617 Sixth Ave. We sit down with Kevin and Lyna and find out about their CONNECTION to KENOSHA.

Click here to visit their website and learn more about their beautiful shop!

And like their page on Facebook here!

This episode was recorded on Monday, August 1st at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Next Home Refined, 7850 Green Bay Road

Acupuncture and Wellness of Wisconsin, 3917 47th Ave

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Kelly Mackay

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 19:00:00 -0500

It’s difficult to describe our next guest in a few words – Kelly Mackay is a lifelong Kenoshan who has worn many hats. Perhaps you remember him booking and promoting local acts at the Orpheum in 1988 or other venues in his younger days – you may have met him when he worked at the Kenosha News, or perhaps he took your photo for the Pub Crawl in Happenings Magazine… Whatever it was, Kelly is now the man behind KmacK Productions – a local promoter who has been bringing national touring acts to Kenosha for the past year. And, he also was recently elected as our 7th District Alderperson! Today, sit down with Kelly and talk about his connection to Kenosha!

The next big event coming to Kenosha is “Babe-Alon 5 in Winter Wonderland” hitting the Rhode Center for the Arts on August 13th – click here for tickets!

To keep your finger on the pulse of other upcoming events, join the KmacK Productions Facebook group here!

Learn more about the Oliva M. Mackay Memorial Scholarship Fund by clicking here.

Oh, and we forgot, Kelly is also a realtor! Click here for more!

This episode was recorded on Monday, August 1st at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Next Home Refined, 7850 Green Bay Road

Acupuncture and Wellness of Wisconsin, 3917 47th Ave

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Lunde

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 19:00:00 -0500

Rock and roll is NOT dead! And Kenosha has the young talent to prove it!

Many of the members of LUNDE might not be old enough to drink at the bar, but they are master students of the school of rock and have proven their talents with recent shows at the Kenosha Creative Space and elsewhere. Next on their schedule is America’s Rock N Roll Circus – a celebration of indie rock from the area and nationwide - coming to the Creative Space on August 20th.

In the studio today we connect with drummer and co-founder of the group Jeremiah Lunde and behind-the-scenes extraordinaire Abby Bloxdorf!

Find out more about the band by visiting their website here!

All you need to know about America’s Rock N Roll Circus on August 20th here!

This episode was recorded on Monday, July 18 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Next Home Refined, 7850 Green Bay Road

Acupuncture and Wellness of Wisconsin, 3917 47th Ave

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Lisa Henthorn-Specialty Nacho Queen

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 19:00:00 -0500

After many years of entertaining audiences as a cast of the Renaissance Faire and guitarist in a punk band, Lisa Henthorn has decided to set down her sword and guitar and pick up a nacho chip when she launched Specialty Nacho Queen – a Kenosha based food truck and catering service – we catch up with Lisa and find out what connects her to Kenosha!

To find out where the Specialty Nacho Queen will be next, follow her on Facebook by clicking here!

Looking for the Queen to cater your next event? Drop her an email at specialtynachoqueen@gmail.com

This episode was recorded on Monday, July 18 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Next Home Refined, 7850 Green Bay Road

Acupuncture and Wellness of Wisconsin, 3917 47th Ave

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.co

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Jimmy Pruett of The Interlude

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 19:00:00 -0500

The Interlude II, 514 57th St, is one of the longest operating businesses in Downtown Kenosha and has been family owned and operated since 1965! Jimmy took over the family business in 1993 and has established his tavern as one of the best hole-in-the-wall bars in town. We sit down with the energetic and passionate Jimmy for this exclusive interview!

This episode was recorded on Monday, June 20th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Next Home Refined, 7850 Green Bay Road

Acupuncture and Wellness of Wisconsin, 3917 47th Ave

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Laura Cox - Acupuncture & Wellness of Wisconsin

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 19:00:00 -0500

Laura Cox is a practitioner of natural functional medicine and traditional Chinese medicine at Acupuncture and Wellness of Wisconsin. If you are suffering from chronic pain, contact Laura for a consultation and see what she can do for you!

Visit her website here for more info!

And check out her podcast, The Health of the People, available here and on which ever podcast provider you found this episode of Ktown Connects!

This episode was recorded on Monday, June 20th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Acupuncture and Wellness of Wisconsin, 3917 47th Ave

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Next Home Refined, 7850 Green Bay Road

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman
Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Nick & Kaila - Kenosha Opera Festival

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 19:00:00 -0500

Opera might not be the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of summer fun in Kenosha, but Nick Huff and Kaila Bingen are bringing opera back to the 21st century in a whole new way with their new non-profit organization Kenosha Opera Festival. Their high-energy and positive spirits reflect on every performance and the amazing talents they bring to the area will blow you away at a plethora of events this summer.
Catch them at Public Craft Brewing Company on July 20th and click here to visit their website for a full list of upcoming events this summer!

Pick up a season ticket for all the upcoming performances by clicking here and help support our local art scene!

And check out their YouTube page and learn that you are actually an opera fan but just don’t know it yet!!

This episode was recorded on Monday, June 13th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Next Home Refined, 7850 Green Bay Road

Acupuncture and Wellness of Wisconsin, 3917 47th Ave

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Tim & Amber Wade-Hydn Cheese

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 19:00:00 -0500

Tim and Amber Wade are the owners of Hydn Cheese, because in Wisconsin, we are always looking for cheese! They create the classic grilled cheese sandwich along with other twists on the traditional, as well as other sandwiches and their famous soups! Hydn Cheese can be found every Saturday at the Kenosha HarborMarket, Thursdays at Petrifying Springs Biergarten, and Sundays at Milaeger’s Great Lakes Farmers Market in Racine.

Be sure to follow them on Facebook for all their latest updates.

This episode was recorded on Monday, June 6th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Next Home Refined, 7850 Green Bay Road

Acupuncture and Wellness of Wisconsin, 3917 47th Ave

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Alvin Owens-Regimen Barber Collective

Thu, 26 May 2022 19:00:00 -0500

Alvin Owens knew that Kenosha didn’t really need another barbershop… but we did need a Collective. So he started Regimen Barber Collective, 1345 52nd St. They offer much more than haircuts, with the BLAK Coffee Shop Pop-Up and the Legacy Lab, Alvin is doing everything he can to help our community members find the right path.

Click here to follow Regimen Barber Collective on Facebook.

And come out on Saturday, June 18th, from 11-6 for the Juneteenth celebration located just east of Regimen Barber Collective at 52nd St and 13th Court. Click here for details!

In 1998, Alvin created the Education Development Youth Outreach program to give local teens a chance to experience a culture they might not be familiar with. Each year, his group takes a spring tour of historic Black colleges. Find out more at their website here!

This episode was recorded on Monday, May 23rd at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Next Home Refined, 7850 Green Bay Road

Acupuncture and Wellness of Wisconsin, 3917 47th Ave

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Mark Gerber

Thu, 19 May 2022 19:00:00 -0500

Mark Gerber has a long rich history in Kenosha, and we talk about his life growing up in our city, his involvement in numerous taverns, and his life now as the owner of Gerber’s Gift Shop, 3012 Roosevelt Road

You can also find Gerb every Sunday at the Wilmot Flea Market

This episode was recorded on Monday, May 16th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Next Home Refined, 7850 Green Bay Road

Acupuncture and Wellness of Wisconsin, 3917 47th Ave

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Mitch Ferraro-Kenosha.com

Thu, 12 May 2022 19:00:00 -0500

This week we connect with content creator and maestro of real estate Mitch Ferraro.

Check out his web video interviews on Kenosha.com.

Find a quick link to the Southeast Wisconsin Real Estate Investor’s Group on Facebook here

Check out his Family Legacy Real Estate Facebook page here

Welcome Home Real Estate Group

This episode was recorded on Monday, May 9th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Next Home Refined, 7850 Green Bay Road

Acupuncture and Wellness of Wisconsin, 3917 47th Ave

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Liz & Rex - Kenosha News

Thu, 05 May 2022 19:00:00 -0500

We welcome the tigers into our den this week when we sit down with two longtime members of the real #1 media company in the area - Rex Davenport and Liz Snyder of Kenosha News!

This episode was recorded on Monday, April 25th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Next Home Refined, 7850 Green Bay Road

Acupuncture and Wellness of Wisconsin, 3917 47th Ave

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Diego & Dianna Villalobos - Midwest DJ Productions

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 19:00:00 -0500

For many years, husband and wife team Diego and Dianna Villalobos have been keeping the dance floor hopping at wedding receptions, private parties, corporate events, and much more all across the area as owners of Midwest DJ Productions. But their story has much more than that, and we sit down and talk with Diego and Dianna and talk about their lifelong CONNECTION to KENOSHA.

Looking to book your music for your next event the right way? Visit their website by clicking here for more!

Like them on Facebook here!

Save the DATES:

July 30-31: Midwest MixFest – Kenosha Yacht Club (Simmons Island)

Sept. 17-18: Hispanic Heritage Fest – Bandshell at Pennoyer Park

This episode was recorded on Monday, April 25th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Next Home Refined, 7850 Green Bay Road

Acupuncture and Wellness of Wisconsin, 3917 47th Ave

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Steve Casey-Casey Family Options

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 19:00:00 -0500

Steve Casey, of Casey Family Options Funerals and Cremations, is never shy to voice his opinion. His peers over his 22-years as a Kenosha Alderman can attest to that, as well as listeners to his weekly radio appearances with Bill Lawrence on AM1050 WLIP.

We had a great time sitting down with Steve and talking about growing up in Kenosha, what is important to him, and so much more.

Are your final wishes planned out? Don’t leave it up to your family to be forced to make these tough decisions on one of the worst days of their lives. Contact Casey Family Options, 3016 75th St., for the best pre-planning funeral services in town that won’t break your bank! Click here to visit their website.

This episode was recorded on Monday, April 18th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Next Home Refined, 7850 Green Bay Road

Acupuncture and Wellness of Wisconsin, 3917 47th Ave

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Kimberly Warner-Authentique Gifts

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 19:00:00 -0500

Kimberly Warner, owner of Authentique Gifts, 625 57th Street, and Repour’d Candle Factory, describes herself as a ‘serial entrepreneur’ – both her parents and grandparents have owned businesses, so it felt natural for Kimberly to step out in 2017 and launch her own shop in Downtown Kenosha. We sit down and talk with Kimberly about how she launched both her businesses, the chaos that was Kenosha in 2020, her podcast – Fearlessly Authentique and more!

Learn more about Authentique by clicking here!

Find out what the Repour’d Candle Factory is all about by clicking here!

Subscribe to her Fearlessly Authentique podcast on your favorite provider, or learn more by clicking here!

This episode was recorded on Monday, April 11th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

LaMacchia Travel , 618 55th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Next Home Refined, 7850 Green Bay Road

Acupuncture and Wellness of Wisconsin, 3917 47th Ave

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Robby Gauss-Total Cyclery

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 19:00:00 -0500

We kick off our fourth season of Ktown Connects with Robby Gauss – second generation owner of Total Cyclery, 5039 Sixth Ave.

Stop in to Total Cyclery Monday – Wednesdays, and Fridays 10am – 6pm, Saturdays 10-4, closed Thursdays and Sundays.

This episode was recorded on Monday, March 28th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Acupuncture and Wellness of Wisconsin, 3917 47th Ave

LaMacchia Travel [JH1] , 618 55th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Next Home Refined, 7850 Green Bay Road

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

A Kenosha Christmas Carol - Live

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 19:00:00 -0600

Recorded live in front of an audience at Fusion, 5014 Seventh Ave. on Saturday, December 11th, 2021.

Starring
Koerri Elijah as Scrooge
Daniel Thompson as Bob Cratchit
Donny Stancato as Fred Scrooge
Boda Martin as Emily Scrooge
Katy Wallner as Belle
Jakob Morgan as Jacob Marley
Ron Dean Brown as Tom the Butcher
Aimee Crucianelli as Ann the Maid
Sarah Kovach as the Ghost of Christmas Past
Jake Hoey as the Ghost of Christmas Present
Kevin Ervin as himself
Jason Hedman is your narrator

This show was a part of a night long event which raised over $7000 for Walkin' in My Shoes and gave some local Kenosha kids a very merry Christmas!

w/Craig Pias - The Port of Kenosha Beverage House

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 19:00:00 -0600

In 1998, a young Craig Pias got a part-time bartending job at his favorite local watering hole, The Port of Kenosha Beverage House, 714 50th St. Little did he know at the time, but that little bar that used to be a house would be his destiny and in 2014 he took over as owner of one of the most unique bars in the area.

Enjoy this episode where we talk to Craig about growing up in Kenosha, how he got started in the bartending world, the Hot Wheels Grand Prix, a bronze Al, and much more!

This episode was recorded on Monday, December 6th atLuigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Lulu Birds, 5716 Sixth Ave

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Jo Wynn-Walkin' in My Shoes

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 19:00:00 -0600

At the age of 50, Jo Wynn’s life has begun to unravel – after numerous setbacks, she found herself homeless on the streets of Kenosha. But Jo knew this wasn’t a permanent place for her. She strove to find the avenues to get her off the streets and back on her feet. After witnessing that struggle firsthand, she decided to start the non-profit organization Walkin in My Shoes. Starting with duffle bag ‘survival kits’ for people still on the streets, and later with Street Outreach Program, which provides information that will link the homeless with immediate emergency shelter assistance.

Visit the Walkin in My Shoes page here!

Find all the information about the upcoming Kenosha Christmas Carol – starring your hosts Donny and Jason, along with Koerri, Daniel, and many others here.

This episode was recorded on Sunday, November 21st at Faded Barbershop for Men, 2227 63rd St

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Lulu Birds, 5716 Sixth Ave

Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Koerri Elijah & Daniel Thompson

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 19:00:00 -0600

Today we re-connect with two of our past guests and talk about how they have changed in the past year.

Subscribe to Koerri Elijah’s YouTube channel here

Follow Koerri’s Facebook page here [JH1]

Find Daniel Thompson’s Uptown Observer here

Check out his music – Daniel and his 3AM Saints here

Find all the information about the upcoming Kenosha Christmas Carol – starring your hosts Donny and Jason, along with Koerri, Daniel, and many others here.

This episode was recorded on Sunday, November 21st at Faded Barbershop for Men, 2227 63rd St

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Lulu Birds, 5716 Sixth Ave.

Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Carl the Turkey

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0600

Today we sit down with Carl the Turkey - Kenosha's hottest new celebrity!
Don't know Carl?
Click here to learn more!
Happy Thanksgiving!

w/Matt Glaman-Bluehorn Digital

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 19:00:00 -0600

As they have been a longtime sponsor of Ktown Connects, you have probably been hearing about the advantageous drupal and e-commerce consulting solutions that Bluehorn Digital can provide to your local business. But if you are anything like Donny and Jason, you might have some questions. On today’s episode of Ktown Connects, we are joined by Matt Glaman of Bluehorn Digital.

Click here to visit Bluehorn Digital

This episode was recorded on Monday, November 1st at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Mark Wistar-House of Nutrition

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 19:00:00 -0600

The House of Nutrition has been keeping Kenosha healthy for generations. In 2014, longtime customer Mark Wistar decided to take the jump and purchase the business. Eight years later and House of Nutrition and Wellness, 5824 Sixth Ave., is now more popular than ever. We sit down and talk to Mark about his early days in Kenosha and how he got involved in this business.

Click here to visit the House of Nutrition and Wellness website

This episode was recorded on Monday, October 25th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Dave Strash - Chamber of Commerce

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 19:00:00 -0500

Earlier this year, lifelong Kenoshan David Strash took over as the new president and CEO of the Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce. What is the Chamber of Commerce and what does Dave do in his new position? Those questions and more are answered in today’s episode of Ktown Connects!

Click here to visit the Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce website!

This episode was recorded on Monday, October 25th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Bluehorn Digital
CarBox, 1750 22nd Ave
Wink Beauty Boutique, 10909 Sheridan Road
Union Park Tavern, 4520 Eighth Ave.
Faded Barbershop for Men, 2227 63rd St
Lucci’s Grandview 6929 39th Ave.
Down Town R Saloon, 707 56th St
Captain Mike’s, 5118 Sixth Ave.

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Paul & Jen-Ashling on the Lough

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 19:00:00 -0500

On today’s episode of Ktown Connects, we talk with Paul Ward and Jenifer Fleming of Ashling on the Lough, 125 56th St. Ashling on the Lough provides classic Irish food, delicious beers and cocktails, and, according to Donny, the best Bloody Marys and cheese curds around!

Visit their website here for more!

And be sure to like them on Facebook here!

This episode was recorded on Monday, October 11th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Rhonda & Erica-Twisted Cuisine

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 19:00:00 -0500

Back in 2006, Rhonda Bell took a leap of faith and opened her own restaurant, Twisted Cuisine, 7546 Sheridan Road. After a few solid years, she really found success when she hired on Chef Erica Buskirk to the team and the rest is history! For almost 16 years, Twisted Cuisine has been offering up fine dining in a causal atmosphere… with a Twist!

Enjoy this episode as we talk to Rhonda about growing up in Kenosha, what makes Twisted Cuisine stand above the rest, Erica’s recent experience on the Food Network, and much more!

Twisted Cuisine is open:
Tuesday – Thursdays 4pm – 8pm
Friday and Saturdays 4pm – 9pm
Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations can be made by calling 262-564-0220.
Find their complete menu and more info at twistedcuisine.com
And be sure to follow them on Facebook for all the latest updates!

This episode was recorded on Monday, October 11th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Union Park Tavern, 4520 Eighth Ave.
Bluehorn Digital
CarBox, 1750 22nd Ave
Lucci’s Grandview 6929 39th Ave.
Faded Barbershop for Men, 2227 63rd St
Captain Mike’s, 5118 Sixth Ave.
Down Town R Saloon, 707 56th St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Tom & Monica - LaMacchia Travel

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 19:00:00 -0500

With the ability to book a flight in the palm of your hand, what does a 21st century world need with a travel agency? Tom and Monica Karnes of LaMacchia Travel deliver much more than just competitive prices and their charming personalities. We dig deep with Tom and Monica, about growing up in Kenosha, becoming third-generation owners of an iconic Kenosha business, and so much more.
LaMacchia Travel is located at 618 55th Street in beautiful downtown Kenosha – 262-656-8300.

For all your travel needs, visit their website HERE!

Do you want even more from Tom??? Find his podcast Two Toms Talkin’ Travel on your favorite podcast player or click here!

This episode was recorded at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Jill Zgorezelski

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 19:00:00 -0500

Today we connect we artist, singer, model, dancer, TV host, make-up master, and all-around wonderful person Jill Zgorzelski!

Like and follow Jill’s art page here!

Like her band The Cats Meow here!

Find Women in Motion’s FB page here!

Follow Deadgar’s Coffin Classics on YouTube

This episode was recorded on Saturday, September 20th, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Dr. Dale Destruction

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 19:00:00 -0500

Kenosha is a better place with someone like Dr. Dale Destruction around to keep us entertained, especially during this spooky time of the year!

We sit down and talk to Dr. D about his life growing up in Kenosha, his experiences in the Keno-Core punk rock scene, how he got involved with Jerry Smith’s Pumpkin Farm, the birth of his TV show Crimson Theater, his artwork, his music, and so much more!

This Halloween season stop out and see his spooky Haunted Manor at Jerry Smith’s, Monday – Friday 4-8, and Saturdays and Sundays from 11-8.

His show Crimson Theater – still airs on Spectrum Channel 14, over the air on 59.3 and on the Kenosha Community Media website and Roku app.

Find clips of the show on YouTube here!

This episode was recorded on Monday, September 13th, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Marc Riutta-Handlebars and Bars

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 17:00:00 -0500

In 2007, Marc Riutta and his friends started a little bicycle pub crawl throughout Kenosha called Handlebars and Bars, that fall, they did it again, this time dressed as zombies and calling it The Ride of the Living Dead. The crowd for the latter grew to levels no local tavern could handle so in 2017, Riutta called it quits on the “zombie ride” – until now.

On Saturday, October 2nd, zombies return to the streets of Kenosha for the Return of the Ride of the Living Dead!

Like the Handlebars and Bars/Ride of the Living Dead Facebook page here!

And here is the event page for the upcoming Return of the Ride of the Living Dead!

This episode was recorded on Saturday, September 18th, 2021 at The Squirrel’s Nest (Marc’s garage bar)

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Faded Barbershop for Men, 2227 63rd St
Captain Mike’s, 5118 Sixth Ave.
Down Town R Saloon, 707 56th St
Union Park Tavern, 4520 Eighth Ave.
Bluehorn Digital
CarBox, 1750 22nd Ave
Lucci’s Grandview 6929 39th Ave.

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

w/Katy Wallner-Hot Mess Studios

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 19:00:00 -0500

We had a great time connecting with the charming Katy Wallner. From discovering her roots, to her service in the US Army, to her founding the Creatives 4 Community group and finally, Hot Mess Studios – Hot Mess is a new studio in Downtown Kenosha where the guests can throw paint at a canvas and create their own masterpiece! It is perfect for a corporate event, a family activity, or a special date night!

Like and follow Hot Mess Studio here for more information!

And check out Katy’s other venture – Creatives 4 Community.net

This episode was recorded on Monday, August 16th, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue.

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

w/Tavern League of Kenosha

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 19:00:00 -0500

This week, we sit down with a few members of the City of Kenosha branch of the Tavern League of Wisconsin. We talk to Kenosha Tavern League President Art DeBaere. Art is also the owner of Champions Sports Bar, 719 50th Street.

Follow Champions on Facebook here.

We talk to Art about coming to Kenosha and opening his own bar, and then Sara Lucci, Secretary of the City of Kenosha Tavern League, and co-owner of Lucci’s Grandview, 6929 39th Ave, joins the discussion for everything you always wanted to know about the Tavern League, how it works, and what it does.

Be sure to follow the Kenosha City Tavern League of Wisconsin on Facebook for a direct feed of what is happening with the new and improved Tavern League – because it’s a whole new BAR game!

This episode was recorded on Monday, August 16th, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue.

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

w/Rey and Joe-Kenosha Beauty Supply-Hit Your Potential Fitness

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 19:00:00 -0500

One of Kenosha’s hottest power couples – Renesha “Rey” Johnson-Langston and Joe Langston are the owners of Kenosha Beauty Supply, 5829 Sixth Ave, and Hit Your Potential Boxing and Fitness, 7709 Sheridan Road. We sit down and talk to them about how they got together as teens and their journey which brought them back to Kenosha.

Like Kenosha Beauty Supply on Facebook here!

Find out more about Hit Your Potential here!

This episode was recorded on Monday, August 2nd, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue.

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

w/Laura Spair-The Fresh Bar

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 19:00:00 -0500

Growing up in Kenosha, Laura Spair never imagined herself working in the food industry, much less owning her own food business… Laura always imagined herself to be teacher. Well, now she can do both! Today on Ktown Connects, we talk with the owner of The Fresh Bar – Laura Spair. The Fresh Bar is located at the corner of 55th Stree and Fifth Avenue and is operating through the end of September every Friday 7am – Saturdays and Sundays 8am -1pm

Like The Fresh Bar on Facebook for all the latest updates.

Contact laura@gofreshbar.com

This episode was recorded on Monday, August 2nd, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue.

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Down Town R Saloon, 707 56th St
Captain Mike’s, 5118 Sixth Ave.
Union Park Tavern, 4520 Eighth Ave.
CarBox, 1750 22nd Ave
Lucci’s Grandview 6929 39th Ave.
Bluehorn Digital
Faded Barbershop for Men, 2227 63rd St

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com
Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

w/Scott and Johnna - CarBox

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 19:00:00 -0500

Who would have thought that talking cars could be so much fun?

We sit down with CarBox owner Scott Dooley and marketing manager Johnna McArdle to talk about why they came to Kenosha and what make CarBox the best auto dealership in Kenosha!

CarBox is located at 1750 22nd Avenue and open six days a week – Monday – Saturday!

Like CarBox on Facebook HERE!

Subscribe to the CarBox YouTube channel HERE!

For your essential guide to everything fun to do in our hometown – bookmark Visit Kenosha here!

This episode was recorded on Monday, July 19th, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue.

Although we have removed any harsh swear words from this conversation, the subject matter itself gets a little PG-13, particularly during the trivia section at the end of the episode, you have been warned.

Here is a link to David Dobrik’s YouTube channel, one of Scott’s big inspirations.

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

w/Laura Gregorski-Visit Kenosha

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 19:00:00 -0500

Enjoy this week’s conversation with Laura Gregorski of Visit Kenosha.

For your essential guide to everything fun to do in our hometown – bookmark Visit Kenosha here!

This episode was recorded on
Monday, July 19th, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue.

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

w/Donoma

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 19:00:00 -0500

This week we get to sit down with 4/5 of one of our favorite local bands – Donoma!

Find more information about the band on the website here!

Listen to their latest album American Rust on Spotify here!

Here is video footage of Donoma performing Rustbelt Tragedy in our Ktown Connects studio!

They stuck around and did another song from their new album – Maria – click here!

This episode was recorded on
Monday, July 5th, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue.

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

w/Baron Leaf Olsen

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 19:00:00 -0500

From the teenager on the skim board running out to the beach, to your favorite male bartender at Scotty’s tavern, to the current man on the scooter with his own candle company, BLOW CO. Candles – we sit down and get personal with Baron Leaf Olsen.

Visit the Blow Co Candle website here!

Like the Blow Co Candles Facebook page here!

This episode was recorded on Monday, July 5th, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue.

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

w/Hillard Wozniel - Hills Hotrod Hideout

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 19:00:00 -0500

“I’ve Been Everywhere” is a song by Johnny Cash that you might hear on your next visit to Hill’s Hotrod Hideout, 4327 17th Ave. But the song can also be the unofficial theme for our guest, Hill Wozniel. We sit down and get Hill’s interesting story of the many paths he took which led him to own the coolest rockabilly joint in town!

Be sure to like Hill’s Hotrod Hideout here!

This episode was recorded on June 21st, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue. -

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Get this episode early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

w/Riki Tagliapietra

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 19:00:00 -0500

From his early beginnings of racing around in grocery carts doing wheelies in the old Piggly Wiggly to keeping the neighborhood kids from climbing on his fire truck/pizza kitchen and everything in between we talk with Kenosha’s own Riki Tagliapietra.

Currently Riki is the president of Downtown Kenosha, Inc., click here to learn more.

He is also a contributor to Kenosha.com – read his latest here

And he is the owner and operator of Cut Stone Foods – which sells some of the best pizza around out of a converted fire truck! Click here for a better look!

This episode was recorded on June 21st, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue. -

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Get this episode early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

w/Rob Greskoviak-Villa D'Carlo

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 19:00:00 -0500

At the age of 12, Rob Greskoviak came to Kenosha with his mother and her new husband, a man who owned a local pizzeria in town. That man was Carl Ruffalo, and he started his Villa D’Carlo home of Carl’s Pizza back in 1957, originally in the Columbus Park neighborhood, before moving to its Sixth Avenue location in 1962. Rob grew up in the business and talks all about pizza, his side-gig in real estate, and how to get along with others in Downtown Kenosha.

Be sure to follow Villa D’Carlo on Facebook here.

And find more information on their website here.

This episode was recorded on
June 7th, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue. -

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Get this episode early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week’s guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

w/Lou Rugani - AM1050 WLIP

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 19:00:00 -0500

Although many might know him from his work in the Sauerkraut Five, Lou Rugani has been the distinctive voice of AM1050 WLIP for 29 years. You can hear his show Remembering Kenosha weekdays from 3-5pm on your radio dial or streaming at wlip.com – and on the same network Sunday morning with Music With The Stars from 7-11am.

This episode was recorded on June 7th, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue.

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Captain Mike’s, 5118 Sixth Ave.
Kaiser’s Pizza and Pub of Kenosha, 510 57th St.
Lucci’s Grandview 6929 39th Ave.
Union Park Tavern, 4520 Eighth Ave.
Pine Blossom, 5925 Sixth Ave-A
Coming Up Roses Cleaning & Organizing
Washed Out Hair Products

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.
Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com
Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Get this episode early and ad-free, along with over lots of bonus material with our guest, and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

w/Aimee & Danny Crucianelli - Fusion

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 19:00:00 -0500

In the middle of a pandemic, Aimee and Danny Crucianelli took over as operators of Fusion – a performing arts venue located at 5014 Seventh Ave. They have had their fair share of struggles, but they have fought on and the future is looking bright!
Follow Fusion on Facebook for the latest updates!

This might be their main gig right now, but Aimee and Danny are one of the busiest couples in town. In addition to their day jobs, the couple are 2/5 of the rock band Dropping Daisies – an act who performs the theme song to your favorite podcast!
Like Dropping Daisies on Facebook here!

For your musical instrument needs, stop in and see Danny at Music Go Round, 5708 75th Street.
Looking for a realtor? Call Aimee of EXP Realty at 262-577-4110.
And for your cleaning needs, contact Coming Up Roses Cleaning & Organizing

This episode was recorded on
May 24th, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue. -

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Get this episode early and ad-free, along with over twenty minutes of bonus material, and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

w/Sarai Gilmore-Salon on Sixth

Thu, 27 May 2021 19:00:00 -0500

This week, we style it up with Sarai Gilmore, longtime hairstylist in Kenosha and owner of Salon on Sixth, an Aveda concept salon, 5040 Sixth Ave. For more contact info, like them on Facebook here.

This episode was recorded on
May 24th, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue. -

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Get this episode early and ad-free, along with over twenty minutes of bonus material with Sarai, and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Music Trivia Showdown w/Sarah & Jake!

Thu, 20 May 2021 17:00:00 -0500

We did something a bit different this week, we brought back two of our past guests for a game of music trivia!
We welcome Sarah Kovach of Wink Beauty Boutique
and Jake "The Weather Guy" Hoey

click here to find out how you can become a PATREON supporter and get all the great bonus stuff!

w/Andy Berg

Thu, 13 May 2021 19:00:00 -0500

Andy Berg is a local politician, social justice activist, community volunteer, and veteran. He is the man behind The Garden of Eatin’ – a local community service project which has been providing food for the local food pantries for the past 8 years.

Visit the Garden of Eatin’ website here for more information!

Andy has also gone to the extremes lately to get his voice heard on social and political issues he finds important.

Click here for more about his food drive this last January.

Click here for more about his recent 22-day political fast.

Oh, and by the way, he is also the Kenosha County Supervisor for the 10th District, follow him on Facebook here!

This episode was recorded on
April 26th, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue. -

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Get this episode early and ad-free, along with over a half hour of extra talk with Andy Berg, and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more!

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

w/John Collins-Elder Statesman

Thu, 06 May 2021 19:00:00 -0500

Growing up in the Columbus Park neighborhood gave John Collins a rich appreciation for his hometown. Today we talk to John about his life and the many avenues his life has taken including paperboy, Wilson Elementary School teacher, and the tribulations he took on as the Kenosha County Executive in the mid-80s when over 5,000 Kenosha workers at the AMC plant had concerns about the future of their careers.

But John hasn’t stopped… since “retirement” he remains active as a member of several local boards, including The History Center, The Shalom Center, and HarborMarket, and a long-time member of the Kiwanis Club and he even writes a little bit for kenosha.com. Enjoy this great conversation we had with John and what connects him to Kenosha.

This episode was recorded on
April 26th, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue. -

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme music performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

w/Andrea & Gary-Kenosha HarborMarket

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 19:00:00 -0500

On Saturday, May 8th the Kenosha HarborMarket kicks off it’s 18th season located at it’s regular summer location at 56th Street and 2nd Avenue, just feet away from the beautiful Kenosha harbor! Last year, Andrea Forgianni came on as the new executive director of the Market and she is joined by new board member Gary Schneeberger in our studio to talk about what to expect this summer at “Kenosha’s Original Market.”

Find more info on their website by clicking here!

Like them on Facebook here!

This episode was recorded on
April 12th, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue. -

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme music performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

w/Shay 'Mr. Keno$ha' Majors

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 19:00:00 -0500

2020 was hard on the world, but it seems Kenosha got an additional kick in the ‘you know what’ last year. Many people dwell on the negative in the world – but not Shay “Mr Keno$ha” Majors – Shay has created his own brand which combines his humanitarian work with his activism in an attempt to capture a positive spin on our community. But, that isn’t all – he is active in attempting to create a conversation among Kenosha to help combat missing children and justice for all. We have a great chat with Shay about how and why he decided to step away from being a keyboard warrior and step into the spotlight.

Be sure to like his Facebook page by clicking here!

Find Shay on YouTube here!

Follow him on Twitter here!

And don’t forget him on Instagram too!

This episode was recorded on
April 12th, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue. -

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme music performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

#OperationCadillac

#BringTheKidsHome

#MakeKenoshaSmileAgain

#Make2021Smile

#JusticeForAll

w/Kevin Glowicki - Never Stop Media

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 21:00:00 -0500

In the spirit of journalistic integrity, this episode is being posted completely raw and unedited, it contains adult language.

On this special episode of Ktown Connects we sit down and talk with Kevin Glowicki of Never Stop Media. With his media company, Glowicki has been exploring a theory of a fourth shooting victim on the night of the Kyle Rittenhouse incident in Kenosha. Never Stop Media has recently made the news after the Kenosha Police Department called his investigation “factually inaccurate and suggestive.”

We know that our government as a whole is not known for a rich history of truth-telling, so we sat down with Kevin to hear him out and he raises some interesting questions as he seeks the to find the truth.

We are not condoning nor condemning either Mr. Glowicki or the Kenosha Police Department, we are simply giving him a platform to provide the facts that he has gathered and listen to the questions he has.

Visit the Never Stop Media website here

Like Never Stop Media on Facebook here

Subscribe to the Never Stop Media YouTube channel here.

This episode was recorded on
April 19th, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue. -

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme music performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

w/Jim Spata & Amy Rivera - Valeo's Pizza

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 19:00:00 -0500

In 1973, Jim Spata (along with his wife Lyla) came to Kenosha to look at a promising pizzeria that was on the market. Shortly after, Jim knew that his life in Chicago was now over as his family started a new life in Kenosha as the new owners of Valeo’s Pizza, 5021 30th Avenue! Forty-eight years later, the Valeo family might be long absent from the business, but the high quality food and excellent customer service started by Sal Valeo and carried on by Jim and, in 2013, his son Eric and his wife Christal. Jim joins us in the studio to talk about how he carried on the Valeo’s name and is joined by restaurant manager Amy Rivera.

Visit the website here and place your order for your next delicious meal!

This episode was recorded on
March 29th, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue. -

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme music performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

w/Alder.Anthony Kennedy

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 19:00:00 -0500

Since 2008, Anthony Kennedy has served as the 10th District Alderperson for the City of Kenosha – but he is 1st with Ktown Connects!

Anthony is quite the character and is not your typical politician!

On this week’s episode, we dig in deep with Anthony and talk about his recent involvement with former and current alders, and some of the controversial issues he has been involved in. We had a great time talking with him and we hope you enjoy this episode!

Learn more about Anthony here!

This episode was recorded on
March 29th, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue. -

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Theme music performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

w/Joshua Ferguson

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 19:00:00 -0500

For the rest of us, we have 24 hours in the day, but for Joshua Ferguson, he must have a few extra – that’s the only way we can figure Josh can do all the amazing things he does. On top of working a full-time job, Joshua is also a local business owner, active in several community groups, a musician (Yungrisky), a writer, and he still manages to be an amazing family man to his wife, Charrie and their four kids! How does he do it all? We sit down with Joshua Ferguson, owner of PlaySpace and the up-and-coming Ivory boutique store to try to find out how he does it all!

Like PlaySpace Kenosha on Facebook here!

Here’s more info on their new boutique shop – Ivory!

Visit the Walkin’ in My Shoes website to see how you can help our community here!

This episode was recorded on March 22nd, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue. -

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman -

Theme music performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

w/Cheryl & Gary-The Pine Blossom

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 19:00:00 -0500

Cheryl and Gary Farrand are soon celebrating four years in Downtown Kenosha with The Pine Blossom, 5925 Sixth Ave-A, a charming shop filled with great gift ideas for someone special – or just as a treat for yourself. Stop in and see their treasures. They are currently open Thursdays – Sundays!

Visit their Facebook page here!

Check out Gary’s great artwork here!

This episode was recorded on
March 15st, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue. -

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman -

Theme music performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

w/Beth Dary-Lemon Street Gallery & Artspace

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 19:00:00 -0500

As a young petunia-picker, Beth Dary was frequently told by her mother that “idle hands were the devil’s work.” After years of creating her own art and being one of the earliest vendors at the Kenosha HarborMarket, Beth is now the executive director of the Lemon Street Gallery and ArtSpace, 4601 Sheridan Road.

Stop on by Lemon Street to see the best of local art! They are currently open Friday and Saturday from 11-5 and Sundays from 11-4

Visit their website here for more!

This episode was recorded on
March 15st, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue. -

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise thanks to The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman -

Theme music performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

w/Uncle Scotty and Elmo-Kenosha Today

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 19:00:00 -0600

For almost 25 years, Scott Barter has been the host of Kenosha Today – a local talk show which has been featured on Kenosha’s public access TV channel, AM1050 WLIP, and is now streaming live on YouTube with replays being aired on channel 14.

Two-time mayoral candidate Scott Barter and German singer Steve “Elmo” Schneider join the show today to talk about growing up in Kenosha and becoming an essential piece of alternative local media.

Visit their website here!

Visit their YouTube channel!

This episode was recorded on
March 1st, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue. -

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise courtesy of The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com -

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com -

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman -

Theme music performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

w/Brett Bjorn

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 22:00:00 -0600

As a second-generation owner of a downtown business with a long eccentric reputation, Brett Bjorn of Bjorn’s Fine Clothing, 5614 Sixth Ave., has taken the sales of men’s clothing into the 21st century! Brett talks about growing up in Kenosha as the son of Mike Bjorn, and taking over the family business.

Visit their website here!

This episode was recorded on
February 15th, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue. -

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise courtesy of The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Theme music performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

w/Manny Ramirez - Mr. Wings

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 19:00:00 -0600

Last year, as the pandemic was just starting, Manny Ramirez was laid-off from his job. So, what others would take as a down turn in life, Manny saw as an opportunity. With a successful marketing campaign and a delicious product to back it up – Mr. Wings was launched and ended up being voted the best wings in Kenosha in 2020 – the first year in business for Manny!

Be sure to follow Mr. Wings on Facebook to see where he will Pop Up next!

Mr. Wings Facebook

or visit his website here

This episode was recorded on
February 15th, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue. -

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Get your Ktown Connects merchandise courtesy of The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St.

Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com
Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and at ktownconnects.com

Your hosts are Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman

Theme music performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.

w/Dana & Terry - DownTown'r Saloon & Kaiser's

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 19:00:00 -0600

In 2017, Dana and Terry Nelson took over as the proud new owners of Kaiser’s Pizza and Pub in Downtown Kenosha. Then just last year, they opened up their new bar & grill – The DownTown’r Saloon. They are also the owners of the uptown shot-and-a-beer dive bar The Blue Collar Tavern. We sit down with this Kenosha power couple and get their story, why they came to Kenosha, how they met, and so much more!

This episode was recorded on February 8th, 2021 at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue.

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