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...
Jun 23, 2023•56 min•Season 5Ep. 14
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 Taver...
Jun 16, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 5Ep. 13
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 alon...
Jun 09, 2023•1 hr•Season 5Ep. 12
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 39t...
May 19, 2023•59 min•Season 5Ep. 11
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: Franks Diner, 508 58th St Aason Hunzinger of AHDidIt Union Park Tavern, 4520 Eighth Ave. ROAR – Be heard Lucci’s Grandview 6929 39th Ave Shannyn Franklin – ReMax Newport Elite Wink Beauty Boutique, 10909 She...
May 12, 2023•51 min•Season 5Ep. 10
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: Aason Hunzinger of AHDidIt Union Park Tavern, 4520 Eighth Ave. ROAR – Be heard Lucci’s Grandview 6929 39th Ave Shannyn Franklin – ReMax Newport Elite Franks Diner, 508 58th St Wink Beauty Boutique, 10909 Sheridan Rd Hydn Che...
May 05, 2023•47 min•Season 5Ep. 9
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! Additi...
Apr 28, 2023•54 min•Season 5Ep. 8
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'...
Apr 21, 2023•58 min•Season 5Ep. 7
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...
Apr 14, 2023•52 min•Season 5Ep. 6
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 ba...
Mar 24, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 5Ep. 5
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 M...
Mar 17, 2023•59 min•Season 5Ep. 4
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 scho...
Mar 10, 2023•1 hr•Season 5Ep. 3
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...
Mar 03, 2023•58 min•Season 5Ep. 2
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 grea...
Feb 24, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 5Ep. 1
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 Dani...
Oct 14, 2022•47 min•Season 4Ep. 24
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 [email protected] This e...
Oct 07, 2022•51 min•Season 4Ep. 23
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 epi...
Sep 30, 2022•58 min•Season 4Ep. 22
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 Woul...
Sep 23, 2022•58 min•Season 4Ep. 21
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: Specialty Nacho Queen Gerb’s Gift Shop, 3012 Roosevelt Rd Next Home Refined , 7850 Green Bay Roa...
Sep 16, 2022•48 min•Season 4Ep. 20
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 Filmmake...
Sep 09, 2022•56 min•Season 4Ep. 19
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...
Sep 02, 2022•48 min•Season 4Ep. 18
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 Bi...
Aug 12, 2022•48 min•Season 4Ep. 17
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 Keno...
Aug 05, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Season 4Ep. 16
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 ...
Jul 29, 2022•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 15
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...
Jul 22, 2022•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 14
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: DownTown R Saloon, 707 56th St...
Jul 01, 2022•50 min•Season 4Ep. 13
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...
Jun 24, 2022•57 min•Season 4Ep. 12
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 t...
Jun 17, 2022•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 11
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 e...
Jun 10, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 10
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...
May 27, 2022•55 min•Season 4Ep. 9
