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Shannon Downey
Shannon Downey aka Badass Cross Stitch is an artist, activist, craftivist, community builder, and general instigator. She moves people from passive consumers of art into engaged creators. Shannon leverages craft-based art forms to bring people together and offers them opportunities to transition from makers to change makers. Her work is about telling the truth and confronting harsh realities while simultaneously inspiring radical hope and a vision for what is possible. Shannon is faculty at Columbia College Chicago and is the founder of Seriously Badass Women. Her first book, Let's Move The Needle, a guide for art activists and craftivists, will be out next summer.
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Andy Vasoyan
Andy Vasoyan is a writer, audio editor/producer, and DJ at CHIRP radio. He grew up in Los Angeles, California, a place with decidedly too many hot people for most people to live there permanently. After he received a highly lucrative MA in journalism from USC, Andy worked as a freelance writer, as well as a producer and Weekend Edition host at an NPR affiliate, until moving to Chicago in 2021. He currently produces The First Time show and edits The First Time podcast, as well as hosting a show on CHIRP, Thursdays at 10.
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Shermann "Dilla" Thomas
Shermann “Dilla” Thomas is passionate and well-versed in Chicago’s history, architecture, and culture. He brings the city to life through captivating storytelling and insider knowledge.
The Chicago Emmy nominated self-taught historian was recently awarded the City of Chicago Tourism Ambassador of the Year by Choose Chicago.
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James Swanberg
James Swanberg is able to do something that so many cannot. He can write songs that are memorable, songs that stick with you and follow you home, songs that you find yourself singing in the shower the next day, songs that are bonafide hits.
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Edward Kelsey Moore
Edward Kelsey Moore is the author of two novels, including the New York Times and
international bestseller, "The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat". A feature film
adaptation of which is currently in post-production at Searchlight Pictures. He has recently completed his third novel.
His work has appeared in the New York Times and numerous literary journals and has also been featured on Chicago Public Radio and Minnesota Public Radio.
In addition to his writing, Edward maintains a career as a professional cellist. -
Sonal Aggarwal
Former international street performer turned emcee, Sonal Aggarwal has brought her talents to Chicago as an actor, comedian, producer and movement artist. Her one woman show The Alchemy of Bliss played for a sold out weekend at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theater and you can see her on Netflix’s Easy as well as the short A Period Piece which debuted at SXSW 2020. She is a regular host of the Moth.