EVOKED

When you grow up on Chicago’s southeast side, survival is an art form of its own. For Xochi, a musician and creative force, the struggle wasn’t just about making ends meet but finding her voice in a world that often dismissed artistic dreams. Raised in a historically industrial neighborhood, Xochi saw firsthand the devastation that followed the closure of the steel mills. These challenges shaped h...

Jeff Yang’s life is a mosaic of music, art, and a cultural journey that began halfway across the world. Born in Taiwan to parents who had fled wartime China, Jeff’s early years were shaped by stories of resilience, courage, and family legacy. When he immigrated to the United States at age eight, Jeff found himself in a world that felt foreign. Yet, amidst the disorientation, music emerged as a con...

Zhanna Biletska’s story is one of courage, creativity, and an unyielding commitment to growth. Born and raised in Ukraine, Zhanna’s passion for art was evident from an early age. By the time she was nine, she was already attending art school, honing her skills in drawing, painting, and composition. But the journey that brought her to where she is today—a thriving artist and photographer based in C...

Dariel Love, a performing artist with roots on the West Side of Chicago, isn't just another name in the music industry. His story is one of unapologetic individuality, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of authenticity. As he sat down to discuss his life and career, Dariel made it clear that his path was never meant to mimic anyone else's. "I'm the first of my kind," he confidently states, embra...

Kathleen Rietz is an artist who embodies the essence of creativity and determination. Born and raised in Peoria, Illinois, Kathleen’s love for nature and art developed early, largely influenced by the slower pace of life and the natural surroundings of her hometown. Her passion for art was nurtured by her mother, who recognized Kathleen’s inclination toward creativity and encouraged her to explore...

In the latest episode of EVOKED, hosted by Greg Dekalb, Geramy Webster, better known as Gee Get Money, shares his story of finding his voice in the competitive music industry. Geramy's journey from the west side of Chicago to becoming a recognized name in the music scene is a tale of resilience, creativity, and self-belief. He offers insights not just for aspiring artists, but for anyone looking t...

In a recent episode of the EVOKED Podcast, we had the pleasure of diving deep into the life and aspirations of Anthony Elkareh, a figure whose story transcends the ordinary.  Anthony's journey is not just about his transition from a potential musical prodigy in Naperville to a model and artist but is a testament to the power of self-belief and embracing one's roots. Anthony's narrative is imb...

Meet Daveed Holmes, a visionary cultural photographer turning moments into movements. Through his lens, Daveed bridges communities in Chicago, celebrating the rich tapestry of Latin, Black, and Afro-Latin cultures. Join us on the latest episode of #EVOKED as we dive into Daveed's journey, exploring how art can heal and unite The Children of the Diaspora. Your support can be the seed that grows int...

In the latest episode of The EVOKED Podcast,, Kevin Wade shared a compelling narrative that transcends the boundaries of acting and delves into the art of authentic living. Born in Illinois, raised in London, and imbued with a Creole heritage, Wade's story is a tapestry of diverse cultural experiences, shaping not just his identity but also his approach to his craft. Wade's journey is a testament...

In the latest episode of EVOKED, we delved into the world of Kasual OWNLY, a performing artist and rapper whose journey from the streets of Bronzeville to the beats of hip-hop encapsulates more than just music—it's a tale of authenticity, resilience, and creative evolution. Kasual OWNLY, a native of the vibrant Bronzeville area, discovered his passion for music through an unexpected avenue—poetry....

In the latest episode of EVOKED, hosted by the insightful Alicia Dale, we're granted an intimate lens into the life of Warren Perlstein, whose story is not just a narrative—it's a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the indomitable human spirit. Warren's canvas of life, painted with the brushes of photography and personal struggle, offers a striking picture of adaptability. With a career spa...

In a recent episode of EVOKED, hosted by the insightful Alicia Dale, we are introduced to the world of Klaus Zhang, a tattoo artist with a heartwarming perspective on his craft, the art of adaptation, and the beauty of storytelling through body art. Klaus, originally from China, shares his journey of adapting to life in the U.S. and how his profession as a tattoo artist has become a means of heali...

In the vast mosaic of artistry and imagination, photography holds a unique space where moments are immortalized. In this episode of EVOKED, we delve deep into the mind and heart of Abraham Jimenez, a photographer who doesn’t just capture moments but evokes emotions. Abraham’s affinity for photography is undeniable, but his journey transcends beyond mere imagery. "Yeah, it's... Capturing the past,"...

In the latest episode of The EVOKED Podcast, host Alicia Dale dives into the world of immersive art with the renowned creative genius, George Berlin. As a master of his craft, George takes us on a captivating journey of his creative work and shares valuable insights on how to unleash our own creative potential. George Berlin's path to becoming a creative genius may have started with a stolen title...

Tuan Jones is a man who sees the world differently. He has the unique ability to turn his thoughts and emotions into works of art that evoke deep feelings within his audience. Tuan's journey as an artist is not one of overnight success, but rather a story of hard work, perseverance, and a belief in himself. On this episode of the EVOKED Podcast, hosted by Estefania Galvan, Tuan shared his story of...

In the world of art, photography is a form that captures the essence of life in a single frame. As a photographer, Linda Horton has a keen eye for detail and a passion for capturing the beauty of the world through the lens of her camera. On the latest episode of the EVOKED Podcast, hosted by Alicia Dale, Horton shares her personal story and expertise on the art of photography. From an early age, H...

Anjelica Masson is a talented actor who was born and raised in Southside Chicago. Her love for acting began at a young age, when her father would take her and her brother to watch the latest box office hits. Watching the credits roll at the end of the movies, Anjelica became fascinated with the art of acting and expressed her desire to take acting classes at the age of 15. Growing up in a Latin ho...

Anamari, a singer, songwriter, and performer, graces the stage of the EVOKED Podcast to share her journey into the music industry.  Anamari's music is a fusion of R&B, soul, blues, rock, hip hop, house, and pop, with influences from her hometown of Chicago. Anamari's unique ethnic background, as a mixture of Irish, African, Native American, and French heritage, is a testament to the melti...

Environmental artist and musician AJ Tarzian has had a fascinating journey through his creative career. Born in Skokie, Illinois and educated at DePaul University in Chicago, Tarzian initially set his sights on a career in set design. He was fortunate to be one of only five people accepted into the conservatory program and went on to work in theater design, using his skills to bring a range of cre...

Ana Everling joins on the EVOKED podcast to share her journey from music student in Moldova to performing artist in Chicago.

TEEL One is an accountant by profession, but art has been a part of his life since a very young age. He joins us to share his journey into the art world, from graffiti artist to muralist, graphic artist, painter and toy designer.   It was TEEL’s mother who would introduce to art at an early age and mentor him into adolescence. So it was no surprise that after her passing during his teena...

Kerri Rose has been performing her entire life. A dancer from the age of two years old, Kerri has been dancing and performing in theater, and has recently set her sights on the small screen. She joins us to share her professional acting journey and how she’s navigated moving to new cities and starting a family along the way.  Since auditioning for Peter Pan in the fifth grade, she’s landed so...

Ruby Spencer didn’t consider herself an artist for the first part of her life. Growing up an athlete, she played volleyball all the way through college. It wasn’t until after college that Ruby became an active part of the vintage community in Chicago. That’s where her life as an artist took shape as she participated in pinup modeling, classic car shows and was swing dancing and teaching swing danc...

A Dental Assistant and Dental office manager for 17 years, it wasn’t until the office she managed was bought out that it pushed Amber Green to pursue her passion of photography as a profession. Now working full time as a Digital Storyteller and Photojournalist, she shares her inspirational story of finding her purpose through art.   A single mom at the time, Amber recalls the series of e...

Singing has been a passion for Charmaine Makeda all her life, but it wasn’t until she went through some difficult experiences that she decided to pursue that passion professionally. Wanting to connect with others, her message of letting people know they’re not alone has become a sort of mission statement.  A self proclaimed “people pleaser,’ Charmaine understands the courage required to step...