Blog Posts

Take A Hike In Northern Illinois!

A stand of white pine trees in the Kishwaukee River Forest Preserve.

I live in Rockford, Illinois with my husband, our four children and pets. It’s neither a small town nor a suburb. It’s a big town or, if you prefer, a small city. And it really spreads out: It has an area of approximately 65 square miles and a population of @150,000 of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.

For perspective, Chicago (pop: 2.71 million) has 234 square miles. Minneapolis (pop: @420,000) has 59 square miles. I include those two cities because I am very familiar with both and love them dearly. But I live in Rockford and am eager to share the beautiful and free places that make it so special. Here’s where we hiked in 2021:

Aldeen Park / Rockford University. If you want to get a quick, rugged two miles in, Aldeen is a city park that has a great trail system replete with a creek, dam, prairie, bluffs, hills and lots of deer.

I don’t have a picture of any of the dozens of deer we saw in 2021 but here is evidence of “buck rub.”

Aldeen also connects with the local university, which offers several unexpected moments of nature.

Sam and Angelo explore a pile of “junk” trees behind the university. They found numerous Artists’ Conks and Dryad’s Saddles growing on the decaying wood.
Most of the trees in that stash at the university are decaying and hollowed out from insects and mushrooms. Here’s Angelo taking a peek inside.

Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve. A family favorite. Spectacular views of the Kishwaukee River, lovely trails that connect with several other preserves, lots of biodiversity throughout the system and the “springs” are always a delight, no matter the season,

The “springs” in December at Blackhawk. Always teeming with spirit and life.

It’s easy to get a quick three miles at Blackhawk but you can track several more if that is your intention. Mushroom hunters: I found old, decaying chicken-of-the-woods and oysters here in December. I hope to harvest some fresh choice edibles in the spring, summer and fall!

Cedar Cliff Forest Preserve. Lovely views of a prairie, a mostly hardwood forest (there are a couple different stands of white pine trees in the woods) and the Rock River. You’re likely to encounter deer, an owl, snails and bald eagles on this hike, not to mention at least a dozen species of mushrooms ranging from coral to milk-caps and beyond! This is mostly a loop and it’s less than 2.5 miles long. It’s close to the Rockford Airport so you’ll see and hear low-flying aircraft while you hike. Though this isn’t a long hike, it’s one of my favorites because it’s close to home but it feels like a completely different state.

Views like this make me feel like I’m far away from home but Cedar Cliff Forest Preserve is a less than 20 minute drive!

Colored Sands Forest Preserve. Terrific prairie, lovely woods, nice view of the Kish. A busy thoroughfare for birds and bird banders so be mindful of the mist nets. Easy to get a quick two miles here. With a little ingenuity, you’ll track 10 miles because it connects with Sugar River Alder Forest Preserve. Wear bright colors during hunting season because hunters are out on nearby private properties. Speaking of bright, check out this Northern Cinnabar Polypore I found at Colored Sands on Christmas Eve:

Beautiful pore structure and a lovely burnt orange color. This is a Northern Cinnabar Polypore (Trametes cinnabarina) I found on a decaying log about twenty feet from the trail not far from the hawk station.

Deer Run Forest Preserve. Fern and I love it here. The trails go on for miles and take you through woods, by prairies and right up-and-into the Kishwaukee River. Easy to get a quick three miles in, but if you want more, you’ll track at least six. Hiking in the winter is delightful, but I can’t wait until the spring so I can forage for mushrooms here. I don’t want to give away too much, but if you see this tree in the spring, summer or fall, you are probably steps aways from several species of choice mushrooms! Hint: not a chicken, but a ______ of-the-woods!

Mushroom lovers: If you see this tree at Deer Run, you are very close to several species of choice mushrooms!

Funderburg Forest Preserve. Go there in May to check out the spectacular meadows. You will see unique shades of green in May. You can cover a lot of miles here, but it’s not my favorite. While most trails are inherently uneven, the trails around the cornfields can be ankle-twisters, not to mention boring. And I noticed there were a lot of horse flies particularly in the deepest sections of the woods all summer long. This is one of those places I wanted (and repeatedly tried) to unconditionally love, but I only recommend it as a place to see cool shades of green in the month of May:

Check out Funderburg in May when the meadows glow with glorious green.

FUNDERBURG UPDATE JULY 10, 2023: On Sunday, July 9, 2023, I was hiking at Funderburg with the Rockford Fringe and was completely astonished to discover that several of the “boring cornfields” have indeed been converted into stunning prairies teeming with yarrow, bergamot and brown-eyed Susans. It is absolutely gorgeous! As such, Funderburg has climbed to the top of my favorite places to hike in northern Illinois.

Funderburg in 2023! They’ve converted the old cornfields into gorgeous wildflower prairies!

Kishwaukee Gorge North. If you’re going for miles, you’ll have to repeat the course, but the gorge is great and the workout going up and down is intense and fun. Lovely views of the Kishwaukee River and lots of mushrooms!

My sons exploring the gorge at Kishwaukee Gorge North in November. Several species of mushroom here.

Macktown Forest Preserve. Sort of small so park at the entrance to get your steps in. This place features lovely trails through a hardwood forest, nice views of the Rock River, an interesting cemetery where Hononegah is buried and educational signage about the history, native plants and more. But be careful. There is weirdness lurking in the woods:

Mysterious bin located fifty feet from the trail at Macktown. I was too chicken to get any closer. Jimmy Hoffa, are you in there?

Oak Ridge Forest Preserve. Unique structure and vibe. I always see something unusual here. Almost feels like you’re in the South. It starts by the Kishwaukee River then dips in and out of the forest.

This is a decaying giant puffball mushroom at Oak Ridge. The sunlight hit it in such a way that you can see its stunning purple hues. Most of the time, decaying puffballs look greyish-greenish-brown.

Rock Cut State Park. Located in Loves Park, this park features a beautiful forest, lovely lakes, camping and delightful trails. Once a year we rent a pedal boat and head out on Pierce Lake. It is especially fun to go early in the morning when it is quiet and misty.

Fern and Angelo on Pierce Lake at Rock Cut State Park.

Russell Woods Forest Preserve. In DeKalb County. Lovely views of the Kishwaukee River, nice trails, peaceful prairie and a nearby farm. Oh, and it has this sledding hill!

Russell Woods in DeKalb County. It’s a sledding hill in the winter but during the summer, it’s where we meet to share our writing or discuss the books we are reading. That’s Fern.

Severson Dells Nature Preserve. A family staple, easy to get in four quick miles. Interesting trails, lovely bluffs, an inviting creek and a pond that is teeming with life. Visit the woods in the evening to hear and see owls. Get an extra mile in by circling the prairie. Highly recommend the dells but avoid if it recently rained because it gets muddy and slippery.

Seward Bluffs Nature Preserve. One of the perks of hiking in the winter is that you will see things you wouldn’t necessarily see during the warmer months when everything is in “bloom.” Case in point: This dead, decaying tree 50 feet off of mile marker 20 is loaded with the biggest artists’ conks we have ever seen!

Angelo and I were stunned to find so many enormous artists’ conks on this old, dead tree at Seward.

I am certain we would not have seen these conks if the leaves were still on the trees. But there’s more to this preserve than behemoth mushrooms. Seward Bluffs has bluffs (duh), a river, campsites and lovely winding trails.

Be mindful of hunting season. Hunters have their lookouts right at the edge of their private property lines which border Colored Sands, Sugar River Alder and other forest preserves. It’s legal for them to hunt on their property and they are careful, but wear bright clothes if you hike in November and December.

Sugar River Alder Forest Preserve. Hands down my favorite forest preserve in Winnebago County. Exceptionally quiet, tremendous biodiversity, lots of long trails. Terrific prairie, woods, trails and creek. Wear bright colors in November / during hunting season.

Sugar River Alder Forest Preserve is vibrant and exceptionally quiet except during hunting season. Though not allowed in the preserve, it’s legal to hunt on the nearby properties and several people do.

Bonus Trails

I’m including two “bonus trails” that are located in Minnesota. I haven’t lived in Minneapolis for several years but I still cherish these natural areas and visit them whenever I am the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge. Near the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport. The trails seem to go on forever. Years ago, when I worked in Bloomington, I used to come here on my lunch hour, so it’s possible to get a quick, satisfying 30-minute hike here. But I recommend carving out at least three hours so you can explore beyond the usual two-to-four miles.

Get your “butterfly fix” in the prairie and then head onto the trails of the Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge for a long, lovely hike.

Quaking Bog in Minneapolis. Located in the heart of the city and home to a beautiful, mysterious bog and several tamarack trees. If you get your fill of sphagnum moss, the bog quickly connects to Eloise Butler Garden, Theo Wirth pathways, more city trails and interesting neighborhoods. This was my “go-to” nature place when I lived in Minneapolis and it’s the first place I visit whenever I go back.

The quaking bog in Minneapolis in August.

What are your favorite places to hike? I hope you consider adding a northern Illinois trail to your list. If you aren’t ready to hike on your own, Rockford Fringe offers free guided hikes every Sunday. RSVP on the Events Page.

Thank you for reading. Happy Hiking! -Connie

Finally! A Blog About Mushrooms!

A Pheasant Back (AKA Dryad’s Saddle) and several specimens of Artist’s Conk adorn our mantel.

I’m into mushrooms right now. Like, I think about them all the time. It’s weird, I’m weird, it’s fine.

I’m not sure I can pinpoint a specific reason as to why I’m into fungus. What I do know is that several years ago in 2015, I was camping with my family at Sugar River Forest Preserve in northern Illinois. It was early July and we stumbled upon some beautiful, colorful mushrooms including the emetic Russula, sometimes called Red Russula.

My kids (then aged 10, 8, 6 and 5) and I found the bright red “button” on the forest floor beneath some oak trees. Enchanting!

A young emetic Russula. They start off bright red, but fade with time. The mushroom to the right is an “old” Russula. Note how the cap turns upward and creates a miniature “bowl” as it ages.

The same day we spotted the Russula, we found a Yellow-orange Fly Agaric beneath a stand of white pine trees. It was practically glowing! We were mesmerized.

A Yellow-orange Fly Agaric bursts through a bed of white pine needles in July.

That was 2015. I wasn’t able to identify those mushrooms until *this fall.* Pathetic. I remember Googling “Illinois mushrooms” and hundreds – if not thousands – of mushroom pictures populated my screen. Nothing seemed to match the fungi we found so I gave up. That’s right, I quit. I broke up with mushrooms!

But several months ago, things changed. I “discovered” Sugar River Alder Forest Preserve in northern Illinois. It is exceptionally quiet and filled with flora and fauna, including an abundance of mushrooms! I go there at least once a week to settle my mind and listen to the earth and I am happy to report that mushrooms and I are together again.

I am also happy to report that my Googling skills have improved since 2015. Case in point, I found this poster from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ website and it is a useful tool for newbie shroom-chasers. I have also checked out a couple mushroom identification books from the local library and follow various mycologists and mushroom hunters on social media.

I am a beginner, by no means an expert, but I have “met” many wonderful mushrooms this fall and am eager to introduce some of them to you!

Meet Dryad’s Saddle, named so because it looks like a saddle for a woodland fairy. According to Merriam’s Dictionary, a dryad (noun) is a spirit that lives in the forest. According to me, they are all over Sugar River Alder and I hope you visit it.

Dryad’s Saddle is also called a Pheasant Back. Whatever you call it, they grow on living or dead deciduous trees.

I found this stack of Dryad’s Saddle at Sugar River Alder Forest Preserve in November.

The cap (or “seat”) of the Dryad’s Saddle can grow up to twelve inches across and turns black as it ages. Until then, its feather-like pattern is marvelous to observe. Young Dryad’s Saddles are edible, but they become tough and inedible with age.

It’s hard to imagine a mushroom more adorable than one named for a fairy’s saddle, but there is. Enter the Giant Puffball. Autumn 2021 was an excellent year for these spectacular spheres.

These mushrooms can grow up to three feet wide and, when they are young, are pure white inside. Slicing into them is sight that is so lovely to behold! I’m telling you, their interior is a very pure white, somehow more pure and enchanting than fresh snow.

But they are not just lovely to look at! When they are young, they are edible and loaded with nutrition. However, once they start to decay, do not eat! Blechhh! And while we’re on the subject, please don’t eat any mushrooms unless you are 100% positive it is safe to do so.

This Giant Puffball was slightly smaller than a volleyball, but some grow up to three feet wide.

Decaying Giant Puffball. This was the size of a kid’s backpack. The inside is a mushy yellow-green color and no longer edible.
Common Puffballs are a miniature version of Giant Puffballs. These cuties have stems (Giants don’t) and grow in groups from the ground.

But this blog isn’t a puff piece for Puffballs! Turkey Tail mushrooms deserve some glory, too!

If you have ever seen a male turkey fan his feathers, then you will probably appreciate these little guys. They look like miniature versions of a Tom in full display. They are very common and grow on dead or decaying wood.

Turkey Tail grows in our backyard in Rockford. They emerge every spring on the dead tree stumps we use as tables.
This aging, drying Turkey Tail is from Kishwaukee Gorge North in November.
This specimen (above, greenish) of False Turkey Tail was found at Sugar River Alder Forest Preserve in October.

Turkey Tail grows in abundance, but there are many lookalikes out there. If you aren’t sure your Turkey Tail is real, flip it over and look for the pores.

“True” Turkey Tail have yellowish-white pores. False Turkey Tail are smooth.
The undersides of False Turkey Tail are buff and you can’t see their pores.

If you are tired of reading about Turkey Tails – and pores – remember this: The world is your Oyster Mushroom! This striking, easy-to-identify, gill-ty pleasure of a mushroom grows throughout North America all year round. I hope to find a fresh one emerging from a tree after a snowfall this winter. It’s good to have goals.

Oyster Mushrooms always grow from deciduous wood. Find them on living trees, dying trees, dead trees, stumps, logs or a root. Though this one appears to be growing from the ground, but I assure you it is attached to a tree root.
The edible Oyster Mushroom has dense, white flesh, distinctive gills and a stubby stem.
These Oyster Mushrooms (above) are past their prime. Though still edible, they are pretty dry. If you cook them they will have a tough, leathery consistency.

A couple weeks ago, I came home from a hike and showed my son Sam (now 14) some pretty mushrooms I found. He perked up and said he knew a place that had more mushrooms and insisted we go as quickly as possible. He threw on a pair of his dad’s Crocs and we went to Rockford University, sort of. Sam has never been one to stay on the path and that day was no exception so he immediately went into the bramble in the “circle” behind the theater.

Sam foraging for Artist’s Conks and Pheasant Backs / Dryad’s Saddles.

Within minutes he not only found Pheasant Backs but several Artist’s Conks! It was so exciting!

These Pheasant Backs / Dryad’s Saddles were as big as an adult’s outstretched palm.
Two Artist Conk’s and one Pheasant Back.
Check out the pore structure of the Pheasant Back.

Sam also found Fringed Polypore at nearby Aldeen Park. These inedible mushrooms grow in the spring, but are present all year round. Because our specimens are old and drying up, you can’t see their fringe namesake but you can get a good idea of their structure.

Fringed Polypore on a dead log.

Though the old mushroom may not look like much from the top, check out their bottom!

Behold the beautiful pore structure of a polypore!

You’ve probably noticed that all our specimens (besides the emetic Russula and the Yellow-orange Fly Agaric) have been gathered this fall. That’s because I am brand new to collecting, studying and identifying them. Now that I know Sam has a natural talent for foraging, I am confident he will lead me to many more mushrooms. In other words, expect more mushroom content from me.

Until then, I have some “old” photos of the Yellow Morel. I want to share them now so we know what to look for in 2022. These popular edibles emerge in the woods every spring. We have never harvested them, but always enjoy seeing them. This spring I plan to harvest them.

Yellow Morels have ridges that are paler than the pits. We found this one at Nygren Wetland in May.

Yellow Morels are the most common and popular morels in northern Illinois. Find them under dead or dying elms and living ash.

We spotted this Yellow Morel after a heavy rain at Kilbuck Bluffs Forest Preserve in May.

As I wrap up this blog, I’ll leave you with two more mushroom photos. The first is the very common Tan to Grayish Mycena, also called Clustered Bonnet. These grow in abundance on decaying hardwood and are not edible, but are delicate and fun to find.

Clustered Bonnets grows from decayed hardwood.

My final photograph sums up what I am thankful for this Thanksgiving. Sam found this turkey-shaped Artist’s Conk and I love it. I have so much to be thankful for, truly, but this year, I am especially thankful for mushrooms and the fact that I have a son who loves them as much as I do, if not more.

Thanks for reading. Let me know about your mushroom adventures in the comments section! -Connie

Happy Thanksgiving! Do you see the “turkey?”

Silent Hiking & Writing Party FAQ

Join us for a silent hike into the woods, along a prairie, near a river and by a creek. And then write!

Hello friends and family! Here are the frequently asked questions about the hiking and writing party! I hope you come! -xo Connie

Q: What’s going on?

A: A silent hiking and writing party! There will be no talking from 9:00-11:00 a.m. except when I record you reading your new writing, which I’ll explain further down.

Q: Where is it?

A: It’s in northern Illinois, not far from the Wisconsin border. It’s two hours north of Chicago and about ten minutes from I-90. The specific location will be kept secret until you RSVP.

Expect to hike into a forest as well as alongside a prairie and a creek.

Q: Why so secretive, Connie?

A: Because it is the most consistently quiet place I have ever been and though I am eager to share this “secret” with friends and family, I want to keep it that way to protect the wildlife that thrives there.

Q: What if the silent hike clears my mind so much that I can’t think of anything to write?

A: When we meet, I will give you a writing prompt, if you want one. You can use it or ignore it, but you do have to write!

Q: What if I hate writing?

A: I don’t care. Write.

Q: What happens if we all show up at the same time? Won’t the trails get congested?

A: I will send you onto the trails in staggered times so that you have your own space. There are plenty of ways to spread out. It is easy to get lost on these trails and cell phone services is spotty, but if you simply keep walking, you will make it back to the trailhead.

Q: What if I get lost?

A: Then you will die in the woods, alone. Bobcats will eat your rotting flesh.

Q: How much should I write?

A: As much as you want! You can write a haiku or a tanka or a sestina or an essay or a story or song or a play or a monologue or whatever. I’ll record you reading up to three minutes (about 1000 words) of your new writing.

Q: Why are you going to record me?

A: I am going to include everyone’s recordings in a video. Then I am going to share our video through Zoom and Facebook Live on Halloween Night at 7:45 p.m.

Q: What if I bring something I’ve already written? You gonna be mad?

A: Hell yes I’ll be mad! This is a new event and your writing should reflect the new event.

Q: Does that mean I have to write about the event?

A: You can write whatever you want. It just has to be new writing. Like, don’t show up with your laptop with a manuscript you started in 1997. Or even something you wrote last week. Don’t bring something you want to “dust off” or I will sic the bobcats on you.

Q: That’s the second time you’ve mentioned bobcats. Are there bobcats?

A: Bobcats have been reported in 99 of Illinois’ 102 counties, so probably. However, they are very secretive and I have never seen one there.

Q: Is there anything lurking in the woods that might scare me?

A: Not likely, unless you’re afraid of whitetail deer. But there are fox holes and gopher holes, so it is truly important to look where you are going. There are also countless walnuts on the ground, so keep an eye on the trails so you don’t accidentally twist your ankle.

There is one grill and Jesse will be grilling halloweenies on it.

Q: What if I get hungry from all that hiking and writing?

A: There will be blood snacks! Jesse will be grilling halloweenies and I will be serving a gigantic charcuterie. There will be plenty of vegetarian options. We’ll have bottled water, too.

Q: What should I bring?

A: Please bring your own pen, journal, notebook, etc. Bring your own chair if you want to sit alone, and, if you like, a jug of water to wash your hands, should you need to use the toilet.

There is one vault toilet on the premises, but there is another one down the road.

Q: The word “toilet” embarrasses me. Why are you even mentioning it?

A: Because there is only one vault toilet on the premises. No sinks.

Q: Jeez, how remote is this place? Will I be able to legally and easily park?

A: There is a small parking lot and another one nearby. I’ll help you get situated.

Q: What else is there in terms of comfort?

A: There are two picnic benches in the meeting area and one vault toilet. There is parking but no shelter.

Q: What if it rains?

A: If it’s lightly raining, we will persevere, but if it’s truly pouring we will cancel. I will make that call Saturday at 7:00 a.m. on Facebook and through email and texts.

Q: What time?

A: The in-person event is 9:00-11:00 a.m., on Saturday, Oct. 30 but Jesse and I will stick around later if anyone wants to break the silence and talk. There is also a nearby apple orchard and pumpkin patch for anyone who wants to really have a Midwestern fall experience.

Q: What if I get there early?

A: We will be there at 8:30 to set up and you are welcome to join us or get a head start on the lovely trails. Talking will be allowed all the way up until 9:00 a.m.

Q: What time will the video be shown?

A: The online event is Halloween Night from 7:45-8:30 p.m. I’ll send you the Zoom / Facebook information on Halloween.

Q: When will you send me the address to the secret location?

A: I will send you the address once you RSVP.

Q: How do I RSVP?

A: Email me at connievkuntz@gmail.com. Or call or text me at 779-772-0716.

Q: How much does this cost?

A: It’s F-R-E-E!

Jesse and I truly hope you can come! -Connie See Less

Podcast From Hell

Monday, Oct. 4 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Central. Email me for the Zoom link.

If you’re interested in learning how to create podcasts and radio plays and you’re curious about what it’s like to take a class with me (hint: interactive), join me on Zoom for PODCAST FROM HELL.

It’s an educational and legitimately fun podcast that my Chicago Dramatists class put together over the past six weeks.

The podcast itself teaches the listener how to record, edit, implement sound cues, introduce, interview, and share podcasts & radio plays. It is fun but also c-o-m-p-r-e-h-e-n-s-i-v-e, so if you’re genuinely interested in learning the ins and outs of podcast and radio play production, plan on taking notes. If you’re just in it for the fun, that works, too.

Running time: One hour and eleven minutes with a brief / moderated Q & A at the end.

The class: Connie Kuntz (instructor), Rachel Goodstein, Jan Probst, Roy Schreiber, Erik Schiller and Carl Maronich.

When: Monday, Oct. 4 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Central Time Zone.

Cost: Your SOUL. Other than that, it’s free.

How: Let me know you’re interested and I’ll send you the Zoom link.

The Stormy, Husky, Brawling Show

Updated on July 24, 2021.

#basementfish

The Chicago skyline seen from Montrose Beach / Lake Michigan.

This summer, I am writing and producing The Stormy, Husky, Brawling Show, a Chicago-based talk show.

I started writing and testing new episodes of The Stormy, Husky, Brawling Show at Naked Angels Tuesdays@9 Chicago in April and May. When we broke for the summer, I started writing and producing fresh episodes with Tuesdays@9 talent.

The Stormy, Husky, Brawling Show aims to be informative, funny and wonderfully ridiculous. In its current stage, the audience sees the introduction, opening monologue, some behind-the-scenes panic (including a kidnapping scene), and #basementfish.

After we complete our first six episodes, we’ll start fleshing out the entire show.

Every episode is cast and staffed with professional actors and musicians. The Stormy artists include Ellen Bartlett; Suzy Brack; Edgar Clay; Michael Colby; Robbie Ellis; Vanessa Ellis; Rhiannon Frazier; Atlie Gilbert; Aviva Jaye; Ean Miles Kessler; Connie Kuntz (me); Jesse Kuntz; Carl Maronich; Julie Riffle; and Judy Lea Steele.

Aviva Jaye is our music director. She composed the Stormy theme song and Stormy Strings. She also appears in Episode 5 “One Small Step” as a seductive #basementfish. Jesse Kuntz is our technical director and video editor as well as our beloved “Minrod.” And Suzy Brack leads our cast every week with elegance and determination.

Here are links to the episodes:

Episode 1 “Did We Land The Tuna?” premiered on June 1, 2021. (Suzy Brack, Michael Colby, Edgar Clay, Rhiannon Frazier, Aviva Jaye, Connie Kuntz, Jesse Kuntz.)

Episode 2 “BB Is Watching You” aired on June 8, 2021. (Ellen Bartlett, Suzy Brack, Vanessa Ellis, Aviva Jaye, Ean Miles Kessler, Connie Kuntz, Jesse Kuntz.)

Episode 3 “Public Enemy No. 1” aired on June 22, 2021. (Suzy Brack, Edgar Clay, Michael Colby, Aviva Jaye, Connie Kuntz, Jesse Kuntz, Carl Maronich.)

Episode 4 “All In For The Win” aired on July 13, 2021. (Suzy Brack, Atlie Gilbert, Aviva Jaye, Connie Kuntz, Jesse Kuntz, Julie Riffle, Judy Lea Steele.)

Episode 5 “One Small Step” aired on July 20, 2021. (Suzy Brack, Robbie Ellis, Aviva Jaye, Connie Kuntz, Jesse Kuntz.)

Every episode features:

Jesse Kuntz as Minrod, the Production Assistant / Kidnapper for The Stormy, Husky, Brawling Show

(1) a new host (meaning a different actor) that is “kidnapped” from the street by the show’s production assistant,

(2) one to two new interrupting #basementfish characters every week. These fish-characters are the survivors of The Great Chicago Flood of 1992 and

(3) an excerpt from the poem “Chicago” by Carl Sandburg.

There are two permanent characters: Announcer (Suzy Brack) and Minrod (Jesse Kuntz).  

Every episode incorporates:

(1) a historical element,

(2) a Chicago reference,

(3) a news headline from that day.

It is an honor to collaborate with so many talented, dedicated actors and artists. We hope you enjoy Stormy as much as we enjoy making it!

Please “like” or follow us on The Stormy, Husky, Brawling Show Facebook Page and YouTube channel. Our hashtag is #basementfish.

And I invite you to friend me or follow me on my personal pages listed below. I’ll friend or follow you back!

Facebook @connie.kuntz,

Twitter @connie_kuntz or

My Instagram.

Feel free to reach out to me at connievkuntz@gmail.com with any questions, comments or concerns. Thank you for your interest in The Stormy, Husky, Brawling Show! -Connie

FAQ About The Naked Angels Tuesdays at 9 Quarantanniversary

March 30, 2021 is the Tuesdays at 9 Chicago Zoom Quarantanniversary and we are celebrating with a “Meta March Twin Tuesdays” show!

Q: What does that mean?

A: Angels are invited / encouraged to show up as their twin to Tuesdays at 9 Chicago on March 30. Remember to change the name on your Zoom box to the name of your twin and stay in the character of your twin all night long.

Q: Could you give me an example?

A: Sure. My name is Connie Kuntz. I will be busy on March 30th, but luckily, my twin sister Rhoda Ross has agreed to fill in for me. Rhoda is a hypochondriac and always thinks she is dying.

Q: Okay. Does my twin have to be a dork like your twin?

A: Your twin can be whatever you want. You’re probably familiar with the “evil” twin concept or the “sexy” twin concept. You can go that route or you can create a twin who is subtle, unique or cerebral or spiritual or whatever. There is tremendous room for creativity and interpretation.

Q: I already have a twin in real life. Now what?

A: Create a triplet. And if you are a triplet, create a quadruplet. And so on. Just remember to change the name on your Zoom box to the name of your sibling.

Q: What if I get cast that night?

A: Then your twin will read.

Q: What about stage directions? How will our twins know to applaud the people who read stage directions?

A: Tell them!

Q: What should I wear?

A: Whatever your twin would wear. Just remember to change your Zoom box name to your twin’s name.

Q: Who are the writers that night?

A: The writers and the musical act will be announced in the usual way; on social media with the Tuesdays at 9 poster art (which will be somewhat different, since it’s being designed by the artist’s twin). The creative directors, writers and the musical act will be the twins of familiar Tuesdays at 9 talent.

Q: Why are we doing this?

A: It’s important to experiment with new forms of interactive creativity during the pandemic. The layer of meta adds a unique, intriguing artistic element. Plus, we’re crazy.

Q: How long will this show run?

A: The usual two to two-and-a-half hours. Scenes will be shorter to make room for more audience interaction.

Q: Why are you so weird?

A: I don’t know. Ask Rhoda.

Tuesdays at 9 Chicago has been going strong since September of 2018. When the pandemic threatened to shutter our cold reading series, we moved to Zoom! March 30 marks our one-year quarantanniversary of virtual cold readings. Celebrate with us!

December’s Radio Boot Camp

Just finished up instructing another fabulous radio boot camp for Chicago Dramatists. Artists wrote, edited, directed, acted and interviewed.

In a nutshell:

Prework: Each artist wrote a one-minute monologue and emailed it to me prior to the first day. I then formatted all the monos into one big class script for the Friday class. I wrote an intro, interstitial dialogue, and an outro.

Friday: Introductions. Each artist cast their monologues. We rehearsed and recorded and saved the Zoom audio. Then we added that audio to Adobe Audition. Add sound effects and music. Class learned Adobe tools, got familiar with the layout of the multitrack and discovered importance of checking and finessing levels for voice, sound effects and music.

Saturday: We finessed the Friday monologues and adjusted levels. We wrote new scene work in thirty minutes and then cast and recorded those scenes. We added sound effects and music.

Sunday: We finished editing the Saturday scenes and then we recorded interviews. Everyone answered the question, “What does 2020 mean to you and what do you expect or hope for 2021?” We cast two hosts for the interviews, recorded everyone, added music and adjusted levels in Adobe Audition.

Here is a link to the Class Interview portion.

This class was comprised of playwrights, professors, teachers, actors and directors and here are there names: Danielle Dunlap, Donna Dunlap, Stephanie Grilo, Steph Henderson, Hope Hommersand, Brenda Kiliansky, and Jennifer Nostrala.

Thank you for reading and listening! -Connie Kuntz

Fat Girl, Skinny Girl, et al.

I’m directing a staged Zoom reading of the play Fat Girl, Skinny Girl, et al. by Kerri Killeen. I hope you come, but not because it’s going to be fun.

It’s a disturbing, compelling drama about a young woman with an eating disorder. She is called, simply, Girl, and she will stop, start, break, and heal your heart.

Girl spends a significant amount of time in hospitals or clinics, exercise / yoga studios, and the mirror. Mostly, she is in her head. She is in a constant state of counting calories, working out, and berating herself, rather, selves. Sometimes the selves berate her. Watch and see who is in control.

Girl’s “selves” appear as Fat Girl and Skinny Girl and they are there to argue, manipulate, and pressure Girl into thinking she’s not enough. It can be uncomfortable to watch, which is one reason I think this play is so important to experience.

Tens of millions of people — of all ages, backgrounds, weights, and genders — are affected by anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating. Eating disorders are often caused by a variety of factors ranging from genetics to social situations. Though complete recovery is possible, people with eating disorders often suffer from depression and anxiety and are at a higher risk for suicide and mental complications.

Please be advised that there is a content warning for our staged reading:

Subject matter includes and is not limited to: eating disorders, self-harm, and struggling with mental illness.

Fat Girl, Skinny Girl, et al. takes on a difficult subject, yes, but please know it will be brought to life by an excellent, intelligent cast: Tony Bozzuto, Michael Colby, Atlie Gilbert, Anne-Marie Little, and Jessica Rivera. Our producers are Joshua Fardon and Atlie Gilbert. And this is part of the Naked Angels Tuesdays@9 enterprise.

Virtual doors open at 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, October 16. When I have the link to the Zoom, I will post it. It is free to attend, but donations will go directly to Sarah’s Circle, a nonprofit organization with a mission of serving women who are homeless or in need of a safe space in Chicago.

Thank you for your interest. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. -Connie

Now What Pop-Ups Grant

I received a $500 “Our Journey” micro-grant! The money will keep the pop-ups going all the way through October 31. The micro-grants are offered through a partnership between Rockford Area Arts Council, Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and Rockford Art Deli. Thank you to all of them, not just for the grant, but for everything they do to keep our community vibrant and fun. -CVK