A DIY History of Chicago DIY
Join us for a panel conversation exploring Chicago's punk history, the legacy of Wesley Willis, and the future of the scene. Bringing together artists, organizers, and longtime participants, the discussion will reflect on the venues, moments, and collaborations that have shaped Chicago punk. This program is presented in collaboration with KIOSK and Mouse Arts and Letters Club.
Featured speakers include Francisco “Pancho” García, musician and co-founder of hardcore venue Casa Cafe; Kenn Goodman, founder of Pravda Records, one of Chicago's longest running independent record labels; K Hagood, musician and part of dance core punk band Bussy Kween Power Trip; and Carla Winterbottom, artist and longtime friend and tour manager of Wesley Willis.
Light refreshments will be served. Please register via Eventbrite to help us plan accordingly.
SPEAKER BIOS
Francisco “Pancho” García is a first-generation Mexican American musician and organizer and former co-founder of Ruidosa Art Collective. In 2020 he helped start DIY venue Casa Café, whose shows and mutual aid initiatives have been profiled in the Chicago Reader and South Side Weekly. He plays in multiple bands and has been involved in Chicago’s DIY scene for the past ten years.
Kenn Goodman is a Chicago musician, producer, and founder of Pravda Records, the independent label he established in 1984. A multi-instrumentalist, Goodman has performed with The Service, The New Duncan Imperials, Expo ’76, and Imperial Sound, and collaborated with artists including Andre Williams, Tiny Tim, and Archie Bell. Through Pravda, he has released more than 150 albums across a wide range of genres while championing independent artists and remaining an active force in Chicago’s music community.
K Hagood is a Black transfem musician who's been playing in the Chicago DIY scene for over a decade. Starting in acts like Cordoba and The Devonns, they've expanded to the electro r&b group Gilt Drip and is currently most known for the dance core punk band Bussy Kween Power Trip. According to the Chicago Reader they are a "prolific" bassist, but their day job is teaching music production to youth.
Carla Winterbottom is a Chicago-based artist known for her collages and pinhole photography. She was a founding member of artist collective Colson's Truck Group, profiled by the Chicago Reader in 1993. She was a roommate, mother figure, and tour manager (American Records) for Chicago artist Wesley Willis (1963-2003). She has been exhibiting, curating and participating as a board member in art organizations since receiving her MFA in 1989, and she is currently board member and curator for the John H. Vanderpoel Museum. She works from her home studio in the Morgan Park neighborhood.
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
I Am A Rock I Am A Roll explores the intersections of punk, DIY, and self-taught art through the work of two American and two German artists: Naomi Shintani Deibel, Jonas Müller-Ahlheim, Betsy Odom, and Wesley Willis. Part of Alle gegen Alles. Punk@50, a transatlantic, multi-city initiative marking the 50-year anniversary of punk taking place at Goethe-Instituts across North America in fall 2026, ‘I Am A Rock I Am A Roll’ is a collaboration between KIOSK and the Goethe-Institut Chicago.
