Almost Famous
ABOUT US
“I’m impressed with the people of Chicago. Hollywood is hype, New York is talk, but Chicago is work.” - Michael Douglas
​
That’s what we do in Chicago—we work. But for these men and women, work means so much more. For them work is staying up until the early hours of the morning writing new jokes for a show that night. Work means staring at a blank screen until the perfect set-piece of their novel falls into place, and staying in the kitchen for 16 hours in order to live up to the ever elusive accolade. The job sometimes entails spending long hours in dark rehearsal spaces and studios, piecing together the next hit record. The crazy thing is that these men and women don’t care about the notoriety. They love it and embrace the process. At Almost Famous: Chicago, we are thrilled to have the chance to present audiences with the greatest and latest authors, chefs, comedians, and musicians that have started making a name for themselves right here in our city.
Nick Kuhlman
Managing Editor
Nicholas Kuhlman is the managing editor for “Almost Famous Chicago.” He attends Columbia College Chicago and is studying for a Bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism with a concentration in magazine writing. In the past, he’s written for Moviepilot.com and “Tough Women Chicago.” He prefers to spend his free time going to concerts, or being outdoors doing something adventurous.
Music Recommendations: Black Stone Cherry, Halestorm, Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown.
Trevor Ballanger
Web Editor
Trevor Ballanger is the web editor for “Almost Famous Chicago.” He’s pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism at Columbia College Chicago. He’s previously been the arts and culture editor for The Columbia Chronicle. In his spare time, Trevor can be found at his second home, the movie theater, or reading the latest book on his long list of influential authors.
Restaurant Recommendations: Hot Chocolate, Parachute, Moto
Megan Pererro
Photo Editor
Megan Perrero is the photo editor and the "About us" editor for “Almost Famous Chicago.” She’s currently a student at Columbia College Chicago. She’s pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism with a concentration in magazine writing, as well as a minor in public relations. She’s previously been a writer for CollegeFashionista, an editorial intern for the American Library Association, a financial editorial intern for FarmLead, and a media relations intern for Choose Chicago. When she isn’t working, Megan is lounging on the couch cuddling with her cat, Daisy.
Comedy Recommendations: “Tamborine” with Chris Rock, “New in Town” with John Mulaney
Monica Lofton
Copy Editor
Monica Lofton is the copy editor for “Almost Famous Chicago.” She’s a student at Columbia College Chicago studying multimedia journalism with a concentration in sports. Her past experience includes being a staff writer for the Harold Washington College Newspaper. When she’s not working, Monica is spending time with her family and catching up on sports games.
Book Recommendations: Along Came a Spider by James Patterson, Honeymoon by James Patterson
Jada Jackson
Social Media Editor
Jada Jackson is the social media editor for “Almost Famous Chicago.” She attends Columbia College Chicago where she’s majoring in multimedia journalism with a concentration in magazine writing. She’s previously contributed to Columbia’s VisiCalc magazine. She’s also contributed to The Wander and to a documentary about the Trump administration. When she’s not working she enjoys watching indie movies and listening to foreign music.
Artist Recommendations: The Marías, Sunset Rollercoaster
Emma Jackson
Contributing Writer
Emma Jackson is a writer for “Almost Famous Chicago.” She’s at Columbia College Chicago studying multimedia journalism with a concentration in magazine writing. She’s previously worked with Modern Luxury as an editorial intern, the Chicago Tribune’s Splash magazine as an editorial intern, Naperville Magazine as an editorial intern, and the Daily Wildcat as a reporter for the arts and life section. In her spare time she runs a blog with her friend, “Sass and the City,” and is a member of CollegeFashionista.
Comedy List: shows by The Second City
McKayla Braid
Contributing Writer
McKayla Braid is a writer and photographer for “Almost Famous Chicago.” She’s pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism from Columbia College Chicago. Her past experience includes interning for CBS’ investigative unit, interning at NBC in digital content, and working for The Columbia Chronicle. When she’s not writing, McKayla is out with friends taking pictures.
Music Recommendations: Banks, Andrew Bird, Paramore
Maria Maynez
Contributing Writer
Maria Maynez is a writer for “Almost Famous Chicago.” She’s a Columbia College Chicago student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in journalism. Previously, she’s covered events such as the Chicago Marathon and the Turkey Trot. She’s also interned at the Chicago Literacy Alliance. Her free time is spent watching Netflix, as well as trying new foods and reading.
Book Recommendations: “I’ll Give You the Sun” by Jandy Nelson, “Like Water for Chocolate” by Laura Esquivel, “Modern Lovers” by Emma Straub.
Tessa Brubaker
Contributing Writer
Tessa Brubaker is a writer for “Almost Famous Chicago.” She attends Columbia College Chicago where she’s majoring in multimedia journalism and minoring in women and gender studies. She previously worked on her high school’s newspaper and is now a campus reporter at The Columbia Chronicle. When she’s not working she spends her free time baking, reading and hanging out with friends.
Music Recommendations: The White Stripes, Vampire Weekend