Val and Ryan sit down with musicians and restauranteurs, celebrate Italian Beef Month

CHICAGO (WLS) -- April showers bring Taylor Bennett into the "Windy City Weekend" studio!

The Chicago-based rapper sits alongside Val Warner and Ryan Chaiverini to discuss his brand-new album, "Time After Youth," dropping Friday, May 8.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Bennett will travel to the big apple on Saturday, May 16 for a live performance with social media personality and rapper Adamn Killa.

Elmiene

Then, all the way from Oxford, England, British Sudanese neo-soul singer-songwriter Elmiene joins Val and Ryan!

Elmiene is kicking off just the second day of his tour, "sounds for someone," right here in the sold-out Windy City at the House of Blues.

Elmiene discusses his tour and his rise to fame in the United States.

Billy Dec

From singers to storytellers, Val and Ryan are joined by a familiar face in Chicago and in our State St. studios! Billy Dec, iconic restauranter, takes us behind the story of his flavor in his documentary, Food Roots.

To kick off Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage month, Dec illustrates his culinary journey while raising the profile of Asian Americans.

Food Roots highlights the Dec's venture into his mother's native Philippines connecting his last living elders, the recipe of his ancestors, and blending food with identity and culture.

Dec's award-winning documentary begins streaming Friday, May 1.

Italian Beef Month

It's Italian Beef Month! Chicago is great for many reasons, and a good Italian beef is one of them. That, and of course, deep dish pizza. Now, the two are coming together!

In honor of Italian Beef Month, Lou Malnati's is releasing a limited time "BEEFZA."

Jeff Mauro, also known as the Italian beef sandwich king, and co-founder of Lou Malnati's Marc Malnati bring in the mouthwatering "Beefza" which features Mauro Provisions Italian Beef and Mauro's signature Honey G pepper relish.

In collaboration with The Food Network, "Beefza" will be available to purchase throughout the month of May!