H.O.G. POD: Chicagoland Hyper Local Music Scene

Chris "Bean" Weng has been drumming and singing at the same time since he was 12 years old. Now he does it every night as the drummer for Heartache Tonight, one of the Midwest's premier Eagles tribute bands — playing 35+ shows a year at theaters and festivals from Chicago to Michigan. Oh, and his first concert was Frank Zappa at the Uptown Theater in 1976. Yeah, Bean's been around.We dig into how Heartache Tonight was born, why New Kid in Town is the hardest Eagles song to pull off live, what happens when the guitar players won't stop at the end of Hotel California, and how Bean landed in Ralph Covert's Bad Examples after 20 years in the Chicago scene. Plus — Pacific Sound Company, the West Coast music project that's turning heads at Mickey Finn's..🎶 NEW KID IN THE WEST — The Hogpod AI Album inspired by this episode[HYPERFOLLOW LINK].🎧 All Hogpod AI Albums on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/6BN8V....🎯 KEY MOMENTS0:00 Opening — Heartache Tonight performs Take It Easy (live)   • Take It Easy (Eagles Cover) - Heartache To...  5:31 Ralph Covert and the Bad Examples connection8:08 History of Heartache Tonight11:10 Bean's artwork — painted by JP and the Cats' Jim Tulk16:19 How hard is it to drum and sing at the same time?17:52 Best singer/drummer of all time? Henley, Levon, Karen Carpenter?25:17 Blue Bayou transition — Tamara Woodruff show clip   • Tamara Woodruff (Blue Bayou) – Linda Ronst...  27:11 Mike Ostrenga show clip   • 🎸 Bassist Mike Ostrenga from Empress Joins...  28:29 Pacific Sound Company — West Coast music comes to Chicago29:00 Playing three guitars together — how do you stay in your lane?29:47 The stink eye — what happens when you screw up on stage30:30 What is the hardest Eagles song to play live?31:45 The Hotel California ending — guitar players going for a day32:50 Has any Eagles member ever shown up to a Heartache Tonight show?35:48 Upcoming Heartache Tonight shows37:06 From originals to tribute — how the Chicago scene evolved41:22 Tom Carey and the Ghost Runners43:00 Sharing the stage with Joe Cocker, Kansas, and Slash46:00 Jimi Sohns shout out — RIP47:44 Jimi Sohns performing Gloria with Chick Norris at Joe's Live53:39 Bongo Mike question segment — first concert, favorite movie, pop tarts.📍 Topics in this episodeEagles Tribute - Heartache Tonight - Pacific Sound Company - Bad Examples - Ralph Covert - Drumming and Singing - Chicago Music Scene - Hotel California - Frank Zappa - Summerfest - Joe Cocker - Jimi Sohns.🎤 Guest LinksHeartache Tonight: https://www.heartachetonight.comHeartache Tonight Band: https://www.heartachetonight.com/the-...Heartache Tonight Calendar: https://www.heartachetonight.com/cale...Pacific Sound Company:   / pacificsoundcompany  Tom Carey Music: https://tomcareymusic.net/Bad Examples: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bad....❤️ Support Hogpod  / hogpod  .Hosted by Pete Jansons, Mike "Bongo" Orfanos (Bongo Mike), and Chris "Rhodesy" Rhodes..📞 Booking — beth@hogpod.org / 708-287-3692.#HogpodChicago #ChicagoMusic #EaglesTribute #HeartacheTonight #ChicagoMusicScene #TributeBand #ChicagoPodcast #MusicPodcast #DrummerWhoSings #PacificSoundCompany #BadExamples #RalphCovert #HotelCalifornia #ChicagolandMusic #LiveMusic

Rich Sawyer spends his weekdays inspecting buildings in South Elgin — and his weekends channeling Chris Stapleton across the country. The guy went from frustrated Chicago-area musician complaining about not getting festival slots to flying coast-to-coast, doing meet-and-greets after 1,000-person shows at Joe's Live, and turning down the gigs he once begged for. This is that story..Tennessee Whiskey Chicago is widely recognized as the United States' #1 Chris Stapleton tribute act. Rich leads the band while holding down a government building inspector job since 1998 — and he's about 2 years from retirement. The music life and the day job life are about to collide..🎶 All Cattle No Hat — Hogpod AI Album #6:https://open.spotify.com/album/5DwLurfVwuDmFhJgGwRKS6.🎧 All Hogpod AI Albums on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/album/5DwLurfVwuDmFhJgGwRKS6.🎯 KEY MOMENTS0:00 White Horses from Matt's Barn https://youtu.be/SLtS3niaTko?si=ruuQR2XvS9lZ0VGX12:34 Chris and Amy Poboski Wedding Bash15:00 Happy Birthday Beth Miller Party15:20 Rich Sawyer joins the show17:38 Tennessee Whiskey Chicago intro19:53 Rich Sawyer's background29:57 Early vs late show start — why Rich demands the early slot36:20 Why Chris Stapleton — is country even country anymore?42:10 How COVID launched Tennessee Whiskey Chicago47:43 Ed Warm — Joe's Live / Joe's on Weed Street Country Force https://youtu.be/oZGIIOKiQKQ?si=U-oVlz8dTHxJcN3648:47 Has Rich been in contact with Chris Stapleton?52:14 Chicago country music up and comers — Justin Wallace https://youtu.be/Ne728N5YmSw?si=tkOTXtlnEsKBD6NZ55:28 Beard maintenance57:00 Rich Sawyer influences growing up59:24 Three Amigos1:02:50 Upcoming shows https://www.facebook.com/TennesseeWhiskeyBandChicago/events/?id=100085364674088&sk=events1:04:25 Bongo Mike question segment.📍 Topics in this episode — Chris Stapleton tribute - Tennessee Whiskey Chicago - building inspector - Joe's Live - COVID music scene - Chicago country - Justin Wallace - beard maintenance - early shows vs late shows - festival oversaturation - Seventh Heaven - Sundance Saloon - Mosquitoes band - Steel Drivers.🎤 Guest Linkshttps://tennesseewhiskeychicago.comhttps://www.facebook.com/RichSawyerMusic/https://www.facebook.com/TennesseeWhiskeyBandChicago/events/?id=100085364674088&sk=events.❤️ Support Hogpod — https://patreon.com/hogpod.Hosted by Pete Jansons, Mike "Bongo" Orfanos (Bongo Mike), and Chris "Rhodesy" Rhodes..📞 Booking — beth@hogpod.org / 708-287-3692.#HogpodChicagoMusicPodcast #ChicagoMusicPodcast #ChrisStapleton #TennesseeWhiskeyChicago #ChicagoCountry #TributeBand #ChicagoMusic #HogPod #PeteJansons #BongoMike #ChrisRhodes #CountryMusic #ChicagoMusicScene #JoesLive #SundanceSaloon

Desiree Starr Harris of Libido Funk Circus and Disco Circus brings the heat to Hogpod. She quit EMI with a one-year-old at home to bet everything on funk and disco. Pete nearly killed a disco ball mid-show. Basement laser parties. Peeps and Pop-Tarts hatred that became an AI song. Thirty years of Chicago disco that never dies..🎶 Album 5 — "Follow the Call of the Disco Ball" — 8 AI-generated tracks ripped straight from this conversation:https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/hog....🎧 All Hogpod AI Albums on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/2QtmZ....🎤 Hosted by Pete Jansons, Mike "Bongo" Orfanos (Bongo Mike), and Chris "Rhodesy" Rhodes.🎯 KEY MOMENTS0:00 Disco Circus live performance — opening sizzle reel   • The Disco Circus Sizzle Reel!  1:03 Hogpod Music Albums on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/2QtmZ...1:11 Rat Bastard Song   • RAT BASTARD 🐀 Punk Rock Groundhog Day | Ho...  3:01 Happy Birthday Beth4:37 Mindy Shulman Live Streamhttps://www.youtube.com/live/EBlo_LTK...5:49 Desiree joins9:40 Libido Funk Circus background — 30 years, Desiree 23 years15:45 Alliance Music17:50 Joey DeMarco21:39 The bands are Desiree's number 1 source of income24:04 How did Disco Circus evolve26:45 Why is disco so special after all these years27:23 Debbie Harry/Blondie — punk or disco28:25 Disco ball Pete incident33:30 Mock Star show   • Mock Star 🎸 Full Band: Axl Watched, Bret M...  34:34 Rhodesy gives Desiree heads up on album creation35:08 Album for this week36:20 8 track players39:10 The magic of the disco ball48:10 Tour of Desiree's basement48:39 Desiree worked at EMI — records on basement wall52:05 Coming out of college getting into music business53:42 Best places to play for a disco bandhttps://impactfuelroom.com/1:03:02 Jim O'Connell show   • Jim O’Connell (Anchors Away, Snapshot) | H...  1:03:05 Desiree sings Tears of a Clown with Jimmy from Coterie Motown1:09:24 Bongo Mike question time.📍 Topics in this episode:Chicago disco bandsChicago tribute bandsLibido Funk Circus historyDisco Circus bandChicago live music sceneBand booking in ChicagoWorking musician lifeAI generated music podcast.🎤 Guest Links:🎸 Libido Funk Circus:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4oha3...libidofunkcircus.com🕺 Disco Circus:discocircusband.com📘 Facebook:  / desiree.stephensharris  🎵 Desiree's tracks:https://open.spotify.com/track/4k5RuD...https://open.spotify.com/track/40gn18...https://open.spotify.com/track/2M5X1S...https://open.spotify.com/track/40KOEQ....❤️ Support Hogpod:  / hogpodsupporters  .Hosted by Pete Jansons, Mike "Bongo" Orfanos (Bongo Mike), and Chris "Rhodesy" Rhodes..📞 Booking:beth@hogpod.org / 708-287-3692.#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #LibidoFunkCircus #DiscoCircus #ChicagolandMusic #AIMusic #Disco #Funk

🎸 Welcome to the Hogpod Chicagoland Music Scene Podcast! 🎸Pete Jansons and Bongo Mike sit down with the FULL Mock Star lineup — Jack Kole (vocals), Phil Slate (drums), Diablo (bass), Stevie Starr (guitar), Nicky Neutron (keys), and new keyboard wizard Frank Lucas — for a deep dive into 80s arena rock, the Chicago music scene, and what it takes to bring 1985 back to life in 2026.🔥 In this episode:🎤 Mock Star opens for Bret Michaels at a sold-out Crown Point show🎸 Axl Rose & Slash watch from a window while Mock Star plays GNR songs outside in 115-degree heat🤝 The 2-year pursuit of keyboard legend Frank Lucas — and the one text that finally worked🥁 Phil Slate's first concert: Elvis Presley with Dionne Warwick opening at the Cleveland Coliseum🎵 Why 80s arena rock is more popular NOW than it was 10 years ago🎯 Cover bands vs. tribute bands — why a cover band takes 45 min to book, a tribute band takes 30 seconds🏟️ Ron Onesti's Arcada Theatre — 100 years of music, and the man who cooks for every band in the room🎹 Six-part live harmonies, zero backing tracks — what makes Mock Star different🎟️ Upcoming show: Hobart Theater, Hobart Indiana — Saturday March 14th⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Opening / Wolfie Jam recap13:03 - Mock Star intro — full band joins15:37 - Mock Star's last Hogpod appearance    • Jack Kole of Mock Star Talks Chicago 80s R...  17:54 - What songs does Mock Star cover?21:30 - Why is 80s music so damn popular?24:32 - Concert ticket prices & why cover bands are winning35:45 - Marketing a cover/tribute/original band in 202642:50 - Ron Onesti, Bret Michaels & the Arcada's 100th year46:21 - Upcoming show: Hobart Theater Sat March 14th   / 18bnhqtvcd  48:22 - Bongo Mike question segment (first concerts + Pop-Tarts)56:30 - Live chat with Mindy Shulman https://www.youtube.com/live/EBlo_LTKguA🎤 MOCK STAR:Website: https://www.mockstarrocks.comFacebook:   / mockstarrocks  🎵 HOGPOD AI ALBUM — "RON ONESTI'S MEATBALLS"8 AI-generated tracks inspired by this episode — on Spotify and all platforms!https://open.spotify.com/album/[Spotify Link TBD]✅ SUPPORT THE SHOW:👉 Patreon:   / hogpodsupporters  👉 Merch: https://hogpodmerch.creator-spring.com📅 NEW EPISODES every Tuesday!Want to be on the show? Contact Beth Miller: Beth@hogpod.org | 708-287-3692Hosted by Pete Jansons, Mike "Bongo" Orfanos, Chris "Rhodesy" RhodesBooking: Beth Miller — Beth@hogpod.org | 708-287-3692#Hogpod #MockStar #ChicagoMusic #80sRock #ArenaRock #CoverBand #TributeBand #ChicagolandMusic #LocalMusic #LiveMusic #JackKole #BretMichaels #RonOnesti #ArcadaTheatre #Chicago80sRock #HogpodMusicChat

Ever rediscover a lost cassette from the '90s Chicago scene and end up booking a Canadian musician by mistake? Rob Stepen is back on Hogpod Chicago Local Music Chat spilling all that and more in this must-watch episode! Dive into nostalgic tales like rotating gigs at legendary spots (Riverbend, Broken Oar, Monaco's in McHenry, Dark Crystal Lounge in Crystal Lake, Neighborhood Inn) while chasing bands like Joey and Sam DeMarco who packed houses back then. Hear the wild story of finding a 1990 Fugitive tape with a Joey DeMarco shoutout, and the hilarious Facebook mixup that led to booking the "wrong" Joey from Canada.Rob breaks down killer upcoming gigs: The Generations rock March 6 (Pete's crashing it too!), the jaw-dropping Epiphany Center — a renovated 1885 church turned 42,000 sq ft music epicenter in the West Loop with four venues, historic vibes, and top-tier sound/lights. We've got a tour video to show it off. Hogpod perk: Hit Beth's booth and drop "I saw the podcast" for free merch!Then it's legacy time with the Sons of Cream at Arcada Theatre on March 8 — Kofi Baker (Ginger's son), Malcolm Bruce (Jack's son), and Rob Johnson (Eric Clapton's nephew) fusing blues, psych, and rock like their dads. The Generations are special guests — it's in the DNA!Music news: Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl sparks our round-robin dream halftime picks (rock heavy, of course). Rob shares how he lands TV gigs nonstop, including Bongo Mike's Channel 2 spot on March 26 at 9:45 AM, timed perfectly before their Epiphany show. Wrap with the March 28 charity jam in Lansing, IL — a round-robin fundraiser for a domestic abuse shelter with heavy hitters like Elise and Luis (Pete's offering rides!).This episode is pure Chicago music energy — hit play and tell us in the comments: What's your ultimate Super Bowl halftime act?Timestamps:0:00 Intro (Surrender Lyrics Riff)1:01 Venue Nostalgia: Riverbend, Broken Oar, Monaco's, Dark Crystal Lounge1:44 Lost 1990 Fugitive Cassette Tape Story2:23 Joey DeMarco Mixup & Canadian Booking3:00 Generations Show March 6 -   / 18v7w2uzwz  3:19 Bongo Mike on Channel 2 News March 263:57 Epiphany Center - https://epiphanychi.com/ and https://epiphanychi.com/tickets/4:44 Epiphany Tour Video -    • Epiphany Center for the Arts - (Music Venu...  10:05 Hogpod Free Merch Shoutout - Say "I saw the podcast" at Beth's booth16:04 Sons of Cream Show - https://oshows.com/event/sons-of-crea...19:30 Music in the News: Bad Bunny Super Bowl & Round Robin Wishes39:35 How Rob Gets on TV All the Time - https://robstepenmusic.com/the-band/50:14 Lansing Charity Jam March 28Guest Links:Website: https://robstepenmusic.com/Facebook:   / robstepenmusic  Instagram:   / robstepenmusic  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/robstepenmusicSupport Hogpod on Patreon:   / hogpod   ($5 Buy Us A Beer)Want to be on the show? Contact Beth Miller at beth@hogpod.org or 708-287-3692#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #RobStepen #TheGenerations #EpiphanyCenter #SonsOfCream #SuperBowlMusic

🎙️ This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast — Mark Molloy is in the house! 🎉You might know him as the theatrical, stick-twirling drummer for My Metal Heart. Or maybe you've spotted him behind the kit for Members Only, the 80s band. But buckle up — Mark just stepped OUT from behind the drum set to front FiveMan, a brand new Tesla tribute band. 🎤🤘At 21, Mark went to Vegas on vacation, accidentally landed a casino showroom gig at an open mic jam... and didn't come home for 19 years. 🎰 Showrooms, studios, tribute bands across Vegas, LA, and Atlantic City. He played Kareem Abdul DeBarge IV and Reverend Jive in full costume funk bands. He wore an African dashiki as Michael Bland in a Prince tribute. He was fully on board with all of it.He came home for his kid — Nevada ranked 49th in public education three years running, and "these dummies are not teaching my child." Now he's back in Chicago with 15 drum kits (3 garage-built), a chrome Roto Tom set that causes "a spectacular light show or a seizure-inducing nightmare," and a brand new gig as a Tesla frontman.🎶 In this episode:🥁 19 years accidentally living in Vegas🎭 Costumes, showrooms & the Prince tribute dashiki🤘 How Rhodesy recruited Mark to front FiveMan after one Yacht Rock jam🍞 The full Rocky Horror Time Warp — maids, toast, the whole production🪘 15 kits, 3 garage-built, and a 35-pound steel snare drum🌆 Vegas vs Nashville vs Chicago music scenes🔗 Connect with Mark:📘 Facebook:   / drummerboymolloy  🎸 My Metal Heart: https://linktr.ee/mymetalheart🕺 Members Only: https://www.membersonly80sband.com/📘 FiveMan Tesla Tribute: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...🎧 Support on Patreon:   / hogpod  🎤 Book the show: Beth Miller | Beth@hogpod.org | 708-287-3692⏱️ Key Moments:0:00 Opening Video – Time Warp   / 1ackbepijj  5:27 Generations Show March 6 @ Epiphany https://epiphanychi.com/events/the-ge...5:30 Rob Stepen Clip    • HOGPOD  Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast ...  8:19 Mark Molloy Joins the Show12:00 Mark Welcomed – Three Bands, One Insane Career13:00 FiveMan Tesla Tribute Debut @ Gordy Palooza22:07 Lisa Orduna Clip    • Lisa Orduna 🎤 Members Only 80s Band | Hogp...  22:10 Elise Clip    • Elise McLearen | My Metal Heart & Sabatha ...  22:25 Mark's Background – Mickey Dolenz, Grease at 14, Vegas at 2129:46 Chris Rhodes Joins the Show30:05 Mindy Shulman Clip https://www.youtube.com/live/EBlo_LTK...36:37 Digital vs Analog Drums – The Vegas Showroom Cycle39:39 Vegas vs Nashville vs Chicago Music Scenes55:15 Members Only Story – How He Joined the 80s Band1:02:09 Bongo Mike Questions – 15 Kits, Iron Maiden Backstage, Star Wars & Pop-Tarts📅 Upcoming Shows:🎸 Generations @ Epiphany Center — March 6 https://epiphanychi.com/events/the-ge...🎸 Generations w/ Sons of Cream @ Arcada — March 8 https://oshows.com/event/sons-of-crea...🥁 My Metal Heart @ Sideouts Island Lake — April 3🥁 My Metal Heart @ Broken Oar — May 17🕺 Members Only @ Shamrocks the Fox, McHenry — March 13🕺 Members Only @ Mickey Finn's, Libertyville — March 21#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #MarkMolloy #MyMetalHeart #MembersOnly #FiveMan #TeslaTribute #ChicagolandMusic #DrummerLife #CoverBand #LasVegasMusician #ChicagoLocalMusic

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome Joe Dilillo — Chicago-area producer, engineer, songwriter, and owner of Solid Sound Recording Studio in Hoffman Estates for 25 years. Joe recorded Smashing Pumpkins, Smoking Popes, and Plain White T's before they blew up.Join hosts Pete Jansons, Mike "Bongo" Orfanos, Chris "Rhodesy" Rhodes, and Mike Dermont as they dive into:🎸 25 years running Solid Sound Recording Studio and the bands that came through🎤 AI in music — useful songwriting tool or threat to the craft?🔥 The death of the old record label model and what it costs to make a record today🎶 Chicago's legendary sound engineers — Chris Steinmetz, Doug McBride, Bruce Swedien, Ryan Freeland🎵 Joe's new music including "When It Comes to Us" and upcoming International Pop Overthrow FestPlus: Wolfie's 21st birthday recap, Chris Rhodes' new 5 Man Tribute Band project, and Valentine's Day wisdom from the fellas.Key Moments:0:00 Opening video Joe Dilillo - When It Comes To Us [OFFICIAL VIDEO]    • Joe Dilillo - When It Comes To Us [OFFICIA...  3:32 Opening banter how was wolfie's 21st birthday?5:41 Whipping Post Chris Rhodes New Project   / 1438232317670299  10:43 Wolfie plays bass too!11:49 Shout out to Chris "CBob" Bobrowski Show Clip    • Chris “CBob” Bobrowski of Rok Brigade Supe...  12:45 ARRA band shout out show clip    • Wolfgang Paul (ARRA, Tom Sawyer) | Chicago...   includes wolfgang paul story part 113:05 Tony Mok Show clip shout out    • HOGPOD Chicago Music Scene Podcast: Tony M...  13:35 Tavo Paul Shout Out video   / 1gsshd5x3w  15:12 Chris Rhodes New Project 5 man tribute band https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...25:07 Coterie FB Page   / 100063696872816  26:29 Joe Dilillo YouTube channel    / @joedilillomusic  26:32 Valentines Day thoughts27:19 Joe Dilillo joins the show helps us to pronounce name29:25 TD Clark Show    • TD Clark 🎸 Guitar Virtuoso Poison'd Crue, ...  31:17 Smoking Popes Mention https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoking...35:20 Mike Dermont Joins the show and gives his own intro of Joe Dilillo39:38 Joe's thoughts on Sound Engineering42:20 Artificial Intelligence44:20 Jeff Anthony Show clip shout out https://travel.usnews.com/hotels/?src...45:10 Dan Peters Shout Out   / daniel.peters.1656  45:40 Analog v Digital46:29 Autotune54:00 Session Musicians57:08 Who besides Joe are the best sound engineers in the area?57:28 Stan Doty Pravda Records https://www.chicagotribune.com/1999/0...57:55 Chris Steinmetz sound engineer https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_S...58:46 Doug McBride Gravity Studios https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravity...58:53 Ken Sluiter https://soundbetter.com/profiles/5537...59:16 Bruce Swedien https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_S...1:00:10 Ryan Freeland https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Fr...1:00:43 Al Jourgensen https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Jour...1:03:13 $1500 these days to make a record?1:05:27 How do you make money off your recordings?1:09:11 Technology Music Disrupters Napster1:13:49 Pino Farina Band Show clip    • Pino Farina on Band Reunions, Original Mus...  1:16:00 Promotions and Niche Audiences1:23:10 Pop Music today1:26:50 Networking1:30:08 Joes contact info1:32:58 Ted Templeman Platinum Producer life in musicConnect with Joe Dilillo:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/joedilillomusic🎧 Enjoying the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon and help us keep the Chicago music stories alive!  / hogpod  Are you a band, club owner, or booker and want to be on the show? Reach out to Beth Miller for booking:Beth@hogpod.org | 708-287-3692Hashtags:#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #JoeDilillo #SolidSound #SmashingPumpkins #SmokingPopes #PlainWhiteTees #SoundEngineering #RecordingStudio #MikeOrfanos #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #BethMiller

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we dive deep into Chicago blues with Kevin Purcell and Road Bill from the award-winning band Kevin Purcell & The Nightburners and the Bus Stop Blues radio/podcast show on 98.3 FM The Life.Hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes welcome Kevin Purcell (harmonica virtuoso, vocalist, songwriter blending Chicago blues with Southern rock) and Road Bill (sound engineer, roadie, and co-host of Bus Stop Blues) for stories from the road, musical influences, band history, and more Hogpod chaos.Topics include:🎸 Kevin's background in Chicago blues and Southern rock swagger🎤 The Nightburners' evolution, Stevie Ray Vaughan influences, and high-energy shows📻 How Bus Stop Blues podcast/radio show got started, now expanding to 3 nights a week🔊 Road Bill's journey from roadie to sound engineer and lighting pro🎶 Blues legends, original music, tales from the road, and local scene shoutoutsPlus: Bears game rehash drama, postponed gigs due to football, Malort stories, and plenty of laughs.Key Moments:0:00 Pres Show Bongo Mike and Chris Rhodes and Pete Jansons pre show with Road Bill and Kevin Purcell from the Bus Stop Blues5:32 Caleb Wilson miracle throw rehash (original time was 0:58 - please edit going forward)14:30 Rob Stepen Show clip    • HOGPOD  Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast ...  15:05 Road Bill and Kevin Purcell from Bus Stop Blues Join the show16:52 Road Bill Story on Malort18:52 Malort: The Redemption of a Revered and Reviled Spirit Paperback – September 3, 2024 https://a.co/d/08dV2XmU20:00 HOGPOD Crew on Bus Stop Blues Episode #42 Nov 2025 Show link20:04 Bus Stop Blues one year anniversary22:42 Kevin Purcell Musical Background and his band the Nightburners26:16 Kevin Purcell and The Nightburners 1991 at EZ Street    • Kevin Purcell and The Nightburners  32:38 Where did the name Nightburners come from38:00 Stevie Ray Vaughn Influence39:00 Stevie Ray Vaughn Death Alpine Valley https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_o...46:52 How did Road Bill connect with Kevin Purcell54:32 Bus Stop Blues Podcast and its Process59:11 thebustopblues@gmail.com to book the band59:34 Where is 98.3 The Life Come from?1:05:00 What songs have been an influence to Road Bill and Derek Procell?1:06:05 Living your dash   / mindy.shulman  1:16:22 Looking back what have you learned🔗 Connect with Kevin Purcell & The Nightburners / Bus Stop Blues:https://nightburners.com/home  / nightburners  https://thebusstopblues.com/   / @road_bill  thebustopblues@gmail.com (to book the band)🎧 Enjoying the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon and help us keep the Chicago music stories alive!  / hogpod  Are you a band, club owner, or booker and want to be on the show? Reach out to Beth Miller for booking:Beth@hogpod.org708-287-3692#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #BusStopBlues #KevinPurcell #Nightburners #ChicagoBlues #RoadBill #BluesPodcast #98.3TheLife #StevieRayVaughan #SouthernRock #MusicPodcast

🔥 This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we’re cranking it up with Leaving Scarlet — the Chicagoland cover band that’s pure high-energy rock + dance party magic! Two badass women, THREE lead voices, zero egos, and non-stop crowd interaction. 🎤🎸🥁Hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes sit down with the full squad to talk 16 years of drama-free rocking, getting everyone on the dance floor, and flipping the script on the old Chicago scene.Meet the crew:🎸 Jackie Settipani – Bass & lead/backing vocals – slays basslines while belting leads, channeling Nancy Wilson, Pat Benatar & Pink energy🎸 Cindi Inden – Guitar, vocals, percussion, drums, mandolin – multi-threat beast with drum corps roots and Heart-level power vocals🎸 Rick Olsen – Lead guitar, keys, vocals – the “Riff-man” with 34+ years shredding, Marine Corps vet, Beatles-to-Zep influences🥁 Randy Kobat – Drums & percussion – 2-year anniversary fire, drum & bugle corps precision, and epic drum-duet chemistry with CindiThey spill the tea on:🚀 The badass origin of “Leaving Scarlet” (ditching the Scarlet Letter-era BS for women in music)📣 How they pitch to club owners + why their massive setlist (male/female leads) keeps crowds moving🥁 Insane “Sympathy for the Devil” drum battles + guest sit-ins (Nick Sanzeri, Lou Farckasi, Gunnar Collins & more)🎤 Turning audiences into rock stars with tambourines, percussion jams & birthday shout-outs🇯🇵 Marine stories, Japan metal scene memories, suburb cover-band survival, and why danceable rock still rules🎉 Wolfie Jam prep (Tesla + Little Susie!), spam-text trolling, deadly tinsel cuts & pure Hogpod chaosKey Moments0:00 Leaving Scarlet - Shut Up and Dance (Walk On)    • LeavingScarlet Shut Up and Dance!  3:38 Chris Rhodes new gig at Gordiepaloosa https://www.facebook.com/events/13266... (Feb 15, 2pm Broken Oar)3:55 Chris Rhodes practicing Saturday in the Park for Gordipaloosa6:42 Bonnie Miske show clip    • HOG POD - Behind the Scenes at Broken Oar ...  9:18 Nick Sanzeri show clip    • Nick Sanzeri 🎤 Singing Basslines, Bass Cam...  10:22 Nick Sanzeri Bruno Mars cover15:06 Randy Kobat joins15:21 Hogpod Swag plug https://hogpod.org/shop-merch/17:15 How Randy pitches the band to a club owner18:13 Leaving Scarlet Setlist https://leavingscarlet.com/setlist21:45 Rock You Like a Hurricane    • LeavingScarlet RockYouLikeAHurricane  26:28 Play That Funky Music    • LeavingScarlet Rochaus Funky Music  28:43 Sympathy for the Devil drum off    • Leaving Scarlet  Drum Duet Sympathy 4 Devil  34:10 Where the band name "Leaving Scarlet" comes from41:09 Upcoming shows https://leavingscarlet.com/upcoming-s...51:45 Has AI come into play?1:00:18 Thunder and Lightning Documentary and Song Sung Blue movie https://www.reelasdirt.com/song-sung-...    • Song Sung Blue - The Original Documentary ...  1:07:10 Electronic Media Kits🔗 Connect with Leaving Scarlet:🌐 https://leavingscarlet.com/home📺    / @leavingscarletband  📘   / leavingscarlet  📅 Upcoming shows: https://leavingscarlet.com/upcoming-s...🎧 Love the pod? Support Hogpod on Patreon — keep Chicago music stories alive!  / hogpod  Booking your band, club gig, or want to guest? Hit up Beth Miller:Beth@hogpod.org | 708-287-3692#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #LeavingScarlet #JackieSettipani #CindiInden #RickOlsen #RandyKobat #CoverBand #RockDance #ThreeLeadVoices #ChicagoCoverBand #HighEnergy #NoEgos #DrumBattle #MusicPodcast #WolfieJam #Rhodesy

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we’re joined by Pete Durbin — drummer for Jagged Little Pill (Alanis Morissette tribute), frontman for No More Tears (Ozzy Osbourne tribute), and proud dad whose twin sons Eric and Ian are already killing it with their own band Dual Decimator.Hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes chat with Pete and his sons about growing up in a musical family, starting a teen cover/original band, tribute gigs around Chicago, favorite concerts, Christmas movies, and keeping rock alive for the next generation.Topics include:🎸 How music was always around the house and inspired the kids🥁 Lessons at A Sound Education and building skills young🎤 Forming Dual Decimator for talent shows → block parties → originals soon🤘 Covers like System of a Down, Deftones, Dio, and pushing for Avenged Sevenfold🎸 Tribute life: Jagged Little Pill, No More Tears Ozzy, Superunknown/Chris Cornell projects📅 Upcoming shows, Rush reunion excitement, and passing the torch to young musiciansPlus: Holiday chats, Pop-Tart Bowl shoutouts, first concerts, Chicago food faves, Radiohead love, and classic Hogpod banter with the whole crew.🔗 Connect with Pete Durbin & bands:Pete Durbin:   / pete.durbin  Durbin Family Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...No More Tears (Ozzy & Black Sabbath Tribute):   / 1039299756269616  Jagged Little Pill:   / jaggedlittlepillband  Jagged Little Pill Website: http://jlpband.com/Band Members (Pete Durbin / Chris Bobrowski / John Braun / Brent Johnson)Upcoming Event:   / 2972642279602121  Dual Decimator (Eric & Ian's band):    / @dualdecimatorband   Key Moments0:00 Intro chaos & holiday catch-up3:00 Roadsy joins, coat stories, Anchors Away6:00 Durbin family arrives, tech struggles9:00 Pete Durbin intro, bands (Jagged Little Pill, No More Tears, Superunknown/Ten)12:00 Eric & Ian intro, instruments, how they started16:00 Forming Dual Decimator, talent show to block parties20:00 Covers & setlist (System of a Down, Deftones, Dio interest)24:00 Voice changes, Brady Bunch style stories28:00 Influences overlap, concerts with dad (Metallica, AC/DC, Rush upcoming)32:00 Rush reunion thoughts, Linkin Park new era36:00 Deftones & modern rock appeal to youth40:00 Learning: A Sound Education shoutout, lessons + ear/YouTube44:00 Upcoming gigs: Jagged Little Pill at Fuel Room 2/13, No More Tears 1/24, Superunknown 1/2348:00 Dual Decimator future (originals, possible Hideaway Ozzfest-style show June '26)52:00 Bongo Mike's question segment: First concerts, Christmas movies, Chicago foods, Pop-Tarts58:00 Radiohead talk, young fans challenging OK Computer1:00:00 Wrap-up, thanks, happy new year🎧 Enjoying the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon and help keep Chicago music stories alive!  / hogpod  Are you a band, club owner, or booker and want to be on the show? Reach out to Beth Miller for booking:Beth@hogpod.org708-287-3692#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #PeteDurbin #DualDecimator #JaggedLittlePill #NoMoreTears #OzzyTribute #AlanisTribute #YoungMusicians #FamilyBand #ChicagoTribute #RockPodcast #DualDecimator #A SoundEducation #BongoMike #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesy #MikeOrfanos

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we’re joined by Brian "T.D." Clark — guitar virtuoso, shredder, songwriter, sideman, and creator of kids' music education tools, known for his fiery performances with Poison'd Crue (Poison tribute), his solo band, and collaborations across rock scenes.Hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes talk with TD about:🎸 His journey from piano at age 6 to self-taught guitar shredding in Chicago suburbs🎤 Influences like Black Sabbath/Zeppelin, early neighborhood jams, and no formal lessons📚 Marsh Jams kids' books series, Funporium guitar packs, and teaching young learners🔥 Work with Poison'd Crue tribute, Dee Snider shows, and high-energy stage presence🎶 Upcoming gigs, Chicago scene stories (including James Iha ties), and pro mindsetPlus: Holiday vibes, Scarface quotes, old fashioned drinks, demonetization records, and classic Hogpod chaos.🔗 Connect with TD Clark:https://www.tdclark.com/  / t-d-clark-music-100070993790846  https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Uq1n...https://www.poisondcrue.com/  / pcrockband  https://rockintoolboxes.com/🎧 Enjoying the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon and help us keep the Chicago music stories alive!  / hogpod  Are you a band, club owner, or booker and want to be on the show? Reach out to Beth Miller for booking:Beth@hogpod.org708-287-3692Key Moments:0:00 Poison'd Crue Promo Video covering the bands of Poison, Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, plus many more!     TD Clark @ Metal Monkey Brewing 9-24-22 TD with Mike Dermont onstage 0:00 Poison'd Crue Promo Video covering the bands of Poison, Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, plus many more! https://youtu.be/wHjgGsIFP80?si=HLYSO-YgtTAdFXyU3:13 Rob Stepen Show Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk8ADmOYxZs8:20 Wolfie 21st bday jam https://www.facebook.com/share/16t8FqsQUb/10:49 TD Clark Joins17:40 TD Introduction20:37 Where did TD Grow up?41:43 Poison'd Crue TD Cover Band https://www.facebook.com/pcrockband https://www.poisondcrue.com/1:12:17 TD Clark @ Metal Monkey Brewing 9-24-22 TD with Mike Dermont onstage https://youtu.be/Ci-rzlNjnOg?si=x4WP9Yx1Fmdtkl431:29:10 TD Children books#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #TDClark #GuitarShredder #PoisonDCrue #MarshJams #KidsMusicBooks #BongoMike #PeteJansons #MikeDermont #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #GuitarVirtuoso #MusicEducation #ChicagoScene #RockTribute #ShredGuitar

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we're cranking it up with Electric 5 🔥 — Chicago's badass all-female electric string quintet that's straight-up redefining rock with live-only, no-backing-tracks shred on electrified violins & cellos! Led by violin beast Adia (Experience Hendrix winner + Steve Vai Best in Shred champ), they turn Metallica, pop hits, and more into pure string chaos. 🎻⚡Hosts Bongo Mike Orfanos, Chris "Rhodesey" Rhodes, and Pete Jansons dive in with Adia, Dusan, and Carlista Tran on:🎸 How a wedding gig sparked this genre-smashing live powerhouse🎻 Cellos as bass + rhythm = full band sound with ZERO tracks (mind blown!)🔥 Adia's wah-wah violin solos, Hendrix/Vai vibes, and DJ violin side hustle🤘 Pre-show madness with Rob Stepen hyping Bongo Mike's new Generation Band gig + their Arcada charity rock-out for food insecurity🍕 First concerts, wild Summerfest stories, fave Chicago eats, Christmas flicks, Pop-Tarts hot takes, and Bongo Mike's classic rapid-fire QsString legends shoutouts (Kansas! Jean-Luc Ponty!), no-drums groove talk, holiday energy, and total Hogpod chaos. Don't miss this electric ride! ⚡Key Moments:🎤0:00 Enter Sandman open Electric 5    • Electric 5 - Enter Sandman (Cover)  4:19 Bongo Mike show link    • Bongo Mike: Inside the Life of a Percussio...  7:00 Rob Stepen CBS Clip   / 839108612303008  12:40 Rob Stepen Show clip hogpod as guest    • HOGPOD  Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast ...  29:29 Femmes of rock47:29 Bongo Mike Question Segment🔗 Connect with Electric 5:🌐 https://electric-5.com/ℹ️ https://electric-5.com/about/📘   / electric5music🎧   Digging the Hogpod vibes? Support us on Patreon and keep Chicago music stories alive!  / hogpodband   club owner, or booker? Hit up Beth Miller to get on the show:Beth@hogpod.org | 708-287-3692#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #Electric5 #AdiaViolin #StringRock #ClassicalCrossover #ChicagoStrings #BongoMike #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #BethMiller

Part 2 of our epic sit-down with Duran Decade — Wisconsin’s ultimate Duran Duran tribute — picks up right in the AI music debate and goes full throttle!Hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes continue the conversation with Danny Miller (guitar/vocals), Mark Uselman (lead vocals/keys), and Brian Wirt (drums/vocals) covering:🔥 EDM vs real bands: Laptop DJs, crowd vibe, and why kids boop for an hour🎸 Future of live music: Summerfest changes, streaming gigs, and vinyl revival💰 Pro booking & marketing tips every band needs in 2026🤘 Show production secrets + quick-fire first concerts & favorite 80s foodKey Moments:0:00 Picking up the AI debate0:36 EDM concerts, laptops & crowd energy4:54 Future of live shows & younger generations6:59 Summerfest changes + disappearing headliners8:15 Vinyl comeback & kids rediscovering albums10:35 Album listening vs single tracks18:14 Production details, video sync & no stopping27:39 Venue talk: Vixen, Bend Theater & crowd flow34:45 Supertramp tribute crossover & stage props40:26 Quick questions: First concerts & favorite 80s food44:36 Wrap-up & thanksWatch Part 1 here:    • Duran Decade 🎤 Duran Duran Tribute & 80s N...  🔗 Connect with Duran Decade:  / decadebandmke  https://dmiller5889.wixsite.com/duran...https://dmiller5889.wixsite.com/duran...   / @durandecade  Danny Miller:   / danny.miller.840953  Songsmith Records:   / songsmithrecords  Supertramp Tribute:   / thesupertramptribute  Upcoming Shows:Jan 30, 2026 – The Grand, Oshkosh WIApr 11, 2026 – Rally Point, Oconomowoc WIJun 12, 2026 – The Bend Theater, West Bend WIJul 18, 2026 – Brown County Playhouse, Nashville INMeet the Band: https://dmiller5889.wixsite.com/duran...🎧 Enjoying the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon and help us keep the Chicago music stories alive!  / hogpod  Are you a band, club owner, or booker and want to be on the show? Reach out to Beth Miller for booking:Beth@hogpod.org708-287-3692#hogpod #ChicagoMusic #DuranDecade #DuranDuranTribute #80sMusic #EDMvsLive #BandBooking #AIMusic #BongoMike #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #MilwaukeeMusic #WisconsinBands

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we’re joined by Duran Decade — Wisconsin’s premier Duran Duran tribute delivering authentic 80s sound, era-accurate gear/clothes, and full synced iconic videos.Hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes sit down with Danny Miller (guitar/vocals), Mark Uselman (lead vocals/keys), and Brian Wirt (drums/vocals) to talk:🎸 How Duran Decade came together and their obsession with authenticity🌍 Overseas concert deals + Pete’s Radiohead trip to Berlin🎹 Early synth pioneers, recreating classic sounds, and the AI vs. synth debate🕺 Why 80s music still rules — MTV visuals, nostalgia power, and Gen Z fansPart 1 ends on the AI cliffhanger — Part 2 coming soon with live music future and pro booking advice!🔗 Connect with Duran Decade:  / decadebandmke  https://dmiller5889.wixsite.com/duran...https://dmiller5889.wixsite.com/duran...   / @durandecade  Danny Miller:   / danny.miller.840953  Songsmith Records:   / songsmithrecords  Supertramp Tribute:   / thesupertramptribute  Upcoming Shows:Jan 30, 2026 – The Grand, Oshkosh WIApr 11, 2026 – Rally Point, Oconomowoc WIJun 12, 2026 – The Bend Theater, West Bend WIJul 18, 2026 – Brown County Playhouse, Nashville INMeet the Band: https://dmiller5889.wixsite.com/duran...🎧 Enjoying the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon and help us keep the Chicago music stories alive!  / hogpod  Are you a band, club owner, or booker and want to be on the show? Reach out to Beth Miller for booking:Beth@hogpod.org708-287-3692Key Moments:0:00 Sizzle Reel – Duran Decade Tribute to Duran Duran    • DURAN DECADE - TRIBUTE TO DURAN DURAN  3:18 Pete’s Radiohead Berlin trip + “There There” live clip12:32 Danny Miller joins + band introductions14:10 Duran Decade origin & full authenticity breakdown15:19 Setlist, 2-hour show, and synced video magic18:14 Why Duran Duran + surprising crowd demographics19:13 Tribute market gap & Supertramp connection21:54 Early 80s tech, synth pioneers & sound recreation27:39 Why 80s music never dies + MTV’s massive impact35:19 AI vs. synths hypocrisy debate kicks off#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #DuranDecade #DuranDuranTribute #80sMusic #NewWave #SynthPop #AIMusic #BongoMike #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #MilwaukeeMusic #WisconsinBands

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we’re joined by Becky Raisman — a talented singer-songwriter originally from the Chicagoland area (Highland Park), now based in Charleston, SC, with her brand-new fifth EP Earth Goddesses featuring pop-rock tracks inspired by life, love, and artists like Chappell Roan.Hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes dive into:🎤 Becky’s musical journey from Chicago choirs and Columbia College to releasing originals online🎶 The inspirations behind Earth Goddesses tracks like “Shining Through My Window,” “Live It Up, Live It Loud,” and “Moonlight Goddesses”🏫 Adult band life at School of Rock (from Libertyville to Mount Pleasant), jamming with the late Kevin Clark, and prepping 90s alternative sets🔥 Influences: Taylor Swift, Def Leppard, Journey, Chappell Roan, and dreams of opening for big acts🎄 Plus: Memories of Chicago scenes, tributes to Kevin Clark, upcoming Pride Fest EP, and more holiday vibes.0:00 Becky Raisman "Shining Through My Window" (opening song)2:53 Weekend recap: Jack Tripper band at Broken Oar, Packers beat Bears3:48 Upcoming gigs: Mosquitoes Jan 10 at Broken Oar, Black Diamond Sessions Feb 14 at Madcatz & Feb 27 at Side Outs4:17 Wooden Nickel Dec 18 discussion & calendar mix-up5:00 Drum shop Christmas party shoutout5:46 Drum buying addiction & Sweetwater messages6:30 Sleigh bells purchase for Christmas show7:10 Bruce Springsteen "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" chat7:53 Rock and Roll Christmas show recap at Lyric Theater (Blue Island)9:52 George Harrison "My Sweet Lord" performance clip11:30 Previous episodes mention & upcoming schedule12:10 Basement gear talk & sleigh bells demo13:38 Becky Raisman joins the show – Welcome14:23 Becky's background: Highland Park roots, Columbia College, choir & voice lessons15:11 Earth Goddesses EP intro15:28 Track inspirations: Moonlight Goddesses (Nedra Johnston), Live It Up Live It Loud (songwriting class), Shining Through My Window (Degrassi)16:01 Life in Charleston since 2018 & finding Hogpod online16:39 School of Rock adult band: Libertyville to Mount Pleasant16:47 Tribute to Kevin Clark: School of Rock movie drummer, instructor, jams, benefit concert18:02 School of Rock documentary mention & grand opening19:19 Favorite genres & current 90s alternative season19:54 Influences: Cranewides, Def Leppard, Journey, Foreigner, The Beatles20:22 Chappell Roan love & upcoming Pride Fest EP inspired by "Hot To Go"20:46 Taylor Swift admiration21:12 30 Seconds to Mars & Matt Wachter (actually Walker) as instructor22:29 School of Rock big shows (Arlington Heights opening Weezer)23:15 More Kevin Clark & Peter Nicholson memories23:57 Thoughts on Hogpod interviews (Peter Nicholson, Mack McCrae)25:21 Earth Goddesses details: Released Nov 18, good reviews, pop-rock variety26:08 Production: T-Brizz (BeatStars), Craig Durrance (Studio Pro, real musicians)28:27 Artwork by Justin in Waukegan29:22 "Live It Up, Live It Loud" discussion (Len vibe)29:58 Rapid-fire: First concert Peter, Paul and Mary at Ravinia30:51 Favorite Christmas movie: Home Alone 1 & 2 (North Shore)31:52 Pop-Tarts love: Oreo flavor, toasted preferred32:32 Merchandise website, t-shirts/hoodies with Earth Goddesses design33:29 Closing thanks, happy holidays, cat eating pizza shoutout🔗 Connect with Becky Raisman:  / becky.raisman1    / beckyraisman  https://open.spotify.com/artist/49P4O...  / becky-raisman  https://www.reverbnation.com/becky97   / sing19821  🎧 Enjoying the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon and help us keep the Chicago music stories alive!  / hogpod  Are you a band, club owner, or booker and want to be on the show? Reach out to Beth Miller for booking:Beth@hogpod.org | 708-287-3692#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #BeckyRaisman #EarthGoddesses #SchoolOfRock #SingerSongwriter #ChappellRoan #TaylorSwift #KevinClark #PopRock

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome Lisa Orduna — powerhouse female lead vocalist for Members Only, Chicagoland's ultimate 80s cover band delivering 100% live, no-backing-tracks performances of rock, pop, new wave, hair metal, and iconic duets.Hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes dive into:🎸 The story of Members Only — 9 years strong, adding female vocals to expand the 80s song catalog🎤 Why the 80s music never gets old and tailoring setlists for every crowd🔥 Nostalgia for Members Only jackets, parachute pants, and singing Roxette lyrics🌆 Upcoming gigs, networking in the Chicago scene, and shoutouts to Garbage tribute Stupid Girl🎶 Lisa’s husband reviving Big Time: The Music of Peter Gabriel (solo + Genesis prog classics)Plus: Surviving storm shows at Lyric Theater, Concert for George highlights, Parkinson’s benefit mentions, and classic Hogpod chaos.🔗 Connect with Members Only:https://www.membersonly80sband.com/  / membersonly80sband     / @membersonly80sband55  🔗 Big Time - The Music of Peter Gabriel:  / bigtimegabriel  🎧 Enjoying the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon and help us keep the Chicago music stories alive!  / hogpod  Are you a band, club owner, or booker and want to be on the show? Reach out to Beth Miller for booking:Beth@hogpod.org708-287-3692Key Moments:0:00 Opening video: Members Only performing Roxette "She's Got the Look"    • Cover of The Look- Roxette by Members Only...  3:13 Concert for George "My Sweet Lord" clip from Lyric Theater10:48 Lisa Orduna joins the show15:18 Members Only at Broken Oar Dec 20   / 2007580696479112  23:50 Why sing the 80s?41:00 Members Only upcoming shows: Dec 20 Broken Oar, Jan 24 Private, Feb 14 115 Bourbon St., Feb 27 Jonny Cab's49:40 Stupid Girl Garbage tribute shoutout    • Stupid Girl 🎸 Tribute to Garbage & Chicago...  51:50 Bongo Mike's Important Questions segment1:02:00 Members Only jackets & 80s fashion nostalgia1:08:30 Big Time Peter Gabriel tribute band revival1:12:00 Parkinson’s benefit event mention   / 19vchuy6is  #hogpod #ChicagoMusic #MembersOnly80s #LisaOrduna #80sCoverBand #Roxette #PeterGabriel #BigTimeBand #BongoMike #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #BethMiller #80sNostalgia

Part 2 with Dr. Daniel Ivankovich (Chicago Slim) goes full throttle 🔥🎸The 6’11” orthopedic surgeon who co-founded the Chicago Blues All-Stars, created The Bone Squad, and still shreds lead guitar at Buddy Guy’s Legends when he’s not fixing spines.Hosts Pete Jansons, Bongo Mike Orfanos, Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes, and Mike Dermont dig deeper into the mission: using blues gigs to fund life-changing surgeries for the uninsured through OnePatient Global Health Initiative, keeping real Chicago blues alive, and the wild stories that only a blues-playing surgeon can tell.Key Moments (Part 2):0:00 – “Blues is a feeling, not a note” 🔥1:04 – How Chicago Slim became the 6’11” lead guitarist2:05 – Surgeon by day, blues warrior by night10:22 – Founding The Bone Squad – blues pays for surgeries22:40 – The OnePatient mission in action35:15 – Keeping authentic Chicago blues alive in 202550:08 – Lynn Jordan & the Shivers shout-out51:10 – Wrap-up & love for the Hogpod crewConnect with Dr. Daniel Ivankovich / Chicago Blues All-Stars:  / chicagobluesallstars  https://chicagobluesallstars.comhttps://onepatient.org  / danielivankovich  https://chicagoslim.com🎧 Loving the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon!  / hogpod  Want on the show? Hit up Beth Miller:Beth@hogpod.org | 708-287-3692#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #DanielIvankovich #ChicagoBluesAllStars #TheBoneSquad #OnePatient #ChicagoSlim #MikeOrfanos #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #BethMiller

🔥🎸 THIS WEEK ON HOGPOD WE GOT A LEGEND 🔥🎸Dr. Daniel Ivankovich (Part 1) — orthopedic surgeon by day, Chicago Slim & co-founder of Chicago Blues All-Stars by life, the man who uses blues to fund life-saving surgeries through The Bone Squad 🤯🎸Hosts Pete Jansons, Bongo Mike Orfanos, Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes, and Mike Dermont dive into Daniel’s insane journey: fleeing Yugoslavia at age 5, becoming a top surgeon, and the night he missed the Rolling Stones jamming with Muddy Waters at Checkerboard Lounge because Killer Ray Allison called him and he thought Ray was bullshitting (he wasn’t 😭😂).Key Moments (Part 1):0:00 – Chicago Slim “Walking The Dog” cold open 🎷🔥9:07 – Erika Miner episode shout-out 🎤18:45 – Aurora Incident 😳29:47 – Mike Ostrenga update 🎸30:06 – Blue Bayou show with Tamara Woodruff 🎶33:33 – Turkey Ball update 🦃39:07 – Bongo Mike George Harrison tribute 🎸44:08 – Dr. Daniel Ivankovich joins 🤯45:15 – Born in Yugoslavia, arrived Chicago at age 5 🇺🇸48:30 – Parents escaped communism for the American dream 🇺🇸52:10 – First blues exposure & falling in love with the music 🎶1:02:20 – Learning guitar from Killer Ray Allison 🎸1:04:45 – Killer Ray: “Rolling Stones at Checkerboard tonight” → thought he was bullshitting → skipped it → Chicago Tribune front page next day 😭😂Connect with Dr. Daniel Ivankovich / Chicago Blues All-Stars:https://www.facebook.com/chicagobluesallstarshttps://chicagobluesallstars.comhttps://onepatient.orghttps://www.facebook.com/danielivankovichhttps://chicagoslim.com🎧 Loving the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/hogpodWant on the show? Hit up Beth Miller:Beth@hogpod.org | 708-287-3692#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #DanielIvankovich #ChicagoBluesAllStars #TheBoneSquad #OnePatient #ChicagoSlim #RollingStones #CheckerboardLounge #MikeOrfanos #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #BethMiller

Welcome to The Hogpod! This week, hosts Pete Jansons, Bongo Mike, and Chris Rhodes are joined by the incredibly talented keyboardist and singer, Erika Johnston Miner, a key member of the acclaimed Guns N' Roses tribute band, Sins and Roses.Erika shares her unique journey, starting with classical piano training as a child and struggling to master the guitar as a teenager. After a long hiatus dedicated to raising her three children, she details how the COVID-19 pandemic provided an unexpected opportunity to bring music back into her life. Hear about her first terrifying (but pre-recorded!) performance of an original song, the power of networking in the vast Chicagoland music community, and how a message from bass player Mick led her to take on the monumental task of recreating Axl Rose's iconic piano parts for Sins and Roses.It’s a great conversation about overcoming self-doubt, the importance of band chemistry, and making a comeback after finding your passion again!Key Moments:11:04 - Guest Introduction: Welcome Erika Johnston Miner13:19 - Piano Beginnings and the Challenge of Learning Guitar19:22 - Returning to Music: The Impact of COVID and Motherhood22:14 - Overcoming Doubt: Performing an Original Song in a Live Stream Fundraiser24:40 - The Power of Open Mics and Networking in the Chicagoland Scene28:11 - The Call: Joining the Guns N' Roses tribute band, Sins and Roses30:45 - Breaking down the intimidation factor and finding great band chemistryhttps://songwhip.com/erika-minerYouTube → @erikaminermusic326Facebook →   / erika.j.miner  Sins N Roses (Guns N’ Roses tribute) → https://sinsnroses.com/home | Shows → https://sinsnroses.com/showsBooked by Beth Miller – beth@hogpod.org | 708-287-3692#TheHogpod #ErikaJohnstonMiner #SinsAndRoses #GunsNRosesTribute #GNRTribute #ChicagolandMusic #ChicagoMusicScene #Keyboardist #Piano #Podcast #MusicInterview #LiveMusic #PeteJansons #BongoMike #ChrisRhodes

Ivy Ford "The Blues Kitten": Buddy Guy, Fire Alarms & Last True Chicago Blues Clubs | Hogpod Chicago Local Music PodcastIvy Ford, Blues Kitten, Chicago Blues, Buddy Guy, Buddy Guy’s Legends, Rosa's Lounge, Blue Chicago, Kingston Mines, Mad Cats, HogPod, Pete Jansons, Bongo Mike Orfanos, Rhodesy, live music ChicagoThe Blues Kitten just walked in and blew the doors off 🤯🎸🔥Ivy Ford sits down with Pete Jansons, Bongo Mike Orfanos, and Rhodesy (drummer for hire) and drops straight fire: the cold call that put a 21-year-old kid on stage opening for Buddy Guy at Legends, the night her shower steam set off a hotel fire alarm in France (yeah, she evacuated in a towel), and the real-deal list of the last authentic Chicago blues joints still standing in 2025.From 11-year-old blues brunches in Wisconsin (mom was a bartender, laws were… different) to accidentally taking over her own band at 20 to 8–9 gigs a week while homeschooling an 8-year-old — this woman lives the life.Plus cracked axles in Iowa, trading guitar licks for car repairs, and the JB Richie tribute jam at Mad Cats that had everyone ugly-crying on stage.If you love real Chicago blues, real road stories, and real humans who bleed this music — smash play.Book Ivy right now: ivyformusic.com 🎟️00:00 Sweet Home Chicago cold open 🎸09:27 Ivy Ford walks in18:10 12 years full-time pro24:36 The Buddy Guy phone call26:26 Birth of “The Blues Kitten”30:35 3–9 shows a week grind47:01 Last true Chicago blues clubs named52:49 Emotional JB Richie tribute at Mad Cats1:03:33 France shower fire-alarm chaos 🤯🔥1:09:04 Guitar for car repairs1:11:34 First big concert: Weird Al1:15:14 Upcoming shows + booking#IvyFord #BluesKitten #ChicagoBlues #BuddyGuy #BuddyGuysLegends #RosasLounge #BlueChicago #KingstonMines #MadCats #LiveMusic #BluesGuitar #FranceTour #FullTimeMusician #HogPod #RoadStories