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

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,...

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:🎸...

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 mu...

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 —...

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 s...

🔥🎸 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, beco...

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 d...

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 Fo...

HogPod Chicago Local Music Podcast went 100% LIVE and UNSCRIPTED with Pete Jansons, Mike Orfanos (Bongo Mike), Mike Dermont, Chris "Rhodesy" Rhodes, and Beth Miller behind the glass for a Q&A TAKEOVER! We opened the lines and let YOU drive the chaos — no prep, no filter, just real-time Chicago music talk. The crew laughed through first concert memories (Chris: Billy Joel at age 6?!),...

🔥 EDM Producer Matt Ventrelli (Betrel) drops 140 BPM dubstep heat on HogPod Chicago Local Music Podcast – hosted by Pete Jansons, Mike Orfanos (Bongo Mike), Mike Dermont, Chris "Rhodesy" Rhodes, and booked by Beth Miller. From Gem & Jam 2023 breakthrough to Icon Collective shutdown, Matt breaks down UK dubstep, reggae dub swing, AI in EDM, and why Chicago crushes LA.Key Moments: 0:0...

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome Jet — bassist, vocalist, and multi-band performer with LP Vinyl, LPV Escape, Super Unknown, and No More Faith. Jet shares stories from Chicago’s tribute scene, his Journey and Faith No More projects, and the recent Ozzy Osbourne charity event that brought the community together. Join hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jans...

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome Annie Stokesberry — lead singer, drummer, and flutist for Corners of a Circle. Broadcasting from her barn studio in Woodstock, Annie shares how she blends her psychology practice, music career, and life on a 30-acre tree farm. Join hosts Pete Jansons and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes — with booking by Beth Miller — as they talk with Annie ab...

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we crank it up with SIIN — Chicago’s powerhouse original hard-rock band! Join hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos and Pete Jansons with superfan April Love as they hang with PJ Alvarez (drums/vocals) and Sam Bello (guitar/vocals) from SIIN to talk about:🎸 The band’s 1990 origins and rebirth after lineup shake-ups🎤 Keeping original rock alive in a tribu...

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome Scotty "Big Cat" Pelvis & Craig Pelvis of The Pelvis Brothers — a versatile Chicago band blending rockabilly, Elvis-inspired classics, and modern flair. Hosts Mike "Bongo" Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris "Rhodesy" Rhodes talk with the Pelvis Brothers about:🎸 The origins and rise of The...

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome James Costanza — percussionist, bandleader, and nephew of legendary Mr. Bongo Jack Costanzo. Hosted by Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons & Chris “Rhodesy” RhodesBooking by Beth Miller (Beth@hogpod.org | 708-287-3692)✨ Highlights of the conversation:🥁 Bongo roots & the legacy of Jack Costanzo🎶 Influences, drum...

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome Stupid Girl — Chicago’s tribute to Garbage featuring vocalist Julie, guitarist Brooke Hernandez, and bassist/programmer Michael Laskowski. Join hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes as they talk with Stupid Girl about: 🎸 Why Garbage’s music inspired their tribute 🎤 South Side vs. North Si...

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome David Edward Bellah — powerhouse vocalist of Fast Times Chicago and My 80’s Band, known for his soaring high notes and energy-packed performances. Host Pete Jansons talks with David about:🎸 His musical journey from stage to radio🎤 Singing the classics with Fast Times & My 80’s Band🔥 Stories of famous people he’s met through his...

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome Dave & Remy Zeiger — a father–daughter bassist duo spanning jazz chops, funk grooves, and Chicago cover/tribute stages. Host Pete Jansons is joined by booker Beth Miller to talk with Dave & Remy about:🎸 Growing through Libertyville School of Rock and jumping to real stages🎤 Bass influences (Jaco, Victor Wooten, Geddy Lee) an...

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome Francois Smit — guitarist for Empress and a rising force in Chicago’s rock scene. Hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes talk with Francois about:🎶 His journey from South Africa to Chicago’s music scene🎸 Life in Empress with Tamara Woodruff, Alex James, Bill, and Sean🎤 Carnival life stori...

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome Rob Stepen — Chicago rocker, storyteller, and frontman of The Generations . Rob’s story is incredible: in 1985 he recorded songs that sat forgotten for nearly four decades in his attic. Thanks to legendary producer Steve Albini , those long-lost tapes were restored and re-released as the album Alternate View . Hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfan...

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we’re joined by Kevin Zeiger of Sad Machines — Chicago’s fast-rising Smashing Pumpkins tribute band. With shows booked at Broken Oar (Oct 11) and the Cubby Bear (Nov 23) celebrating the 30th anniversary of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, Sad Machines are quickly becoming a must-see for alternative rock fans. Hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, M...

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we’re joined by Nick Sanzeri — a powerhouse bassist, solo artist, and frontman known for his slick tone, wireless rig, and signature bass cam videos that turn heads and book gigs. Join hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes, with guest host Wally Swiatly, and Beth Miller (who also books the show), as t...

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome the powerhouse vocalist Regina Karma — a Mississippi-born singer who has lit up Chicago’s stages with soul, R&B, jazz, and gospel. Joining hosts Mike Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes, along with special guest hosts Chris “CBob” Bobrowski (Rok Brigade) and Wally Swiatly (Simply Wally Band), Regina tak...

This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome the incredibly talented Justin Wallace — a rising star out of Johnsburg, IL, who’s already shared the stage with American Idol winner David Cook and AGT standout Mitch Rossell. At just 23, Justin is quickly becoming one of the most versatile and talked-about performers in the Chicagoland music scene, with shows at The Vixen, Broken Oa...

🎙️ On this episode of the Hogpod Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast, we sit down with Chris “CBob” Babrowski—frontman of Rok Brigade, plus vocalist for Super‑Unknown and Ten—to break down what makes Chicago’s tribute scene so electric. Hosts Mike Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes dive deep into CBob’s journey: how he commands the stage, the tech behind his vocals, setl...