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

On this episode of the Hogpod Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast, we go deep with the powerhouse cover band Big Brothers Vinyl! Joining us are John Petitt (lead vocals, guitar), Rick “Professor Rick” Fobes (keyboards), Ryan Aiello (drums, vocals), and band historian Joe McMahon—with full shoutouts to fellow bandmates George Lemperis (guitar, vocals), Joe McMichael (bass, vocals), and the whole BBV...

On this episode of the Hogpod Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast, we welcome two legends of Chicago’s suburban rock scene — Brian Priest and Dannie Schramm of the iconic band Moon — as they prepare for their long-awaited reunion show on July 26 at the Vixen Theater in McHenry! Hosts Mike Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes dig deep with Brian and Dannie on what it takes...

Jim O’Connell, lead singer of Anchors Away and Snapshot, joins the Hogpod Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast to talk about fronting two of the area’s most beloved bands, pushing through intense summer heat while living with cystic fibrosis, and connecting with crowds across Chicagoland. Hosted by Mike Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes, this episode delivers behind-the-...

🪘 Get ready to dive into the life behind the rhythm with Bongo Mike, the legendary Chicago percussionist who’s powered bands like The Mosquitoes, Black Diamond Sessions, and more. In this episode of the Hogpod Chicago Local Music Podcast, hosts Pete Jansons and Mike Orfanos take you inside Bongo Mike’s world of 90+ drums, his signature washboard gloves, and how he became the go-to guy for adding...

In this powerful episode of the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we’re joined by Tamara Woodruff, the powerhouse vocalist behind Blue Bayou, Chicagoland’s premier Linda Ronstadt tribute band! Hosted by Mike Orfanos, Chris "Rhodesy" Rhodes, and Pete Jansons, this conversation dives deep into Tamara’s inspiring journey—from recovering from open-heart surgery to launching a tribute proje...

Welcome to the Hogpod Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast with Tony Engel, lead singer of Blockchain Coalition and GraveReign! From originals like “Caught in the Undertow” to a fresh “West End Girls” cover, Tony shares his journey through Chicago music, DIY tips, and why he delays Spotify. Hear about upcoming shows, including Blockchain Coalition opening for Kings X and the Moon 45th Anniversary ben...

Get ready for a fan-powered takeover of the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast! In this Superfan Edition, hosts Pete Jansons, Mike Orfanos, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes welcome four of the most dedicated supporters of the Chicago suburban music scene: Beth Miller, April, Leslie, and Brian. These legendary fans don’t just attend shows—they live for the music. Beth shares the story of her 3,000-egg Ea...

🎺 Join hosts Pete Jansons and Bongo Mike Orfanos for a high-octane episode of the HogPod Chicago Music Scene Podcast with the legendary Mitch The Lip! A trumpet master 🎶 who also slays on drums 🥁 and guitar 🎸, Mitch takes us through his ’80s ska 🎷 and reggae gigs, reminiscing about Chicago’s iconic venues like the Wild Hare, West End, and Cubby Bear. He name-drops ska pioneers like Skanking L...

The Hogpod Podcast returns with Part 2 of our in-depth conversation with Wolfgang Paul—one of the most talented drummers in Chicago, currently rocking with ARRA and Tom Sawyer. Join hosts Mike Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris "Rhodesy" Rhodes as they dive into Wolfie’s journey from his early days carrying a blue guitar to gigs, to making his mark in bands like Wireless Soul...

Welcome to Part 1 of our conversation with Wolfgang Paul, the powerhouse drummer behind Chicagoland tribute bands ARRA and Tom Sawyer, on the Hogpod Chicagoland Music Scene Podcast — hosted by Mike Orfanos (Misquitos), Mike Dermont (Coterie), Pete Jansons, and guest co-host Chris Rhodes. This episode dives deep into Wolfie’s incredible journey, starting behind a drum kit at age 3 and performing Ir...

🎙️ This week on the Hogpod Chicagoland Music Scene Podcast, we welcome Wally Swiatly of the Simply Wally Band! 🎶Mike Orfanos (Misquitos), Mike Dermont (Coterie), and Pete Jansons sit down with Wally and drummer Chris "Rhodesey" Rhodes to talk about:✅ Wally’s viral moment singing with Pat Monahan from Train✅ His journey from corporate bands to acoustic gigs✅ The story behind Simply Wa...

Elise McLearen, powerhouse vocalist of My Metal Heart and former frontwoman of Sabatha Chicago (an all-female Black Sabbath tribute), joins the HOGPOD Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast to share her story. From holding Dio-level notes to getting bit by a pit bull at her first metal audition, Elise unpacks her musical evolution, performance growth, and what it takes to front a metal band in today’s...

Mike Krauser, lead singer of Big City Nights (Scorpions Tribute Band), joins the Hogpod Chicagoland Music Scene Podcast along with Scott Fietsam. They talk about upcoming gigs, the Rock & Wheels event in Addison on July 3rd, memories of concert T-shirts, MTV's influence on rock music, and whether the younger generation is keeping old-school rock alive. Plus, stories about Ted Nugent, Jonat...

This week on the HOGPOD Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast, we’re joined by three powerhouse talents making waves across the Midwest:✅ Nick Cox, guitarist and vocalist from the legendary 7th Heaven✅ Zach Avery, blues-rock-soul phenom with deep Chicago roots✅ Todd Lazar, bassist for both Revelator (Tedeschi Trucks tribute) and Black Diamond SessionsWe dig into the 40-year legacy of 7th Heaven — f...

On this episode of the Hogpod Chicagoland Music Scene Podcast, Mike Orfanos helms what may be a Guinness World Record-breaking number of Mikes on one podcast — featuring Mojo Mike O’Brien, Mike Ostrenga, Mike Dermont, Mike Good (silent but present), and Pete Jansons (reporting in from the road)!We catch up with Mojo Mike O’Brien about his legendary run through the Chicago music scene — from Foil,...

🎙️ HOGPOD Chicago Music Scene Podcast welcomes legendary bassist and vocalist Tony Mok, the frontman for not one but two standout Chicagoland tribute acts: Tom Sawyer, a Rush tribute band, and Hitwave 80s, a synth-fueled trip through the MTV era. Alongside Tony, we’re joined by his bandmates Brent Johnson on guitar, Wolfgang Paul on drums, and vocalist Kate Hutchins. They share the full story behi...

This week on the Hogpod Chicagoland Music Scene Podcast, hosts Mike Orfanos (Misquitos), Mike Dermont (Coterie), and Pete Jansons chat with acclaimed local photographer Jim Knobbe (aka Obi-Wan Kenobi)! Jim shares his journey from wedding photographer to one of the most sought-after music photographers in Chicago. From shooting epic band gigs to dealing with tricky lighting and mic stands, Jim give...

🎙️ This week on Hogpod Chicagoland Music Scene Podcast, hosts Mike Orfanos, Mike Dermont, and Pete Jansons sit down with Dino T Manzella! We talk about his time with 7th Heaven, sound engineering, game-changing technology, and stories from the Chicagoland music scene. Plus, Bret Michaels, Joe's Live, and legendary sound engineers get their flowers! Key Moments: 0:00 Guest Dino T Manzella   / a...

The HOGPOD Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast is back with another killer episode featuring Rumor Hazit! 🚀 Pete Jansons, Mike Orfanos, and Chris Rhodes dive deep with the band about their journey, upcoming gigs, and how they’ve built a name in the local music scene. Beth Miller also pops in to celebrate her birthday—let’s wish her a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 🎂✅ Guests & Hosts:🎤 Rumor Hazit:🎶 Devona...

🔥 Get ready for an electrifying episode of the Hogpod Chicagoland Music Scene Podcast as we welcome Fast Times Chicago—the ultimate '80s tribute band! 🎶🎤 Hosted by Pete Jansons, Mike Dermont & Bongo Mike, featuring special guests from Fast Times Chicago:✅ Paul Jones (Leader)✅ Sue Dix (Keyboards)✅ Corey Case (Guitar)✅ Brian Polidori (Drummer)✅ Andi Donahue (Lead Singer)✅ Rachel Ban...

In this special episode, we celebrate the life of Gordy Pokorney with Bonnie Miske, Mike Orfanos, Chris Rhodes, and Cathy Dermont.✅ The Broken Oar was packed with musicians, friends, and family as they honored Gordy’s legacy through music, stories, and heartfelt moments.✅ From powerful speeches to a surprise flying visitor—this was a celebration like no other. Topics Discussed:✅ A Packed House:...

Join Mike Ostrenga, bassist for Empress, as he chats with hosts Pete Jansons and Mike Orfanos on the Hogpod Chicagoland Music Scene Podcast! Mike talks about his experiences in the Chicago music scene, his band Empress, and playing multiple instruments. The conversation also dives into upcoming shows, memorable moments, and the local tribute for Gordy. Don’t miss this fun, music-filled episode!✅...

🔥 Hogpod Chicagoland Music Scene Podcast brings you an electrifying episode with special guest Mac McRae, a rising star in the local music scene, and Cathy Dermont, mother of our very own Mike Dermont! 🎶 ✅ Mac McRae shares his journey from Pete’s Diary to his love for Tom Petty, Elvis, and classic rock influences. Plus, his thoughts on the state of rock music today, original bands, and what it...

🎸 This week on the Hogpod Chicagoland Music Scene Podcast, Pete Jansons, Mike Orfanos, and Mike Dermont welcome Steve "Porkchop" Bradshaw (singer/bassist) and Mike Doerr (drummer) from Tractor Boy! 🚜 The band dives into their journey from their Brookfield roots to rekindling their hard rock passion after 20 years. They discuss their focus on original music, the challenges of booking sh...

Get ready for an electrifying episode of the Hogpod Chicagoland Music Scene Podcast! 🎸🥁 In this episode, we sit down with Doug McBride, lead singer of Jaktripper, and John Braun, the band’s lead guitarist, to talk all things music, live shows, and stories from the Chicago music scene. Bongo Mike Orfanos kicks off the episode with a guided tour of his famous "Bongo-sorium" and surprises...