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

This week, we’re thrilled to feature Mike Hansen, drummer for Kreative Minds, along with superfans Brian and Dan, sharing their passion for live music and the Chicago music scene! Special appearances include Beth Miller and Broken Oar owner Bonnie Miske https://drummermikehansen.com 📍 Key Moments: 0:00 Kreative Minds performing Smokey Robinson's "Tracks of My Tears" at the 1/19/25 C...

Join Mike Orfanos, Mike Dermont, and Pete Jansons as they interview Jeff Kleinschmidt, Talent Buyer at The Vixen in McHenry, Illinois! 🎸 Discover the insider scoop on Chicago's hyper-local music scene and how Jeff books incredible acts for this legendary venue. From The Vixen's evolution from a movie theater to a premier concert destination to landing artists like Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple) and B...

Happy New Year from HOG POD! 🎉 Celebrate with hosts Mike Orfanos, Chris Rhodes, and Pete Jansons as they chat with special guests Beth Miller, the HOG POD guest booker extraordinaire and local music superfan, drummer phenom Wolfgang Paul, and talented photographer Heather Elene. In this festive episode, we explore: Beth Miller’s incredible journey into the local music scene Wolfgang Paul’s rise f...

In this electrifying episode, we welcome Bob Cozza 🎤—the dynamic General Manager and Talent Booker at Rookies Rochaus in West Dundee, and drummer for the powerhouse band Bone Shaker 🥁🔥. Bob shares insider secrets about running a top-notch music venue, the evolution of live music 🎸, and how original bands are shaking things up in a cover-band-dominated world 🎤🎵. 🕵️‍♂️ What's inside: 📜 Behind...

🎹 In this episode of HOG POD, hosts Mike Orfanos, Mike Dermont, and Pete Jansons sit down with keyboard legend Jay Martini to explore his incredible journey through Chicago’s music scene. From leading the Lennon Project to his work with Soundtracks of a Generation, Jay shares insights, stories, and passion for music. Topics Discussed: ✅ The evolution of Chicago’s music scene ✅ Jay’s work with t...

🎸 The Midnight Calls on the Chicago Music Scene | HOG POD Join hosts Mike Orfanos, Mike Dermont, and Pete Jansons as they chat with members of The Midnight Calls — Taran de Pablos, Tony Mac, and Chuck Harling! Dive into the stories behind their journey through Chicago's vibrant music scene, their passion for original music, and their roles in tribute bands like Maiden Chicago and NightSnake. 🎶 K...

🎙️ Join hosts Mike Orfanos, Mike Dermont, and Pete Jansons as they welcome special guest Peter Dankelson to the HOG POD Podcast! Peter shares his incredible journey as a musician and advocate for the Children's Craniofacial Association (CCA). From performing with legends like Tracy Guns and Glenn Hughes to inspiring audiences through his story of overcoming challenges, Peter proves that music and...

In this episode of the HOG POD Music Podcast, hosts Mike Dermont, Mike Orfanos, and Pete Jansons dive into Chicago’s vibrant music scene with a fresh perspective on bringing new guests to the show. They also shine a spotlight on Doug Shoenbeck’s band, Kreative Minds, and highlight exciting upcoming events, from Bill Pantle’s Sinatra tribute at the Raue Center to the Black Diamond Sessions at Broke...

🎸 In this episode of the HOG POD Podcast, hosts Mike Orfanos, Mike Dermont, and Pete Jansons sit down with special guest Doug Shoenbeck, guitarist for Kreative Minds. Doug opens up about his journey in music, discussing guitar customization, his acoustic project Kreative Minds, and his experiences working in the music industry. During the episode, co-host Mike Dermont shares the fascinating story...

In this episode of HOG POD, hosts Mike Dermont and Pete Jansons sit down with Bonnie Miske, General Manager/Owner of Broken Oar, to talk about the venue's incredible journey and upcoming events! 🎤 We dive into Broken Oar’s history, recent upgrades like the new stage tent, and exciting upcoming events such as Bands in the Barn, Turkey Ball Festival, Halloween festivities, and the Arctic Winterbar....

In this episode, hosts Mike Orfanos and Pete Jansons sit down with Bill Pantle, the baritone voice behind Chicagoland's premier Frank Sinatra tribute act, "A Tribute to Old Blue Eyes." Bill shares stories about his journey into music, the magic of big band performances, and the unique charm of recreating Sinatra’s iconic shows. From performing in intimate venues to headlining big band events, Bill...

In this episode of HOG POD, hosts Mike Orfanos, Mike Dermont, and Pete Jansons sit down with special guest Pino Farina to discuss his 25-year journey in music. 🎤 Pino shares stories about reuniting with his band, the challenges original bands face in the suburbs, and how performing cover songs helps supplement income. Plus, hear about a touching moment when Pino performs with his daughter at Hey...

In this exciting episode of HOG POD, hosts Pete Jansons, Mike Orfanos, and Mike Dermont welcome special guest Jeff Anthony, the powerhouse vocalist from The Show Must Go On: Three Dog Night Tribute, Brass from the Past, and Blackberry Jam! 🎤 Jeff shares his incredible journey in music, from his love of Elvis and KISS to his experiences with tribute bands and performing iconic 3-part harmonies. 🎶...

In this explosive episode of HOG POD, we dive into the wild world of band brawls and backstage feuds! 🎤🤘 From infamous rock rivalries to on-stage meltdowns, we've got the stories that show the chaos behind the music. Key moments include: Mike Dermont shares the wild fight story from Friction 💥 The Red Hot Chili Peppers' disaster at SNL in 1992 😱 Farrell and Navarro’s heated battle in J...

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Hog Pod as we sit down with the multi-talented Mike Dermont, a staple in the local rock scene. From his days with Friction and Struck Down to his current work with Coterie, Mike shares his incredible journey through music and the unique mission of Coterie to raise funds for various charities through live performances. In this episode, Mike talks about: His e...

Join us for an engaging conversation with Tom Hartman, the renowned booker of The Cubby Bear Chicago, as he dives into his experiences and insights within the music industry. In this episode, we explore the complexities of managing a band, the nuances of booking live music events, and the elements that contribute to a band's success. Tom shares his journey into the world of music, the challeng...

Join Pete Jansons and Mike Orfanos for an engaging episode of the HOG POD, featuring a special guest appearance by Brad Altman. Brad dives into his experiences, insights, and the unique journey that has shaped his career. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to his work, this conversation is packed with fascinating stories and valuable takeaways. 🗣️ Key Topics Covered: Brad's early career...

🎸 Dive into the latest episode of HOG POD where we welcome the talented drummer Chris Rhodes! 🌟 Join Pete Jansons, Mike Orfanos, and Chris Rhodes as they discuss their recent shows, the challenges of performing in extreme weather, and share entertaining stories from the road. Chris Rhodes, known for his versatility and experience, brings unique insights into the music scene, his journey as a dru...

In this episode of the HOG POD, we continue our captivating conversation with Michael Tafoya and his bandmates Leslie and Craig. The episode kicks off with a recap of Heart of Glass' electrifying show at Madcats in Palatine on June 29, 2024, with a special shoutout to Billy Nixon. We then dive into a Rolling Stones review from their Soldier Field performance. Upcoming shows for the Heart of Gl...

🌟 Dive into the rhythmic world of Larry Malitz, bass extraordinaire, in this jam-packed episode of HOG Pod! 🎶 Join us as we explore Larry's journey into music, his experiences with notable figures, and his upcoming shows. 🕒 Timestamps: 1:00 Introduction to Larry Malitz 9:17 How Larry Started Playing Bass 21:16 Mike Orfanos and Larry’s First Meeting 28:06 Remembering the Concert for Banglade...

Join us for an exclusive interview with Jeff Fite, the drummer from Heart of Glass Blondie Tribute Band and Mosquitos Jam Band. 🥁 Dive into the behind-the-scenes stories, performance insights, and the dynamics of playing in multiple bands. Jeff shares his experiences, challenges, and advice for aspiring musicians. 🎶 Discover the differences between opening acts and main performances, the importa...

🔥 Get ready for a sizzling episode of the HOG POD! 🎤 Join us as we kick off with the electrifying sounds of the Heart of Glass Blondie Tribute Band and a vibrant warm-up by Two Costa Ricans. From heart-pounding performances to insider tips on playing in the heat, we've got it all covered! 💃 Don't miss out on exclusive stories from the stage, including encounters with Mick Fleetwood and...

Join us for a musical deep dive with Sophie Hafer, keyboardist extraordinaire and Christie McVie of the Fleetwood Mac tribute band "The Chain." 🌟 Hosted by Mike Orfanos from The Mosquitos Jam Band, Pete Jansons from Blondie Tribute Band Heart of Glass, and the vibrant 2 Costa Rican's Todd and CJ, this episode explores the thrilling world of tribute bands and the bustling Chicago mus...

In this episode, we sit down with Derrick Procell, a towering figure in Chicago's blues and Americana scene. Derrick shares his journey through the heart of the city's music landscape, revealing the inspiration behind his soul-stirring melodies and powerful lyrics. A story of passion, resilience, and creativity unfolds as Derrick delves into his experiences, from intimate gigs in local clu...

Join us in this captivating episode as we explore the remarkable journey of Ed Warm, a figure whose passion for music and entrepreneurship has significantly shaped Chicago's live music scene. Ed, the visionary owner of Joe's Bar on Weed Street and Joe's Live in Rosemont, Illinois, shares his unique path from an IU football manager to a three-time Academy of Country Music Promoter of th...