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

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:[email protected] | 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:[email protected] 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:[email protected] | 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:[email protected] | 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 – [email protected] | 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

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?!), debated grandkids vs gigs, swapped war stories from the scene, and shouted out listeners from Portugal to the burbs. Beth kept the train on the tracks while the guys riffed on everything from studio glitches to parade waves. Pure HogPod energy — raw, local, and all yours.Key Moments:0:09 – Live Start & Parade Wave0:20 – "100% Live Right Now, Baby!"0:27 – Beth Joins (Wrong Side of the Glass)0:47 – Champ vs Chump Debate1:04 – Upcoming Shows & Shameless Plugs1:39 – Mike D: No 2025 Shows Yet2:19 – Friction Fest Returns October 17, 20263:00 – Bongo Mike Joins from California3:22 – No Pants, No Jumping Jacks3:52 – Last-Minute Guest Cancel → Live Pivot4:49 – Influences: Tom Jones, Elvis, Kermit5:22 – Sweet "Fox on the Run" & Columbia Records5:58 – Mosquito Final Show with Jack Tripper7:25 – Hairbangers Ball & Sins and Roses8:09 – Aussie Fundraiser at LiveWire Lounge10:58 – Rock & Roll Christmas + Concert for George (Nov 28-29)11:34 – Mosquito Next Show Jan 24, 202614:16 – Luminere Christmas (No Chicago Show)16:11 – Jacko & Midnight Calls + Anthony Gnomes16:54 – Dean Z Elvis Christmas (Dec 18, Rockford)17:39 – Infinity TSO Tribute18:08 – Gravity Productions Holiday Event (Dec 4)21:37 – Arctic Bar Winter Pop-Up (Nov 21-Jan)22:37 – Turkey Ball Festival (2 Weekends, 14 Bands)25:26 – Black Wednesday at Broken Oar (Nov 26)26:32 – "Pete's Always That Guy"27:33 – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Debate29:43 – School of Rock vs Garage Bands30:19 – Dermont School of Rock30:42 – Illinois Rock & Roll Museum34:42 – Joliet Museum Inductees41:36 – How Did You Get Your Start? (Mike D, Bongo, Chris)49:25 – Favorite Part of Podcast?53:19 – Donna Joins Live56:36 – Wrap-Up & ThanksBooked by Beth Miller – bands/clubs/owners: [email protected] | 708-287-3692Subscribe: hogpod.org | Apple/Spotify/iHeartFollow HogPod Chicago Local Music Podcast:Facebook:   / hogpodmusic  Instagram:   / hogpogchicagomusicscenepodcast  LinkedIn:   / hogpodpodmusic  X (Twitter): https://x.com/HogPodMusicEmail Pete: [email protected]#HogPod #LiveQA #ChicagoMusic #Unscripted

🔥 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:0:00 Friction Reunion Heat19:05 Matt Joins28:05 EDM 10131:25 AI Deep Dive36:25 Old School DJs41:25 Magic Prompts43:12 EDM Scene Hours48:55 LA/Chicago Clash55:08 Silent Disco1:09:05 Booking MattStream Betrel: SoundCloud/Spotify @betrel.Booked by Beth Miller – contact for gigs.Subscribe: hogpod.org | Apple/Spotify/iHeartFollow HogPod Chicago Local Music Podcast:Facebook:   / hogpodmusic  Instagram:   / hogpogchicagomusicscenepodcast  LinkedIn:   / hogpodpodmusic  X (Twitter): https://x.com/HogPodMusicEmail Pete: [email protected]#HogPod #EDM #Dubstep #140BPM #ChicagoEDM #PeteJansons #BongoMike #BethMiller #MikeDermont #ChrisRhodes #LocalMusicPodcast #Ableton #EDMPodcast

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 Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes, along with booker Beth Miller, as they dive into:🎸 The Ozzy Osbourne All-Star Celebration for Lurie Children’s Hospital🎤 Building LP Vinyl & LPV Escape — Chicago’s leading Journey tributes🔥 The artistry behind tribute performance & why audiences love itPlus: favorite-band roundtable, stage-sound war stories, and why “chicks love Journey.”Key Moments0:00 Opening Jam5:33 Ozzy Charity Recap7:19 Elise McLearen Show Clip    • Elise McLearen | My Metal Heart & Sabatha ...  20:20 Jet joins the show24:25 Jet Intro by cbob51:45 Why Chicks Love Journey52:30 April Love Superfan Segment1:04:48 Everyone’s Favorite Bands1:07:50 Bongo Mike SegmentConnect with Jet🌐 https://lpvinyl.net🌐 https://lpvescape.com🌐 https://theloungepuppets.com🎧 Enjoying the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon and help us keep Chicago music stories alive!https://www.patreon.com/hogpodBooking inquiries: Beth Miller — 📧 [email protected] | ☎ 708-287-3692#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #Jet #LPVinyl #LPVEscape #SuperUnknown #NoMoreFaith #JourneyTribute #MikeOrfanos #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #BethMiller #OzzyCharity #ChicagoBands

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 about:🎸 Building a barn studio and running a working tree farm🎤 Balancing her therapy practice with the Chicago jam-band scene🔥 Music, ADHD, PTSD, and mental-health healing through rhythm🥁 Learning drums and helping kids start in music🔗 Connect with Annie and Corners of a Circle:https://coacband.com/🎧 Enjoying the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon and help us keep the Chicago music stories alive!https://www.patreon.com/hogpodAre you a band, club owner, or booker and want to be on the show? Reach out to Beth Miller for booking:[email protected] | 708-287-3692Key Moments0:00 Opening video Corners of a Circle Sizzle Reel3:28 Annie Barn Tour WOW!5:28 Annie has a psychology practice and a tree farm!6:00 Annie Stokesberry’s band Corners of a Circle11:05 Mental Health and Music17:55 HRV Heart Rate Variability and Stress Relief20:42 How did Annie get started in drumming21:59 Why did Chris Rhodes get into drums25:23 Advice to parents on getting their kids started in music and drum kit starting kit32:55 AI and writing music36:44 Nick Sanzeri Shout Show Clip https://youtu.be/V6Rh5jc1Vic?si=raQzNyTBnyjPqvRd38:15 Chris Rhodes question time39:13 Chicago Fest and cup stacking41:55 Dr Annie Therapy https://doctorannietherapy.com/Hashtags#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #AnnieStokesberry #CornersOfACircle #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #BethMiller #LiveMusic #WomenInRock #MentalHealth