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

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 tribute-band city🔥 April Love on why SIIN’s live shows “hit you in the face”⚡ Opening for Blue Öyster Cult and Ace Frehley🎶 What’s next — studio sessions, fall shows, and Midwest festivals!Connect with SIIN:🌐 https://linktr.ee/siinrocks📧 [email protected]🎟️ Upcoming shows: https://www.siinrocks.com/#!/shows🎧 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 Moments⏱️ 0:00 Opening video “Boom” by SIIN →    • SIIN. BOOM 10/8/22  🎥 4:13 Super Fans show clip →    • Beth, April, Leslie & Brian: Chicago's Sup...  🤘 9:47 Superfan April Love joins the show🎤 10:59 April Love introduces SIIN (PJ Alvarez & Sam Bello)🎶 18:55 Shifts in Chicago’s rock scene💬 19:35 April Love on SIIN vs. Journey tribute bands🏙️ 22:25 City vs Suburb music culture🎧 25:30 Medusas memories — the old-school training ground💻 30:02 Backing tracks & laptop bands debate🔥 33:16 Opening for Blue Öyster Cult📅 36:00 Upcoming SIIN shows → https://www.siinrocks.com/#!/shows🎸 41:32 Bongo Mike question round (yes, Pop-Tarts included)#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #SIIN #AprilLove #PJAlvarez #SamBello #MikeOrfanos #PeteJansons #BethMiller #ChicagoRock #HardRock #BlueOysterCult #AceFrehley

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 Pelvis Brothers🎤 Rockabilly, Stray Cats, and Elvis influences🔥 Wedding receptions vs. live club shows🥁 Finding a new drummer and building the band's futureConnect with The Pelvis Brothers:Website: https://pelvisbrothers.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PelvisBrothersContact: [email protected] | 847-440-4529Enjoying 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 Pelvis Brothers "Burning Love" Video    • Burning Love  1:35 Post Coterie Hangover Recap13:56 Scott Swearingsen Pelvis Brothers14:58 Bonnie Miske Broken Oar Show Clip    • HOG POD - Behind the Scenes at Broken Oar ...  15:03 Craig Pelvis joins the show15:30 Pelvis Brothers Intro21:09 Wolfgang Paul Show Clip    • Wolfgang Paul (ARRA, Tom Sawyer) | Chicago...  28:25 Brass from the past shout out28:35 Jeff Anthony show clip    • HOG POD Podcast: Jeff Anthony Talks Three ...  29:08 Rick Saucedo https://www.facebook.com/ricksaucedo shout out31:15 Elvis Movie36:50 Million Dollar Quartet40:14 Brian Setzer and Stray Cats47:52 1957 band shoutout https://www.facebook.com/the1957s50:31 Wedding Reception vs Live bands in Clubs52:10 Pelvis Brothers Booking Info55:47 Pelvis Brothers Looking for a drummer57:54 Bongo Mikes Questions#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #ScottyBigCatPelvis #CraigPelvis #PelvisBrothers #MikeOrfanos #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #BethMiller #Rockabilly #StrayCats #Elvis

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 ([email protected] | 708-287-3692)✨ Highlights of the conversation:🥁 Bongo roots & the legacy of Jack Costanzo🎶 Influences, drum circles & Chicago percussion stories🎤 Playing with Supernatural Soul, Brass from the Past & more0:00 Vehicle - The Ides Of March cover James Costanza Bongos6:54 Hearing The Call https://hearingthecall.org/give/9:30 Bongo James Costanza12:28 Jack_Costanzo https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Co...15:49 Bongo Influences21:26 Soldier Field Bucket Brigade22:45 Drum Circles33:02 James Costanza FB Page   / james.costanza.3  36:25 Supernatural Soul Band https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...41:57 Mosquitos playing Highwood Pumpkinfest   / 16zbwv2ask  44:40 Bongo Mike Special Questions segment46:33 Grandson stop bySupport the Hogpod on Patreon →   / hogpod  Book a guest via Beth Miller → [email protected] | 708-287-3692#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #MikeOrfanos #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #BethMiller #JamesCostanza #MrBongo #Percussion #SupernaturalSoul

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 Side Chicago music scenes
🔥 The value of open mics, rehearsal rituals & live set strategies

Plus: clips of Stupid Girl performing Garbage classics, stories of Chicago’s 90s scene, and upcoming shows!

🔗 Connect with Stupid Girl:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brookealexis7
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@stupidgirl.chicago
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/stupidgirl.chicago
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@stupidgirlchicago

🎧 Enjoying the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon and help us keep the Chicago music stories alive!
https://www.patreon.com/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

0:00 Opening Stupid Girl Sizzle Reel Tribute to Garbage
1:29 Pre show foolishness
5:05 Mike Laskowski intros his band Stupid Girl
7:54 Why Garbage?
12:04 90's Chicago Music Scene
20:28 Sad Machines Show Clip
22:13 South Side Music Scene vs North Side?
28:44 Value of doing Open Mic's and tips to go about doing one
29:52 Yacht Rock Event https://www.facebook.com/events/1504225320742869 9/29/25 Vixen McHenry
32:02 Julie Preshow ritual/mantra
35:00 Lead Singer Preperation tips
37:37 Elemental Ters for Fears Julie Warm up
41:25 Stupid Girl Cover Clip by Garbage Tribute Band Stupid Girl
42:25 Empty
49:02 Doing one long set versus splitting into 2 pros and cons
58:26 Stupid girls upcoming shows: Upcoming Shows
https://www.facebook.com/events/4117418848531421
59:00 Mikes other bands Suckerpunch, Tuesday Night Music Club Perfect Circle
1:00:40 Mosquitos upcoming shows pumpkin fest highwood https://www.facebook.com/events/597967846426526
1:05:16 Bongo Mike's Segment

#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #StupidGirl #GarbageTribute #90sAlternative #MikeOrfanos #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #BethMiller

Key MomentsHashtags

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 radio show🔗 Connect with David Edward Bellah:🌐 Website: https://davebellahmusic.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.e.bellahFacebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100036214183944#Fast Times Band: https://www.facebook.com/FastTimesTheBandMy 80’s Band: https://www.facebook.com/my80sband🎧 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 Moments:0:00 She Sells Sanctuary https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FV5y4b8TW/3:30 Talking Fantasy Football4:25 Chris Rhodes drum sets8:26 What’s been happening in the music scene?8:41 Miracle in Mundelein https://www.themiracleconcert.com/11:45 Let’s talk Bears12:00 Dave joins the show13:05 My 80’s Band13:46 Safety Dance clip https://www.facebook.com/my80sband/videos/82165744645076818:45 Fast Times Band clip20:45 Dave’s musical journey44:22 Famous people Dave has met on his radio show48:21 Bongo Mike Question Segment#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #DavidEdwardBellah #FastTimes #My80sBand #MikeOrfanos #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #BethMiller #LiveMusic #CoverBands #80sMusic #ChicagoBands

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) and learning theory vs tabs🔥 New music and gigs: Mudfish EP, Crossing Decades, The Big Chair, Alice in Payne🔗 Connect with Dave & Remy:Remy Zeiger FB:   / remy.zeiger  Crossing Decades:   / crossing.decades.chicago  Mudfish:   / mudfishchicago  The Big Chair (Tears for Fears tribute):   / bigchairchicago  Alice in Payne (Alice in Chains tribute):   / mudfishchicago  🎧 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] | 708-287-36920:00 Crossing Decades Band Clip with Special Guests Dave and Remy Zeiger   • The Early Decades  1:45 Dave and Pete reminisce about their days in Libertyville School of Rock with Pete Dankelson and Jay MartiniPete Dankelson Show clip    • Thanksgiving with Peter Dankelson: Music, ...  Jay Martini Show Clip    • HOG POD: Chicago Music Scene with Keyboard...  2:20 Five Acre Flight   / 5afmusic  Lake County Sky Band with Cindy Noonan5:31 Crossing Decades clip    • 90 and beyond.......  7:57 How Remy got into music15:37 Mitch the Lip show clip    • Mitch The Lip on Ska, Trumpets & Chicago’s...  20:58 Remy jamming NIB    • Monster Jam - NIB  28:00 Music Theory vs Tabs37:00 What bass players influenced Remy39:50 Dave on putting a band together and keeping one together43:00 Where are Dave and Remy playing next   / 665073896297218  52:59 Mudfish "Lost"   / 370170292525000  Remy Zeiger FB   / remy.zeiger  Crossing Decades YouTube    / @crossingdecades-vk3qd    / mudfishchicago  #Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #DaveZeiger #RemyZeiger #MikeOrfanos #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #BethMiller #SchoolOfRock #BassGuitar #CoverBands #TributeBand #Rush

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 stories, first U.S. impressions, and food discoveries🏟️ Chicago live music vs. South Africa’s scene🎧 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] | 708-287-36920:001:10 Shout out to Prior guest Rob Stepen    • HOGPOD  Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast ...  2:50 Mike Dermonth Drum Circle5:58 Bongo Mike Explanation of Drum Circle10:21 Francois Smit joins the show11;28 Coterie Yacht Rock Sept 28 The Vixen13:13 Friction Reunion Oct 25 Broken Oar14:25 Mosquitos at Wheeling Town Center 9/11/25   / 2367935456955088  16:00 Francois Introduction17:45 Tamara Woodruff Empress Show Clip    • Tamara Woodruff (Blue Bayou) – Linda Ronst...  18:05 Empress Band20:25 Francois first visit to America23:36 Francois was a carnie?27:34 Is it safe for Francois to go back to South Africa28:13 Whats the music scen liek in South Africa?29:55 How Does a South African get into Rock Music33:48 Food Experiences39:05 Chicago Scene Vs South African Party Scene43:02 Pete Dankelson jamming with the Struts47:51 Pete Dankelson show clip    • Thanksgiving with Peter Dankelson: Music, ...  51:00 Doug Shoenbeck show clip52:10 Empress shows   / 1843421552951368   Sep 6 DOcks Wauconda54:01 Coterie Event Sep 28 Vixen Yacht Rock54:56 Mosquitos at Wheeling Town Center 9/11/25   / 2367935456955088  55:42 Chris Rhodes playing Ozzy Celebration Charity event Oct 19 Vixen57:32 Bongo Mikes rapid fire question1:02:48 Do chicks dig the accent?#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #MikeOrfanos #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #BethMiller #FrancoisSmit #EmpressBand #SouthAfrica #RockMusic #ChicagoBands

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” Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes are joined by booker Beth Miller to dive into Rob’s journey — rediscovering his analog reels, working with Albini, honoring Flock violinist Jerry Goodman, playing iconic venues like the Des Plaines Theatre, and giving back through Joey’s Song, a nonprofit raising funds for epilepsy research in memory of Joseph Gomoll.

Rob shares what it’s like to hear your teenage self on tape 38 years later, how much it really cost to restore the reels, and why passion and service fuel everything he does with The Generations.

🔗 Connect with Rob Stepen & The Generations:
Website: https://robstepenmusic.com/

🎧 Enjoying the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon and help us keep the Chicago music stories alive!
https://www.patreon.com/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

0:00 Opening Clip WGN 2024 Interview with Rob and the band The Generations https://youtu.be/oY84UxwspXc
7:04 Happy Anniversary Mike And Debbie
7:39 Chris Rhodes playing with Focal Point in Buffalo Grove
12:08 Shoutout to Anthem
17:44 Special Guest Rob Stepen
18:28 Rob Stepen Intro
20:15 Joey’s Song Charity https://www.joeyssong.org/our-story Joey’s Song fights epilepsy with music in memory of Joseph Gomoll, who died in 2010 just shy of his fifth birthday after suffering a debilitating form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome.
20:48 Rob tells the story of refurbishing his long-lost album with Steve Albini!
23:11 Butch Vig
25:42 The Flock Band https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Flock_(band)
26:51 Jerry Goodman violinist
27:42 Des Plaines Theatre and Ron Onesti Hospitality
28:54 Rob Interview WGN https://youtu.be/y04t-cyqPwA and Rob’s mastery of marketing plans
38:35 Shout out to company Rob works for Insperity https://www.insperity.com/
40:53 Coterie Yacht Rock event Sep 28 2pm The Vixen McHenry https://www.facebook.com/share/1K2so91vET/
42:01 Sandy Gennaro https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandy_Gennaro
43:31 Rob, Beth Green Room Story
44:53 Mike Gomoll Founder at Joey’s Song Story https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-gomoll/
49:42 Shout out to Green Room Manager Jackie Des Plaines Theatre
51:53 The Generations Band Story
57:18 What was it like to go back and listen to yourself in high school on those tapes
58:16 Steve Albini story on refurbishing the tapes the first visit
59:35 How much was it to get refurbished?
1:01:46 What would Steve Albini say about music and AI if he were alive today
1:03:09 Joey DeMarco United Talent Corporation Booking shout out
1:08:42 TUTS and other old school bars
1:12:50 Differences today vs old school bands
1:17:08 Bongo Mike Question Time
1:21:48 How to book The Generations? https://robstepenmusic.com/

#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #RobStepen #TheGenerations #SteveAlbini #JoeysSong #DesPlainesTheatre #SandyGennaro #ChicagoBands #MusicPodcast #MikeOrfanos #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #BethMiller

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, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes are joined by Beth Miller (who also books the show) to talk with Kevin about:🎸 Why they chose to honor the Pumpkins instead of other bands🏟️ Memories of Smashing Pumpkins’ early days at Cubby Bear🎤 Tribute vs cover band debates, and what fans want most🎶 Kevin’s influences (Genesis, Slipknot, Rammstein, System of a Down)🤘 The fun, chaos, and passion behind keeping Pumpkins music aliveAlong the way, we dive into Preston Poling’s viral “miniature casting couch” story, band booking advice, and why Chicago tribute bands are keeping live rock thriving.🔗 Connect with The Sad Machines:  / thesadmachinessp  🎧 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]

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 they chop it up with Nick about the hustle of going solo, crafting the perfect promo video, and playing killer sets without a full band.Highlights include:🎸 Why Nick prefers going solo — and how he keeps things tight without a band🎤 What it takes to sing lead while playing bass (and make it look easy)📹 Behind the scenes of his bass cam + iPhone setup that gets killer promo content🔈 Thoughts on soundcheck stress, wireless gear, and the middle-band squeeze🤘 Shoutouts to Bruno Mars, Mark King, and bassists who front the band💡 Pro tips on what kind of videos actually help promote your actPlus: Bongo Mike joins Anchors Away, chaos in the pool, fridge and grill chat, a Wally Swiatly show clip, and upcoming gigs from both Nick and Mike. Tech issues didn’t stop the vibes — this one’s packed.Key Moments:0:003:22 Bongo Mike Orfanos joins Anchors Away Band4:34 Animal in Mike’s pool????4:50 Chris Rhodes Chasing Amy Band Drummer   / chasingamyband  5:37 Pool Pet update6:14 Mike Refrigerator6:15 Mike’s grilling8:00 Beth Miller9:24 Wally Swiatly Show Clip    • Wally Swiatly Talks Singing with Train & S...  12:40 Should HOGpod do a live Q&A show?14:49 Wally’s Upcoming Shows https://www.wallyswiatly.com/shows16:18 Bob Mansfield Keyboard player Palm Court16:56 Nick Sanzeri Introduction28:25 Why Nick stays solo34:43 What does Nick prefer to play?34:48 Famous bass players that were lead singers36:50 Nick has cool bass cam37:29 Nick covering Bruno Mars45:34 Is it hard to sing and play bass?49:41 Nothing beats an iPhone for getting band videos52:20 Thoughts on which videos to use to promote band56:15 Sound that the crowd hears isn’t necessarily same sound the band hears1:01:50 Middle bands of 3-line check and no sound check1:03:20 Using wireless equipment1:06:20 Bongo Mike’s question segment1:11:40 Nick’s upcoming shows1:15:58 Bongo Mike at Lyric Theater 8/15🔗 Connect with Nick Sanzeri:https://nicksanzeri.com/#homehttps://nicksanzeri.com/#original  / nsanzeri  🎧 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]#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #NickSanzeri #BassCam #SingingBassist #BrunoMars #MusicGear #BongoMike #WallySwiatly #BethMiller #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #PeteJansons #MikeDermont #SoloArtist #MusicPodcast