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

🎺 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 Lizards while breaking down the genre’s three waves 🌊 and the old-school hustle of promoting shows with light poles and faxes 📠.🔥 Mitch debunks the myth that original music is dead, shouting out 🎤 Derek Procell and Push Puppets, and tackles today’s short attention spans 🧠. Get the scoop on his band, Mitch The Lip and The Side Hustle, upcoming gigs 🎟️ at Toad Stool Pub and Sundance Saloon, and how to book him for corporate events or weddings 💍 at mitchthelip.com. Plus, hear why 🎺 Clark Terry is his trumpet hero and why 🎞️ Bird is a must-watch horn movie!🎧 Hosts Mike Orfanos and Pete Jansons keep the vibe loose, nostalgic 🕶️, and hilariously insightful 😂 — while Beth Miller keeps the bookings tight as always.0:00 🎵 Intro and Music6:00 📅 Mike Orfanos Schedule Update –   / 674598988397279  7:38 🎺 Mitch The Lip Intro, Mitch The Lip and Side Hustle –   / bsidehustle     / events     / soundtracksofageneration  11:54 🎸 Mitch’s Multi-Instrumental Talents13:25 🎷 Ska Music in Chicago, Mention of Skanking Lizards, Wild Hare, Frankie Hill Band, Skatalites – https://chicagoreader.com/music/skank...16:38 🌊 Different Waves of Ska19:07 🎤 West End, Cubby Bear, Susie Miller, Lounge Ax, Jeff Tweedy21:00 🎺 What You Need to Know About Playing the Trumpet22:38 📠 Marketing Back in the Day: Copy Machines, Faxes, Scotch Tape, and Light Poles24:40 📰 Chicago Reader, Illinois Entertainer26:22 🍀 Biddy Mulligans27:12 ⚡ 80s Chicago Punk Rock and Cubby Bear31:30 📱 Music Consumption Now vs. Then34:40 📹 Push Puppets Video –    • Push Puppets - "Hearts Aren't Souveni...   https://www.pushpuppets.net/about/40:24 🔥 Debunking the Myth: Good Original Music Is Still Being Made40:41 🎤 Derek Procell Show Clip –    • Derrick Procell: Chicago's Blues & Am...  42:05 🧠 Kids Today: Short Attention Spans and Preference for Softer Music44:15 🎥 Wolfgang Paul Show Clips –    • Wolfgang Paul (ARRA, Tom Sawyer) | Ch...  44:31 🎸 Pete Dinkleson Show Clip –    • Thanksgiving with Peter Dankelson: Mu...  47:37 🌍 Khruangbin Band – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khruangbin48:54 🎺 How Does a Trumpet Work?50:40 📈 Evolution of the Trumpet and Trumpet Players50:54 🎷 Louis Armstrong (Satchmo)51:56 🎥 Jeff Anthony Show Clip –    • HOG POD Podcast: Jeff Anthony Talks T...  52:20 🚎 Chicago Transit Authority and Horns in Rock53:20 💰 The Concept of Selling Out54:30 👶 Are Younger Generations Taking Up the Trumpet?56:23 🎼 Role of Trumpet vs. Sax in a Jazz Band1:00:00 📻 Is WNUA Still Around? Is New Age Jazz Still Popular?1:00:50 🎶 Buckwheat Zydeco1:03:10 📞 How to Book Mitch – https://www.mitchthelip.com/ | Upcoming Shows – https://www.mitchthelip.com/events-11:06:35 🎬 Best Horn Movies: Bird – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_(1...)1:08:07 🎷 Blues Brothers as a Music Movie1:08:50 ❓ Why Is Selling Out Considered Bad?1:11:13 🎸 Mike Orfanos Events: Black Diamond Sessions at Toad Stool –   / 1752133728983163   | Mosquitoes at Sundance Saloon –   / 1209650920903974  1:12:33 🎺 Clark Terry – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clark_T...🎧 Enjoying the show? Support HogPod on Patreon and help us keep Chicago’s music stories alive!👉   / hogpod  📩 Want to be on the show? Bands, club owners, or bookers — contact Beth Miller:📧 [email protected] | 📱 708-287-3692#HogPod #ChicagoMusicScene #MitchTheLip #SkaMusic #TrumpetPlayer #FunkMusic #ChicagoBands #MusicPodcast #MikeOrfanos #PeteJansons #BethMiller #SkankingLizards #DerekProcell #PushPuppets #ClarkTerry #BirdMovie

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, Wolf Gang, and beyond.Hear what it’s really like growing up in the heart of the Chicago music scene, the evolution of “dad rock,” balancing multiple projects, and stories from inside the world of drum solos, tribute bands, and Chicago’s legendary venues. There’s laughter, behind-the-scenes insight, and true musician camaraderie—plus gear talk, progressive rock debates, and why the Windy City community means so much to all.Key Moments:0:00 Wolfgang Paul Drum Solo Working Man    • TOM SAWYER A TRIBUTE TO RUSH WORKING ...   Thank you Brian White14:18 What’s it like growing up in the Chicago music scene?15:00 Does Wolfie like any of the new music out today?15:30 “Dad Rock?”16:25 What is the attention span of people listening to music these days?17:16 7th Heaven 30 songs 30 minutes17:55 Wolfie’s journey of projects18:30 Dave Uhrich’s Guitar Site    / @davesguitarsite  22:57 Tony Mok Clip    • HOGPOD Chicago Music Scene Podcast: T...  23:30 How did the Coterie start?25:20 How did Rush tribute band Tom Sawyer come in to play26:50 Drum kits27:45 Gongs28:20 Top gong songs?28:50 Struckdown YT Tribute32:00 Chris Rhodes’ thoughts when he first saw Wolfie33:20 Congrats on graduation Wolfie! What was Wolfie’s punishment as a kid if he acted up?34:55 Best drum solo all time?37:45 What is a percussionist’s favorite solo?42:10 Is a drum solo important to a lead singer?44:50 Prog Rock45:31 Original band versus a cover band46:40 Math Rock47:00 But...what is progressive rock? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progres...48:30 Wolfie’s latest project ARRA51:15 What songs are challenging for Wolfie?54:30 Tom Sawyer still going strong Broken Oar Oct 24   / 638316339106937  56:10 Wolfie plays bass and sings too!57:00 Chris Rhodes drummer for hire gigs   / chris.rhodes.142  🎧 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]’t miss this inside look at one of Chicago’s most versatile drummers—hit play and join the jam with the Hogpod crew!Hashtags#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #WolfgangPaul #ARRA #TomSawyer #Drummer #ChicagoBands #MusicPodcast #DadRock #ProgressiveRock #MikeOrfanos #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #BethMiller

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 Iron Maiden’s “The Trooper” live by age 5. With stories about growing up in a musical household, being named after a classical icon, and cutting his teeth alongside veteran players, this is a must-listen for fans of the local scene.We kick things off with a recap of a recent Pino Farina Band show at Bannerman’s — a blue-collar Bartlett hotspot where Pino absolutely tore through covers like “Stuck in the Middle” and “What’s Love Got to Do with It.” Then we shift into Wolfie’s world: his early musical influences, recording songs as a kid, and his evolution into one of the top drummers in Chicagoland tribute bands today. From Judas Priest covers to disco grooves, this episode has it all.✅ Key Moments (timestamps added by Pete)0:006:29 Pino Farina Band at Bannerman’s6:40 Wally Swiatly Show clip    • Wally Swiatly Talks Singing with Trai...  8:20 Stuck in the Middle covered by Pino Farina Band    • Stuck In The Middle cover by The Pino...  12:55 Pino Farina Clip    • Pino Farina on Band Reunions, Origina...  13:16 Pino Farina Band covering What’s Love Got to Do with It    • Pino Farina Band - What's Love Got To...  19:30 Disco hate? Disco is the essence of rhythm21:06 Bannerman’s Bartlett https://bannermanssportsgrill.com/23:07 Mindy Shulman merch shout-out https://lmd-shop.myspreadshop.com/?fb...24:57 ARRA Band drummer Wolfgang Paul joins the show26:50 Wolfie introduction27:46 Tony Mok show clip with Wolfie    • HOGPOD Chicago Music Scene Podcast: T...  28:24 Wolfie drumming at 3 years old!32:31 Wolfie, 5 years old, at Broken Oar doing Iron Maiden’s The Trooper    • Wolfgang Paul - The Trooper by Iron M...  37:54 Wolfgang Paul’s mom Julie story40:00 Chris Rhodes’ start as a drummer42:06 4-year-old Wolfie singing Judas Priest’s The Ripper    • Wolfgang Paul - Sings Judas Priest  🙏 Shoutout to Beth Miller for booking the show and keeping the Hogpod rolling.🎧 Don’t miss Part 2, where we dig deeper into Wolfie’s time with ARRA and Tom Sawyer.✅ Support the show: www.patreon.com/HogPodSupporters#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #ARRA #TomSawyerBand #WolfgangPaul #DrummersLife #LiveMusicChicago #Pino #Misquitos #Coterie #MikeOrfanos #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #LivingMyDash #ChicagolandBands #TinaTurnerCover #ColdplayYellow #IronMaiden #DiscoDebate #VillagePeople #LocalMusicSupport

🎙️ 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 Wally and how it all started✅ Favorite gigs from Vegas to Mez Restaurant✅ Thoughts on tribute bands, especially Huey Lewis & Phil Collins✅ Shoutouts to Regina Karma, Jeff Anthony, Pino Farina, and the Chicago music family✅ Upcoming gigs at Mez Schaumburg and Baker Community Center in St. Charles✅ Plus: The Mike Reno broken kick drum story 🤘Special shoutout to Beth Miller for booking and M.O.M. Cathy Dermont for the new Hog Pod creations!🧠 Follow Wally:Website: https://www.walllyswiatly.comFacebook:   / simplywallyband  

⏱️ Key Moments✅ 0:00 Wally performing with Train    • Wally Swiatly performs with Train  ✅ 8:27 Which musician burns the most calories?✅ 9:17 Mike's review of the movie Sinners✅ 13:30 Special Guest Wally Swiatly joins the show   / wallyswiatly  ✅ 19:38 Wally's train collection✅ 21:45 Wally sang with the band Train and singer Pat Monahan at House of Blues✅ 28:50 Wally's story✅ 33:23 Jeff Anthoney show clip    • HOG POD Podcast: Jeff Anthony Talks T...  ✅ 34:00 Corporate band shows vs. bars✅ 39:45 What is a corporate band?✅ 42:13 What is Wally’s favorite gig to work?✅ 43:40 What’s Wally up to now?✅ 44:42 Singing to tracks✅ 52:37 Ron Barnes — Drummer✅ 55:32 If Wally decided to do a tribute band, which one would it be?✅ 57:00 Huey Lewis and the News✅ 57:15 Soundtracks of a Generation✅ 59:48 Doug James Soundtracks of a Generation shout-out✅ 1:00:12 Beth Miller — Mike Reno story✅ 1:05:39 Wally’s upcoming shows https://www.wallyswiatly.com/shows✅ 1:07:20 Visit Wally   / wallyswiatly   https://www.wallyswiatly.com/✅ 1:10:34 Johnny Martinez✅ 1:14:30 Bongo Mike’s upcoming shows   / 2107639846347518  ✅ 1:15:10 Chris Rhodes — drummer for hire   / chris.rhodes.142     / renwildflowerofficial  ✅ 1:16:19 Next Coterie Event   / events   (Sep 28 at The Vixen)🎤 Support live music and come see Simply Wally live at:📍 Mez Restaurant (Schaumburg) - May 10📍 Baker Community Center (St. Charles) - May 17🔔 Subscribe for weekly Chicago music stories, jam band tales, and behind-the-scenes laughs from the scene!#HogpodChicago #SimplyWallyBand #WallySwiatly #ChicagoMusicScene #BongoMike #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesey #LiveMusicChicago #TrainBand #HueyLewis #ReginaKarma #BethMiller #CoterieBand #MOMCathyDermont #GarageBandLife #ArcadaTheatre #YachtRockNight #BrokenOar #MisquitosJamBand #ChicagoAcousticMusic

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 scene.Hosted by:🎙️ Mike Orfanos (Misquitos Jam Band)🎙️ Mike Dermont (Coterie co-founder)🎙️ Pete Jansons (Editor/Producer)🎵 Special guests: Rhodesy (Chris Rhodes), Bongo Mike📅 Guest booking by Beth Miller – thank you for making it happen!🎧 Follow Elise's channel:    / @ronniejamesdva  💥 Support the Podcast:   / hogpodsupporters  🎯 TOPICS DISCUSSED🎸 Elise’s start with Pedal to the Metal & leap to Sabatha Chicago🐕 Getting bit by a dog at her first metal audition🎤 Leaving Sabatha Chicago to push vocal boundaries with My Metal Heart🥁 Audition styles, chemistry, and jamming with new bands🎶 Her love for everything from Dio to Donny Osmond🕺 Being a frontwoman: working the crowd, pushing past nerves🎧 Challenges of in-ear monitors & hearing yourself on stage📢 The need for better venue support and band promotionKey Moments:0:006:05 Wolfgang Paul is the new drummer for ARRA https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1...6:44 ARRA upcoming shows https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1...8:34 Elise McLearen introduction   / 35173elise   (Personal Page)   / mymetalheartband   (Band Page)   / ronniejamesdiva     / sabbathachicago  22:33 Dan Volpe is a band poacher :)28:01 Band auditions — rhyme or reason?31:19 Female drummers are hard to come by41:55 What do you do on stage when unplanned things happen?44:18 In-ear monitors46:28 It's cool when people record your performance—and it sucks when venues say don't record51:30 Was the live music scene better in past generations?52:40 Are posters in bars still a good way to market your band?54:00 Thoughts on Joan Jett54:29 Ann Wilson from Heart?56:15 Bon Jovi hate58:25 Mike Orfanos’ thoughts on best singer ever1:04:27 Catch My Metal Heart at the Broken Oar May 10   / 18fp7qjcte  1:05:50 Mike Orfanos' Sphere experience1:09:35 Check out Elise’s YouTube page    / @ronniejamesdiva  🔖 Hashtags:#EliseMcLearen, #MyMetalHeart, #SabathaChicago, #RonnieJamesDiva, #HOGPODPodcast, #PeteJansons, #MikeOrfanos, #MikeDermont, #Rhodesy, #BongoMike, #BethMiller, #ChicagoMusicScene, #FemaleMetalVocalist, #BlackSabbathTribute, #LocalBands, #HeavyMetal

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, Jonathan Brandmeier, and shoutouts to Reggies, Broken Oar, and more.Key Moments:0:007:15 Addison Rock and Wheels Show 7/3/25 https://www.ithappensinaddison.com/ev...12:19 Buzz Kilman bit15:03 Jonathan Brandmeier TV show On the Loose15:40 Ted Nugent story21:04 Damaged Goods Band31:54 Concert T-shirts in high school back in the day35:50 MTV influence back in the day43:20 Original bands coming back51:20 Broken Oar June 8 gig   / 533861196201199  1:01:55 Bobby Carlsen Sundance Saloon clip    • Exploring the Hyper-Local Music Scene...  1:03:35 Is the younger generation appreciating the old-school rock?Peter Dankelson clip    • Thanksgiving with Peter Dankelson: Mu...  Wolfgang Paul1:04:12 Bob Cozza clip    • Chicago Music Scene Podcast: Bob Cozz...  1:08:54 Big City Nights show calendar1:09:58 Shoutout Bonnie Miske Broken Oar clip    • HOG POD - Behind the Scenes at Broken...  1:10:04 Beth Miller shoutout — if you want to come on the show, reach out: [email protected]1:13:40 Shoutout Reggies in Chicago1:14:50 Mosquitos Jam Band at Broken Oar May 3   / 1343842489991799  1:16:36 Tony Mok show clip    • HOGPOD Chicago Music Scene Podcast: T...  If you'd like to come on the show, reach out to Beth Miller at [email protected]!✅ Support local music✅ Follow the Hogpod Chicagoland Music Scene Podcast for more band interviews and rock stories👉 Support the Hogpod Podcast on Patreon:   / hogpodsupporters  #BigCityNights #MikeKrauser #ScorpionsTribute #Hogpod #ChicagolandMusicScene #AddisonRockAndReels #MosquitosJamBand #SundanceSaloon #BrokenOar #ReggiesChicago #OldSchoolRock #MTVInfluence #ConcertTshirts #RockMusic #TributeBands #ChicagoMusic #SupportLocalMusic

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 — from charting Billboard hits and opening for Bon Jovi at Soldier Field, to rocking 200 shows a year including cruise ships and international gigs. Nick drops insight on band turnover, selling out (or not), and their famous "30 Songs in 30 Minutes" medley.Zach Avery shares his journey from Minneapolis bars at age 13 to opening for Buddy Guy and launching the Revelator tribute project with Soundtracks of a Generation. We talk live EPs, band chemistry, Chicago Music Exchange, and what it means to groove with soul.Todd Lazar joins to talk about building Revelator and navigating the local scene while laying down the low end in multiple projects.✅ Shoutouts to Mojo Mike, Tony Ocean, Chicago Music Cruise, Richie Hofherr, and Michael Mooshey✅ Behind the scenes on how Revelator formed✅ Stories from First Avenue and the Prince estate at Paisley Park✅ Upcoming shows from 7th Heaven, Zach Avery Band, Revelator, and Mosquitos Jam BandKey Moments:0:004:43 Derrick Procell Clip    • Derrick Procell: Chicago's Blues & Am...   https://www.derrickprocellmusic.com/5:23 Mojo Mike Clip    • Mojo Mike O'Brien Joins Voyage | Hogp...  5:35 Nick Cox Guitars/Vocals 7th Heaven Band https://7thheavenband.com7:11 Chicago Music Cruise https://www.chicagomusiccruise.com/8:05 Tony Ocean https://www.tonyoceanmusic.com/8:31 Tony Ocean Podcast https://www.tonyoceanmusic.com/podcast/9:06 Revelator Band Debut https://www.revelatortribute.com/9:15 Soul Commitments   / soulicons  9:36 Zach Avery Upcoming Shows https://www.zachaveryband.com/shows9:42 Nick Bell Band https://www.nickbellband.com/10:04 Todd Lazar Introduction13:38 How did Revelator get started, Todd Lazar?19:30 Revelator performs "Gravity"26:10 Chicago Music Exchange https://www.chicagomusicexchange.com/26:43 Upcoming Shows – 7th Heaven https://www.7thheavenband.com/tour.html28:17 Is the Casino Gig all it's cracked up to be?30:04 Zach Avery arrives – Zach Avery Band https://www.zachaveryband.com/31:37 Zach Avery Introduction34:35 Shout Out to Richie Hofherr (7th Heaven Band Founder) and Michael Mooshey34:44 Where did the band 7th Heaven get its name?37:27 "Monster" performed by Nick Cox and 7th Heaven    • 7th heaven   Monster  43:20 Josh Henderson – Quive Queen Tribute   / jjhenderson86  44:32 Davey Knowles Shout Out   / davyknowles  49:45 Zach Avery Influences52:36 What is Zach Avery's vision?56:52 What are some of the growing pains Nick Cox has dealt with in his tenure with 7th Heaven Band?59:48 Dealing with band turnover1:04:50 Eventually a band is going to have to sell out and make money1:07:15 How do you keep everyone happy in a band—creative process, getting paid, etc.?1:07:39 How do you tell a band member their idea is crappy?1:09:40 First Avenue, Minneapolis https://first-avenue.com/shows1:09:48 Paisley Park (Prince Home Tour) https://www.paisleypark.com/tickets1:10:48 Revelator's debut show   / 2071081200035615   – The Lyric Theater, Blue Island1:11:40 Mosquitos Upcoming Show – Sundance Saloon, Saturday 4/19   / 1989222538571201   http://www.mosquitosjamband.com/1:12:18 7th Heaven Website https://www.7thheavenband.com1:13:31 Black Diamond Sessions https://blackdiamondsessions.com/1:15:11 Dino Show Clip    • 🚨 Hogpod Chicagoland Music Scene Podc...  1:16:50 Friction Reunion1:17:10 zachaveryband.com website with upcoming shows1:17:33 Revelator Website

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, Zurich, Nathan Teal, Hobo Junkies, Curbside Life, and Earthshine, to his latest gig as lead singer of Voyage.✅ Special Recognition🏆 Huge shoutout to the College of DuPage Men’s Volleyball Team – National Champs!https://gochapsgo.com/sports/mens-vol...✅ Clips & Guests Featured🎙️ Derrick Procell’s Chicago Blues Journey – • Derrick Procell: Chicago's Blues & Am... 🥁 Arra Band drummer update – https://www.arraweb.com/🎧 Kevin Purcell’s Podcast: The Bus Stop Blues – https://www.podbean.com/pu/pbblog-vhm...🎸 Mojo Mike’s site – http://www.mojomusic.com/🎶 Voyage Band Info & Shows – https://voyagerocks.com/✅ Live Show Clips Mentioned🎥 Rumor Hazit – • 🔥 RUMOR HAZIT Joins HOGPOD Chicago Lo... 🎥 Blackberry Jam – • HOG POD Podcast: Jeff Anthony Talks T... 🎥 Mike Ostrenga Clip – • 🎸 Bassist Mike Ostrenga from Empress ... ✅ Fun FactThis episode may have broken the record for the most Mikes on one podcast. Somebody call Guinness!Key Moments:0:001:31 ✅ Shoutout: College of DuPage Men's Volleyball National Champs!🔗 https://gochapsgo.com/sports/mens-vol...5:40 ✅ Mike Orfanos solo Black Diamond Sessions at Broken Oar7:11 ✅ Derrick Procell: Chicago's Blues & Americana Journey show clip🔗 • Derrick Procell: Chicago's Blues & Am... 9:12 ✅ Arra band replaces drummer🔗 https://www.arraweb.com/10:40 ✅ Kevin Purcell has a podcast! The Bus Stop Blues🔗 https://www.podbean.com/pu/pbblog-vhm...11:27 ✅ Michael "Mojo" O'Brien background🔗 http://www.mojomusic.com/12:00 ✅ Mojo joins Voyage band🔗 https://voyagerocks.com/12:52 ✅ Mojo Mike arrives28:41 ✅ Rumor Hazit clip🔗 • 🔥 RUMOR HAZIT Joins HOGPOD Chicago Lo... 30:19 ✅ Blackberry Jam show clip🔗 • HOG POD Podcast: Jeff Anthony Talks T... 31:39 ✅ Mike Orfanos shares What is Moo story33:11 ✅ Jimmy Sohns performs “Gloria” at Joe’s Live in Rosemont40:49 ✅ Voyage Band discussion48:52 ✅ Mike Ostrenga joins49:50 ✅ Upcoming Voyage shows🔗 https://voyagerocks.com/shows🗓️ May 30 – Bannerman’s, Bartlett, IL🗓️ June 3 – Private Event🗓️ July 2 – Bourbonnais Summer Concert, Perry Farm Park🗓️ July 4 – Bartlett 4th Fest🗓️ July 16 – Camera Park Concert, Glendale Heights🗓️ Oct 10 – The Broken Oar, Port Barrington54:49 ✅ Kreative Minds show clip56:25 ✅ What’s Mike Ostrenga up to? Show clip🔗 • 🎸 Bassist Mike Ostrenga from Empress ... 1:02:49 ✅ Visit Mojo Mike’s website🔗 http://www.mojomusic.com/#MojoMike #VoyageBand #Hogpod #ChicagoMusicScene #MikeOrfanos #PeteJansons #MikeOstrenga #HoboJunkies #CurbsideLife #BlackDiamondSessions #ArraBand #KevinPurcell #ChicagoBlues #LiveMusicChicago #CollegeOfDupage #DerrickProcell #ChicagolandBands #CoverBands #ChicagolandPodcasts #MikeOverload

🎙️ 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 behind how these projects came together, why Rush’s music is so uniquely challenging, and what it takes to replicate the technical mastery of Geddy Lee, Neil Peart, and Alex Lifeson on stage.The crew goes deep into how they built their live sets, what gear they use, and how they handle samples, foot pedals, and keyboards with just three members. We talk about the evolution of Hitwave 80s, how it was inspired by early dance clubs and MTV, and why synthpop is alive and well in Chicagoland today. Along the way, we’re joined by Rhodsey (Chris Rhodes), Beth Miller, Bongo Mike, Mike Dermont, and Pete Jansons as the conversation covers everything from AI in music to old-school festival war stories to whether Rush should be crowned the kings of cowbell.Whether you're a Rush superfan, an 80s synth junkie, or just love Chicago’s thriving music scene, this one’s for you. Tony Mok breaks it all down with passion, humility, and a few hilarious behind-the-scenes moments you won’t want to miss.✅ Key Moments:5:17 Wolfgang Paul vinyl collection6:51 Mike Dermont introduces Rush tribute band Tom Sawyer6:59 Geddy Lee – Tony Mok / anthony.mok66 8:25 Alex Lifeson – Brent Johnson / guitarjohnson 10:50 Wolfgang Paul Neil Peart drummer solo15:50 Is there a harder music to play than Rush?17:17 Hardest Rush song to play21:55 Is Rush one of the top cowbell bands?28:25 Drumeo shoutout / @drumeoofficial 34:22 Subdivisions39:21 Bonnie Miske Show Clip – Broken Oar • HOG POD - Behind the Scenes at Broken... 42:16 Hitwave 80s Band / hitwave80scoverbandchicago 57:30 Bongo Mike at Broken Oar / 1648111639428552 57:55 IPOP Band shoutout / ipopband 58:22 Nate Schmidt drummer shoutout / drummernate ✅ Support the HOGPODKeep the Chicago music scene alive!Join our community 👉 / hogpodsupporters Subscribe, like & share!#HogpodPodcast #TonyMok #TomSawyerBand #Hitwave80s #RushTribute #ChicagoMusicScene #YYZ #GeddyLee #NeilPeart #AlexLifeson #Subdivisions #PeteJansons #MikeDermont #BongoMike #BethMiller #Rhodsey #ChrisRhodes #WolfgangPaul #BrentJohnson #IPOPBand #NateSchmidt

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 gives us a behind-the-lens look at capturing Chicago's vibrant live music community.✅ Topics Covered:✅ Celebrating Hogpod’s one-year podcast anniversary✅ Jim's early days photographing weddings and transitioning to music photography✅ Behind-the-scenes stories from shooting bands like Pino Farina Band, Rumor Has It, and Tom Sawyer✅ Tips on managing difficult concert lighting and stage setups✅ How Jim became known as "Pino’s guy"✅ Why black-and-white photography stands out in music shoots✅ The best and toughest local venues for live music photography✅ Jim’s photography gear recommendations and AI retouching tricks✅ Favorite local food spots: Sporty's, Portillo's, and more tasty talk🔥 About the Guest:Jim Knobbe is a talented photographer known throughout the Chicago music scene for capturing memorable moments at live performances. He has worked extensively with bands and venues across Chicagoland and continues to make musicians look their absolute best.✅ Follow Jim Knobbe on Facebook:   / james.knobbe.94  Key Moments:0:001:30 HOGPOD has been going for over a year with Mike Orfanos    • Chicagoland Hyper Local Music Scene: ...  2:07 First HOGPOD with Mike Dermont as guest 8-19-24    • Hog Pod with Mike Dermont: From Frict...  6:16 Portillo's Top Dawg boat8:34 Sporty's Bloomingdale shout-out https://www.sportyscatering.com/14:18 Wolfgang Paul Drum Solo courtesy of Beth Miller   / 3008495396018800  21:13 Black Diamonds Broken Oar April 5   / 1648111639428552  22:19 Mosquitos show Sundance April 19   / 952020253570749  22:58 Photographer Jim Knobbe joins the show32:05 Pino Farina Band clip shout-out    • Pino Farina on Band Reunions, Origina...  34:20 Jeff Kleinschmidt Vixen shout-out clip    • 🎶 Jeff Kleinschmidt, Talent Buyer at ...  36:20 Jim Knobbe—message him on Facebook38:40 Which band member is the most photogenic?41:15 Rumor Hazit clip shout-out    • 🔥 RUMOR HAZIT Joins HOGPOD Chicago Lo...   Happy Birthday David Eakens!42:54 How light plays a role in photography48:12 What was the biggest technological advancement that has helped photographers?56:33 Mic Stands🎧 Support the Podcast:Support the Hogpod Chicagoland Music Scene Podcast:👉   / hogpodsupporters  👍 Like, Subscribe, and Share to support the Chicagoland music community!Hashtags:#JimKnobbe #ObiWanKenobi #ChicagoMusic #ChicagoBands #MusicPhotography #LiveMusic #LocalMusic #HogpodPodcast #MikeOrfanos #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #Misquitos #Coterie #ChicagoPhotographer #PinoFarinaBand #RumorHasIt