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

🎙️ 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   / afternight   https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...6:50 Friction Reunion   / 9159828767435199  7:13 Cathy M.O.M. gives us a swag update11:45 Dino joins the show16:49 Mike's time with 7th Heaven24:20 Technological advancements that improved sound quality26:11 Is it easier headlining?26:30 Bret Michaels story28:20 Joe's Live story and clip    • Country Beats and City Streets: Ed Wa...  30:43 Game-changing technology for Dino32:02 Will AI take over for human sound engineers?35:23 Who are/were the greatest Chicagoland sound engineers?35:46 Butch Vig https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butch_Vig35:50 Steve Albini https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_A...35:56 Frank Pappalardo https://frankpappalardo.com/36:04 Mark Bales Diversified Audio Group http://diversifiedaudio.com/37:25 Soundworks shout-out https://vantagepg.com/37:43 Stan Doty Pravda Records Sound https://pravdamusic.com/home https://www.chicagotribune.com/1999/0...38:07 Billy Corgan and Sheryl Crow and the evolution of the Chicago music scene https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_C...39:00 Off Broadway shout-out https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Off_Bro...39:23 M&R Rush shout-out https://mandrrush.com/39:25 The Odd https://punkdatabase.com/wiki/The_Odd39:31 Hammeron https://roadtorock.org/artist/hammeron/39:37 Bohemia https://illinoismusicarchives.com/202...39:43 What does it take to be a national sound person versus a local one? (Bon Jovi Soldier Field story)43:45 What is the difference between doing sound at Soldier Field versus a smaller club like Madcats?44:22 What do people really mean when they say it's too loud?47:14 Thoughts on using tracks49:05 Dino's studio work Afternight Productions https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...49:22 Using click tracks—what are they? When do you use them?54:25 Advice for new sound guys56:34 Bongo Mike pops in from Florida57:15 What's Dino doing now?58:10 Pete Greco   / pete.greco1  1:00:00 Dino beat out Doug Schoenbeck for Jesus Christ Superstar    • HOG POD: Doug Schoenbeck on Kreative ...  1:03:44 Core show Dino will be singing at on April 12   / 1149440076676234  1:06:04 Dino singing Iron Maiden’s Children of the Damned   / 1149440076676234  1:10:22 The Mosquitos at Sundance 3/23   / 1053065140197817  #Hogpod #PeteJansons #MikeOrfanos #MikeDermont #DinoTManzella #AfternightProductions #ChicagoMusicScene #LiveMusic #SoundEngineering #AudioTech #StudioRecording #ConcertSound #AIinMusic #ButchVig #SteveAlbini #FrankPappalardo #MarkBales #Soundworks #PravdaRecords #BillyCorgan #SherylCrow

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 "Devo" Dawson (Vocals)🎸 Dave Eakins (Guitar/Vocals)🎹 Keith Colgrove (Keys/Vocals)🥁 Dan Dillon (Drums/Vocals)🎸 Joe Buchberger (Bass/Vocals)🎙️ Hosts: Pete Jansons, Mike Orfanos, Chris Rhodes🎉 Special Guest: Beth Miller (Birthday Celebration!)✅ Topics Discussed:🎤 The origins and evolution of Rumor Hazit🎶 Cover band vs. tribute band—what’s the difference?📅 Strategies for booking gigs & building venue relationships📲 The importance of promo videos and social media marketing🎸 What makes a great live performance?☘️ Shamrockers Ball & upcoming shows🏆 Why merch is such a hassle & the genius of Koozies!🎉 Beth Miller’s epic birthday party at Broken Oar✅ Upcoming Shows:🎶 March 9: Rumor Hazit at Broken Oar w/ Beyond the Blonde & Hairbanger’s Ball!🎶 March 10: Mosquitos at Toadstool Pub—first gig with their new keyboard player!Key Moments:0:001:51 Shamrock Ball https://www.shamrockersball.com/2:09 Stevie McVie Band   / steviemcvieband  2:20 Petty Union https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...3:36 Mosquitos Toadstool Pub March 9, 2 PM   / 9257376874328156  5:05 Don't eat cabbage pre-show6:08 Beth Miller quick pop-in – Happy Birthday!7:07 Pino Farina Band Clip9:17 Rumor Hazit Band Introduction14:25 Rumor Hazit at Shamrockers Ball at Broken Oar   / 4021595174783648   Sat, March 8, 4 PM17:31 Video sizzle reel – any advice or thoughts on how to do it?20:18 Facebook is the main marketing platform   / rumorhazitband  20:22 Instagram   / rumorhazitband   TikTok   / rumorhazitband  23:42 What's the cold call process to book the band?25:58 Joey DeMarco shoutout27:11 Double D Booking shoutout28:16 Tips for setting up a band rehearsal space29:23 How do they pick the songs with Devo singing?38:20 Help a drummer load and unload46:25 Drummers share equipment for a fast turnaround48:40 Thoughts on merch✅ Support Us:👉 Help keep the HOGPOD Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast going! Support us on Patreon:   / hogpodsupporters  📅 Join us LIVE every week for in-depth interviews with Chicago’s hottest bands! Subscribe & hit the 🔔 to stay updated!#RumorHazit #PeteJansons #MikeOrfanos #ChrisRhodes #BethMiller #DaveEakins #DevoDawson #KeithColgrove #DanDillon #BillAtella #ChicagoMusicScene #HOGPOD #LiveMusic #ShamrockersBall #LocalBands #RockMusic #CoverBands #GigLife #MusicMarketing #Chicagoland #SupportLocalMusic

🔥 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 Bandler (Bass)✅ Dave (Additional Member, Virtual Guest)🎸 Episode Highlights:✅ Friction Reunion Announcement! 🎸 Catch them October 25th at Broken Oar – A one-night-only show! https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1A9rgbdJ3b/✅ Fast Times Chicago at Rochaus! March 15th – https://www.facebook.com/events/1742638079944537✅ What Makes '80s Music So Iconic? A deep dive into why younger generations love '80s hits!✅ Do Not Play List? The songs Fast Times Chicago won’t touch!✅ 80s Costume Contests & Stage Antics!✅ Playing in Extreme Heat! How summer gigs test their endurance✅ Famous '80s Cover Bands in Chicago! Who’s still rocking?✅ Influential Artists & Musical Inspirations – From Kiss to Van Halen, who shaped their sound?✅ AI & Music – The Debate! Has modern music lost its soul?✅ Halloween & Tribute Island – What happens when an '80s band plays a Halloween gig?✅ One-Hit Wonders & Guilty Pleasures Setlist – Friction's upcoming April 12th show at Broken Oar! https://www.facebook.com/events/1149440076676234✅ Mosquitos Jam Band! March 9 at Toadstool Pub – https://www.facebook.com/events/9257376874328156Key Moments:0:00 Pre-show banter2:16 Friction Reunion Oct 25 Broken Oar https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1A9rgbdJ3b/3:50 Bonnie Broken Oar clip https://youtu.be/fEKhSr89TJs?si=kkO2B8pQSq2zHCtH6:30 Mr. Blotto https://www.facebook.com/mrblotto7:02 Eric Levy https://www.facebook.com/ericlevymusician/7:50 Gordy celebration clip https://youtu.be/-Llw5G_UvgE?si=I7Zh--mystkDdZV49:55 Fast Times arrive13:54 Twisted Sister We're Not Gonna Take It – is it a one-hit wonder?15:20 Band Introduction:✅ Sue Dix (Keyboards) https://www.facebook.com/sarah.pix.7✅ Corey Case (Guitar) https://www.facebook.com/corey.case.731✅ Drummer Brian Polidori https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1003279585✅ Leader Paul Jones https://www.facebook.com/paul.jones.9406✅ Lead Singer Andi Donahue https://www.facebook.com/andidonahue✅ Bass Rachel Bandler https://www.facebook.com/rachel.bandler16:21 Paul Jones' background and history of the band's formation18:35 What does the setlist look like?26:25 What’s it like playing in the summer months with the makeup?27:25 Tribute Island reference28:00 What are the Chicago '80s cover bands?28:21 Younger generation likes '80s music because theirs sucks31:49 Is there a "do not play" song?34:50 Fast Times at Rochaus March 15 https://www.facebook.com/events/174263807994453740:27 What is the difference between manufactured music in the '80s versus today?43:10 Mac McRae clip https://youtu.be/iF6FLzcIGsQ?si=qLzyHFiKXImHCCTX48:20 Who were the influential artists that helped shape the band?53:25 Advice for youngins wanting to be in a band54:40 How does the band dress up for Halloween?59:15 Setlist for sober/buzzed crowd— is there a difference?1:00:45 How do people find Fast Times? https://www.facebook.com/FastTimesTheBand1:01:40 Fast Times at Rochaus March 15 https://www.facebook.com/events/17426380799445371:01:51 Any advice for bands having to play St. Patrick's Day?1:03:35 The Core 4-12-25, 2 PM to 6 PM at The Broken Oar https://www.facebook.com/events/1149440076676234✅ Friction Reunion Oct 25 Broken Oar https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1A9rgbdJ3b/1:05:55 Mosquitos Jam Band March 9 Toadstool Pub https://www.facebook.com/events/92573768743281561:07:24 Lip blotting💥 Support the Podcast!📢 Love the Hogpod? Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HogPodSupporters📢 Subscribe & hit the 🔔 for more Chicago music scene content!

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: The Broken Oar was overflowing with love and music.✅ Bonnie’s Speech: A heartfelt tribute that silenced the crowd.✅ Gordy’s Presence: A bird flew through the barn—was it Gordy checking in?✅ Memorable Performances: Saturday in the Park, Drift Away, and more.✅ The Aftermath: How the event touched everyone and left a lasting impact.✅ Annual Tradition? Should Gordy’s Celebration of Life become a yearly event?✅ Fundraiser Success: $4,500+ raised for Gordy’s grandkids' college fund.✅ Upcoming Events at The Broken Oar: Shamrocker Ball, Friends of the Oar, and more!Key Moments:0:00 Gordy's Favorite song Saturday in the Park  / 918983353639779  https://www.facebook.com/story.php?st...2:24 Bonnie Miske, Owner, Broken Oar8:35 Bonnie's tribute to Gordy10:40 Chris Rhodes15:40 Shout out to Art Nunez   / artemusrexasaurus   for pitching in to help out Mike Dermont for the show17:50 Jeff Anthony Shout Out Clip    • HOG POD Podcast: Jeff Anthony Talks T...  19:00 Shout out to Video/Photo Credits:✅ Heather Elene   / heatherelene  https://www.heatherelene.com/contact✅ Jim Knobbe   / james.knobbe.94  19:56 Song Inventory from the show24:17 Jeff Kleinshmidt Vixen clip    • 🎶 Jeff Kleinschmidt, Talent Buyer at ...  ✅ Bobby Carlsen Sundance Saloon    • Exploring the Hyper-Local Music Scene...  ✅ Bob Cozza    • Chicago Music Scene Podcast: Bob Cozz...  26:35 What's next at the Broken Oar? Shamrocker's Ball   / 523948414015919  34:54 More Gordy shirts will be available. Email [email protected] the Podcast:✅ Join the Hogpod Chicagoland Music Scene Podcast on Patreon! 👉   / hogpodsupporters  ✅ Subscribe to stay updated on the Chicagoland music scene!#HogpodPodcast#ChicagolandMusic#GordyPokorney#BrokenOar#LiveMusic#MusicCommunity#RockTribute#CelebrationOfLife#SupportLocalMusic#IllinoisMusic#SaturdayInThePark#DriftAway

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!✅ Topics Discussed:✅ Mike Ostrenga's musical journey 🎶✅ Upcoming Gordy Tribute at Broken Ore✅ Playing bass for Empress and other bands✅ Chicago music scene highlights✅ Multi-instrumentalist talents and influences✅ Upcoming show dates and projects 🎤Key Moments:0:001:37 Mike Orfanos Super Bowl party and recap2:45 Concert for Gordie Broken Oar  / 12dgttubjhw   sun Feb 164:14 Chris Rhodes clip4:30 HOGPOD Merch & Swag shop openhttps://hogpodmerch.creator-spring.com/8:02 Happy Birthday Bonnie Miske, Owner of Broken Oar8:49 Mosquitos next show 3/9 Toadstool Pub11:16 Bassist Mike Ostrenga joins the show13:12 Mike Ostrenga Current Projects15:10 Empress Band  / empressbandillinois  21:38 Mike Ostrenga and his relationship with Gordie23:41 Gordie Favorite Song25:33 Who influenced Mike Ostrenga to play music?28:10 Blue Bayou Band  / bluebayouillinois  30:48 Earthshine Band47:36 Empress Band shows coming up  / 899733678661290    / 593458280235756  49:00 Mosquitos shows coming up51:30 HOGPOD Merch site openhttps://hogpodmerch.creator-spring.com/✅ Support Us:👉 Check out Hogpod Merch:https://hogpodmerch.creator-spring.com👉 Join our Patreon for exclusive content:  / hogpodsupporters  👉 Like and subscribe for more episodes!📅 Catch us LIVE every week for more interviews and music talk!#MikeOstrenga#EmpressBand#ChicagoMusicScene#HogpodPodcast#LiveMusic#BassGuitarist#MultiInstrumentalist#GordyTribute#BrokenOre#BuddyGuysLegends#PeteJansons#MikeOrfanos

🔥 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! 🎶

🎸 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 shows, and how they're navigating the Chicago music scene today.

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 us with the unique finds from his basement collection!

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

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.