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

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: beth@hogpod.org1:13:40 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 beth@hogpod.org!✅ 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

🎙️ 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 bonnie@brokenoar.comSupport 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