Episodes

  • TD Clark 🎸 Guitar Virtuoso Poison'd Crue, Shredding & Mars Jams | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast

    TD Clark 🎸 Guitar Virtuoso Poison'd Crue, Shredding & Mars Jams | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast
    Jan 20 2026
    This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we’re joined by Brian "T.D." Clark — guitar virtuoso, shredder, songwriter, sideman, and creator of kids' music education tools, known for his fiery performances with Poison'd Crue (Poison tribute), his solo band, and collaborations across rock scenes.Hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes talk with TD about:🎸 His journey from piano at age 6 to self-taught guitar shredding in Chicago suburbs🎤 Influences like Black Sabbath/Zeppelin, early neighborhood jams, and no formal lessons📚 Marsh Jams kids' books series, Funporium guitar packs, and teaching young learners🔥 Work with Poison'd Crue tribute, Dee Snider shows, and high-energy stage presence🎶 Upcoming gigs, Chicago scene stories (including James Iha ties), and pro mindsetPlus: Holiday vibes, Scarface quotes, old fashioned drinks, demonetization records, and classic Hogpod chaos.🔗 Connect with TD Clark:https://www.tdclark.com/ / t-d-clark-music-100070993790846 https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Uq1n...https://www.poisondcrue.com/ / pcrockband https://rockintoolboxes.com/🎧 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:Beth@hogpod.org708-287-3692Key Moments:0:00 Poison'd Crue Promo Video covering the bands of Poison, Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, plus many more! TD Clark @ Metal Monkey Brewing 9-24-22 TD with Mike Dermont onstage 0:00 Poison'd Crue Promo Video covering the bands of Poison, Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, plus many more! https://youtu.be/wHjgGsIFP80?si=HLYSO-YgtTAdFXyU3:13 Rob Stepen Show Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk8ADmOYxZs8:20 Wolfie 21st bday jam https://www.facebook.com/share/16t8FqsQUb/10:49 TD Clark Joins17:40 TD Introduction20:37 Where did TD Grow up?41:43 Poison'd Crue TD Cover Band https://www.facebook.com/pcrockband https://www.poisondcrue.com/1:12:17 TD Clark @ Metal Monkey Brewing 9-24-22 TD with Mike Dermont onstage https://youtu.be/Ci-rzlNjnOg?si=x4WP9Yx1Fmdtkl431:29:10 TD Children books#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #TDClark #GuitarShredder #PoisonDCrue #MarshJams #KidsMusicBooks #BongoMike #PeteJansons #MikeDermont #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #GuitarVirtuoso #MusicEducation #ChicagoScene #RockTribute #ShredGuitar
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    1 hr and 39 mins
  • Duran Decade 🎤 EDM vs Live Bands, Booking Secrets (Pt 2) | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast

    Duran Decade 🎤 EDM vs Live Bands, Booking Secrets (Pt 2) | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast
    Jan 6 2026
    Part 2 of our epic sit-down with Duran Decade — Wisconsin’s ultimate Duran Duran tribute — picks up right in the AI music debate and goes full throttle!Hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes continue the conversation with Danny Miller (guitar/vocals), Mark Uselman (lead vocals/keys), and Brian Wirt (drums/vocals) covering:🔥 EDM vs real bands: Laptop DJs, crowd vibe, and why kids boop for an hour🎸 Future of live music: Summerfest changes, streaming gigs, and vinyl revival💰 Pro booking & marketing tips every band needs in 2026🤘 Show production secrets + quick-fire first concerts & favorite 80s foodKey Moments:0:00 Picking up the AI debate0:36 EDM concerts, laptops & crowd energy4:54 Future of live shows & younger generations6:59 Summerfest changes + disappearing headliners8:15 Vinyl comeback & kids rediscovering albums10:35 Album listening vs single tracks18:14 Production details, video sync & no stopping27:39 Venue talk: Vixen, Bend Theater & crowd flow34:45 Supertramp tribute crossover & stage props40:26 Quick questions: First concerts & favorite 80s food44:36 Wrap-up & thanksWatch Part 1 here: • Duran Decade 🎤 Duran Duran Tribute & 80s N... 🔗 Connect with Duran Decade: / decadebandmke https://dmiller5889.wixsite.com/duran...https://dmiller5889.wixsite.com/duran... / @durandecade Danny Miller: / danny.miller.840953 Songsmith Records: / songsmithrecords Supertramp Tribute: / thesupertramptribute Upcoming Shows:Jan 30, 2026 – The Grand, Oshkosh WIApr 11, 2026 – Rally Point, Oconomowoc WIJun 12, 2026 – The Bend Theater, West Bend WIJul 18, 2026 – Brown County Playhouse, Nashville INMeet the Band: https://dmiller5889.wixsite.com/duran...🎧 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:Beth@hogpod.org708-287-3692#hogpod #ChicagoMusic #DuranDecade #DuranDuranTribute #80sMusic #EDMvsLive #BandBooking #AIMusic #BongoMike #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #MilwaukeeMusic #WisconsinBands
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    45 mins
  • Duran Decade 🎤 Duran Duran Tribute & 80s Nostalgia (Pt 1) | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast

    Duran Decade 🎤 Duran Duran Tribute & 80s Nostalgia (Pt 1) | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast
    Dec 30 2025
    This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we’re joined by Duran Decade — Wisconsin’s premier Duran Duran tribute delivering authentic 80s sound, era-accurate gear/clothes, and full synced iconic videos.Hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes sit down with Danny Miller (guitar/vocals), Mark Uselman (lead vocals/keys), and Brian Wirt (drums/vocals) to talk:🎸 How Duran Decade came together and their obsession with authenticity🌍 Overseas concert deals + Pete’s Radiohead trip to Berlin🎹 Early synth pioneers, recreating classic sounds, and the AI vs. synth debate🕺 Why 80s music still rules — MTV visuals, nostalgia power, and Gen Z fansPart 1 ends on the AI cliffhanger — Part 2 coming soon with live music future and pro booking advice!🔗 Connect with Duran Decade: / decadebandmke https://dmiller5889.wixsite.com/duran...https://dmiller5889.wixsite.com/duran... / @durandecade Danny Miller: / danny.miller.840953 Songsmith Records: / songsmithrecords Supertramp Tribute: / thesupertramptribute Upcoming Shows:Jan 30, 2026 – The Grand, Oshkosh WIApr 11, 2026 – Rally Point, Oconomowoc WIJun 12, 2026 – The Bend Theater, West Bend WIJul 18, 2026 – Brown County Playhouse, Nashville INMeet the Band: https://dmiller5889.wixsite.com/duran...🎧 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:Beth@hogpod.org708-287-3692Key Moments:0:00 Sizzle Reel – Duran Decade Tribute to Duran Duran • DURAN DECADE - TRIBUTE TO DURAN DURAN 3:18 Pete’s Radiohead Berlin trip + “There There” live clip12:32 Danny Miller joins + band introductions14:10 Duran Decade origin & full authenticity breakdown15:19 Setlist, 2-hour show, and synced video magic18:14 Why Duran Duran + surprising crowd demographics19:13 Tribute market gap & Supertramp connection21:54 Early 80s tech, synth pioneers & sound recreation27:39 Why 80s music never dies + MTV’s massive impact35:19 AI vs. synths hypocrisy debate kicks off#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #DuranDecade #DuranDuranTribute #80sMusic #NewWave #SynthPop #AIMusic #BongoMike #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #MilwaukeeMusic #WisconsinBands
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    39 mins
  • Becky Raisman Earth Goddesses EP, School of Rock & Chappell Roan Vibes Hogpod Chicago Music Podcast

    Becky Raisman Earth Goddesses EP, School of Rock & Chappell Roan Vibes Hogpod Chicago Music Podcast
    Dec 23 2025
    This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we’re joined by Becky Raisman — a talented singer-songwriter originally from the Chicagoland area (Highland Park), now based in Charleston, SC, with her brand-new fifth EP Earth Goddesses featuring pop-rock tracks inspired by life, love, and artists like Chappell Roan.Hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes dive into:🎤 Becky’s musical journey from Chicago choirs and Columbia College to releasing originals online🎶 The inspirations behind Earth Goddesses tracks like “Shining Through My Window,” “Live It Up, Live It Loud,” and “Moonlight Goddesses”🏫 Adult band life at School of Rock (from Libertyville to Mount Pleasant), jamming with the late Kevin Clark, and prepping 90s alternative sets🔥 Influences: Taylor Swift, Def Leppard, Journey, Chappell Roan, and dreams of opening for big acts🎄 Plus: Memories of Chicago scenes, tributes to Kevin Clark, upcoming Pride Fest EP, and more holiday vibes.0:00 Becky Raisman "Shining Through My Window" (opening song)2:53 Weekend recap: Jack Tripper band at Broken Oar, Packers beat Bears3:48 Upcoming gigs: Mosquitoes Jan 10 at Broken Oar, Black Diamond Sessions Feb 14 at Madcatz & Feb 27 at Side Outs4:17 Wooden Nickel Dec 18 discussion & calendar mix-up5:00 Drum shop Christmas party shoutout5:46 Drum buying addiction & Sweetwater messages6:30 Sleigh bells purchase for Christmas show7:10 Bruce Springsteen "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" chat7:53 Rock and Roll Christmas show recap at Lyric Theater (Blue Island)9:52 George Harrison "My Sweet Lord" performance clip11:30 Previous episodes mention & upcoming schedule12:10 Basement gear talk & sleigh bells demo13:38 Becky Raisman joins the show – Welcome14:23 Becky's background: Highland Park roots, Columbia College, choir & voice lessons15:11 Earth Goddesses EP intro15:28 Track inspirations: Moonlight Goddesses (Nedra Johnston), Live It Up Live It Loud (songwriting class), Shining Through My Window (Degrassi)16:01 Life in Charleston since 2018 & finding Hogpod online16:39 School of Rock adult band: Libertyville to Mount Pleasant16:47 Tribute to Kevin Clark: School of Rock movie drummer, instructor, jams, benefit concert18:02 School of Rock documentary mention & grand opening19:19 Favorite genres & current 90s alternative season19:54 Influences: Cranewides, Def Leppard, Journey, Foreigner, The Beatles20:22 Chappell Roan love & upcoming Pride Fest EP inspired by "Hot To Go"20:46 Taylor Swift admiration21:12 30 Seconds to Mars & Matt Wachter (actually Walker) as instructor22:29 School of Rock big shows (Arlington Heights opening Weezer)23:15 More Kevin Clark & Peter Nicholson memories23:57 Thoughts on Hogpod interviews (Peter Nicholson, Mack McCrae)25:21 Earth Goddesses details: Released Nov 18, good reviews, pop-rock variety26:08 Production: T-Brizz (BeatStars), Craig Durrance (Studio Pro, real musicians)28:27 Artwork by Justin in Waukegan29:22 "Live It Up, Live It Loud" discussion (Len vibe)29:58 Rapid-fire: First concert Peter, Paul and Mary at Ravinia30:51 Favorite Christmas movie: Home Alone 1 & 2 (North Shore)31:52 Pop-Tarts love: Oreo flavor, toasted preferred32:32 Merchandise website, t-shirts/hoodies with Earth Goddesses design33:29 Closing thanks, happy holidays, cat eating pizza shoutout🔗 Connect with Becky Raisman: / becky.raisman1 / beckyraisman https://open.spotify.com/artist/49P4O... / becky-raisman https://www.reverbnation.com/becky97 / sing19821 🎧 Enjoying the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon and help us keep the Chicago music stories alive! / hogpod Are you a band, club owner, or booker and want to be on the show? Reach out to Beth Miller for booking:Beth@hogpod.org | 708-287-3692#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #BeckyRaisman #EarthGoddesses #SchoolOfRock #SingerSongwriter #ChappellRoan #TaylorSwift #KevinClark #PopRock
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    35 mins
  • Lisa Orduna 🎤 Members Only 80s Band | Hogpod Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast

    Lisa Orduna 🎤 Members Only 80s Band | Hogpod Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast
    Dec 16 2025
    This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome Lisa Orduna — powerhouse female lead vocalist for Members Only, Chicagoland's ultimate 80s cover band delivering 100% live, no-backing-tracks performances of rock, pop, new wave, hair metal, and iconic duets.Hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes dive into:🎸 The story of Members Only — 9 years strong, adding female vocals to expand the 80s song catalog🎤 Why the 80s music never gets old and tailoring setlists for every crowd🔥 Nostalgia for Members Only jackets, parachute pants, and singing Roxette lyrics🌆 Upcoming gigs, networking in the Chicago scene, and shoutouts to Garbage tribute Stupid Girl🎶 Lisa’s husband reviving Big Time: The Music of Peter Gabriel (solo + Genesis prog classics)Plus: Surviving storm shows at Lyric Theater, Concert for George highlights, Parkinson’s benefit mentions, and classic Hogpod chaos.🔗 Connect with Members Only:https://www.membersonly80sband.com/ / membersonly80sband / @membersonly80sband55 🔗 Big Time - The Music of Peter Gabriel: / bigtimegabriel 🎧 Enjoying the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon and help us keep the Chicago music stories alive! / hogpod Are you a band, club owner, or booker and want to be on the show? Reach out to Beth Miller for booking:Beth@hogpod.org708-287-3692Key Moments:0:00 Opening video: Members Only performing Roxette "She's Got the Look" • Cover of The Look- Roxette by Members Only... 3:13 Concert for George "My Sweet Lord" clip from Lyric Theater10:48 Lisa Orduna joins the show15:18 Members Only at Broken Oar Dec 20 / 2007580696479112 23:50 Why sing the 80s?41:00 Members Only upcoming shows: Dec 20 Broken Oar, Jan 24 Private, Feb 14 115 Bourbon St., Feb 27 Jonny Cab's49:40 Stupid Girl Garbage tribute shoutout • Stupid Girl 🎸 Tribute to Garbage & Chicago... 51:50 Bongo Mike's Important Questions segment1:02:00 Members Only jackets & 80s fashion nostalgia1:08:30 Big Time Peter Gabriel tribute band revival1:12:00 Parkinson’s benefit event mention / 19vchuy6is #hogpod #ChicagoMusic #MembersOnly80s #LisaOrduna #80sCoverBand #Roxette #PeterGabriel #BigTimeBand #BongoMike #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #BethMiller #80sNostalgia
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Dr Daniel Ivankovich Pt2 🔥 Surgeon by Day, Blues by Night | Hogpod Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast

    Dr Daniel Ivankovich Pt2 🔥 Surgeon by Day, Blues by Night | Hogpod Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast
    Dec 9 2025
    Part 2 with Dr. Daniel Ivankovich (Chicago Slim) goes full throttle 🔥🎸The 6’11” orthopedic surgeon who co-founded the Chicago Blues All-Stars, created The Bone Squad, and still shreds lead guitar at Buddy Guy’s Legends when he’s not fixing spines.Hosts Pete Jansons, Bongo Mike Orfanos, Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes, and Mike Dermont dig deeper into the mission: using blues gigs to fund life-changing surgeries for the uninsured through OnePatient Global Health Initiative, keeping real Chicago blues alive, and the wild stories that only a blues-playing surgeon can tell.Key Moments (Part 2):0:00 – “Blues is a feeling, not a note” 🔥1:04 – How Chicago Slim became the 6’11” lead guitarist2:05 – Surgeon by day, blues warrior by night10:22 – Founding The Bone Squad – blues pays for surgeries22:40 – The OnePatient mission in action35:15 – Keeping authentic Chicago blues alive in 202550:08 – Lynn Jordan & the Shivers shout-out51:10 – Wrap-up & love for the Hogpod crewConnect with Dr. Daniel Ivankovich / Chicago Blues All-Stars: / chicagobluesallstars https://chicagobluesallstars.comhttps://onepatient.org / danielivankovich https://chicagoslim.com🎧 Loving the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon! / hogpod Want on the show? Hit up Beth Miller:Beth@hogpod.org | 708-287-3692#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #DanielIvankovich #ChicagoBluesAllStars #TheBoneSquad #OnePatient #ChicagoSlim #MikeOrfanos #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #BethMiller
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    52 mins
  • Dr Daniel Ivankovich Pt1 🔥 Fled Yugo→Doc→Blues King | Hogpod Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast

    Dr Daniel Ivankovich Pt1 🔥 Fled Yugo→Doc→Blues King | Hogpod Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast
    Dec 2 2025

    🔥🎸 THIS WEEK ON HOGPOD WE GOT A LEGEND 🔥🎸Dr. Daniel Ivankovich (Part 1) — orthopedic surgeon by day, Chicago Slim & co-founder of Chicago Blues All-Stars by life, the man who uses blues to fund life-saving surgeries through The Bone Squad 🤯🎸Hosts Pete Jansons, Bongo Mike Orfanos, Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes, and Mike Dermont dive into Daniel’s insane journey: fleeing Yugoslavia at age 5, becoming a top surgeon, and the night he missed the Rolling Stones jamming with Muddy Waters at Checkerboard Lounge because Killer Ray Allison called him and he thought Ray was bullshitting (he wasn’t 😭😂).Key Moments (Part 1):0:00 – Chicago Slim “Walking The Dog” cold open 🎷🔥9:07 – Erika Miner episode shout-out 🎤18:45 – Aurora Incident 😳29:47 – Mike Ostrenga update 🎸30:06 – Blue Bayou show with Tamara Woodruff 🎶33:33 – Turkey Ball update 🦃39:07 – Bongo Mike George Harrison tribute 🎸44:08 – Dr. Daniel Ivankovich joins 🤯45:15 – Born in Yugoslavia, arrived Chicago at age 5 🇺🇸48:30 – Parents escaped communism for the American dream 🇺🇸52:10 – First blues exposure & falling in love with the music 🎶1:02:20 – Learning guitar from Killer Ray Allison 🎸1:04:45 – Killer Ray: “Rolling Stones at Checkerboard tonight” → thought he was bullshitting → skipped it → Chicago Tribune front page next day 😭😂Connect with Dr. Daniel Ivankovich / Chicago Blues All-Stars:https://www.facebook.com/chicagobluesallstarshttps://chicagobluesallstars.comhttps://onepatient.orghttps://www.facebook.com/danielivankovichhttps://chicagoslim.com🎧 Loving the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/hogpodWant on the show? Hit up Beth Miller:Beth@hogpod.org | 708-287-3692#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #DanielIvankovich #ChicagoBluesAllStars #TheBoneSquad #OnePatient #ChicagoSlim #RollingStones #CheckerboardLounge #MikeOrfanos #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #BethMiller
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Erika Johnston Miner: 11-Year-Old Blues to Sins N Roses | HogPod Chicago Local Music Podcast

    Erika Johnston Miner: 11-Year-Old Blues to Sins N Roses | HogPod Chicago Local Music Podcast
    Nov 25 2025
    Welcome to The Hogpod! This week, hosts Pete Jansons, Bongo Mike, and Chris Rhodes are joined by the incredibly talented keyboardist and singer, Erika Johnston Miner, a key member of the acclaimed Guns N' Roses tribute band, Sins and Roses.Erika shares her unique journey, starting with classical piano training as a child and struggling to master the guitar as a teenager. After a long hiatus dedicated to raising her three children, she details how the COVID-19 pandemic provided an unexpected opportunity to bring music back into her life. Hear about her first terrifying (but pre-recorded!) performance of an original song, the power of networking in the vast Chicagoland music community, and how a message from bass player Mick led her to take on the monumental task of recreating Axl Rose's iconic piano parts for Sins and Roses.It’s a great conversation about overcoming self-doubt, the importance of band chemistry, and making a comeback after finding your passion again!Key Moments:11:04 - Guest Introduction: Welcome Erika Johnston Miner13:19 - Piano Beginnings and the Challenge of Learning Guitar19:22 - Returning to Music: The Impact of COVID and Motherhood22:14 - Overcoming Doubt: Performing an Original Song in a Live Stream Fundraiser24:40 - The Power of Open Mics and Networking in the Chicagoland Scene28:11 - The Call: Joining the Guns N' Roses tribute band, Sins and Roses30:45 - Breaking down the intimidation factor and finding great band chemistryhttps://songwhip.com/erika-minerYouTube → @erikaminermusic326Facebook → / erika.j.miner Sins N Roses (Guns N’ Roses tribute) → https://sinsnroses.com/home | Shows → https://sinsnroses.com/showsBooked by Beth Miller – beth@hogpod.org | 708-287-3692#TheHogpod #ErikaJohnstonMiner #SinsAndRoses #GunsNRosesTribute #GNRTribute #ChicagolandMusic #ChicagoMusicScene #Keyboardist #Piano #Podcast #MusicInterview #LiveMusic #PeteJansons #BongoMike #ChrisRhodes
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    1 hr and 23 mins