Episodes

  • Dave & Remy Zeiger 🎸 School of Rock to Stage | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast

    Dave & Remy Zeiger 🎸 School of Rock to Stage | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast
    Sep 9 2025
    This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome Dave & Remy Zeiger — a father–daughter bassist duo spanning jazz chops, funk grooves, and Chicago cover/tribute stages.Host Pete Jansons is joined by booker Beth Miller to talk with Dave & Remy about:🎸 Growing through Libertyville School of Rock and jumping to real stages🎤 Bass influences (Jaco, Victor Wooten, Geddy Lee) and learning theory vs tabs🔥 New music and gigs: Mudfish EP, Crossing Decades, The Big Chair, Alice in Payne🔗 Connect with Dave & Remy:Remy Zeiger FB: / remy.zeiger Crossing Decades: / crossing.decades.chicago Mudfish: / mudfishchicago The Big Chair (Tears for Fears tribute): / bigchairchicago Alice in Payne (Alice in Chains tribute): / mudfishchicago 🎧 Enjoying the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon and help us keep the Chicago music stories alive! / hogpod Are you a band, club owner, or booker and want to be on the show? Reach out to Beth Miller for booking:Beth@hogpod.org | 708-287-36920:00 Crossing Decades Band Clip with Special Guests Dave and Remy Zeiger • The Early Decades 1:45 Dave and Pete reminisce about their days in Libertyville School of Rock with Pete Dankelson and Jay MartiniPete Dankelson Show clip • Thanksgiving with Peter Dankelson: Music, ... Jay Martini Show Clip • HOG POD: Chicago Music Scene with Keyboard... 2:20 Five Acre Flight / 5afmusic Lake County Sky Band with Cindy Noonan5:31 Crossing Decades clip • 90 and beyond....... 7:57 How Remy got into music15:37 Mitch the Lip show clip • Mitch The Lip on Ska, Trumpets & Chicago’s... 20:58 Remy jamming NIB • Monster Jam - NIB 28:00 Music Theory vs Tabs37:00 What bass players influenced Remy39:50 Dave on putting a band together and keeping one together43:00 Where are Dave and Remy playing next / 665073896297218 52:59 Mudfish "Lost" / 370170292525000 Remy Zeiger FB / remy.zeiger Crossing Decades YouTube / @crossingdecades-vk3qd / mudfishchicago #Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #DaveZeiger #RemyZeiger #MikeOrfanos #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #BethMiller #SchoolOfRock #BassGuitar #CoverBands #TributeBand #Rush
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    59 mins
  • Francois Smit 🎸 From South Africa to Empress | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast

    Francois Smit 🎸 From South Africa to Empress | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast
    Sep 2 2025
    This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome Francois Smit — guitarist for Empress and a rising force in Chicago’s rock scene.Hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes talk with Francois about:🎶 His journey from South Africa to Chicago’s music scene🎸 Life in Empress with Tamara Woodruff, Alex James, Bill, and Sean🎤 Carnival life stories, first U.S. impressions, and food discoveries🏟️ Chicago live music vs. South Africa’s scene🎧 Enjoying the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon and help us keep the Chicago music stories alive! / hogpod Are you a band, club owner, or booker and want to be on the show? Reach out to Beth Miller for booking:Beth@hogpod.org | 708-287-36920:001:10 Shout out to Prior guest Rob Stepen • HOGPOD Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast ... 2:50 Mike Dermonth Drum Circle5:58 Bongo Mike Explanation of Drum Circle10:21 Francois Smit joins the show11;28 Coterie Yacht Rock Sept 28 The Vixen13:13 Friction Reunion Oct 25 Broken Oar14:25 Mosquitos at Wheeling Town Center 9/11/25 / 2367935456955088 16:00 Francois Introduction17:45 Tamara Woodruff Empress Show Clip • Tamara Woodruff (Blue Bayou) – Linda Ronst... 18:05 Empress Band20:25 Francois first visit to America23:36 Francois was a carnie?27:34 Is it safe for Francois to go back to South Africa28:13 Whats the music scen liek in South Africa?29:55 How Does a South African get into Rock Music33:48 Food Experiences39:05 Chicago Scene Vs South African Party Scene43:02 Pete Dankelson jamming with the Struts47:51 Pete Dankelson show clip • Thanksgiving with Peter Dankelson: Music, ... 51:00 Doug Shoenbeck show clip52:10 Empress shows / 1843421552951368 Sep 6 DOcks Wauconda54:01 Coterie Event Sep 28 Vixen Yacht Rock54:56 Mosquitos at Wheeling Town Center 9/11/25 / 2367935456955088 55:42 Chris Rhodes playing Ozzy Celebration Charity event Oct 19 Vixen57:32 Bongo Mikes rapid fire question1:02:48 Do chicks dig the accent?#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #MikeOrfanos #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #BethMiller #FrancoisSmit #EmpressBand #SouthAfrica #RockMusic #ChicagoBands
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Rob Stepen 🎸 Lost Tapes, Steve Albini & Joey’s Song | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast

    Rob Stepen 🎸 Lost Tapes, Steve Albini & Joey’s Song | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast
    Aug 26 2025
    This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome Rob Stepen — Chicago rocker, storyteller, and frontman of The Generations. Rob’s story is incredible: in 1985 he recorded songs that sat forgotten for nearly four decades in his attic. Thanks to legendary producer Steve Albini, those long-lost tapes were restored and re-released as the album Alternate View.Hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes are joined by booker Beth Miller to dive into Rob’s journey — rediscovering his analog reels, working with Albini, honoring Flock violinist Jerry Goodman, playing iconic venues like the Des Plaines Theatre, and giving back through Joey’s Song, a nonprofit raising funds for epilepsy research in memory of Joseph Gomoll.Rob shares what it’s like to hear your teenage self on tape 38 years later, how much it really cost to restore the reels, and why passion and service fuel everything he does with The Generations.🔗 Connect with Rob Stepen & The Generations:Website: https://robstepenmusic.com/🎧 Enjoying the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon and help us keep the Chicago music stories alive!https://www.patreon.com/hogpodAre you a band, club owner, or booker and want to be on the show? Reach out to Beth Miller for booking:Beth@hogpod.org | 708-287-36920:00 Opening Clip WGN 2024 Interview with Rob and the band The Generations https://youtu.be/oY84UxwspXc7:04 Happy Anniversary Mike And Debbie7:39 Chris Rhodes playing with Focal Point in Buffalo Grove12:08 Shoutout to Anthem17:44 Special Guest Rob Stepen18:28 Rob Stepen Intro20:15 Joey’s Song Charity https://www.joeyssong.org/our-story Joey’s Song fights epilepsy with music in memory of Joseph Gomoll, who died in 2010 just shy of his fifth birthday after suffering a debilitating form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome.20:48 Rob tells the story of refurbishing his long-lost album with Steve Albini!23:11 Butch Vig25:42 The Flock Band https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Flock_(band)26:51 Jerry Goodman violinist27:42 Des Plaines Theatre and Ron Onesti Hospitality28:54 Rob Interview WGN https://youtu.be/y04t-cyqPwA and Rob’s mastery of marketing plans38:35 Shout out to company Rob works for Insperity https://www.insperity.com/40:53 Coterie Yacht Rock event Sep 28 2pm The Vixen McHenry https://www.facebook.com/share/1K2so91vET/42:01 Sandy Gennaro https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandy_Gennaro43:31 Rob, Beth Green Room Story44:53 Mike Gomoll Founder at Joey’s Song Story https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-gomoll/49:42 Shout out to Green Room Manager Jackie Des Plaines Theatre51:53 The Generations Band Story57:18 What was it like to go back and listen to yourself in high school on those tapes58:16 Steve Albini story on refurbishing the tapes the first visit59:35 How much was it to get refurbished?1:01:46 What would Steve Albini say about music and AI if he were alive today1:03:09 Joey DeMarco United Talent Corporation Booking shout out1:08:42 TUTS and other old school bars1:12:50 Differences today vs old school bands1:17:08 Bongo Mike Question Time1:21:48 How to book The Generations? https://robstepenmusic.com/#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #RobStepen #TheGenerations #SteveAlbini #JoeysSong #DesPlainesTheatre #SandyGennaro #ChicagoBands #MusicPodcast #MikeOrfanos #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #BethMiller
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    1 hr and 37 mins
  • Kevin Zeiger 🎸 Sad Machines Smashing Pumpkins Tribute | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast

    Kevin Zeiger 🎸 Sad Machines Smashing Pumpkins Tribute | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast
    Aug 19 2025

    This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we’re joined by Kevin Zeiger of Sad Machines — Chicago’s fast-rising Smashing Pumpkins tribute band. With shows booked at Broken Oar (Oct 11) and the Cubby Bear (Nov 23) celebrating the 30th anniversary of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, Sad Machines are quickly becoming a must-see for alternative rock fans.Hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes are joined by Beth Miller (who also books the show) to talk with Kevin about:🎸 Why they chose to honor the Pumpkins instead of other bands🏟️ Memories of Smashing Pumpkins’ early days at Cubby Bear🎤 Tribute vs cover band debates, and what fans want most🎶 Kevin’s influences (Genesis, Slipknot, Rammstein, System of a Down)🤘 The fun, chaos, and passion behind keeping Pumpkins music aliveAlong the way, we dive into Preston Poling’s viral “miniature casting couch” story, band booking advice, and why Chicago tribute bands are keeping live rock thriving.🔗 Connect with The Sad Machines: / thesadmachinessp 🎧 Enjoying the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon and help us keep the Chicago music stories alive! / hogpod Are you a band, club owner, or booker and want to be on the show? Reach out to Beth Miller for booking:Beth@hogpod.org708-287-3692
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    1 hr
  • Nick Sanzeri 🎤 Singing Basslines, Bass Cam & Bruno Mars | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast

    Nick Sanzeri 🎤 Singing Basslines, Bass Cam & Bruno Mars | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast
    Aug 12 2025
    This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we’re joined by Nick Sanzeri — a powerhouse bassist, solo artist, and frontman known for his slick tone, wireless rig, and signature bass cam videos that turn heads and book gigs.Join hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes, with guest host Wally Swiatly, and Beth Miller (who also books the show), as they chop it up with Nick about the hustle of going solo, crafting the perfect promo video, and playing killer sets without a full band.Highlights include:🎸 Why Nick prefers going solo — and how he keeps things tight without a band🎤 What it takes to sing lead while playing bass (and make it look easy)📹 Behind the scenes of his bass cam + iPhone setup that gets killer promo content🔈 Thoughts on soundcheck stress, wireless gear, and the middle-band squeeze🤘 Shoutouts to Bruno Mars, Mark King, and bassists who front the band💡 Pro tips on what kind of videos actually help promote your actPlus: Bongo Mike joins Anchors Away, chaos in the pool, fridge and grill chat, a Wally Swiatly show clip, and upcoming gigs from both Nick and Mike. Tech issues didn’t stop the vibes — this one’s packed.Key Moments:0:003:22 Bongo Mike Orfanos joins Anchors Away Band4:34 Animal in Mike’s pool????4:50 Chris Rhodes Chasing Amy Band Drummer / chasingamyband 5:37 Pool Pet update6:14 Mike Refrigerator6:15 Mike’s grilling8:00 Beth Miller9:24 Wally Swiatly Show Clip • Wally Swiatly Talks Singing with Train & S... 12:40 Should HOGpod do a live Q&A show?14:49 Wally’s Upcoming Shows https://www.wallyswiatly.com/shows16:18 Bob Mansfield Keyboard player Palm Court16:56 Nick Sanzeri Introduction28:25 Why Nick stays solo34:43 What does Nick prefer to play?34:48 Famous bass players that were lead singers36:50 Nick has cool bass cam37:29 Nick covering Bruno Mars45:34 Is it hard to sing and play bass?49:41 Nothing beats an iPhone for getting band videos52:20 Thoughts on which videos to use to promote band56:15 Sound that the crowd hears isn’t necessarily same sound the band hears1:01:50 Middle bands of 3-line check and no sound check1:03:20 Using wireless equipment1:06:20 Bongo Mike’s question segment1:11:40 Nick’s upcoming shows1:15:58 Bongo Mike at Lyric Theater 8/15🔗 Connect with Nick Sanzeri:https://nicksanzeri.com/#homehttps://nicksanzeri.com/#original / nsanzeri 🎧 Enjoying the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon and help us keep the Chicago music stories alive! / hogpod Are you a band, club owner, or booker and want to be on the show? Reach out to Beth Miller for booking:Beth@hogpod.org708-287-3692#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #NickSanzeri #BassCam #SingingBassist #BrunoMars #MusicGear #BongoMike #WallySwiatly #BethMiller #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #PeteJansons #MikeDermont #SoloArtist #MusicPodcast
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Regina Karma 🎤 From Mississippi Gospel to Chicago Soul | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast

    Regina Karma 🎤 From Mississippi Gospel to Chicago Soul | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast
    Aug 5 2025
    This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome the powerhouse vocalist Regina Karma — a Mississippi-born singer who has lit up Chicago’s stages with soul, R&B, jazz, and gospel.Joining hosts Mike Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes, along with special guest hosts Chris “CBob” Bobrowski (Rok Brigade) and Wally Swiatly (Simply Wally Band), Regina takes us on a journey from her Southern gospel roots and BB King inspirations to Kansas City’s jazz district and her big leap into Chicago’s vibrant music scene.She shares unforgettable stories — from opening for Gladys Knight, Gloria Gaynor, and Air Supply, to singing the national anthem for the WNBA, to her exciting new role as a backup singer for Gino Vannelli.We dive into:🎶 Growing up in Mississippi & Kansas City jazz roots🎤 Regina’s Chicago music rise at Gibson’s and Green Dolphin🌆 Comparing Kansas City, Nashville, and Chicago music scenes🎹 Regina & Wally’s instant vocal chemistry🔥 Breaking news: Regina joins Gino Vannelli this fall!Key Moments:0:00 Opening clip1:19 Memories of Old Chicago2:32 Shout out to Daniel Nunamaker!3:52 Regina Karma6:20 Who has best hotdogs in Chicago?7:03 Chris “CBob” Bobrowski joins the show + clip from last appearance: • Chris “CBob” Bobrowski of Rok Brigade Supe... 9:10 Mosquitos gig at Sundance Saloon (Aug 8): / 551493037930876 10:10 Supfan Dan Show Clip: • Creative Minds Drummer Mike Hansen & Super... 10:53 Wally Swiatly joins the show: • Wally Swiatly Talks Singing with Train & S... 12:57 Mike Dermont & Beth Miller at Moon 45th reunion show clip: • Moon Band Reunion 🎸 Brian Priest & Dannie ... 15:00 Wally Swiatly introduces Regina Karma19:35 Regina and family singing “I’ll Fly Away”22:10 Regina opening for Gladys Knight & Air Supply24:10 Shout out to Ron Onesti’s meatballs25:41 How Regina Karma and Wally Swiatly connected27:22 Singing the National Anthem (Wally & Regina)31:55 Regina growing up in Mississippi42:16 Green Mill shout out Dave Jemelo47:40 Putting harmonies together and backing vocals52:03 Music scenes: KC, Nashville, Austin vs. Chicago1:04:00 Gibson’s Rosemont memories1:06:38 Shout out to Greg Horan, owner Gregory’s: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...1:07:05 Shout out Beth Miller — want to get on the show? Get ahold of her!1:07:55 Regina’s funniest moment with Ron Onesti & Gladys Knight1:10:45 Strangest moment on stage1:15:40 Bongo Mike Question Segment1:18:40 Regina’s upcoming shows — Aug 14 Taylor Street Fest: / 1840046766552186 1:19:30 Regina’s big news — backup gig with Gino Vannelli! https://ginov.com/1:20:35 Want to book Regina? / regina.karma.820112 1:20:50 Wally Swiatly upcoming shows1:21:25 Chris Bobrowski (Rok Brigade) upcoming shows — Aug 14, Lake Geneva Venetian Festival: / 693212713337461 1:22:19 Chris Rhodes — Drummer for hire1:22:40 Bongo Mike Orfanos upcoming show — Aug 8 Sundance Saloon w/ The Mosquitos1:23:00 Mike Dermont Coterie Yacht Rock Sept 28Connect with Regina Karma:Facebook: / regina.karma.820112 Instagram: / reginakarma 🎧 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 | 708-287-3692Hashtags:#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #ReginaKarma #GinoVannelli #GladysKnight #AirSupply #GloriaGaynor #CBob #WallySwiatly #RokBrigade #SimplyWallyBand #ChicagoBands #MusicPodcast #MikeOrfanos #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #BethMiller
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    1 hr and 25 mins
  • Justin Wallace Live 🎸 Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast

    Justin Wallace Live 🎸 Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast
    Jul 29 2025
    This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome the incredibly talented Justin Wallace — a rising star out of Johnsburg, IL, who’s already shared the stage with American Idol winner David Cook and AGT standout Mitch Rossell. At just 23, Justin is quickly becoming one of the most versatile and talked-about performers in the Chicagoland music scene, with shows at The Vixen, Broken Oar, and Raymond’s Bowl.Join hosts Mike Orfanos, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes as they dive deep into Justin’s journey and share some amazing clips along the way.Key Moments:0:00 Opening Clip / 545180364579930 2:30 Justin Wallace Intro3:47 Pino Farina Clip • Pino Farina on Band Reunions, Original Mus... 5:15 Beth Miller for booking the Hogpod Podcast – beth@hogpod.org7:18 Jeff Kleinscmidt Show Clip Shout Out • 🎶 Jeff Kleinschmidt, Talent Buyer at The V... 10:16 Justin Wallace Musical Influences11:00 Coldplay tangent13:30 Why the shade on Coldplay?14:10 Hate on Nickelback?16:55 Is country music called country anymore or is it pop?19:30 AI and Music22:07 Justin Wallace performs Simple Man • LIVE AT MATTS BARN - "Simple Man" - Justin... 27:23 Why the hate on Freebird?28:21 New generation of music – acoustic guitar music versus laptop DJ music29:00 How does Justin Wallace read a crowd30:10 Younger generation tastes and length of songs33:28 Paying a solo performer versus band payment37:50 Problems when new bands are starting out38:38 Justin Wallace upcoming shows39:35 Bongo Mike Random Question segment42:40 Mosquitos and Black Diamond Sessions upcoming showsJustin Wallace Links:Facebook: / justinwallacemusic Website: https://justinwallacemusic.com🎧 Enjoying the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon and help us keep the Chicago music stories alive!Patreon: / hogpod Are you a band, club owner, or booker and want to be on the show? Reach out to Beth Miller for booking:Email: Beth@hogpod.orgPhone: 708-287-3692Hashtags:#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #JustinWallace #SimpleMan #DavidCook #MitchRossell #TheVixen #BrokenOar #RaymondsBowl #ChicagoBands #MusicPodcast #MikeOrfanos #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #BethMiller
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    45 mins
  • Chris “CBob” Bobrowski of Rok Brigade Super-Unknown & Ten | Hogpod Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast

    Chris “CBob” Bobrowski of Rok Brigade Super-Unknown & Ten | Hogpod Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast
    Jul 22 2025
    🎙️ On this episode of the Hogpod Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast, we sit down with Chris “CBob” Babrowski—frontman of Rok Brigade, plus vocalist for Super‑Unknown and Ten—to break down what makes Chicago’s tribute scene so electric.Hosts Mike Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes dive deep into CBob’s journey: how he commands the stage, the tech behind his vocals, setlist curation across bands, and why DIY tribute culture still thrives—even as AI and modern trends reshape music.We unpack the making of a rock frontman, festival stories, band dynamics, and the endurance required to pull off classic Def‑Leppard and Soundgarden songs night after night. No fluff—just raw insight from a guy who lives it.🎧 You can support the podcast here: / hogpod Want on the show? Booking through Beth Miller:Beth@hogpod.org | 708‑287‑3692Key Moments:0:00 – Intro1:41 – Jim O’Connell / Anchors Away clip  • Jim O’Connell (Anchors Away, Snapshot) | H... 5:46 – Nick Cox clip  • Nick Cox (7th Heaven), Zach Avery & Todd L... 6:09 – Coterie Yacht Rock Night @ Vixen (Sept 28)7:47 – Canceling shows: where’s the line?9:21 – CBob joins Hogpod17:25 – Lineup breakdown: Rok Brigade22:17 – Ozzy’s final show reaction32:05 – Jak Tripper clip  • HOGPOD Chicagoland Music Scene Podcast: Ja... 33:50 – Mike Orfanos as Spoonman?35:25 – Vocal challenges & backing tracks37:03 – Pearl Jam drummer news39:30 – Grunge scene reflections41:50 – MTV’s grunge impact44:30 – Disruptors in music history45:50 – AI & the music future https://rollingstonephilippines.com/m...56:40 – Songs CBob loves vs. can’t stand to sing1:04:11 – Upcoming Rok Brigade shows  / events 1:05:30 – “I Want Out” (Helloween cover):  • I Want Out (GerbitzBunkZatezaloVanActionBo... 1:10:50 – Mosquitos jam band + Black Diamond Sessions previews1:11:42 – Rhodesy (drummer-for-hire) upcoming shows#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #ChrisBobrowski #CBob #RokBrigade #SuperUnknown #TenChicago #DefLeppardTribute #SoundgardenTribute #PearlJamTribute #LiveMusic #CoverBands #MikeOrfanos #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #BethMiller #LocalMusicScene #AITalk
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    1 hr and 13 mins