Rock n Roll Chicago Podcast

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The Steepwater Band is a roots-rock and blues-rock band originally formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 1998. Known for their earthy, high-energy blend of crackling city blues and classic rock 'n' roll, the band has built a dedicated following through decades of independent touring and passionate songwriting.

Music critics and writers have frequently highlighted their raw authenticity, describing their catalog as a gritty soundtrack deeply rooted in blue-collar passion, resilience, and unpretentious musicianship.

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Songwriter Scott Carfello joins us to discuss his songwriting and parodies he has produced.

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Podcast edited by Paul Martin.
Theme song courtesy of M&R Rush.
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Chart Attack is a high-energy, Chicago-area pop-punk party band that describes themselves with a humorous self-awareness as "five old men, loud songs, and bad decisions" (or "elder emos trying to feel young again"). 

They function as a "pop goes punk" mash-up party band. Rather than playing traditional note-for-note covers, they take massive pop, rock, and alternative hits from past decades and give them heavy, high-octane punk-rock makeovers. 

Their setlists are packed with nostalgic heavy-hitters, rock anthems, and unexpected pop covers. Their catalog features aggressive, high-energy takes on tracks like Sy...

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EphinEpic is an independent metal group hailing from the Chicago area. Known for their heavy, aggressive sound, their discography includes albums such as Ignite and Exploit This. 

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Suzie Positano is the President and CEO of 1126 Entertainment, a Chicago-area entertainment company heavily involved in booking, promoting, and developing local musicians and bands. A 2019 Daily Herald profile described Suzie as someone who had been actively searching for Chicago-area musical talent and creating opportunities for local artists.
What's particularly interesting is that 1126 wasn't simply a booking company. The evidence shows a strong artist-development and talent-discovery component.
For example, 1126 Entertainment partnered with Onesti Entertainment on multiple Battle of the Bands competitions at the Arcada Theatre. A 2019 Daily Herald listing describes 1126 and Onesti...

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Tyler Holcomb is a veteran singer and musician from the Chicagoland area, best known for his work in popular local rock and tribute bands.

Performs as the lead singer for ARRA, one of Chicagoland's most prominent classic rock cover bands.

Co-founded the tribute act Bon Journeyed alongside long-time friend Matthew Pablecas, where Holcomb handles lead vocal duties on Journey tracks with a style close to Steve Perry.

Began performing at a young age, starting his first band at age 11. Early in his solo career, he signed a...

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The Tommy Joe Musical Show is an eclectic, country-and-rock solo performance act created by musician Tom Repetny.

The show blends classic country tunes (Hank Williams, Johnny Cash), female country anthems (Jolene, Stand By Your Man), classic rock hits by bands like The Beatles, and unexpected quirks like playing The Godfather theme on a ukulele.

We talked about his influences and even got a few TV and movie recommendations.

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Timeline Rocks Chicago is a local cover band active across Chicagoland, known for delivering a heavier, hard-hitting twist on classic rock and progressive tracks.

Rather than performing straightforward radio renditions, they frequently play heavy metal and hard rock re-imaginings of classic tracks—citing influences and styles similar to bands like Godsmack, Five Finger Death Punch, Helloween, and Jorn.

Their repertoire crosses heavy classic rock, hard rock, progressive metal, and occasional original material.

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Podcast edited by Paul Martin.
Theme song courtesy of M&R Rush.
www.rocknrollchicagopodcast.com

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Jake Vaughn’s story begins in a small town where music was more than a hobby; it was a lifeline. From the first time he picked up a guitar, he knew it was something he was meant to do. What started as late nights playing in small local bars soon turned into bigger stages, louder crowds, and a career built on passion, grit, and heart.

Jake’s sound comes from his roots. It’s country at its core, but with the fire of rock and the honesty of real life running throug...

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Deb VanDril is a local musician, singer/songwriter, and active music community emcee based in the southwest suburbs of the Chicago area.
While she maintains a more intimate, local footprint rather than a major commercial recording presence, she is well-known in the regional craft brewery and acoustic circuit.

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Podcast edited by Paul Martin.
Theme song courtesy of M&R Rush.
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Rochambeau is a Chicago-based bluegrass band known for bringing high-energy acoustic music to local venues, festivals, and private events across the region. Blending classic bluegrass instrumentation with a driving, collaborative performance style, their sound features a mix of traditional acoustic elements—including mandolin, banjo, harmonica, and bass—complemented by strong vocal harmonies.

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Podcast edited by Paul Martin.
Theme song courtesy of M&R Rush.
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Timeless Rock & Roll. 

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Theme song courtesy of M&R Rush.
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 Riplock is an emerging contemporary country-rock band based out of the Midwest country-rock music scene. The band is fronted by co-leaders Matt Ripsch and Elijah Somlock, who grew up in Kendall County, Illinois (southwest of the Chicago metropolitan area).

They are known for delivering a high-energy sound that blends the edge of modern country-rock with deep nods to classic trailblazers, bridging the gap between younger audiences and traditional country/rock roots.

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The Usual Suspects group is a highly popular event and party band. They specialize in a versatile blend of classic rock, country rock, oldies, and high-energy party rock.

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Podcast edited by Paul Martin.
Theme song courtesy of M&R Rush.
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Port Authority is a rock band from Chicago’s South Side, formed in 8th grade by John McFarland and Scott Bonshire. Reuniting in 2025 with Kristen McFarland on vocals and Brian Sarna on bass, the band returns with fresh energy and classic rock roots.

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Podcast edited by Paul Martin.
Theme song courtesy of M&R Rush.
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The Dan Peters Band (often referred to as DPB) is a high-energy group based in Chicago that blends a wide variety of genres, including rock, funk, blues, jazz, and jam-band styles.

The group is led by Dan "The Shredabilly" Peters, a versatile Chicago-born guitarist and vocalist with a career spanning over 25 years.

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Podcast edited by Paul Martin.
Theme song courtesy of M&R Rush.
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The Bottomz Up Band is a high-energy dance and cover band based in the Chicago area. They are known for performing a wide variety of "feel-good" music, spanning genres such as country, classic rock, pop, disco, new wave, and funk. 

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Podcast edited by Paul Martin.
Theme song courtesy of M&R Rush.
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No Crying In Baseball is a Chicago-based 90s rock tribute band. They specialize in alternative and rock hits from the 1990s, covering artists like Nirvana and Gin Blossoms.

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Podcast edited by Paul Martin.
Theme song courtesy of M&R Rush.
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Reach for The Stars: The M&R Rush Story, the authorized biography of Chicago’s enduring rock band M&R Rush, will be released on May 7, 2026. Written by James Arvia, the book captures more than fifty years of music, friendship, and the unmistakable Chicago spirit that shaped one of the Midwest’s most resilient independent rock acts.

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Podcast edited by Paul Martin.
Theme song courtesy of M&R Rush.
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Born From Good Times, Bad Times, & the Blues. Herald-Palladium Readers Choice Award Winners of 2024. Best local entertainment and Blues Rock Band. Rodney Mills on Vocals and Guitar, Frank Rotondo on Bass, Billy Canty on Drums and Percussion. Newest EP out in May 2025 with another EP set for late spring of 2026. Breaking boundaries with crossover songs such as Good, Bad, & the Blues, and One Way Woman the Resurrection Blues Band is making waves on both the Blues Radio and Rock Radio Stations. Broke Down In Clarksville has been a favorite on the United Kingdom...

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Billy Gray Music is a Chicago-area country / outlaw-country act led by Billy Gray — a West Virginia native who moved to Illinois and performs originals and classic country covers with a backing group often billed as “Billy Gray Music” or “Billy Gray Music and his Band of Bandits.”

Billy’s says he left a long railroad career to pursue music full time, write original songs and favors old‑school country influences (Johnny Cash, Waylon, Merle Haggard, etc.).

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Cherry Bomb Chicago is a live music cover band based in the Chicago area, specializing in tribute performances to popular female artists from the 1990s to today, covering artists ranging from Halestorm to Lady Gaga. They are known as a female-fronted band performing high-energy rock and pop hits in local venues.

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Podcast edited by Paul Martin.
Theme song courtesy of M&R Rush.
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Let your mind drift back to the good old days. You're cruising in your car with the windows down, the radio up and your favorite girl (or guy!) by your side hoping to hear your favorite song. You might head to the local burger drive in or perhaps just park under the moon-lit sky as the tunes played. 

Memories.....that's what Baby Boomer Rock n' Roll is all about! They play a variety of songs from The Animals to The Yardbirds.

So hop in your car and take a r...

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The Judson Brown Band specializes in violin heavy Classic Rock and Modern Country. It's like your iPod on shuffle... only better! In addition to their diverse set list, the band loves challenges, and entertains most any request on the spot.  

Judson Brown (formerly of Bella Cain) is joined by Colleen Kuraszek (borrowed from the classical world). While Judson works to shatter the boundaries of the acoustic and electric guitar, Colleen defines the band's sound with a fluid and powerful tone that is equal parts classical and contemporary. 

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Spring Soul Sessions – A Night of Blues, Gospel, Jazz & Soul 
Join us for an unforgettable evening of live music as Spring Soul Sessions brings the rich history of American music to life through blues, gospel, jazz, and soul.
This is not just a concert — it’s a cultural experience.

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Podcast edited by Paul Martin.
Theme song courtesy of M&R Rush.
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 A blast from the past! Rockabilly music from the original legends like Elvis, Johnny Cash, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis. 

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Podcast edited by Paul Martin.
Theme song courtesy of M&R Rush.
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Don't look in the refrigerator for The Leftovers. Check them out at a venue near you. Bringing you the perfect blend of music for everyone's liking!

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Podcast edited by Paul Martin.
Theme song courtesy of M&R Rush.
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Cover bands really are a dime-a-dozen as they say. But once in awhile a new project forms that manages to combine not only interesting songs, but a new way to present them to an audience. Rockhouse delivers on both fronts.

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Podcast edited by Paul Martin.
Theme song courtesy of M&R Rush.
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 John’s passion for music started at a young age and has sustained its momentum over the years, even after taking a backseat to raising four amazing children. After countless open mics, karaoke nights and endless hours of practice, John booked his first gig.  

Since then, John has been told that viewers can see and feel his passion for music when he performs and has a way of letting others feel it too. 

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 A Chicago based music group. The group consists of four members who are Dave Wolak - lead/rhythm guitarist, Marco Obaya - bass guitarist , Anthony Simmons - drummer and Xavier Keller - lead vocalist. All four members are known as the musician, songwriter and producer. They are here to spread PEACE, LOVE, and UNITY through their timeless music. 

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Podcast edited by Paul Martin.
Theme song courtesy of M&R Rush.
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 Good Country plays all the best of country music from the 90's and 2000's. Their mission is to have their fans dancing and singing along with them! 

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Podcast edited by Paul Martin.
Theme song courtesy of M&R Rush.
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The Rockaholics play a very unique and nuanced variety of crowd-pleasing covers and play them phenomenally well. They are all exceptional musicians in their own rights, are very professional, easy to work with and have not left a crowd unsatisfied.

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Podcast edited by Paul Martin.
Theme song courtesy of M&R Rush.
www.rocknrollchicagopodcast.com

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Lisa is a firm believer that artists are here on this earth to make a difference in the lives of others. One of the ways she makes a difference is by helping clarinetists find their voice on the right instrument. She says the most amazing thing about learning to play a wind instrument is that it teaches you how to express your emotions. 

Her goal is to help musicians express themselves and make a big difference sharing their musical gifts and their creative passions through the clarinet with others. Music Matters. T...

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 The Gringo Bros. exist to remind you what real rock sounds like. They take those legendary riffs you grew up on and inject them with raw, unapologetic energy - because these songs deserve to be played right. 

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Podcast edited by Paul Martin.
Theme song courtesy of M&R Rush.
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 " WILDEYE BAND" is a high energy audience pleasing band covering hits from the 60's 70's and 80's and 90’s Classic Rock & Country. Only Radio hits and artist you know. 

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Podcast edited by Paul Martin.
Theme song courtesy of M&R Rush.
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 As mankind deteriorates, The Shining has amused itself with the craft of music. Wretched human filth gather in dark, smoke-filled bars throughout Chicago land lured by the promise of a rock show. With the stage set, the music kicks in and the Shining is on. Loud, grinding guitars; gut-thumping drums; and a driving bass power these electric minstrels. Surrender yourself to the hard and heavy melodic pleasures. Overwhelmed by the experience, you will seek freedom by the admission that you are undeniably part of the Shining. 

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 Pete Stillwell is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist, mainly known for his rock music in the Illinois music scene. His songwriting combines '90s rock and classic rock influences with hints of blues, funk, and southern rock. His personal influences include the Steve Miller Band, Bob Seger, Pink Floyd, Credence Clearwater Revival, and the Beatles. 

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Podcast edited by Paul Martin.
Theme song courtesy of M&R Rush.
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Ryan Craig is a traveling Nashville Recording Artist that frequents the music row scene & the Midwest! Ryan's hometown is Peotone, IL where he was born and raised. The aspiring artist picked up the guitar 4 years ago and hasn't looked back. Coming out with his two singles "Summertime Feeling" & "Drink your memory away" Both landed radio spots at 98.3 WCCQ & 100.7 The River. Ryan has written over a hundred songs and loves the creative aspect of storytelling. 

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 The Omnitones are an independent alternative rock band from the Western Suburbs of Chicago that formed in 2023. They blend their eclectic music tastes to offer a unique and refreshing take on the music they all enjoy. The Omnitones compose, record, and produce their own albums to stay close to their roots and serve each individual song's message. They cover different lyrical themes of folklore, humor, and philosophy between raspy vocals, poppy hooks, and loud guitar solos. 

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