Francois Smit 🎸 From South Africa to Empress | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast

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

HogPod Chicagoland's Hyper Local Music Chat

72 episodes

1 day ago

Welcome to HOG POD: Chicago's Music Scene Unplugged! Hosted by Mike Orfanos, Mike Dermont, and Pete Jansons, we dive into Chicago’s vibrant music scene. From classic rock to indie vibes, we bring you exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and live performances. Discover local legends and emerging artists while exploring the city’s diverse music culture. Tune in for special episodes featuring tribute bands and live events!

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Francois Smit 🎸 From South Africa to Empress | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast

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

1 hour 4 minutes 19 seconds

2 months ago

Francois Smit 🎸 From South Africa to Empress | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast

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 | 708-287-36920:00 1:10 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