Chicago

Chicago has always been a touring workhorse (they perform over 100 concerts per year!). Just last summer they toured the "sheds" with REO Speedwagon, where they ambitiously performed the "Chicago II" album in its entirety every night, and even did a multi-night residency this past February at The Venetian Theater in Las Vegas.

While continuing their life on the road, Chicago played at the Orpheum Theater in Boston, Massachusetts on April 18, 2019.

Since they have stopped the full production of "Chicago II," this was a more mainstream hits filled evening. Beginning with "Introduction" and "Questions 67 & 68," both from their debut disc, "Chicago Transit Authority," they then merged seamlessly into the epic "Dialogue (Part I & II)."

“Chicago VII,” their 1974 record was well represented with a trio of songs lifted from the LP; “Call On Me," "(I've Been) Searchin' So Long," and the deep cut (and mostly instrumental), "Mononucleosis," which led into the bands massive hit, "If You Leave Me Now," where vocalist (and Canadian native) Neil Donell did an exquisite job recreating the vocals from the 1976 chart topper.

Not neglecting their 80s catalogue, "Look Away", (the bands last #1 song) temporarily broke up the 70s era.

Chicago ended their first set dramatically with a run of "Colour My World," "To Be Free,” and a buoyant "Now More Than Ever."

After a brief intermission, the band came out blazing with 1978's stellar, "Alive Again," the ensembles tribute to founding member Terry Kath, and their comeback single after his passing, and was the beginning of a hit filled marathon with "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" where the ageless Robert Lamm sounded just as soulful as he has since the bands beginning, and they brimmed with nostalgic vibes on "Old Days."

Harking back to their mid-80s timeline, the band did a marvelous job presenting the love ballads "Hard Habit to Break" and 'You're The Inspiration."

After "Beginnings," and a percussion-filled cover of the Spencer Davis Groups’ "I'm A Man" (where drummer Walfredo Reyes, Jr. and percussionist Ramon "Ray" Yslas, really got to shine on their “solo” spots), they trotted out the lively "Street Player," the nights only representation from the "Chicago 13" album.

Their joyous vision of relationship harmony, “Just You 'n' Me" bled into their mega-smash, "Hard to Say I'm Sorry”/”Get Away," before ending with their Classic Rock staples "Saturday in Park," and a trimmed down "Feelin' Stronger Every Day."

A two song encore began with “Free,” a song Lamm penned for “Chicago III,” and ended with the riff heavy and iconic "25 or 6 to 4."

Chicago is currently in the midst of its 50th anniversary this month of the release of their debut disc (which dropped in April of 1969) - although this anniversary was not acknowledged from the stage. And while many are heading out on final and retirement tours, Chicago seems nowhere near the end of their career.