Chicago performs a retrospective spanning 5 decades

Words By: Nichole Taylor
Photos By: Ronnie Jackson

For those that have all but worn out Chicago II on vinyl, the chance to experience the masterpiece live was unmatched. The 11 member combo performed the entirety of the classic album and after a short intermission, went on to play a second complete set of their greatest hits. Although the order of songs was altered slightly, from “Poem for the People”, the “Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon”, to “Memories of Love”, the psychedelic video accompaniment added to the peace and love ambiance. Original members, Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane, Walt Parazaider, delivered as they always have. James Pankow, another founding member as well as composer and arranger for the band, played his trombone in his pop collar with unsurpassed vigor. A powerful delivery of “Where Do We Go From Here” resonated with the crowd with the video portraying the original message intermingled with images of the turmoil of today. The Chicago II performance wrapped up “25 or 6 to 4” with arms waving, people swaying, and a good time had by all.

Patrons made friends with other concert goers during the intermission, discussing memories of listening to Chicago across the decades. Few people filed out, but all returned when the lights came down for the second set. Favorites like “If You Leave Me Now” had young and old singing every word. A heartfelt acoustic duet tribute to original guitar player Terry Kath, featured his music up close and personal. Keith Howland, current and longest tenured guitar player for Chicago, gladly paid his respect to Kath and admitted to being a long time Chicago fan before joining the band in 1995. After decades of music, and acquiring lifelong fans across the globe, it is humbling and awe-inspiring to see a group that truly knows how to surpass every fan’s expectation decade after decade…show after show.

Setlist:
From Chicago II Album

Movin’ In
The Road
Poem for the People
In the Country
Wake Up Sunshine
Make Me Smile
So Much to Say, So Much to Give
Anxiety’s Moment
West Virginia Fantasies
Colour My World
To Be Free
Now More Than Ever
Fancy Colours
Memories of Love
It Better End Soon
Where Do We Go From Here
25 or 6 to 4

From Chicago’s Greatest Hits

Beginnings
Questions 67 & 68
If You Leave Me Now
Dialogue (Part I & II)
Call on Me
Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?
Hard Habit to Break
You’re the Inspiration
I’m a Man
Street Player
Just You ‘n’ Me
Hard to Say I’m Sorry / Get Away
Saturday in the Park
Feelin’ Stronger Every Day