Shelley and Chicago!

Me: I'm sorry, I can't tonight. I'm going to see Chicago.

Friend: You're going to Chicago? We have school tomorrow!

Me: No. Not the city, the band. Remember Chicago Transit Authority?

Friend: You're at the transit authority? I thought you just said you weren't going to Chicago?

Me: I gotta go. I'm late for my train. 

I have no fears here. You ALL remember Chicago! (No, Chuck, NOT the musical) 

 

I am now just being silly. Toyota Oakdale Theatre is presenting the touring Chicago band and I just have to go check it out.

There are three founding members in the group: Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane, and James Pankow. Pankow and Lamm are both in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriter's Hall of Fame. The stage is set with a two-tier platform that allows for fluid flow to mics, front of stage and top tier instruments. As you read on here, there is constant change in vocalists and change of instruments for our performers. Think of this ... when the songs were recorded, extra musicians could be added, several instruments could be played by one person, who would record with one and then record again with others, and vocals added before or after. When you perform live, it all has to be figured out as to which instruments will give you the sound desired, when you will change to a second or third instrument, and how and when you can jump on the vocal mic. Flower Power Videos, romantic scenes and photo shots from the past all play on the back screen throughout the show. 

Here is a list of all the players:

Robert Lamm - keyboards, vocals, composer

Lee Loughnane - trumpet, Flugelhorn, songwriter

James Pankow - trombone, Horn section arranger, composer

Ray Herrman - saxophones, flute, clarinet

Walfred Reyes, Jr. - Drums

Neil Donell - vocals, guitar

Ramon "Ray" Yslas - percussion

Tony Obrohta - guitar, vocals

Loren Gold - keyboard, vocals

Eric Baines - bass, vocals

Whew! Imagine all these players moving around the stage, up the tiers and down, while songs that have become the groundwork of the Chicago sound (YES, NOW I mean the city) blast out in joyous melody and harmony!

Dialogue / We Can Change the World Now

Together Again

Call On Me

Baby What a Big Surprise - AND a light show extraordinaire

If You Leave Me Now

Make Me Smile

Color My World

Now More Than Ever - the audience is up and running!

INTERMISSION????

(OK, if I get to the ladies room quickly, do not stop to buy anything , especially a drink, I can make it back in time and enjoy the second act in its entirety.)

I'm back, seated and eager for the second act. 

Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is - I could look, but I really don't care.

 

You're the Inspiration

Now comes the introductions of everyone. Each player comes out, one at a time, to hear their short musical biography. Then adding each instrument to the play - WHAM! Here it comes!

I'm A Man - A drum battle ensues that vibrates the theatre and gets the two percussionists running from kit to kettle to kit to metal drum and back again.

Flames shoot up on the video screen heralding the excitement emanating from the stage to the seats below and above. Five pieces of confetti start to float down from the catwalk; obviously left over from some other event. Why do they shake free now? We don't know. One piece floats down toward me and suddenly when it is just above my head, shoots to the left and disappears. I guess it was not my time to receive it, or it is heralding a futuristic event.

Just You 'N' Me

Hard to Say I'm Sorry

Saturday In the Park

And we are (NOT) done....

The band leaves and returns and (of course) the night ends with:

25 Or 6 To 4

The people around me have actively enjoyed the night: drumming their fingers, patting their thighs, clapping their hands. The man to my left has stories about his Chicago 8-tracks and constantly shakes his head saying, "Wow!"

Time to sit in the car and reflect while we wait our turn to exit the parking lot. A Sunday night, so tomorrow is school and YIKES! Another concert mid-week! What a November!

Shelley J Sweet-Tufano

NE Correspondent

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