Fan Reviews
For a guy who works in the industry and sees shows all the time I gotta say Michael Kiwanukas performance at the Chicago theater was one of the best shows I have ever been a part of. Britney Howard opened the show and brought a gospel revival vibe with powerful and positive energy, she is absolutely electric and always a joy to experience.
The lighting director for the show was top notch and a total pro. The audio quality in the room was absolutely perfect, and trust me people I explored the space from the ground floor all the way to top row balcony and it was flawless. Crucial thanks to all the local stagehands and house crew for helping to make it happen again and again. I loved the theater and will definitely be back.
On the down side of things the theater uses ticket master and it was an absolute NIGHTMARE trying to get my tickets. I ended up getting a link for two new tickets at 5pm day of show because they couldn’t figure out the issues. They had no one working on the weekend to contact to help remedy the issue. I will never use ticket master again and wish more venues and bands would get on board and demand a solution to the evil monster that is ticket master.
My problems were more with the audience than the show. The show was great. The people walking in and out during the concert needs to stop, but I know it never will. I do think it should be regulated. People come and go like it's an outdoor festival. For example: If the band is making their entrance and you aren't in your seat yet? You have to wait in the lobby, until the first song is over. Because one of the funnest parts is the artist's entrance. It should be similar to airplanes. There should be a light that comes on that indicates time blocks when you can leave your seat. If regulations were in place, more people would come prepared. But they don't, because they already know they can come and go as they please. Or those kinds of people just wouldn't attend concerts, which would be ideal. A couple in my row left seven songs in and never came back, even though they seemed to be enjoying themselves and raving about how the intro to "Ventura Highway" just puts them in a mood. It was kind of annoying. Of course, they had to walk past me, so I had to get up. The band though? Top notch. Harmonies with as much quality as they had in the 1970s, even though most of the band isn't original members any more.
I'd waited DECADES to see Suzy/Eddie Izzard perform, and I was over the moon about last night's performance at the Chicago Theatre! The energy level in the room, from the stage to the rafters, was ELECTRIC, and everyone around me was rolling with laughter along with me. Hilarious, insightful humor as always, and the same fire she's always had on stage! I'd see that show again, tonight, if she were still here.
Fantasia did a wonderful job and I truly enjoyed the show. I also would like to shout out security for controlling the crowd especially the tall young male with Dreads. I have attended shows at the Chicago Theatre and vowed to never return because of their failure to control the crowd. I sincerely thank the young security guard for his on-going effort to keep the crowd under control because I paid for seats near the stage and I hate when people rush the stage because they truly can do the same!
Great show - she is a wonderful entertainer. But it seemed a bit short and rushed (maybe because it was the last show of the tour, or at least that is what she said).
Doors opened at 6:30P, she did not hit the stage until 8:30P and was done by 10:15P, no encore.
The Chicago Theater, however, is a horrible venue.
Not enough rest rooms for the ladies.
Under staffed concession stands causing long lines.
Ushers allowing people to stand through entire songs, blocking other fans view.
Based on all of the above - 3 stars for my hard earned money to get floor seats in the 6th row.
Acoustics & performance were great, but felt sort of led on because the ads said he'd be singing all the songs from the first two albums. That didn't happen. Many popular songs from those albums were performed, but a big one, "Newborn Friend", was omitted, oddly enough. That was disappointing. It was #2 on the charts in the U.S.
Other than that, it was a good time. Entertaining. Just wanted a few more songs from those albums, as advertised.
I'd also love a smaller venue like The Vic Theatre, where he's performed at in the past. That was phenomenal.
I was there more to see the artist as a persona/speaker/actor than as a singer. I don't really get into his musical style as much but he infuses everything with his energy and personality, which is exuberant. He liked to interact with the audience and destroyed the pricing grid by having everyone come up front no matter what you paid, it was not a huge audience, but it was eclectic and most seemed to enjoy.
I didn’t particularly care for the beginning / movie part though I appreciate it has meaning to his beginnings / influences. People weren’t paying a lot of attention - so then it was noisy & hard to follow/hear
I found I like him as a person more bc of his storytelling & some songs from his stories, that I hadn’t heard. He was funny & captivating.
He was such a part of my teen years so I feel fortunate to have seen my Bandsintown email & grabbed great tickets at great prices just 48 hrs before. I love seeing shows at the Chicago Theatre. Great venue for him.
So glad I went to this show, both Johnny and Jeff were wonderful to see. This is the first time I have seen a electric guitarist of this caliber literally the best in the world too and also my first concert in many years. I will alway cherish having gone to this concert, R.I.P. Jeff Beck your memory will live on. I became a true fan of you, I am grateful. I also regret not running up for the hug Johnny offered, I hope I have another chance meet him. I won’t be so shy next time, I saw the sweetness of fellow soulmate and love in his eyes. I am glad and honored he remembers me, I know him to be a good person with a beautiful heart and the love is fully felt and returned my dear. I hope I get the chance to show that to you with the same generosity of spirit you clearly have soon. May your life be full of continued success and I am so sorry you lost your friend, Jeff Beck.
INCREDIBLE SHOW!! I’ve never been to a K-POP concert before but it was great. You can tell these boys worked their butts off to give us a good show. I also liked how there were two short intermissions while P1 changed costumes, it have the audience a chance to go to the bathroom or sit down for a minute without feeling like they’re missing the show. Also K-POP stans are on a different level and I love it
I have been lucky to see Dave Koz Christmas concerts over the years and have been on a few of his remarkable cruises. However his 25th Anniversary Show, filled with Christmas songs, was one of Dave's best with great guests joining him on stage to give his audience a wonderful evening of non-stop entertainment!! Being a Chicagoan, it saddens me that his shows are not given more publicity when he is in town. My thanks to Dave, and his other performers, for a memorable show. If you haven't seen a Dave Koz show, no matter what time of year, they never disappoint!!
the band was in top form, but some boner brought HIS OWN TAMBOURINE to the show and went buck wild on the thing, and no one from the venue did anything. i was in the balcony and the asshole was on the floor, so i could kind of block it out, but no one should have to do that. i’ve been going to shows for a quarter century and i’ve never once seen a person bring their own gd instrument. if you’re the type of misanthrope that does shit like that, i have a few suggestions for where you can put that tambourine
The B-52s were amazing! It was one of the strongest vocal performances in years. I truly enjoyed Cindy’s interaction with the other members and audience in a way I don’t believe I’ve ever seen. She looked like she was having so much fun! Fred is always a hoot! And Kate, well what can you say? Her high notes I’m sure could shatter glass! She nails those notes every time! Lol I do hope this is not the last time I’ll see them live. I know it’s a farewell tour (hopefully a ‘til I see you again), but I hope it’s not a goodbye! Their music has truly brought me and so many so much joy! It has allowed us to let go a little of daily life stresses! Perhaps they have a secret album at least on the way! Dance mixes with a few new tracks would be cool! If they’re truly retiring, I need more parting gifts! Lol
We attended Sunday night's concert. The venue was beautiful, and Van's supporting band was great. But Van did not interact with the audience at all. He did play a very long set, but I felt he seemed a bit disconnected, like performing had become a job for him, not a joy. The last number was great, but was basically performed by his band without him, and then the lights came on and the concert was over. It was strange. And he did NOT perform Moondance, which is what I came to hear. The other songs he played that were popular for him were just ok. Just being honest. I know he's an icon in the music business, but I wouldn't go see him again.
Elvis Costello is staying true to some rocking roots. He is versatile, with 12-string electric, acoustic, traditional 6-string electric Fender, he stepped up to just demonstrate his vocal range accompanied by Steve Nieve on a Steinway piano, and Elvis stepped to the piano himself to tickle the ivories. The lights and video show were well done, as the Davey Faragher bass lines held down the pulse, maintaining the beat, in sync with Pete Thomas's thunderstorm on the kit behind the band. The audience was a bit sedentary, the venue not conducive to the dancing and rocking and rolling that the band was working to inspire. As nice as the Chicago Theatre is acoustically, and as a venue for world class acts, the seating is more suited to a play, and less to a rock music performance.
Loved seeing Ray and hearing him live! The opening band was a charming folk duo from Canada (Kacy and Clayton) that unfortunately started before we arrived, but we caught a good amount of their set as well, and I'd give them a second listen. This was my first time seeing Ray live and I'd love to see him with a full band, but this time he was supported by Carl Broemel of My Morning Jacket. The pair was well matched, both vocally and musically, and Ray's voice makes me catch my breath continually! Maybe not the venue for him, but can't imagine where I'd recommend instead.
The performance was great, but people sitting in the balcony were very uptight. They were yelling and swearing at any of us trying to stand up and dance, telling us to sit down because they "couldn't see" despite the fact we were in the aisle well below their line of sight.... most people in the balcony acted more like they were watching a ballet or opera rather than a Madonna concert. Maybe this was because of the venue?
I travelled from Argentina for this tour and this was my 7th time seeing them live. It has been my favorite theater to see them perform: beautiful! And the staff were really helpful since early in the day for those of us who attended the Doom Days experience (best soundcheck EVER!). About the show, I can only say that it was amazing, as always, and I really enjoyed being in 3rd row.
Joywave were outstanding, too!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Overall he did OK but you can tell he hasn't performed in some time. The show was not polished. He would stop midway through songs to toss what seemed to be a million roses and guzzle Gatorade. He forgot lyrics on the very first song he sang. His fly was open which prompted a fan to throw a sweater at his crotch. Crazy. Normally headliners perform 90 minutes but his show was an hour. Hopefully his next few stops will be better.
Spectacular. Van sounded like his old self. Third night in Chicago and a very good setlist, musicians that were clearly enjoying playing off one another, as demonstrated by the sequence and mix of solos. Whether vocals, vibes, or the pedal steel guitar, the Hammond organ and Van all over their range, it was a delight. the Bass and the jazz guitar and drummer rounded out the wonderful performances. The musical director, the trumpet player/keys/organist should be commended. The female backing vocals variously brought harmonies and support to the whole ensemble.
Van played sax, guitar, harmonica, piano and led with his vocals. We sang along, and it was especially a treasure to share a poignant moment with my very own Brown Eyed Girl." The finale, "Gloria," allowed the band to show off, as Van left the stage after leading the audience in the chorus' spelling test and a sax solo. Each musician showed some chips, as the marimba/vibes percussionist competed with the drumkit for the simple spotlight, bringing it to a close exactly at 10:00 pm.
The show opened just after 7:30 with The James Hunter Six, a talented long-time friend of Van's, that offered a range of bluesy and soulful R&B, with a seasoning of what could be called a rockabilly twang.
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