Chicago plays Greenville’s Peace Center

By: Michael Bragg (Photo Gallery & Review) of MJBragg Photography

“CHICAGO” copyright – Michael Bragg / MJBragg Photography

Greenville, SC (March 27th, 2019) – Tonight the legendary group Chicago brought their current tour to downtown Greenville, SC for a stop at the newly renovated Peace Center. With a career spanning 52yrs the band has had its fair share of success. A catalog consisting of 23 Gold, 18 platinum and 8 multi-platinum albums to their credit they’ve provided decades of chart topping hits. The groups fan base spreads across generations as was visible during tonight’s show.

With show time nearing attendees took their seats for what would be a 2 set show. Having never seen this group live before the extended show was a pleasant surprise for me. With so many songs I personally wanted to hear I knew a normal show length would leave me wanting more missing out on so much. With the two sets Chicago did an amazing job filling the night with a multitude of fan favorites.

Set one included songs such as, “Wake Up Sunshine,” “If You Leave Me Now” and “Look Away.” With a light show to match the excitement on stage each member had a moment to shine. The groups infectious charisma captivating the crowd who sang along with each and every song. There were moments for the horn section to step forward with trumpet, trombone and saxophone along with some nice guitar work thrown in as well. Those moments were provided in some of the more instrumentally focused parts of “Questions 67 & 68” and “Dialogue (Part I & II).”

“CHICAGO” copyright – Michael Bragg / MJBragg Photography

As good as the first set was the second half of the show is when the band really came to life. After a short intermission Chicago seemed to make a return to the stage with a more vivacious presence. Opening with an invigorating performance of “Alive Again” and “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is” the crowd seemed to notice the upbeat shift as well as they rose to their feet for what had primarily been a relaxed sit and listen style show. Chicago’s second set took more of a musical journey with varied dynamics and song style from the upbeat aforementioned songs to the slower ballad styles of “Hard Habit To Break” and “You’re My Inspiration.”

The group also threw in a great cover of “I’m A Man” by the Spencer Davis Group before ending the nearly 2 and a half hour show with “Feeling Stronger Every Day”

Closing out the night with a standing ovation the group returned with a 2 song encore of “Free” and a personal favorite of mine “25 or 6 to 4”

Overall the show was well worth it and the group did really well at at providing a show that encapsulated Chicago’s career showcasing why they were chosen to be a inductees to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.

SET 1 –