Concert-goers were treated to a sizzling Saturday, or rather Friday, night in the park this weekend as Chicago performed at the Stir Concert Cove in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The band began their set with some of their infamous soft power ballads such as “Color my World” and the number one song around the world in 1976, “If You Leave Me Now.”
Although I was sure that at twenty-three years old I would be the youngest person in the crowd, I was surprised to see people of all ages connecting to the smooth sounds. Couples from all generations were embracing during the slow songs and singing along to the sold-out show. After a twenty-minute break, the band came back in full force with songs filled with the brass sounds we all know and love about Chicago.
The alcohol had taken its effect during the respite and everyone was eager to jump up and dance to “I’m a Man.” The audience was also treated to a drum solo with the band yelling “You want some more!?” and the audience begging the band to indulge them. Towards the end of the concert it started to drizzle, but that didn’t stop people from getting up and air-playing trumpet and saxophone. After leaving the stage, Chicago was welcomed back by fans and performed “25 or 6 to 4” as an encore.
The band thanked everyone who attended by saying, “Without all of you, none of this means a damn thing!” just as they had said during their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Although it took me about thirty minutes to leave the parking garage after the event, I’m grateful I was able to experience Chicago in concert and experience the impact the band has had on many generations of music-lovers.