There are nights in Chicago that feel larger than the room they happen in, and Saturday, January 20th at Thalia Hall was undeniably one of them. The Bears were facing the Packers in the first round of the playoffs, a rivalry already baked into the city’s identity, now raised to postseason intensity. Before a single note was played, the energy inside Thalia Hall was electric. Bill Murray and his Blood Brothers made it clear that the game mattered, insisting it be broadcast on the large screen behind the stage, transforming the venue into something between a historic concert hall and the ultimate Chicago watch party.

When the final seconds ran out and the Bears eliminated Green Bay, the room exploded. Cheers echoed, strangers embraced, and the release felt almost overwhelming. Without hesitation, the band took the stage, the timing so perfect it felt intentional. Bill Murray opened the set with the Chicago Bears Fight Song, and the crowd roared in approval. Murray, long a symbol of Chicago’s cultural DNA, did not feel like a celebrity dropping in, he felt like a fellow fan riding the same high as everyone else in the room.

What followed was a blues performance that more than lived up to the moment. The Blood Brothers, built around the powerful guitar pairing of Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia, delivered a soulful, driving set steeped in grit and tradition. They were joined by an expanded lineup that included two drummers, and Jimmy Vivino, the veteran musician and longtime musical director for Conan O’Brien, whose presence added even more depth and fire to the sound. Murray, who has toured with the group for years, blended seamlessly into the band, singing the blues and adding percussion on bongos and maracas, fully engaged in the music rather than positioned as a novelty frontman.

The collaboration itself traces back to a moment of pure spontaneity. Zito and Castiglia’s band had been booked for the Murray Brothers’ Caddyshack Golf Tournament by Bill’s brother, John. During their set, Murray unexpectedly joined them onstage for a song by The Rascals, a moment that sparked an ongoing musical partnership that continues to evolve. That same sense of unplanned magic defined the night at Thalia Hall. It was not just that Bill Murray was performing, or that the Bears beat the Packers in the playoffs, but that both happened together, in Chicago, without pretense. Watching Murray front a soulful blues band in the immediate aftermath of such a massive rivalry win felt like a reward for the city, and a reminder that some nights simply belong to Chicago.

Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers – OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Thalia Hall – OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Chicago Bears – OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Minutes before Goose was set to take the stage at Cleveland’s Jacobs Pavilion, an outdoor concert venue on the bank of the Cuyahoga River, under a canopy of stretched canvas, the sky opened up and a downpour commenced. For the faithful fans safe under cover, it felt a little like being inside a waterfall. As crews scurried to safeguard the stage from seepage, the start of the set slipped past the scheduled 7:30. Luckily, the rain drained out as the sun went down, the Goose was loosed, and the fans and the fun weathered the storm.

The American jam band, in the camp of The Grateful Dead and Phish, were true troopers. They could have called it off. They might have done so legitimately considering some of that stage equipment definitely got wet, and that could be dangerous. This was the second of a two-night gig in Cleveland, so it could even be said that not all of the fans would be left empty-handed without it. Undoubtedly many of the fans in the crowd on the second night were also there the first night.
But Goose never gave up the goose.

In fact, they emerged triumphant, with the perfect trumpet to herald their sticktoitiveness: A cover of Blind Melon’s “No Rain.” I have to think that this song was added to the set, as the opener, in response to the weather. I’d like to think the audible was called in those very rainy minutes before the show was set to start. Even if it was made on the bus on the way to Cleveland, when someone smart and forward-thinking thought to look at the weather forecast.

It’s just more rock-n-roll that way. Even if it didn’t happen that way, it will happen that way in the movie version.

As with just about every song on the set list, Goose sparked lightning with a 15-minute jam on “No Rain” that had the antennaed and tie-died crowd swaying. As amazing to behold as these seasoned and studied musicians are on stage, so are the fans themselves, who are colorfully costumed to show their unbridledly goofy devotion to this band. Many squeezed into the front of the standing-floor section had traveled with the band, and no doubt would have been disappointed to miss even one of two in the same city. There’s a real community around Goose, and it’s vibrant, considerate, large and in charge.

It’s also a good thing that there were no opening acts for these shows. Goose jammed for 2-and-a-half hours, after a 20-minute-later start, on 13 songs including the encore. (That’s an average of 11-and-a-half minutes per song.) After doing essentially the same thing, with a totally different setlist, the night before. Five hours of music on 25 songs. That doesn’t leave much room for an opener.

For night two in Cleveland, the setlist included four cover songs, including “No Rain,” though the Blind Melon one is the only one I was familiar with. The others – “Fish in the Sea” by Fat Freddy’s Drop, “Amongster” by Polica and “Pancakes” by Great Blue – came in what essentially was the second set of the second night of this gig, which included an intermission halfway through each show. That Goose devotes so much of their stage time to the music of others are signs of maturity, confidence and good nature.

The set also included songs from three of the band’s seven studio albums – including the beautiful, bittersweet “How It Ends” and the heartfelt harmony of “Red Bird” from their new 2025 release “Everything Must Go.” The band turned up the energy with party anthem “Flodown,” off the 2021 record “Shenanigans Nite Club,” and leaned into the groove with “Tumble” from 2022’s “Undecided” LP.

An encore of “So Ready” left the crowd still wanting more, after two nights in Cleveland that proved both Goose and their fans are so ready for anything.

Rob McCune is Every_Thing_After_Photo on Instagram, where he posts his concert photography and reviews, as well as clips from the latest Every.Thing.After podcast, which is available to download on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

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Posted: May 08, 2025

MILWAUKEE, WI (May 8, 2025) – Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance has added additional artists to the lineup, since the festival’s initial release in mid-February. Summerfest 2025 takes place over three weekends, June 19-21, June 26-28, and July 3-5.

New additions to the 2025 Summerfest lineup include:

Third Eye Blind, The Mavericks, Malcolm Todd, LANCO, Mike Posner, Hoodie Allen, 311, Badflower, Dorothy, John Oates, John Waite, GROOVY, The Strike, People R Ugly, Sophie Hunter, Cil, Diany Dior, Rachel Bochner,  Landon Smith, Georgie Najar, The Crombies, Cordell Winter, Walt Disco, Local H, Haley Johnson, The Romantics ft. Mike Skill, Tierra Kennedy, Chicken P, Certified Trapper, Immortal Girlfriend, Steve Da Stoner, 414 Big Frank, Caley Conway, and many other national, regional, and local artists. 

Third Eye Blind and The Gufs have been announced for July 5 at BMO Pavilion, the festival’s final day. Reserved tickets go on sale Tuesday, May 13 at 10:00 a.m. at Summerfest.com and Ticketmaster.com(opens in new tab at www.ticketmaster.com) or in person at the Summerfest Box Office. All reserved seat tickets include same-day Summerfest admission.  At the BMO Pavilion, fans can choose between reserved seating (available for purchase) or free general admission on a first-come, first-served basis for all evening headlining shows during Summerfest.

Fans can also experience an elevated concert experience at the Level Up Deck located at the Miller Lite Oasis, overlooking the stage for artists such as The Mavericks, Gary Clark Jr., Mayday Parade, Billy Corgan and the Machines of God, Dispatch, and others. Tickets for Level Up are available now and include admission to Summerfest the day of the show, two complimentary beverages, and access to a private bar, restrooms, and more.

Summerfest pit wristbands are on sale now, online only at Summerfest.com and allow standing-room access to the Generac Power Stage and Miller Lite Oasis. Fans who purchase wristbands will be able to enter the designated pit area starting at 6:00 p.m. Each wristband includes admission to Summerfest and access to the stage pit area for the selected date, for an up-close concert experience with artists including Jack’s Mannequin, Bossman DLow, The Head and the Heart, Gary Clark Jr., Mayday Parade, Whiskey Myers, and many more.

To purchase tickets and view the full lineup, visit Summerfest.com(opens in new tab at summerfest.com). 

(All performances, dates, and times are subject to change)

About Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance
Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance is one of the most iconic celebrations of music in America, hosting the industry’s biggest acts for an unforgettable live music experience.  Since its inception in 1968, Summerfest continues to distinguish itself as a premier independent national music festival and has developed an unrivaled reputation, consistently featuring hundreds of performances across 12 stages, throughout the permanent 75-acre festival grounds along Lake Michigan. Summerfest will take place over three weekends – June 19-21, June 26-28, July 3-5, 2025.   For the latest information, visit Summerfest.com, or Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok: @Summerfest. 

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., producer of Summerfest, continues to fulfill its nonprofit mission of bringing the community together and providing a showcase for performing arts, activities, and recreation to the public, through music and special events.

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If you walked into the House of Blues Chicago on March 9th, you probably left with a little extra swagger in your step, because George Thorogood & The Destroyers delivered a 100% Grade-A, blues-rock throwdown that reminded everyone why they’ve been doing this for 50 years.

From the second George strutted onto the stage with his signature black shades and bad-to-the-bone attitude, you could feel the energy in the room shift. It wasn’t just a concert…it was a celebration of rock ‘n’ roll grit, fueled by snarling guitar riffs, wailing sax solos, and Thorogood’s unmistakable growl.

At 74 years old, he still commands the stage (impressively) with unapologetic swagger. He’s not just playing songs, he’s owning them, chewing up every lyric and spitting it back with that signature growl. And the Destroyers? Tighter than ever. Jeff Simon (drums) and Billy Blough (bass) have been with him since the early days, and their chemistry is rock-solid. The addition of Jim Suhler on guitar and Buddy Leach on sax just adds even more firepower.

The House of Blues was the perfect venue, small enough to feel intimate but big enough for Thorogood’s larger-than-life presence to take over. The crowd was locked in from the first note, and George made sure no one left without feeling like they were part of something special. If you’ve ever wondered whether Thorogood still brings it live, let me save you the trouble…hell yes, he does. This wasn’t just a nostalgia trip; it was a full-throttle blues-rock barnburner that proved he’s still as bad to the bone as ever.

George Thorogood – OFFICIAL SITE
House of Blues (Chicago) – OFFICIAL SITE

Photos and Review by Anita Maree

Earth, Wind & Fire – Timeless Grooves Ignite the Night

Attending an Earth, Wind & Fire concert is like stepping into a vibrant time machine that traverses decades of musical excellence. On a balmy summer night, the iconic band graced the stage at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL, delivering a performance that was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment the lights dimmed and the first notes of “Shining Star” filled the air, it was clear that the evening would be an unforgettable celebration of soul, funk, and R&B.

The energy in the venue was electric as the band, fronted by original members Philip Bailey, Verdine White, and Ralph Johnson, effortlessly captivated the audience. Their stage presence was dynamic, and their performance tight and polished, a testament to their decades of experience and undeniable talent. Bailey’s falsetto was as smooth and powerful as ever, especially during classics like “Reasons” and “After the Love Has Gone,” where his vocal prowess left the crowd in awe.

Verdine White, with his boundless energy and signature bass grooves, was a spectacle unto himself. His infectious enthusiasm and masterful playing were a driving force behind the band’s irresistible rhythms. Ralph Johnson’s impeccable drumming and charismatic stage persona added another layer of depth to the performance, showcasing the band’s versatility and cohesive sound.

One of the highlights of the evening was the seamless blend of timeless hits and contemporary flair. Songs like “Let Your Feelings Show,” “Devotion,” “Let’s Groove,” and “Boogie Wonderland,” had the audience on their feet, dancing and singing along with joyful abandon. The band’s tight harmonies and intricate arrangements were complemented by an impressive light show and vibrant visual effects, creating a sensory experience that was both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

Earth, Wind & Fire’s ability to transcend generations was evident as the crowd was a diverse mix of ages, all united by a shared love for the band’s music. From seasoned fans who have followed the band for decades to younger attendees experiencing their magic for the first time, the universal appeal of their sound was undeniable.

In conclusion, an Earth, Wind & Fire concert is more than just a musical performance; it’s a joyous celebration of life, love, and the enduring power of music. Their unwavering passion, exceptional musicianship, and timeless hits make for a concert experience that leaves a lasting impression, proving that Earth, Wind & Fire remains as relevant and captivating as ever.

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Chicago – A Night of Classic Rock Brilliance at Allstate Arena

Chicago, the legendary rock band, delivered an unforgettable performance at the Allstate Arena tonight, solidifying their status as icons of the music industry. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as fans of all ages filled the venue, eager to experience the magic of a band that has been a staple of the music scene for over five decades.

From the moment the band took the stage, it was clear that this would be a night to remember. Kicking off with the electrifying “Introduction,” Chicago immediately showcased their signature blend of rock, jazz, and soul. The band’s energy was palpable, and their tight musicianship set the tone for the rest of the evening.

Original members Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane, and James Pankow were in top form, their chemistry and camaraderie evident in every note. Lamm’s soulful vocals and keyboard prowess shone brightly on classics like “Saturday in the Park” Loughnane’s trumpet solos were crisp and exhilarating, while Pankow’s trombone added a rich, dynamic layer to the band’s sound.

The band’s powerful rendition had the entire arena on its feet, singing along and reveling in the iconic guitar riff. Neil Donell, the band’s lead vocalist and newest member, delivered a flawless performance, his voice seamlessly blending with the band’s harmonies and adding a fresh yet familiar touch to the beloved classics.

The evening was a masterful mix of greatest hits and deeper cuts, pleasing both die-hard fans and newer listeners. Songs like “If You Leave Me Now” and “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” brought a wave of nostalgia, while tracks like “I’m a Man” showcased the band’s versatility and ability to rock out with t

he best of them. The horn section, a defining element of Chicago’s sound, was particularly impressive, their synchrony and skill elevating every song.

In conclusion, Chicago’s performance at the Allstate Arena was a testament to their enduring appeal and musical prowess. Their ability to blend timeless hits with high-energy performances ensures that they remain as relevant and captivating as ever. For those lucky enough to attend, it was a night of classic rock brilliance that will be remembered for years to come.

Now, let’s talk about the exciting encore. These two legendary bands came together on stage performing each other’s songs.  It certainly was a high-energy finale that left the fans dancing in their seats.

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When I heard Billy Bob Thornton was coming to town with his band, The Boxmasters, I literally jumped at the chance to cover the show. Get this: The band blends elements of rock ‘n’ roll, country, and ’60s pop, and when you throw in a front man with as much worldwide popularity (and notoriety) as actor Billy Bob Thornton (“Bud” as his gas-station attendant button down shirt displayed), the level of uniqueness was something that simply could not be missed. Here’s my honest take on their performance at Chicago’s City Winery last week:

In terms of authenticity, The Boxmasters’ music is rooted in a genuine appreciation for vintage Americana sounds, drawing heavily from the ’60s, British Invasion rock, and Southern influences. You can sense that the band’s style and Thornton’s vocals are sincere attempts to pay homage to those eras. Also, the lyrics seem to have a strong narrative quality, which is of no surprise, given Thornton’s acting and creative background. Honestly, most of their songs carry a certain straight-forwardness but with quite a bit of wit as well, which was fun. The only disappointing aspect is Billy Bob’s singing voice. It’s gravely and a bit monotone, which makes the songs feel less engaging after awhile. But, Thornton and the entire band are certainly entertaining, that’s a fact.

See Photo Gallery Video Below

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Based on the fact that the band is playing to a niche’ audience in smaller venues makes it surprising that they have released seventeen (17) albums, they’re latest entitled, Love & Hate In Desperate Places, which was just released this past August. But, unlike others in this day and age, let us not gauge worthiness and success on crowd size alone. In the end, if you’re into throwback sounds and appreciate strong storytelling in music, you’ll definitely enjoy them. Plus, watching/hearing the legendary Billy Bob in action…I mean, c’mon, it’s a win-WIN! Catch Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters in the States through mid-November. Click HERE for the band’s official website.

The 2024 NASCAR Chicago Street Race, held on July 7th, was a thrilling event marked by challenging weather conditions and intense competition. Alex Bowman emerged victorious, snapping an 80-race winless streak and securing a spot in the 2024 playoffs. Despite the weather forecasts, the weekend drew a decent crowd and featured live performances by legendary country artist, Keith Urban; Blues king, Buddy Guy; as well as the 40th Anniversary Celebration of House Music, bringing several notable house music DJ’s to the main stage. See pictorial video of the entire weekend below:

Second weekend

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots

 New Orleans, LA, USA

May 2-5, 2024

by Mary Aandrews

The performance of the Rolling Stones may well be the reason that attendance records almost topped one half a million people this year. The first weekend had a respectable attendance, but Thursday of the second weekend smashed all records with the second highest attendance in jazz festival history. Festival producer, Quint Davis, remarked, “Watching the Rolling Stones perform with New Orleans and Louisiana stars Irma Thomas and Dwayne Dopsie was to witness the power of the festival to demonstrate the connection of our culture to the greatest music of our time.”

There had been two other attempts to bring the Stones to New Orleans Jazz Festival in the past, but due to health and personal issues it had not come to pass. Jagger needed heart surgery and an entire leg of that tour was postponed. Their appearance was rescheduled for 2020, only to have that cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Thursday was atypical from the standpoint that the other 13 stages closed out when the Rolling Stones took the stage at five pm. The Stones concert was simulcasted on the screens at the other larger stages during the concert. The band delivered an 18-song set that included the Stones first performance of “Time is on my Side” with Irma Thomas. Thomas had the first hit with the song in 1964. 

There was a large runway that reached into the crowd that Mick Jagger used frequently with vigor throughout the set. Jagger at age 80 exhibits as much energy and athleticism as any lead singer much younger.  Jagger began the set wearing a glittery turquoise jacket with a red tuxedo shirt underneath, but the jacket didn’t survive past the second song, “Get Off of My Cloud.” The weather was warm and muggy.  Jagger soon stripped down to a long-sleeved black t-shirt, guitarist Ronnie Wood abandoned a layer of sparkles, and drummer Steve Jordan had to give up on his elegant suit jacket.

 Keith Richards’ solo spot went to “Little T&A” from 1981’s “Tattoo You,” in a version that included the NOLA horn section.  Richards was one of the few musicians onstage who remained in his full regalia of long-sleeve satin shirt (in various colors) as well as a red knit beanie all night. Richards was grinning ear to ear all afternoon long.

“Honky Tonk Women” and “Paint It Black” felt fresh and vibrant, and Richards was dominant during “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” He always seems to find a new way to hit those unmistakable chords. It was a moment where you realize you are hearing the writer of the song that you have heard hundreds, even thousands of times, play the chords live. The show ended with “Satisfaction,” which generated excitement both onstage and in the audience. The band returned to the stage for a two-song encore of “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” and “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction.” The set was well worth the time and effort to experience the legendary band and the third time was a charm.

One of the biggest challenges when you attend the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is picking and choosing the artists to attend. It’s a difficult task when there are some 500 acts over two weekends. Many folks go and just follow their nose or ears. Personally, this reviewer studies the announced lineup well ahead of the festival and creates a list of no miss performers. Sometimes that works, other times not so much.

Blues rocker, Samantha Fish, performed on the same stage as the Rolling Stones earlier in the day on Thursday. She stepped out on stage dressed in a black leather-like suit ready to strutt her stuff. Fish was well aware that she was ‘opening’ for the Rolling Stones and seemed nervous. “Bulletproof” and “Better Be Lonely” were standout songs. It’s always a delight to see Fish perform. Fish was seen in the crowd after her set to personally experience the Stones’ set. 

Dumpstaphunk played a set of NOLA funk on the Festival Stage ahead of The Stones and paid tribute to late bassist Nick Daniels, who died on Saturday. New Breed Brass Band with Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews also played a great Festival Stage show.

Other second weekend highlights included sets of Foo Fighters, Hozier, Allison Russell, Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram, and Queen Latiifah to name a few.

Foo Fighters was another rock band that had been cancelled in 2020 and 2021 at Jazz Festival. Their two-hour show included hits like “All My Life,” “ MonkeyWrench,” and “The Pretender.” The 30-year old band really knows how to work a crowd and that they did it well. Frontman Dave Grohl was extremely personable and talked a lot about playing New Orleans in the past and having love for the city. They had previously performed at fest in 2015.

Due to the continuous showers on Friday, the early part of the day was spent in the interview portion of Jazz Festival. Christone “ Kingfish’ Ingram gave a very enlightening look at the 25 year old guitar wizard.

He revealed that he had two choices as to what to do with his life, either play football or play the blues. The Mississippi native came to the conclusion that he could only play football for a short period of his life whereas he could play the blues until he died. His choice was a no brainer. And it was a major benefit for the fans.

American jazz singer, Samara Joy, also gave us an indepth look at her introduction to jazz  The 24 year old was raised in a musical family from a very early age. Her paternal grandparents, Elder Goldwire and Ruth McLendon, were founders of Philadelphia gospel group The Savettes. She attended Fordham High School for the Arts and performed in its jazz band. Joy enrolled in the jazz program at SUNY’s Purchase College as a voice major and was named an Ella Fitzgerald Scholar. She revealed that a new album is forth-coming. Joy is indeed the future of jazz and a must to experience if she comes your way.

The major highlight on the last Saturday was more living legends including Neil Young and Crazy Horse and Queen Latifah.

Young and Crazy Horse’s set was chrisened as their first tour together since 2019. He told the massive crowd that “I’ve been in a musical desert. I haven’t played in a while and I miss it.”A major highlight of the set was an extended version of “Cortez the Killer.”

They are only a few dates into a tour, and though they’ just released the album, “FU##IN’ UP.”  The album features live re-recordings of most of the songs on their landmark 1990 album Ragged Glory, but with new names. The album is named for a song on Ragged Glory, but now it’s called “Heart of Steel.” They played “Cinnamon Girl” and “Everybody Knows this is Nowhere,” from the 1969 album Everybody Knows This is Nowhere.  Off the same album, they dug into a an 11-minute version of the fever dream “Down by the River,” with its long instrumental interludes. Much of the crowd joined in for the chorus.

It’s been 35 years since Queen Latifah dropped her first record that crowned her the Queen of hip-hop and her career has been going strong since. She has become a major star of television, movies, and really any medium of entertainment over the years and she maintains that status. Not only did she get her start as a rapper, her singing talent is unparalelled. Her first half of her set included much of her singing. Her duet of “Say So” with PJ Morton, an unfortunately brief snippet of Roy Ayers’ “Everybody Loves The Sunshine” and Aretha Franklin’s “Mercy Me” was exemplary. She also performed an amazing version of “California Dreaming.”

On songs like “Just Another Day,” “Come into My House,” the Living Single theme and her classic “Wrath of My Madness” Queen Latifah’s mic control was in full force. Her flows and breath control remain amazing, despite not performing much as a rapper over the last decades.

MC Lyte and Yo-Yo then appeared on stage to rap Brandy’s “I Want to Be Down” with Latifah before then being given center stage to perform their on bangers: “Cha Cha Cha” for MC Lyte, “You Can’t Play With My Yo-Yo” for Yo-Yo.

Queen Latifah ended the set in a fitting way with her anti-domestic abuse and pro-Black women anthem “U.N.I.T.Y.”

The last day of jazz festival highlights included a Jimmy Buffett tribute featured Irma Thomas having the time of her life singing “I Will Play for Gumbo.” “ It’s a little like religion and a lot like sex, you should never know where you are going to get it next.” Other participants included Sonny Landreth, Trombone Shorty, and some of the Preservation Hall Band. It was a ‘Parrothead’s’ delight.

Each year, there is a responding exclamation that this was the best fest yet! It’s also true this year, but each year has something special to take away for your memory bank. One cannot deny wondering what next year will bring. Jazz fest is like an addiction leaving you wanting more. It is a feast like no other. Here’s a toast to next year and what it will bring.

Rolling Stone Setlist: Start Me Up / Get Off of My Cloud / Out Of Time / Angry / Let It Bleed / Time Is On My Side / Whole Wide World / Tumbling Dice / You Can’t Always Get What You Want / Little T&A / Sympathy For The Devil / Honky Tonk Women / Miss You / Gimme Shelter / Paint It Black / Jumpin’ Jack Flash / encore: Sweet Sounds of Heaven / Satisfaction

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John Mayer played a solo set at Chicago’s United Center on Wednesday and, while on stage, took a stroll down memory lane, back to his days of just starting out as a young(er) musician. Little did he know that back then, it would be just the beginning of what would become a wildly successful worldwide music career. That being said, Mayer’s concerts are not just about the music; he’s also known for his engaging stage presence and storytelling. He interacts with the audience, shares anecdotes, and creates a more intimate and personal connection with his fans. And, on October 18th, he did not disappoint, saying, “I love Chicago. I remember playing for just my friends here, at Schuba’s years ago. So, tonight, I will consider all of y’all…my friends.” Of course, the thousands in attendance at the United Center went wild.

Depending on the show, Mayer might bring out guest musicians to join him on stage. He has a history of collaborating with other notable artists, making his live performances even more exciting and unpredictable, although this was not the case in Chicago but the nearly sold-out crowd certainly did not seem to mind. He began his set with, “Heartbreak Warfare,” under a slight spotlight and intense blue lasers that blanketed his face and body as he sat comfortably on a white upholstered chair. He also visited his piano for a couple of his tunes, including, “You’re Going to Live Forever in Me,” and, “Changing.” The set was amazing, with just him on that gigantic stage…no surprise guests required.

Mayer’s music has definitely evolved over the years, and his live shows reflect this progression. He seamlessly transitions between different musical genres, showcasing his growth as an artist. Also known for his soulful, and smooth voice, his live performances highlight his vocal and guitar mastery. He often adds improvisational vocal elements to his songs, creating unique renditions for his live audience.

The John Mayer solo tour continues into early November before he (and special guest, JP Saxe) head overseas, first to Japan and then to Europe. You can visit his website (below) for future tour dates and I encourage you to do so.

John Mayer – Official Website

Ruoff Music Center 

Noblesville, Indiana

September 23, 2023

by Mary Andrews

The 37^th annual Farm Aid all day concert once again will go down in history as one of the best to date. It has been a year long celebration of Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday and today’s festivities have been an extention of that celebration. The festival had a cavalcade of musical legends. The press conference started the day’s festivities with the Farm Aid board, local farmers, members of the bands, and other Farm Aid officials. The purpose every year is  to deliver vital information on the progress of Farm Aid’s efforts to help family farmers. The local farmers spoke of challenges in the state and educating the local population on eating organic foods and the effects on human health.

Neil Young always has vital comments on concerns of the day regarding family natural farming.  Here’s what he had to day:”How important it is that the family farmers do what they do by sustaining organic food. They bring back the earrh from the ground up. There are all great things, but they all pale in comparison to one thing, the people who go to the stores. People who are out there right now. We are all together in this. The climate change crisis is out there. If we go to our media, we don’t hear about it. We hear about rediculous stuff that doesn’t mean anything. We hear about the pontificating about political views. All of this meaningless in today’s world. We as the people all around this world can do something about it. We can work together and try to do natural things. Things that help you make decisions about what foods to gather, where to go to buy it. Don’t go the the wrong place to buy the right food. Research, read a little bit to find out what they are doing. It would be great if we could stop using fossil fuel but, things could come to a crashing halt anyway. We need to forget about those kind of things and think about natural things we could do.”

Young continued, “What’s the best way to get a mile and a half down the road? Probably the best way to do that is to walk. It’s the natural thing to do. It makes you stronger and it makes you hungry for good food. In the world you make the right decisions, the natural decisions. The natural way of life. Try to do things the way they used to be. Before we got so smart and so greedy. When I first came here with Willie and John, and Dave, we had a lot of these red shirts around that said stop factory farms. This was in the first and second year of Farm Aid. There’s a couple of them out there in the crowd. This is a serious business. This factory farm thing doesn’t work. It doesn’t work for us. It doesn’t work for humanity. It doesn’t work for the planet. It doesn’t work for the animals. It doesn’t work for the humans. It doesn’t work for anything that grows naturally. Everything that we do, we need to think about natural ways. What were the ways that our forefathers used? Because their ways worked. What we’ve done has gotten so greedy. i’m not going to decent to corporated farming gustalt. But I would like to say that we have a choice and its really the people on the street who are going to make the difference. The farmers are doing everything they can do. Without the people behind the farmers, it’s not going to work. The people need to support the farmers. That’s not just a phrase. We need to think about the world and what we are doing, the natural way. Where is this food coming from and what can I do to get to it? How can I get there without hurting the planet? What things can I do today that will help? What things can I leave off my list that are going to hurt something? If we research this, we will find that it’s not b that hard to figure out. So it’s all in our hands. It’s in the hands of the people of the world to support the farmers. Support everyone who is working for a better tomorrow. A better tomorrow is based in natural ways, mother nature. Mother nature will take care of the earth. We know that. We’ll all be gone. . . .Mother earth has mother nature to protect her. We need to follow those rules. We need to follow the natural ways of living. That’s all I know to say about this. It’s so simple. People have to support the world. 

The festival is always headlined by board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, and Margo Price. This year’s surprise guest was Bob Dylan. It was one of the most packed lineup of entertainers  seen in recent years. 

Immediately following the press conference, the entertainment started with the Wisdom Indian Dancers, Clayton Anderson, and the Black Opry. The Wisdom Indian Dancers are a permanent act at Farm Aid and their colorful set is very short. 

Clayton Anderson, originally from Bedford, Indiana, is inspired by board-member, John Mellencamp. Local fans seemed to be very familiar with Anderson and gave him a warm welcome during his uplifting set. 

The Black Opry featured Lori Rayne, Tylar Bryant, and Kyshona. The band was concieved to support black artists in country music. All of the members in attendence were superb singers. Their set demonstrated the reason Allison Russell introduced Kyshona as one of the best singers in show business. The set seemed far too short.

Particle Kid is Willie’s son Micah Nelson. The young Nelson is following in his father’s footsteps as a songwriter. The multi-instrumentalist always delivers an innovative set with new music offered. He often performs with The Flaming Lips and Neil Young. Nothing like singing “Everything is Bullsh*t” to a country crowd. His hard driving guitars easily pumped up fans.

The String Cheese Incident has been celebrating 30 years as a band. They are celebrating their forcoming album Lend Me a Hand featuring their blues-inspired new music. Fans were on their feet dancing to their loosely structured jam music.

This is the third year for multi-instrumentalist, Allison Russell, to appear at Farm Aid. Doesn’t matter if she is playing clarenet, banjo or guitar, her performance is stellar. Her vocals are compelling and emotional. It’s a great sight to see her at Farm Aid.

Nathaniel Rateliff and the NightSweats delivered another outstanding folk and Americana set prior to Lukas Nelson and The Promise of the Real. Nelson has come a long way since his appearances opening for BB King in 2009. “Sticks and Stones” and “Finding Yourself” were some of the performer’s offerings. The set was amazing as usual.

Bobby Weir and the Wolf Brothers bandmates included bassist Don Was, drummer Jay Lane, keyboardist Jeff Climenti and pedal steel guitarist Barry Siess. The band was aygmented by Sturgill Simpson on guitar, Margo Price on vocals and Lukas Nelson on guitar. It was a three song set that started with an extended version of “Truckin’”

The Jim Irsey Band featuring Ann Wilson and Kenny Wayne Sheperd were up next with Wilson and Sheperd performing the bulk of the set, thankfully. Both entertainers are the best at what they do. Also session guitarist, Tom Bukovac, thrilled the crowd. Margo Price followed with Sturgill Simpson sitting in during her set as well. They covered Simpson’s “Life of Sin.” “Paper Cowboy” and “Hurtin’ (On the Bottle)” were extra treats performed.

Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds gave another spectacular acoustic set, prior to homeboy, John Mellencamp, gave the fans a run of his hit songs. Once “Jack and Diane” was started, Mellencamp stopped the song to chastise the fans for not singing it properly. It was all in fun and I must say the fans knew the lyrics to all of his songs. It was definitely a Mellencamp crowd.

Neil Young’s set was a solo set with Young playing harmonica and guitar as he walked around the stage and sang. It has been three years since Young has made a live appearance at Farm Aid. He was very apologetic regarding his absence. Young at one point shouted,”What’s your favorite planet?” and everyone roared back: “Earth!” The answer was written on the tee shirt he was wearing. The set seemed to be far too short with only four songs, granted they were long versions of the songs. One has to wonder if the set was cut short because of Bob Dylan being added to the list of performers.

Dylan’s surprise set was also short with only three songs including :Maggie’s Farm,” “Positively 4th Street,” and “Ballad of a Thin Man.” Dylan was accompanied by the Heartbreakers, Tom Petty’s band, making his Farm Aid reunion with that band very special. He took the stage without uttering a word to the crowd. Dylan has been touring and has dates lined up for the fall.

Willie Nelson and Family had the final set of the day and it was one of the best this reviewer has seen in many years. Nelson delivered exceptional guitar solos. He was flanked by sons Lukas and Micah as well as Waylon Payne. Some songs performed were “Always on My Mind,” “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Be Cowboys,” and “Texas Flood.” Nelson’s energy level could not have been higher. And Farm Aid could not have had a better day of music.

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