Concert Review
Chicago
July 25, 2024
CMAC PAC
Canandaigua, NY
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto
Chicago is one of those bands that brings you back in time. Many can recall when they first became acquainted with the band. The bands history of playing Rochester takes it as far back to Rochester’s RIT college in 1970. The band also played here at this same spot back when it was known as the Finger Lakes Performing Arts Center. They have come full circle playing many o the area’s esteemed venues including the Rochester Auditorium Theatre and even the Kodak Center more recently.
The band has gone through numerous personnel changes throughout the years but the three remaining original members provide the stability to keep the band on track to perform without missing a beat. Robert Lamm (keyboards, vocals), Leo Loughnane (trumpet, flugelhorn) and James Pankow (trombone) have all been around since day one. Joining them were the men keeping the beat Walfredo Reyes Jr. (drums) and Ramon “Ray” Yslas (percussion). The band brought two keyboardists in Loren Gold and Carlos Murguia withe the latter tackling the lead vocal on major smash “Just You ‘n’ Me”. Rounding out the talented band were guitarist Tony Obrohta, bassist Eric Baines, multi-instrumentalist Ray Hermann and vocalist Neil Donnell.
It was a perfect summer night to sit and enjoy the classic sounds of Chicago. Their catalog of songs is unique in the way if you asked ten different fans what their favorite song is…..you’d get ten different answers. It goes to show that no matter what song was played the crowd cheered, danced and swayed along to the sweet sounds of the music. To me hearing the songs Lamm sings on was the true highlights with Lamm being the only original vocalist left, it not only gave it that authenticity but who can deny the power of “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?”, “25 or 6 to 4” or the classic rock staple “Saturday In The Park”.
It is hard to imagine how savvy the band has been throughout their career. They probably never imagined when they formed Chicago in 1967 that they would still be playing live and averaging 60 plus shows a year in 2024. It is a testimony to them that they can still pull it out performing at such a high level.
(Note This show was part of the band’s 2024 summer tour and the only date that did not have Earth, Wind & Fire on the bill.)
Set List
Set 1
Introduction
Dialogue (Part I & II)
Questions 67 & 68
Call on Me
(I’ve Been) Searchin’ So Long
Mongonucleosis
If You Leave Me Now
Ballet for the Girl in Buchannon
Make Me Smile
So Much to Say, So Much to Give
Anxiety’s Moment
West Virginia Fantasies
Colour My World
To Be Free
Now More Than Ever
Set 2
Alive Again
Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?
Old Days
Hard Habit to Break
You’re the Inspiration
Beginnings
I’m a Man
Just You ‘n’ Me
Hard to Say I’m Sorry / Get Away
Saturday in the Park
Feelin’ Stronger Every Day
Encore
Free
25 or 6 to 4
