Live music has finally returned to indoor venues in Chicago. Tonight, Smooth Hound Smith is playing at the brand new venue in Wicker Park, The Point. It is in the space formerly known as The Flat Iron. Like it’s predecessor, The Point is a late night bar staying open till 4am most nights. The setup is a bar at the front by the window with another section in the back comprising of a bar and stage. A ticket is required for entry to the back area. Tickets are currently available as 2 or 4 person pods.

Smooth Hound Smith takes the stage at 7pm and the audience quiets down to pay full attention. For most, this is the first indoor concert they have seen since the pandemic began. The band is fronted by husband-and-wife duo Zack Smith and Caitlin Doyle-Smith. Their blend of folk and rock immediately wins over the audience who begin to stomp and clap along. Caitlin lets the crowd know that this is only their third show since the shutdown and that they are so happy to be back. This is very evident in their energy and enthusiasm on stage.

In a tribute to Curtis Mayfield, who was born on this day in 1942 in Chicago,  they play “People Get Ready”. It’s their first time playing it live, and it sounds great.

While they now live in Nashville, Zack and Caitlin are originally from California, Santa Monica and Fresno to be exact. “California Sway” is a tribute to their home state It has a beautiful grooving sound that captures the West Coast feel.

Throughout the show, the married couple have good banter and put on a great show. They will surely be back again!

Cost of a ticket: $20 (per person)

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It

Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Half Price > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Quinn