Red Wanting Blue are from Columbus, Ohio, the 14th largest city in the US. They have been playing their brand of Americana for 27 years.

They are touring in support of their brand new album, Light It Up. They kick off the night with “Hey, ‘84”. “We felt love / We knew love / Before we ever even knew / What love was!” This song frickin’ rocks and instantly proves they are still making great music and it’s going to be a great night.

They follow with the title track, “Light It Up”.  This beautiful song has the audience holding up their cell phone lights and waving them to the music. The passion and truth in Scott Terry’s voice is so strong on this one and throughout the night.

Soon afterwards, they play “You Are My Las Vegas”, which is a crowd favorite. It’s a joyfully fun song that puts a smile on everyone’s face “What are the odds that you’re going home with me, real soon?”

“Younger Years” is a great singalong song. “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” “I don’t know! I don’t know!” It gets the crowd going early on and they maintain this energy throughout the show.

Later on, they launch into “My Name is Death”. It’s a fantastically cool tune from the point of view of the Grim Reaper. “I’m the baddest motherfucker you’ll ever meet” sings the audience gleefully.

Towards the end of the night, they play “Audition”. “I’m just a friend / I want a larger role / I’m just a friend / I never told you though.”

Terry says that they love it here in Chicago. “Tuesday night here is like a Saturday night anywhere else!” What a great line! You could also say that any night that Red Wanting Blue is playing feels like a Saturday night!

See a similar setlist here.

Cost of a ticket: $43

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Exceptional Value –

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

Quinn Delaney