Like many other tours, this one was supposed to take place last year. According to Rufus, it was going to be with a ten piece band, big sets, and big lights. He says they’ll do the bigger shows in a few years. He is so charismatic as he addresses the crowd. For this tour, they have a 5 piece band. There is a guitarist, drummer, bassist, pianist, and Rufus on vocals.

For tonight’s set, he plays very heavily from his latest album, Unfollow The Rules. They play one of the best songs from this album, “Damsel In Distress”. “Will you forever be a damsel in distress?” sings Wainwright. He has such a fantastic voice. An audience member was overheard saying, “I’d listen to him sing the phone book!”

He is often asked, “what is your favorite song?” He says it is the title track from his 2001 album, “Poses”. It is a beautiful song for which he sits down at the piano and plays it solo. The singing and the piano playing perfectly complement each other.  

Jose Gonzalez was also excellent. See our review of his headlining show at The Chicago theatre in March of 2019 here.

See the full setlist here.

Cost of a ticket: $60 and up

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It –

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

Quinn Delaney

311 was formed in Omaha, Nebraska by singer/guitarist Nick Hexum, singer S.A. Martinez, guitarist Tim Mahoney, drummer Chad Sexton and bassist P-Nut. The band now resides in Los Angeles, California.

311 mix rock, reggae, hip-hop and funk into their own unique sound. After years of consistent touring, 311 have developed a reputation as one of the most entertaining & dynamic live bands in the U.S.

In 2017, they released their 12^th studio album MOSAIC (BMG) with its unique album cover–which is made up of nearly 10,000 photos submitted by fans.  Even the image of the 5 band members on the cover is made up of tiny fan photos–to solidify the concept of band and fans as one. Fans can view a high-resolution pan & zoom mosaic of the cover image now at 311AlbumArt.com.

“This cover captures the spirit of the collective nature that is 311–band and fans together to form something greater than the sum of its parts.” says Nick Hexum (singer/guitarist). Chad Sexton (drums) adds, “We have a very symbiotic relationship with our fans that see us on tour year after year.  We wanted to have an album title that would describe our fan base, our band & our music. And to tie all of this into a concept that could be presented in the album artwork as well.”

Here is the setlist for the show along with the Spotify tracks:

http://playlisthq.azurewebsites.net/artist.aspx?&ArtistName=311&SetlistID=538c1bf1

In 2019, they released their latest album, Voyager. They played “What The?” from this album. “Smokin’ that good weed. Getting high, we are stoners” they sing. This is a big moment as this is their first show in Chicago since cannabis was legalized on January 1, 2020. It’s great to finally celebrate this achievement along with celebrating the return of live music after the long pandemic shutdown.

Quinn Delaney

Shwayze created a new style of rap with his musical partner, Cisco Adler. It is a sun and fun filled style completely different from the NY or Detroit style. And tonight, he brings this party music to Chicago’s Beat Kitchen. Early on, he plays “Drunk Off Your Love” and everyone dances and sings along. “Feeling tipsy when your lips against me and I can’t control myself!”

A little later he sings the massive hit, “Corona And Lime”. “Baby, will you be my Corona and lime? And I will be your main squeeze.” His lyrics are perfect for joyously singing along.

Shwayze is in a party mode as he asks the bartender for another bottle of vodka, because he is all out after pouring it into the mouths of fans in the front row. Fans go ahead and start to buy him shots. He goes on to take about 3 shots throughout his set . One fan ups the ante and hands him a weed vape mid song. He takes a puff and then carries it around with him until the next break in the song when he can take another puff. Then, he hands it back to him.

Later on, he sings “Buzzin”, from his 2013 self titled album. “She was buzzin’ all over me like she fell in love” sings along everyone as they sway to the beat.

He closes with “Love is Overrated”. “I just want to fuck tonight, love is overrated. I don’t want to take my time, cause that get’s complicated.” It’s very impressive how he can command a room and create such a great vibe with just a microphone and a DJ behind him.

Catch Shwayze on tour now!

Cost of a ticket: $20
PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Exceptional Value
Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Half Price > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Quinn Delaney

“I need more love everyday of my life!” sings Robert Randolph. With these words on top of an incredibly funky bass line accompanied by Randolph shredding on the steel pedal guitar, it’s impossible to not to start dancing. It’s such a great uplifting song.

During a long jam, of which there are many, Robert gets up and switches instruments with the guitarist. Then, the bassist switches instruments with the drummer. More switching of instruments continues. This is all done without stopping the song. It’s a very cool moment that really adds to the intimate jam atmosphere.

It really is a family band. The bassist Danyel Morgan and drummer Marcus Randolph are his cousins. The backup vocalist is his sister, Lenesha Randolph. Also, Brett Andrew Haas plays the guitar.

For the encore, as they play, the entire room is singing “Got my mojo workin, but it just won’t work on you” as the band covers this Muddy Waters classic. They close the night with “Ain’t Nothing Wrong with That”, which is a great rocker to close out the night. They are truly a great live band.

Also see our review of The Word featuring Robert Randolph here.

Cost of a ticket: $55

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Half Price+

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

Quinn Delaney

Dance for Life is a fantastic event that brings together the best Chicago dance companies and the best dance audience. The proceeds go to the Dancers’ Fund, which provides financial assistance to dance community professionals in their time of need due to a medical issue. It’s a celebration of the dance community and its ability to care for its own.

This year had a much different feel than those in the past. Firstly, it took place in the Pritzker Pavilion instead of Auditorium Theatre. The larger space gave it a much more expansive feel. Secondly, this was the first performance for most of the companies since the pandemic began. You could see the excitement on the dancers’ faces in finally being able to perform again.

Here is a list of the next performance by the dance companies that participated in this year’s Dance for Life.

Giordano Dance Chicago

59^th Season Fall Series: Illuminate

October 22^nd and 23^rd

Harris Theatre

DanceWorks Chicago

DanceChance

September 24^th

Live on Zoom

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago

FALL SERIES

RE/TURN

November 18, 19, 20, + 21, 2021

The Joffrey Ballet

Home: a Celebration

October 13–24, 2021

Lyric Opera House

South Chicago Dance Theatre

‘Lit-Anies’

Harvest Chicago Contemporary Dance Festival

Ruth Page Center for the Arts

October 8^th and 9^th

The following groups have not yet announced any future performances:

Movement Revolution Dance Crew

PARA.MAR Dance Theatre

Trinity Irish Dance Company

Visceral Dance Company

Quinn Delaney

It’s a beautiful summer night in Chicago and a great time to be on a rooftop to enjoy some theatre. The Yellow Rose has put together a series of short theatre pieces, aka, sketches, which they perform in front of a small audience.

The first piece, Absent Minds, begins a bit incognito. The host introduces a hypnotist who first asks for three volunteers. Before he even starts, they start acting like they are already hypnotized in a quite hilarious manner. Afterwards there are two more sketches by Sam Sage. Eye Doctor is about a very odd visit to the doctor’s office. The Button includes a button which causes people to switch bodies. Both of them are very funny concepts that have everyone fully engaged and laughing

ZZ Top Café by Joseph Zaki is about a date gone wrong. It starts off innocently enough and then spirals into a more complex outcome than expected.

Lastly is All The Bars We Loved by Anna Lee. It is presented as a funeral for all the bars that closed permanently due to the pandemic. It only seems serious for a moment before it becomes hilarious and ridiculous. It was an excellent way to end the night.

The entire cast displayed great acting chops. It included Anna Yee, Delysa R., Joe Bushell, Joseph Zaki, Katherine Wettermann, Kelly Levander, Sam Sage, Sean Frett, and Sophia Vitello. It was directed by Anna Yee, Joseph Zaki, and Sean Frett.

Look for updates on their website for information about future rooftop theatre events and an upcoming spring 2022 production.

See our review of their last production, Gigi’s Party, here.

Quinn

After two cancellations, Lindsey Stirling is finally taking the stage. The original date was August 10^th, 2020, which was cancelled due to the pandemic. The second date was August 10^th, 2021, which was cancelled last minute due to incoming storms. Thus, it is with great excitement that the audience cheers as she begins the opening number, “Artemis”, the title track from her latest album. 

  

  

It is immediately clear that this is no ordinary violin recital. As she enters the stage, Lindsey captures the audience by synchronizing her dance routine to her bow movements. Shortly after, four dancers join her in the choreography which sets the tone for a spectacular performance throughout the night. 

  

https://open.spotify.com/track/2JU81u88B4kWcFzWhU4dnk?si=cddcef06736f4afe

  

Later on, she tells a story about how she has long idolized Amy Lee, the lead singer of Evanescence. After numerous failed attempts, she finally is able to collaborate with her hero. The joy is clearly visible on her face as she launches in, “Love Goes On And On” with a video of Amy Lee singing in the background. The integration of this prerecorded video and the live instrumentation is flawless! 

  

Throughout the show, Lindsey entertains the audience both during and in between songs. At one point, she shares a story about coming to Chicago many years ago and going to Lou Malnati’s for pizza. Upon learning that they don’t just sell individual slices and that she would need to wait 45 minutes, she decides to go outside and find someone to have pizza with her. After a few failed attempts, one guy finally accepts. They have good conversation and enjoy the pizza. She still has his number in her phone listed as “Chicago Tom”. Someone in the audience yells out, “That’s me! I’m Chicago Tom!” Is it really him? We’ll never know as he wasn’t loud enough for her to confirm. 

  

A major highlight of the performance occurs when Lindsey is attached to a harness and lifted up in the air as she continues to play the violin. Shortly after, she continues to keep her audience at the edge of their seats as she does the same thing upside down! While her talent is a violinist is truly captivating, her ability to engage her audience with story-telling and synchronized dance movements that make her a triple threat. It is evident that this show has been well-crafted to create a full entertainment experience. 

  

Quinn Delaney 

Chances are, if you live in Chicago, you have seen the Blue Man Group.  They have been at the Briar Street Theater since 1997.  What you may not know is that the show continues to evolve.  Some of the best parts remain the same.  The Cap’n Crunch, marshmallows, three notepads flipping faster than you can read simultaneously, and paint on the drums scenes are worth seeing a second time. There are also new scenes. One of them involves the blue men riding a virtual roller coaster. One of the men passes out and wails around like a rag doll in a truly hilarious fashion! 

  

  

Chicago’s production has also added parts of the Blue Man Group’s “Megastar World Tour”, a rock concert parody.  The audience is instructed to go through the seven rock concert movements, such as one hand rocking, raising the roof, and throwing your hands in the air like you just don’t care.  By this point in the show, it’s clear the actors play off the energy of the crowd, so everyone is happy to play along.  

  

  

To keep the show Covid safe, everyone is required to wear a mask. Also, volunteers are equipped with a face shield while they are on stage. 

  To close out the show, the blue men shoot confetti cannons into the audience! It’s a full-on rave! 

  

  

Overall, if you have already seen the Blue Man Group, it’s definitely worth attending again. And for all attending the show for the first time, prepare for a night of laughter, entertainment, and an overall fantastic night!   

Cost of a ticket: $67 and up
PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It –
Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Half Price > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Get tickets now for Blue Man Group!  

Quinn 

Dennis Watkins is very charismatic as he explains each magic experiment. One of the these involves 4 paper bags in which one contains a nail pointing upwards. He then proceeds to smash the bags one by one based on which one an audience member chooses. The person choosing the bags was definitely more nervous than he was.

Throughout the show, the audience is mystified. Lots of oohs and ahs are heard after each trick is revealed. For example, one involves six random people choosing a number between 1 and 75. He has each of them type their number into a calculator and then hit plus or times. The result, 2,178,106, is found to have been written on a sheet of paper in a box that was placed on an audience member’s table at the very beginning of the show. And then, even more amazingly, it matched the serial number on a dollar bill used in a previous trick. This was outstanding and had everyone shocked.

Watkins is also very funny during the show as he interacts with the crowd. This is especially evident during the mentalist section. In this part, he attempts to read the mind of three people who have randomly chosen a number on a dice. Afterwards, he successfully figures out the name that someone wrote down just by asking them to picture the name written in the air. It is truly an impressive feat.

This show has been running for 10 years for a reason. It’s an expertly crafted show which all fans of magic should see!

Cost of a ticket: $79

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It –

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

Get tickets now for The Magic Parlour.

Quinn Delaney