Chicago Live at Treasure Island Resort and Casino – Welch MN – May 20th 2023

By Jim Zons 2 years ago

Treasure Island Resort and Casino present Chicago

REVIEW: Chicago – May 20, 2023 at Treasure Island Resort and Casino

I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve seen the band Chicago live in concert.  But no matter how many times I’ve seen them, I am amazed at how good they sound.  And, dare I say, how much better they sound each time I hear them!

I recently got a chance to catch the latest lineup of the band at Treasure Island Resort and Casino.  They didn’t disappoint!  Chicago as a band formed in 1967 and today three of the original founding members are still with the group: Robert Lamm on keys, James Pankow on trombone and Lee Loughnane on trumpet.  Think about that for a minute;  these guys have been playing together for 56 years!

What’s amazing to me is that especially on horns these guys still have the chops to hit those high notes and carry that incredible horn sound. Former lead singer and bass player Peter Cetera left Chicago back in 1985, but many band members have been featured on lead vocals going back to 1967; Neil Donell has been been tackling lead vocals for Chicago since 2018 and his voice is simply perfect for this current lineup.

It’s that signature Chicago horn sound that really sets Chicago apart from other rock/jazz bands, and I’m astounded that they are able to deliver that sound with just three horn players, two of whom are in their 70s!  Their set at Treasure Island featured that incredible horn and jazz/rock fusion from the very first song: 1971’s “Dialogue” (Parts I & II) through hits spanning over 50 years. I love concerts where you can sing along with everything the band plays, and this concert was no exception!

Also, pretty much every concert features the obligatory drum solo. Of course, this concert was no exception.  But the extended drum solo during the song “I’m a Man” from Chicago’s 1969 debut album featured dueling percussionists Walfredo Reyes Jr and Ramon “Ray” Yslas was so much fun … you didn’t want it to end!  What a treat!

The evening ended with an encore featuring two songs from some of Chicago’s earliest catalog of music:  1971’s “Free” and 1970’s “25 or 6 to 4” … both featuring that signature Chicago horn sound. It was a fitting way to end a great evening of music from one of rock’s most iconic bands!

Seeing Chicago live is an amazing experience.  Make sure you check them out if given the chance!

Review and photos by Jim Zons