Photos by Andy Argyrakis

“America’s Band” The Beach Boys are currently celebrating their 60th anniversary, and even though that rare achievement couldn’t prompt a reunion between Mike Love and Bruce Johnston’s camp with Brian Wilson and Al Jardine, it hasn’t stopped either faction from keeping the group’s iconic songbook alive on the road.

In fact, the landmark Chicago Theatre was given the ultimate Christmas bonus when the Love and Johnston-led “‘Tis The Season” Tour brought not only a sack full of holiday hits, but a general six-decade overview throughout two generous acts.

The Beach Boys warmed everyone up for the winter with a breathless stretch of “Do It Again,” “Surfin’ Safari,” “Catch A Wave,” “Hawaii” and several more of a similar, summery ilk, prior to unpacking presents from the classic 1964 “Christmas Album” and Love’s recent release, “Reason For The Season.”

At 81, he still has plenty of pep in his step and singing, while the 80-year-old Johnston’s game remains on keyboards and vocals, which alongside seven additional players and vibrant video clips, ensured an enjoyable and authentic experience for the all ages audience.

Other than an intermission following the perennial sing-a-long “I Get Around,” there wasn’t a break to be had throughout The Beach Boys’ take on The Mamas & The Papas’ “California Dreamin’” and a sublime “Pet Sounds” portion that closed with “God Only Knows,” dedicated to the late Carl Wilson and sung reverently by Mike’s son Christian Love.

Photos of his deceased brother Dennis Wilson, along with the other living but absent members, frequently flashed on the screens above and their spirits definitely permeated the nostalgic “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and “Frosty The Snowman,” plus the timeless “Help Me, Rhonda” and “Good Vibrations.”

The guys also leaned heavily on the latter era’s “Kokomo,” advertising the cruise it inspired, while even breaking out some coordinated choreography during “Barbara Ann,” as Johnston made some self-deprecating steps relating to his advancing age.

A double-decker finale of “Little Saint Nick” and “Fun, Fun, Fun” sent nestled inside the Chicago Theatre straight back to their feet with an assurance that regardless of the season, The Beach Boys simply never go out of style.

For additional information on The Beach Boys, visit TheBeachBoys.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Chicago Theatre include Straight No Chaser (Dec. 23); John Oliver (Dec. 29-31); Louis C.K. (Jan. 13-14); Taylor Tomlinson (Jan. 21-22); P1Harmony (Jan. 29); Sarah Silverman (Feb. 11); Dita Von Teese (Feb. 14); Ashley Flowers (Feb. 17); Vance Joy (Feb. 18); Jack Whitehall (Feb. 24) and Chris D’ Elia (Feb. 25). For additional details, visit TheChicagoTheatre.com.

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