Photos by Andy Argyrakis

The classic line-up of The Oak Ridge Boys turning 50 together is certainly a cause for celebration, but considering members now range between 75 and 84-years-old, it’s also understandably time for the “American Made Farewell” Tour.

The fact that the DeKalb date fell about a week before Christmas gave the historic Egyptian Theatre a bonus gift as it featured a few of the Country Music Hall of Famers’ hugest hits, plus tons of Yuletide tunes and tales.

Regardless of the season, Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban were in fine form throughout an hour-and-a-half, backed by their longtime band, The Mighty Oaks, on a lavishly decorated stage.

“Let It Snow” and “Christmas Time’s A Comin’” were a few to get the packed house in the mood for the most wonderful time of the year, made all the more personal given the foursome’s unmistakable harmonies and interplay.

They were accompanied by a jovial visit from a certain St. Nick (“Santa Claus Is Real,” “Mrs. Santa Claus”), the group’s warm and fuzzy memories of the holidays (“Daddy’s Christmas Eve,” “Thank God For The Kids”) and Sunday-styled messages centered around the birth of Jesus (“There’s A New Kid In Town, “”Jesus Is Born Today”).

Yet there were still some Saturday night sing-a-longs, including “American Made,” “Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight” and “Elvira,” all enduring examples of an extensive catalogue responsible for sales of over 40 million.

All those ingredients were likely enough to make Illinois jump at another opportunity to say goodbye, and considering no end date has thus far been announced, it could very well be the case as long as health and ongoing happiness prevails.

Either way, the Egyptian Theatre was treated to what fans of any age would expect from The Oak Ridge Boys throughout what was not only a testament to their longevity, but a inspirational reminder of the reason for the season.

For additional information on The Oak Ridge Boys, visit OakRidgeBoys.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Egyptian Theatre include “Napoleon Dynamite” Live! (Jan. 21); Chris Funk (Feb. 2); Marty Stuart And His Fabulous Superlatives (Feb. 3); Liverpool Legends (Feb. 16); “Rocky Horror Picture Show” (Feb. 17); Zuzu African Acrobats (Feb. 24)’ “Beauty And The Beast” (Feb. 29-Mar. 3); Gaelic Storm & The High Kings (Mar. 8); Evil Woman – The American ELO (Mar. 9); “Late Nite Catechism 3” (Mar. 10); Rhythm of The Dance (Mar. 23) and Red Hot Chili Pipers (Apr. 12). For additional details, visit EgyptianTheatre.org.

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