Photos by Andy Argyrakis

During the prime period of the Barenaked Ladies, mainly the early 1990s to late 2000s, Steven Page lent his distinctive vocals and witty songwriting to the alternative pop band’s seemingly endless string of major singles.

He’s carved out a significant solo name for himself across several albums since then, including the latest, “Excelsior,” gaining steam on the “Live From Home” livestream series and supporting The Who’s last tour.

Given the intimacy of the North Shore Center For Performing Arts’ newly renamed George Van Dusen Theatre in Skokie, it may as well have been Page’s living room, who alongside fellow guitarist Craig Northey, mounted many key tracks from yesterday, plus lots of latter day material.

To Barenaked Ladies followers, “It’s All Been Done,” “Jane” “Alternative Girlfriend” and “What A Good Boy” were a few of the earlier, acoustically-framed gems, while “Break Your Heart” didn’t even need a microphone as the headliner soared to near operatic heights.

“A New Shore,” “The Golden Age Of Doubling Down” and “Manchild” ably represented more recent chapters, in addition to Page’s move to a grand piano for “No Song Left To Save Me,” “Looking For The Light” and “Something About Me.”

The focus shifted towards the group again for “Tonight Is The Night I Fell Asleep At The Wheel,” then a little later, “The Old Apartment” and “Brian Wilson” as the crowd frequently took the lead.

The pair was coaxed back for two unscripted, BNL-themed encores, the pleading ballad “Call And Answer” and the quirky “Enid,” leaving everyone with the contagious melodies and lovable lyrics circulating long after the last bow.

To start, Chicago’s own Dag Juhlin, formerly of Poi Dog Pondering, brought a solo acoustic taste of what’s to come when his latest power pop band, Sunshine Boys, opens for The Smithereens at the very same venue on Friday, April 25, which if the strength of this pre-Steven Page set was any indication, is worth another early arrival.

For additional information on Steven Page, visit StevenPage.com.

Upcoming shows at the North Shore Center For The Performing Arts’ George Van Dusen Theatre include Marc Maron (Mar. 28); Peabo Bryson (Mar. 29); Robert Cray Band (Apr. 1); Music Of The Baroque (Apr. 6); Steve Trash (Apr. 9); Golden State Youth Orchestra & Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra (Apr. 12); “Serial Killers” (Apr. 17); Nargiz (Apr. 19); Ranevskaya (Apr. 20); The Smithereens (Apr. 25); WICI Song & Dance Theater (Apr. 26); Glenview Concert Band (Apr. 27); “Stop Making Sense” & Jerry Harrison (May 1); Rahzel & Roots Disciples (May 2); The Arcadian Wild (May 3); Taylor Shines: The Laser Spectacular (May 11); Glenn Miller Orchestra (May 20); Bill W. And Dr. Bob (May 30); “Piaf! The Show” (Jun. 9); Fred Astaire Dance Studios Illinois (Jul. 12); Steve Solomon (Jul. 19); Benise (Jul. 25); “Fiddler On The Roof” (Aug. 7); Black Circle (Aug. 26); Vitamin String Quartet (Sept. 12); Monkeys On A String (Sept. 13); Tab Benoit (Oct. 21); Aaron Diehl Trio (Oct. 30) and “Annie” (Dec. 18). For additional details, visit NorthShoreCenter.org.

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