Photos by Andy Argyrakis

In the 45 years since The Smithereens got started, guitarist Jim Babjak, drummer Dennis Diken, bassist Mike Mesaros and late front man Pat DiNizio cemented their reputation as an uncompromised power pop/alternative rock force able to transcend the decades.

In spite of such a major loss, the remaining members have carried on with a series of guest singers, including “Someday, Someway” hitmaker Marshall Crenshaw and John Cowsill, drummer/vocalist from the family act of the same name and The Beach Boys’ live line-up.

Though the latter was initially advertised at the North Shore Center For Performing Arts’ George Van Dusen Theatre, laryngitis forced him to sit out and found fellow frequent collaborator Robin Wilson, also leader of the multi-platinum Gin Blossoms, filling in last minute, picking up right where he left off in terms of mastering the material next to two of the originators and touring bassist Severo Jornacion.

Skokie and the surrounding areas were witness to a band reborn throughout two hours, which spent the duration on the group’s chart run from the 1980s into the ‘90s, such as “Behind The Wall Of Sleep,” “Top Of The Pops,” “Strangers When We Meet” and “Only A Memory.”

Babjak and Diken took their respective turns on lead for “Life Is So Beautiful” and “I Don’t Want To Lose You,” prior to passing the microphone back to Wilson come “Too Much Passion,” “Miles From Nowhere,” “House We Used To Live In” combined with The Who’s “Sparks,” plus “Blood And Roses.”

An encore of Sam Cooke’s “Chain Gang” and Badfinger’s “No Matter What” focused on a few of The Smithereens’ formative influences, while “A Girl Like You” carried on the tradition of their heroes in the context of today.

Chicago’s Sunshine Boys opened the show, consisting of bassist Jacqueline Schimmel (Justin Roberts, Big Hello), drummer Gerald Dowd (Roberts, Robbie Fulks) and singer/guitarist Dag Juhlin (Poi Dog Pondering, The Slugs), who just appeared solo at the very same venue supporting Steven Page, formerly of Barenaked Ladies.

Getting to see the trio together painted an even fuller picture of those harmony-driven pop sensibilities, especially when it came to their latest collection, “Work And Love,” that complimented the headliners’ ongoing rock and roll revival.

For additional information on The Smithereens, visit OfficialSmithereens.com.

Upcoming shows at the North Shore Center For The Performing Arts’ George Van Dusen Theatre include 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); Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (May 25); Bill W. And Dr. Bob (May 30); N.SSign (Jun. 7); “Piaf! The Show” (Jun. 9); “Pagliacci” (Jun. 27); Concert For Will’s Place (Jul. 10); Fred Astaire Dance Studios Illinois (Jul. 12); Steve Solomon (Jul. 19); Benise (Jul. 25); “Fiddler On The Roof” (Aug. 7); Black Circle (Aug. 26); Red Hot Chili Pipers (Sept. 3); Caroline Rhea (Sept. 6); Vitamin String Quartet (Sept. 12); Monkeys On A String (Sept. 13); Leonid & Friends (Sept. 19); Classic Seger (Oct. 3); Orleans and Firefall (Oct. 10); “Not The Same World” (Oct. 17); Tab Benoit (Oct. 21); Aaron Diehl Trio (Oct. 30); Hot Tuna (Nov. 5); “Frank” (Nov. 21); Jim Brickman (Nov. 29) and “Annie” (Dec. 18). For additional details, visit NorthShoreCenter.org.

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