1980s Archives - Chicago Concert Reviews

Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton talks about becoming Close Enemies, nearing City Winery

There’s a brand new and steadily buzzing rock band brewing in the form of Close Enemies, although chances are at least a few of the names are already familiar throughout a [More…]

Romantic R&B, Shalamar grooves and the gospel praises of Howard Hewett please City Winery

Fresh off an extremely rare visit with funk, disco and pop hitmakers Shalamar after over 25 years away from the area, principal member Howard Hewett returned to solo life for [More…]

Blood, Sweat & Tears, guest Jason Scheff’s Chicago moments made Genesee Theatre “So Very Happy”

Now that Blood, Sweat & Tears’ beginnings date back nearly 60 years, it’s understandable the groundbreaking jazz meets psychedelic band doesn’t have any original [More…]

Genesee Theatre will debut Blood, Sweat & Tears featuring former Chicago singer Jason Scheff

No matter the members, jazz-rock innovators Blood, Sweat & Tears have always consisted of the most phenomenal musicians on the planet, ensuring a legacy that includes [More…]

PureSoul Presents City Winery with “A Quincy Jones Celebration” in honor of the late local

The late 2024 loss of producer, composer, arranger, conductor, multi-instrumentalist, bandleader and first ever Black record label executive Quincy Jones was immeasurable, [More…]

From Bob Marley to Phil Collins, Black Ensemble Theater puts the needle on the “Hitt Records”

Stores that sell vinyl, CDs and cassettes might not be as common anymore, but no amount of streaming or online engagement can replace the feeling of physically browsing the [More…]

Peabo Bryson, “Idols” Ruben and Haley, Oleta Adams take Genesee “Home For The Holidays”

The Genesee Theatre in Waukegan was a winter wonderland just a few days before Christmas, starting with the cozy decorations that greeted guests and continuing when the [More…]

After “A Christmas Story” screening, funnyman Peter Billingsley fields Rialto’s Ralphie questions

Getting to see “A Christmas Story” in a communal environment would’ve probably been enough to pack the landmark Rialto Square Theatre, but having lead actor Peter [More…]

Veteran stand-up Paula Poundstone pours City Winery a double cocktail of New Year’s Eve comedy

In the 45 years of combining observational humor and spontaneity as a stand-up comedian, Paula Poundstone became a master of the stage, while also branching out into numerous [More…]

Peter Billingsley promises Rialto behind the scenes exclusives following “A Christmas Story”

When “A Christmas Story” initially came to theaters in 1983, it flew surprisingly far under the radar, though after countless word of mouth recommendations and television [More…]