Chicago’s Rainy Day at The Winery

Chicago w/ Rita Wilson
Chateau Ste Michelle, Seattle, WA
06.18.16

The forecast couldn’t have been more wrong, saying it would be clear by 6pm for Chicago’s show at Chateau Ste. Michelle winery. As the outdoor amphitheater filled up, the clouds came in and poured the most torrential rain possible on the already weathered crowd. It was pretty much the worst weather imaginable for an outdoor show.

After a slight weather delay, opener Rita Wilson hit the stage and played a great set. Her sound had a pop-y, country vibe to it, and it was a pleasant surprise to see this other side of the actress. By the second song the rain had thankfully stopped.

The nine members of Chicago took to the multi-tiered, video-walled stage, a light show of LED screens and multi-colored logo displays. Making generous use of the space during their performance, there was no clear front man, the band trading off positions throughout.

Vocals were traded between Robert Lamm, Lou Pardini, and bassist Jason Scheff, harmonizing and belting out classics from their 49-year career. The horn section came to the front, plus, they brought Rita Wilson out for an acoustic version of “If You Leave Me Now.”

The rain was on and off during Chicago’s set, but that didn’t slow the band down in enticing the audience to their feet with hit after hit from their extensive catalogue of songs. The crowd was on their feet and dancing from “Hard Habit To Break” ‘til the encore of “25.”

Rita Wilson Set List
Along For The Ride
Talking To Me
Crying, Crying
Say Yes
Girls Night In

Chicago Set List
Intro
Questions
Dialogue
JP: Alive Again
Call On Me
Searchin’ / Mongo
ACOUSTIC
Rita wit h Jeff and Keith – If You Leave Me Now
Robert – Rainy Day
Lou – Look Away
Band – Ballet
Old Days
Time
RL: Hard Habit To Break
Inspiration
Beginnings
I’m A Man (Short)
LL: Just You and Me
Hard to Say / Getaway
Saturday
Feeling Stronger
ENCORE
25