Chicago in Seoul

The unique and energetic sound of Chicago filled the Olympic Park Fencing Auditorium in southeast Seoul last night. Here are some photos I managed to sneak

Patiently waiting for the show to start. "Ladies and Gentlemen, the start of the concert will be delayed about 15 minutes due to so many latecomers"


I believe this photo was taken during "Dialogue"


Here's Pankow on the big screen:


I think this is from "Old Days"


Jamming Brass:


Can't remember which song - I just liked the way this photo came out:


Here are three of the original four members still touring with the group:


Second Encore, Feeling Stronger Every Day:


Much to my delight, one of their encores was the full Ballet for a Girl in Buchannan, better known for it's two hit songs "Make Me Smile" and "Colour My World". Take a bow, job well done:


I don't go to a lot of concerts. I could probably count all the concerts I've been to on one hand (at most two hands). This is my second concert in Seoul (first was Norah Jones in 2005). I was susprised how many people came out to hear Chicago, and further surprised at how many young people were there. I expected all the audience would be grey-haired old men like The Stumbler. Admittedly, the average age was probably a bit higher than the Norah Jones concert, but it was still surprising at the strong following Chicago has over here in Seoul.

They played mostly old songs, with a couple of new ones I had not heard before (they were real funky latin beat with lots of brass, very enjoyable). Even after all these years and personnel changes, they still are full of energy and have done a good job of keeping the same, original sound of the band. They were big on audience participation, and kept us clapping during most of the songs. And the whole audience was on their feet and dancing during "Saturday In The Park".

With red hands from clapping, and a hoarse voice from yelling, I walked home from the subway station feeling high on music. It was a great concert, and I'm glad I went.