There are concerts where you go in expecting a solid night of nostalgia and walk away with far more than you bargained for. Seeing Chicago at Turning Stone on July 2, 2010 was one of those nights. I’ve been a fan of the band for years, marveling at how they’ve maintained a career that spans more than four decades, but nothing quite prepared me for the sheer energy, musicianship, and clever setlist they brought to this show. From the very first blast of horns to the closing jam with the Doobie Brothers, it was a celebration of American rock craftsmanship—one that left me grinning for days.
A Grand Opening Suite
The night kicked off with a bold statement: “Make Me Smile”. Chicago didn’t just play the single version—they opened with the full Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon suite, one of their most ambitious pieces from the Chicago II album. As soon as those first horn stabs hit, the room lit up. The band moved seamlessly into “So Much to Say, So Much to Give”, “Anxiety’s Moment”, and “West Virginia Fantasies”, a thrilling reminder that this band wasn’t just about radio hits—they were once pioneers of horn-driven jazz rock.
Hearing “Colour My World” nestled inside the suite was pure magic. The song’s simple piano melody and heartfelt vocals gave the crowd a moment of quiet reflection before the suite surged forward with “To Be Free” and the reprise of “Now More Than Ever”. It was a masterclass in dynamics: soaring brass one minute, delicate balladry the next. This wasn’t just a concert; it felt like an overture to the entire history of Chicago.
Dialogue and Connection
The band kept the energy flowing with “Dialogue (Part I & II)”, a song that has always felt like a conversation between the band and their audience. The interplay of vocals—questioning the state of the world while celebrating the power of music—carried a surprising relevance even decades after it was written. As the “we can make it better” refrain swelled, the crowd joined in, creating a communal moment that felt equal parts protest and celebration.
Ballads that Melt the Heart
Of course, Chicago is also known for their pristine ballads, and they delivered them with warmth and sincerity. “If You Leave Me Now” featured a “Sing with Chicago” contest winner, a fan who got to live out a dream by sharing the stage. It was one of those moments where you could see the band’s generosity—they weren’t just performing for the crowd, they were performing with them.
Then came a run of classics that felt like flipping through a greatest-hits album: “Call on Me,” “Old Days,” “Hard Habit to Break,” and “You’re the Inspiration.” Each song was met with a chorus of voices from the audience, proof of how deeply these melodies are etched into people’s lives. “Hard Habit to Break” in particular stood out, its aching harmonies filling the room with bittersweet nostalgia.
Horns, Solos, and Showmanship
Chicago’s instrumental prowess is legendary, and they made sure to remind everyone why. Returning to “Make Me Smile” for a reprise was a clever move, giving the horn section another chance to shine. The brassy interplay of trumpet, trombone, and saxophone was tight and thrilling, a sound few rock bands have ever matched.
Then came “I’m a Man,” a cover of the Spencer Davis Group classic that turned into a percussive showcase. The extended bongo solo and drum battle brought the crowd to its feet, a sweaty, high-energy jam that proved Chicago can still throw down like a straight-up rock band when they want to.
A Hit Parade for the Ages
The home stretch was a parade of undeniable hits. “Just You ‘n’ Me” soared with soulful vocals and smooth horn arrangements, while “Saturday in the Park” felt like the soundtrack to a perfect summer afternoon—everyone in the room sang along, smiling like they were living the lyric in real time.
“Hard to Say I’m Sorry” brought things back to the ballad zone, with its pleading chorus echoing through the hall, before the band ramped up again for “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day.” By this point, it felt like the set could end on any song and people would leave happy—but Chicago had much more planned.
An Epic Encore with the Doobie Brothers
Just when the audience thought the night was over, Chicago returned for an encore that will be etched in my memory forever. This wasn’t just any encore—it was a Chicago/Doobie Brothers superjam.
The Doobies joined Chicago on stage, and suddenly the concert transformed into a full-blown rock revue. They started with “Rockin’ Down the Highway”, a Doobie Brothers staple that had everyone dancing. Then came Chicago’s own “Free”, delivered with a ferocity that felt brand new.
The collaborations kept coming: “Takin’ It to the Streets” brought soulful vocals and a gospel-like energy, while “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” became a massive singalong with both bands trading licks and smiles. By the time they tore through “Listen to the Music,” the atmosphere was pure celebration, two legendary bands feeding off each other’s energy like old friends at a backyard jam.
Finally, they closed with Chicago’s signature rocker “25 or 6 to 4.” The guitar riff hit like a thunderclap, the horns blared with unstoppable force, and the crowd roared as the two bands shared the stage one last time. It wasn’t just a finale—it was a victory lap for an unforgettable night of music.
Musicianship and Chemistry
What stood out most throughout the night was Chicago’s remarkable musicianship and tight chemistry. The band’s horn section remains a powerhouse, their vocal harmonies are still pristine, and the rhythm section drives everything with effortless groove. Even after decades on the road, they play with the kind of passion and precision you’d expect from a band half their age.
The addition of the Doobie Brothers for the encore didn’t just add novelty; it highlighted Chicago’s versatility. Both bands share a love of tight arrangements and vocal harmonies, and their combined sound was nothing short of spectacular.
Setlist Recap
Here’s the complete setlist from that unforgettable night:
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Make Me Smile
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So Much to Say, So Much to Give
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Anxiety’s Moment
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West Virginia Fantasies
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Colour My World
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To Be Free
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Now More Than Ever
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Dialogue (Part I & II)
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If You Leave Me Now (with “Sing with Chicago” winner)
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Call on Me
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Old Days
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Hard Habit to Break
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You’re the Inspiration
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Make Me Smile (reprise)
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I’m a Man (The Spencer Davis Group cover – with bongo solo/drum battle)
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Just You ’n’ Me
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Saturday in the Park
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Hard to Say I’m Sorry
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Feelin’ Stronger Every Day
Encore (with The Doobie Brothers):
20. Rockin’ Down the Highway (The Doobie Brothers cover)
21. Free
22. Takin’ It to the Streets (The Doobie Brothers cover)
23. Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?
24. Listen to the Music (The Doobie Brothers cover)
25. 25 or 6 to 4
Final Thoughts
Walking out of Turning Stone that night, I felt like I’d witnessed something more than just a concert. Chicago delivered a show that celebrated not only their own history but also the shared spirit of American rock music. From the ambitious opening suite to the all-star encore, it was a performance that reminded me why live music matters: it brings people together, it surprises you, and it leaves you buzzing long after the final note.
Chicago may have been on the road for decades, but on July 2, 2010, they played with the hunger and joy of a band that still has everything to prove—and proved it they did.