In Concert Archive

Displaying items by tag: Paul Simon

Monday, 26 February 2024 11:55

THE SIMON AND GARFUNKEL STORY Returns to Chicago

Nostalgia-inducing unforgettable hits! Broadway In Chicago is delighted to announce that the internationally acclaimed hit theater show, THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY will return to Chicago for a limited one-week engagement at the CIBC Theatre (18 W. Monroe St.), April 30 - May 5. Tickets will go on sale on Monday, March 4.

The immersive concert-style tribute show recreates the magic and authenticity of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel on stage and chronicles the amazing journey shared by the iconic, GRAMMY-award winning folk-rock duo. It tells the story from their humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry, to their incredible success as one of the best-selling music groups of the '60s, and to their dramatic split in 1970. THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY culminates with the pair's famous The Concert in Central Park reunion in 1981 which had more than half a million fans in attendance.

The show features a set list of nearly 30 songs and uses state-of-the-art video projection, photos, and original film footage. A full live band will perform all of the hits including "Mrs. Robinson," "Cecilia," "Bridge Over Troubled Water," "Homeward Bound," and many more complete with the unmistakably perfect harmonies that will transport audiences down memory lane.

With more than 100 million album sales since 1965, Simon & Garfunkel's unforgettable songs and poetic lyrics poignantly captured the times made them one of the most successful folk-rock duos of all time. Over the years, they won 10 GRAMMY Awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. In 1977, the Brit Awards honored their "Bridge Over Troubled Water" album with Best International Album. In 2003, Simon & Garfunkel were awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the following year saw their "The Sound of Silence" awarded a Grammy Hall of Fame Award.

More information about THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY can be found at http://www.thesimonandgarfunkelstory.com.

ABOUT RUCKUS ENTERTAINMENT (Producers): 

Ruckus Entertainment, based in Los Angeles and formed in 2022, brings together veteran entertainment producers Alison SpiritiJustin SuddsDean Elliott, and Ralph Schmidtke who are collectively responsible for producing over 100 touring productions seen by millions around the world. Their burgeoning production company brings audiences world-class concerts and live events and is focused on celebrating the history and music behind iconic, globally recognized musical artists. Current productions include THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORYRESPECT, The Life and Music of George Michael, and The British Invasion. For more information, visit www.thesimonandgarfunkelstory.com

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Tuesday, April 30 at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, May 1 at 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 2 at 7:00 p.m.

Friday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 4 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 5 at 1:00 p.m.

TICKET INFORMATION

Individual tickets for THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY will go on sale to the public on Monday, March 4 and range from $25.00 - $85.00 with a select number of premium tickets available. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more  information visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 24 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago's Loop including the  Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, Auditorium Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway  Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

For more information and tickets, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● TikTok @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago

Published in Upcoming Theatre

It is rare indeed when one goes to see a concert featuring a total of fifteen musicians, yet only one instrument is played all night.  This is what you would’ve been in for if you caught the mutualistic pairing of Sweet Honey In The Rock with Ladysmith Black Mambazo this past Monday at Ravinia.  Both a cappella groups have been around for over 40 years and show no signs of slowing down, though they have rearranged their membership occasionally.  Together on this balmy night in Highland Park, they put on a moving and impressive show...their blending voices as refreshing as the evening breeze.

 

Experiencing Sweet Honey In The Rock is like having four female Bobby McFerrins on stage at the same time.  Whether scatting drum beats, mimicking horn blasts, or singing soaring leads, each member contributed equally in creating a big sound full of dense gospel harmonies.  Their fifth member is longtime sign language interpreter, Shirley Childress, who signed and gyrated with gusto, even trading licks with the only instrumentalist of the night, bassist Romeir Mendez. Their original songs featured poignant tales about civil rights and injustice, honing in on recent killings in the news, then they would follow up with uplifting call-and-response chants of peace and love.  At times, it got a little awkward due to the lack of the audience’s willingness to sing out on the touchy topics, but things relaxed when they treated us to a stirring cover of jazz standard and Nina Simone hit, “Feeling Good.”  While the heavy repertoire and bass solos may have been too much for some, these “Honeys” are still a force to be reckoned with.

 

Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s sound is immediately recognizable and one-of-a-kind.  This nine-piece, all-male vocal group has been around since the late 60’s, making their biggest splash backing Paul Simon on his seminal Graceland album in 1986.  Featuring traditional South African Zulu lyrics, rhythms and harmonies, the depth and power of their music can make your hair stand on end, as mine did often that night.  Quaking low drones blended seamlessly with pitch-perfect falsettos, at times accented by intricate bird calls and the tell-tale clicks of the Zulu language.  Like Sweet Honey, their songs switched from serious issues such as apartheid to more joyous stories of young love and discovery.  In addition to the incredible music, I was equally impressed by their synchronized and athletic dance routines.  All the members, including one who joined back in 1969, were doing repeated head-high leg kicks that would make the Rockettes proud, singing all the while.  This was all rounded out by their charming stories and cheeky banter in between songs.  It was obvious that these men were truly enjoying themselves onstage and their enthusiasm was infectious.  As I circled the grounds numerous times trying to stroll my three-year-old to sleep, I saw nothing but smiles all around.  For those, like me, who were not familiar with their music outside of Graceland, this had no bearing once each song began.  Despite the language barrier, a short synopsis in English before each song from alternating members was enough to let your imagination fill in the blanks.  The biggest treat of the night was probably when we got to hear “Homeless” from Graceland, penned by Paul Simon and LBM’s founder, Joseph Shabalala. They ended their set with a counting of their blessings as a group and a heartfelt thank you to the audience and their supporters.  It was a fitting end to a wonderful concert.  Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a class act and international treasure that is a must for any musical bucket list.

 

Published in In Concert

 

 

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