December 31st – 2015
The last day of the year carries a special kind of energy, whether it be excitement for what’s to come, or dread of those unresolved resolutions from the past. The news that I was going to be able to attend Chicago’s first New Year’s Eve Star Raising, by way of a radio call-in contest of all things, definitely made me feel excited for the night ahead. The mood at Broadcast Boulevard, as it was called, on Wacker drive was hopeful for the first Chi-town Rising event, but the attendance seemed fairly low when I first arrived. Considering the low temperatures and high ticket prices I was actually surprised that it started to get crowded towards midnight. I found my way into the VIP tent a few times, but only because I put my white wristband on upside-down, on accident, making it appear as if I had a black VIP wristband. A few complimentary glasses of Merlot later and I was ready to go out and brave the cold for the night.
The first act that I saw was Kweku Collins, the 19 year old artist from Evanston. Having just seen him recently at Schuba’s I can say that he plays an energetic show no matter how large the crowd.
12.31.15 @kwekucollins at #chitownrising. Video by @deshongibbs
Posted by Closed Sessions on Saturday, January 2, 2016
Radio Free Honduras brought an infectious fusion of flamenco and other latin rhythms that definitely made that section of Wacker feel quite a bit warmer than it actually was.
The next act that I saw was JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound, They did not disappoint when it came to the stage presence. They had an incredibly positive vibe, encouraging the crowd to not get lost in stuff you didn’t accomplish last year, but instead look forward to accomplishing more this year.
The Heard was a jam band with a very strong horns section, and influences from many different genres. They could benefit from a stronger lead presence.
The O’my’s brought their Chicago Style soul to the stage and absolutely killed it.
The band American Authors left the crowd confused for the most part as to who they were, until their third song which was the incredibly popular “Best Day of My Life”. An audible “Ohhhhh, I’ve heard this song” could be heard above the crowd.
Finally the band Chicago came onto the stage.
Mario Lopez came to introduce them, yet his microphone couldn’t be heard in the crowd. Then Chicago broke into “Does Anybody Really Know What Time it Is?” and as the song ended there was a short awkward pause, and then the video screens behind them showed ‘Happy New Year’, there was no count down for the crowd, which was award to say the least. The Star rose, and it was quite impressive, but the entire event itself did seem a bit rushed, from the microphones to the timing.
Chicago then came back to the stage to perform “Saturday” and “25 or 6 to 4”.
The most interesting part of the experience was feeling Upper Wacker shake and bounce to the people and the music, while hoping and wondering if it would hold the lot of us.
Chi-Town Rising was a fun night, and for the most part, worth standing out in the cold. However, if I end up getting tickets next year, I heard they have an indoor celebration over at Navy Pier, and I might just have to check that one out instead.
– Rosie
