Chris Robinson Brotherhood at Thalia Hall in Chicago, IL

The Chris Robinson Brotherhood kick off their winter tour with the first of a two-night engagement at Chicago’s Thalia Hall.

If you’re going to kick off a winter tour, why not go all out and start in one of the most wintery cities in the country! Despite the plunging temperatures and the snow and ice blanketing the surrounding areas, the fans came out in force to see the Chris Robinson Brotherhood on Friday night.

The incense on the stage was lit, and it was time for the band to take to the stage for a prompt start to the evening. The night was split into two sets, with the audience members soon forgetting the chills outside as they danced their January blues away. Anyone attending both nights at Thalia Hall will be in for a treat as you will never see the same setlist twice from the Chris Robinson Brotherhood. In true jam band style, the music flowed to where the feeling took them with guitarist Neal Casal and keyboardist Adam MacDougall accentuating the evening’s set with lengthy solos throughout the night. 

The audience seemed relaxed after the work week and what better way to kick off the weekend than with an evening jam-packed with music. Chris Robinson’s trademark soulful, husky voice was certainly the crowning glory of the show. The night kicked off with “New Cannonball Rag” before slipping seamlessly into “Tomorrow Blues.” Not surprisingly, there weren’t any Black Crowes songs in the night’s setlist, but there were some other covers such as The Rolling Stones’ “Let It Bleed” and Lead Belly’s “Relax Your Mind” which closed out the night. 

The band released Betty’s Midwestern Magic Blends in November which was a live collection compiled from shows in Chicago, Madison and Milwaukee in 2016. If you want to keep that “concert buzz” going, get yourself cozy and give this a listen as it includes a number of the songs included in Friday’s setlist.

This leg of the tour continues on until the end of February, where they will wrap up in San Rafael, CA on February 24 after weaving their way throughout North America. Check out their upcoming dates and get yourself along to see them. 

CHRIS ROBINSON BROTHERHOOD
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THALIA HALL
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About Kirstine Walton 379 Articles
Kirstine moved from the UK to Chicago in 2011, and has fallen in love with the city and its music scene. She enjoys combining her two biggest passions – music and photography. If there is a band with a guitar playing, chances are she’ll be there…camera in hand. Kirstine went to her first live concert at 7 years old, and hasn’t looked back since!

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