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Lisa Torem - Live Music Reviews


Patti Smith

Patti Smith - The Salt Shed, Chicago, 29/12/2023

Lisa Torem finds Patti Smith’s explosive, emotional performance with Jackson Smith, Dee Jay Daugherty, Lenny Kaye and Tony Shanahan at Chicago’s Salt Shed exceeding expectations.


Micky Dolenz

Micky Dolenz - Des Plaines Theater, Des Plaines, 14/10/2024

Lisa Torem watches Micky Dolenz, the last surviving member of The Monkees, perform songs from that band, plus other compelling covers, with his talented backing band and sister/vocalist Coco.


Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band

Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band - Miller High Life Theater, Milwaukee, 30/9/2023

Lisa Torem enjoys an uplifting set of classic covers and their own material from RIngo Starr and His All-Starr Band.


Herb Alpert and Lani Hall

Herb Alpert and Lani Hall - Vic Theatre, Chicago, 16/9/2023

Lisa Torem enjoys the diversity of the set list when Herb Alpert and Lani Hall draw from a lifetime of classic, plus new arrangements from recent release, ‘Wish Upon a Star.'.


Peter and Jeremy

Peter and Jeremy - Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, 23/6/2023

Peter Asher: A Musical Memoir of the 60s and Beyond’ returns to Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music with Asher plus partner folk artist Jeremy Clyde, formerly of Chad and Jeremy. Lisa Torem reviews.


Riopy

Riopy - Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, 11/6/2023

r: Lisa Torem admires French pianist Riopy’s passionate performance at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago.


Martin Barre Band

Martin Barre Band - Des Plaines Theater, Des Plaines. 9/6/2023

Lisa Torem finds the Martin Barre Band rekindling memories of glorious progressive rock in its heyday at the Des Plaines Theater , with Barre’s compelling lead guitar infusions and his bandmates’ endless enthusiasm.


Billy Childs Quartet

Billy Childs Quartet - Space, Evanston, 11/5/2023

Lisa Torem enjoys a Billy Childs Quartet concert at Space in Evanston which features songs from the jazz pianist’s latest album, ‘The Winds of Change’, a Chick Corea cover and classic chestnuts.


Graham Nash

Graham Nash - Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, 30/4/2023

Lisa Torem finds that Graham Nash’s 'Sixty Years of Songs and Stories' makes for a festive and educational night at a sold-out gig at Chicago’s iconic Old Town School of Folk Music.


Chicago

Chicago - Riverside Theater, Milwaukee. 9/5/2023

Lisa Torem watches the multi-faceted band, Chicago, perform two exciting sets at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin


Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley

Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley - Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, 7/5/2023

Lisa Torem watches dobro player Rob Ickes and guitarist Trey Hensley play an exceptional set of bluegrass in support of Rodney Crowell at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago.


Ann Hampton Callaway

Ann Hampton Callaway - City Winery, Chicago, 23/4/2023

At Chicago City Winery, Lisa Torem watches vocalist/pianist Ann Hampton Callaway's exciting tribute to the late singer Peggy Lee bring down the house.


Gilbert O' Sullivan

Gilbert O' Sullivan - (With Bill Shanley), City Winery, Chicago, 19/3/2023

Lisa Torem reviews an intimate set from legendary Irish singer-songwriter Gilbert O’Sullivan.


Tommy James and the Shondells

Tommy James and the Shondells - Rialto Square Theater, Joliet, Illinois, 3/3/2023

Lisa Torem watches Tommy James and The Shondells play an exuberant set of greatest hits, along with some surprises at the Rialto Square Theater in Joliet, Illinois.


Judy Collins

Judy Collins - Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, 13/1/2023

American folk music icon Judy Collins plays a mesmerizing show featuring material from her most recent album ‘Spellbound’ alongside songs from her storied seven-decade career. Lisa Torem reviews


Celebrating David Bowie

Celebrating David Bowie - Copernicus Theater, Chicago, 14/10/2022

Lisa Torem finds that the Celebrating David Bowie tour which entertained Chicago fans lives up to its ambitious promise and more at the Copernicus Theater in Chicago.


Regina Spektor

Regina Spektor - Chicago Theater, Chicago, 9/10/2022

Lisa Torem enjoys Regina Spektor’s engaging performance at the Chicago Theater in support of the singer-songwriter-pianist’s latest album, ‘Home, Before and After.’


Zombies

Zombies - Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, 1/7/2022

After a two-year lockdown, The Zombies rose above adversity to tour and celebrate their 2019 Hall of Fame induction. Lisa Torem at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago enjoys both the classics and new tunes.


Tori Amos

Tori Amos - Auditorium Theatre, Chicago, 27/52022

Lisa Torem watches a glowing Tori Amos, with drummer/percussionist Ash Soan and bassist Jon Evans, exceed expectations with a nearly two-hour Chicago performance.


Janis Ian

Janis Ian - Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, 14/5.2002

Lisa Torem at the Old School Town of Folk Music watches singer-songwriter Janis Ian sing highlights from her new album The Light at the End of the Line’ but also drew from seasoned hits on her final tour.


Suzanne Vega

Suzanne Vega - Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, 1/5/2022

Lisa Torem enjoys Suzanne Vega's much-awaited set at Chicago's Old Town School. which includes hits and selections from her one-woman show about novelist Carson McCullers.


Robyn Hitchcock

Robyn Hitchcock - Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, 21/4/2022

Lisa Torem at the Old Town School of Folk Music enjoys the Chicago show of Robyn Hitchcock’s long-awaited North American tour.


James McMurtry

James McMurtry - Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, 22/4/2022

Lisa Torem watches James McMurtry return to Chicago’s Old Town School and drew from an assortment of albums, including gems from his latest album ‘The Horses and the Hounds'.


After The Flood

After The Flood - Capstone Theatre, Liverpool, 18/3/2022

Steve Kinrade watches an excellent set from brooding progressive rock After The Flood, the project of composer and guitarist Neil Campbell, at the Capstone Theatre in Liverpool


Billy Joel

Billy Joel - Madison Square Gardens, New York, 5/11/2021

Lisa Torem enjoys Billy Joel's return to his Madison Square Gardens monthly residency after a twenty month absence because of Covid.


Joe Bonamassa

Joe Bonamassa - Austin City Limits Livestream, 1/4/2021

For fans of guitarist and singer-songwriter Joe Bonamassa, Lisa Torem discovers that the Austin City Limits livestream is an exciting way to celebrate the old and the new in the comfort of one’s home.


Tori Amos

Tori Amos - Chicago Humanities Festival, Chicago, 6/5/2020

Although the popular Chicago Humanities Festival was cancelled due to Covid-19, featured guest/singer-songwriter Tori Amos agreed to a live-stream interview. Lisa Torem reviews the highlights.


Who

Who - Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, 10/9/2019

Lisa Torem finds The Who’s 'Moving On!' tour at the Blossom Music Center at Cuyahoga Falls in Ohio, off the heels of a new release. drawing from seven albums and embellished by live, local orchestral arrangements.


John Prine

John Prine - Pavilion, Ravinia Park, Highland Park, 8/6/2019

Lisa Torem watches septuagenarian singer-songwriter John Prine at the Pavilion in Ravinia Park in Illinois play a life-affirming set.


Michael McDonald and Chaka Khan

Michael McDonald and Chaka Khan - Ravinia Pavilion, Highland Park, Illlinois, 6/7/2019

Lisa Torem watches co-headliners Michael McDonald and Chaka Khan perform many of their greatest hits at the Ravinia Pavilion at Highland Park, Illinois.


Rolling Stones

Rolling Stones - Soldier Field, Chicago, 21/6/2019

Lisa Torem got her share of 'Satisfaction' as the World’s Greatest Rock N’ Roll Band resume their postponed tour at Soldier Field, Chicago.


Chick Corea With Bela Fleck

Chick Corea With Bela Fleck - Old Town School of Folk Music, 3/5/2019

Lisa Torem watches East Coast musicians jazz/fusion pianist Chick Corea and banjo player extraordinaire Bela Fleck trade impressive licks at Chicago’s Old Town School before a packed house.


Herb Alpert and Lani Hall

Herb Alpert and Lani Hall - City Winery, Chicago, 4/5/2019

Lisa Torem watches Herb Alpert, Lani Hall and their trio play a generous set of hits, sweeping their audience through several decades of magical material.


Struts

Struts - House of Blues, Chicago, 24/11/2018

Lisa Torem is mesmerised by charismatic and energetic British rockers The Struts when they head out to Chicago for a House of Blues gig.


Mud Morganfield

Mud Morganfield - Space, Evanston, 4/1/2019

Lisa Torem finds bringing in the aftermath of the new year to be a delight when Mud Morganfield aka Muddy Waters Jr. and his band unleashed fresh cuts from his latest album ‘They Call Me Mud’ as well as classics.


Bob Weir and Wolf Brothers

Bob Weir and Wolf Brothers - Chicago Theater, Chicago, 1/11/2018

Lisa Torem finds that former Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir’s terrific pairing with producer/bassist Don Was and drummer Jay Lane at the Chicago Theater makes for almost three hours of engaging music.


Ahmad Jamal

Ahmad Jamal - Symphony Center, Chicago, 12/10/2018

Lisa Torem enjoys watching jazz legend Ahmad Jamal and his trio play a sparkling set at Chicago’s Symphony Center


Ringo Starr

Ringo Starr - BMO Harris Pavilion, Milwaukee, 8/9/2018

Lisa Torem watches Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band entertain a multi-generational crowd at Milwaukee’s BMO Harris Pavilion for two exhilarating hours.


Roger Daltrey

Roger Daltrey - Pavilion,  Highland Park, Illinois,  25/6/2018

Lisa Torem watches Roger Daltrey, with The Who band, perform a flawless version of Pete Townshend’s 'Tommy' plus more at the popular Pavilion near Chicago at a nearly sold-out gig on a Monday night.


Al Jardine

Al Jardine - City Winery, Chicago, 2/4/2018

Lisa Torem enjoys a sublime night of Beach Boys hits from Al Jardine at the City Winery in Chicago.


Zombies

Zombies - City Winery, Chicago, 20/3/2018

Lisa Torem watches the Zombies dedicate an enthralling set at City Winery in Chicago to their late bassist Jim Rodford on their 'Edge of the Rainbow' tour which includes classic and contemporary hits.


Blondie

Blondie - 02 Apollo, Manchester, 11/11/2017

LIsa Torem watches groundbreaking NYC New Wave act Blondie combine recent and vintage material to dazzling effect at a sold-out show at the Apollo in Manchester.


Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper - Arena, Birmingham, 14/11/2017

Lisa Torem chronicles events, leading to a historical Alice Cooper Group reunion in Nashville and this year's multi-city Alice Cooper tour in the UK, including a show she attends in Birmingham.


Happy Mondays

Happy Mondays - Roundhouse, London, 16/11/2017

Lisa Torem enjoys an energetic set of greatest hits from the Happy Mondays at the Roundhouse in London.


Dweezil Zappa

Dweezil Zappa - City Winery, Chicago, 7/7/2017

American guitarist and educator Dweezil Zappa entertains fans at City Winery Chicago with delightful stories about his father, formative career and more, using his red SG for effect.


Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper - Tennessee Performing Arts Center and Renaisssance Hotel,  Nashville, 14/5/2017 and 15/5/2017

Lisa Torem watches the original Alice Cooper band play two very rare reunion gigs together at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center and Renaisssance Hotel in Nashville


Garland Jeffreys

Garland Jeffreys - City Winery, Chicago, 15/6/2017

Lisa Torem watches Garland Jeffreys and his band perform a fiery set of classics and brand new material to a receptive crowd at City Winery in Chicago


Wanda Jackson

Wanda Jackson - City Winery, Chicago, 17/5/2017

Lisa Torem watches Wanda Jackson uphold her rockabilly roots when performing a high spirited concert at Chicago’s City Winery.


Philip Glass

Philip Glass - The Perfect American, Opera Theater, Chicago, 30/4/2017

Lisa Torem enjoys the hypnotic harmonies, strong performances and contemporary perspectives of 'The Perfect American' by composer Philip Glass


Robin Trower

Robin Trower - Copernicus Center, Chicago, 29/4/2017

Time stands still for Lisa Torem when Robin Trower and his trio perform at Chicago’s Copernicus Center.


Stewart Copeland

Stewart Copeland - The Invention of Morel, Chicago, Illinois, 24/2/2017

Lisa Torem watches Chicago Opera Theater's exciting telling of 'The Invention of Morel' which features the collaboration of former Police drummer Stewart Copeland with British playwright/director Jonathan Moore


Branford Marsalis Quartet and Kurt Elling

Branford Marsalis Quartet and Kurt Elling  - Symphony Center, Chicago

Lisa Torem watches from the balcony as the Branford Marsalis Quartet and Kurt Elling join forces for an exciting night at the Chicago Symphony Center


Philip Glass

Philip Glass - Old Town School of Folk Music, 3/11/2016

Lisa Torem watches American composer Philip Glass perform an eloquent solo show at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music


Lampedusa

Lampedusa - A Concert for Refugees, Vic Theatre, Chicago, 13/10/2016

Lisa Torem enjoyed the spectacular lineup, which included Robert Plant and Emmylou Harris, at the Lampedusa: Concert for Refugees


Gang Of Four

Gang Of Four - Metro, Chicago, 30/9/2016

Lisa Torem watches as post-punk outfit Gang of Four bowl over new fans as well as old at a gig at Chicago's intimate Metro


Aaron Neville

Aaron Neville - City Winery, Chicago, 15/7/2016

Vocalist Aaron Neville performs doo wop, R & B and folk covers at Chicago’s City Winery







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