Patti Smith
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
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
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
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 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
r: Lisa Torem admires French pianist Riopy’s passionate performance at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago.
Martin Barre Band
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
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
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
Lisa Torem watches the multi-faceted band, Chicago, perform two exciting sets at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley
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
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
Lisa Torem reviews an intimate set from legendary Irish singer-songwriter Gilbert O’Sullivan.
Tommy James and the Shondells
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Lisa Torem enjoys Billy Joel's return to his Madison Square Gardens monthly residency after a twenty month absence because of Covid.
Joe Bonamassa
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Lisa Torem enjoys watching jazz legend Ahmad Jamal and his trio play a sparkling set at Chicago’s Symphony Center
Ringo Starr
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
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
Lisa Torem enjoys a sublime night of Beach Boys hits from Al Jardine at the City Winery in Chicago.
Zombies
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
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
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
Lisa Torem enjoys an energetic set of greatest hits from the Happy Mondays at the Roundhouse in London.
Dweezil Zappa
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
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
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
Lisa Torem watches Wanda Jackson uphold her rockabilly roots when performing a high spirited concert at Chicago’s City Winery.
Philip Glass
Lisa Torem enjoys the hypnotic harmonies, strong performances and contemporary perspectives of 'The Perfect American' by composer Philip Glass
Robin Trower
Time stands still for Lisa Torem when Robin Trower and his trio perform at Chicago’s Copernicus Center.
Stewart Copeland
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
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
Lisa Torem watches American composer Philip Glass perform an eloquent solo show at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music
Lampedusa
Lisa Torem enjoyed the spectacular lineup, which included Robert Plant and Emmylou Harris, at the Lampedusa: Concert for Refugees
Gang Of Four
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
Vocalist Aaron Neville performs doo wop, R & B and folk covers at Chicago’s City Winery