CHICAGO – LIVE AT THE MOHEGAN SUN ARENA – UNCASVILLE

By Mia Palazzo

November 07, 2024 – American rock band Chicago returned to the Mohegan Sun Arena on their North American tour, bringing their legendary rock energy to a nearly sold-out crowd. Formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 1967, the band has made monumental strides in the rock world over their 50+ years, selling over 100 million records and becoming one of the best-selling and longest-running music groups of all time.

Frequent performers at Mohegan Sun Arena, Chicago began their set promptly at 8 p.m., skipping openers and launching straight into an instrumental introduction that had fans (myself included) instantly grooving. The band opened with a warm welcome to Mohegan Sun, performing “Dialogue Pt. I & Pt. II” and “Questions 67 & 68”—crowd favorites with lyrics many in the audience knew by heart as vocalist Neil Donell took the stage.

The 10-member touring lineup features three original band members: keyboardist and vocalist Robert Lamm, trombonist James Pankow, and trumpet and flugelhorn player Lee Loughnane, my personal favorite live performer. The lineup also includes Ray Herrmann, Walfredo Reyes Jr., Neil Donell, Ramon Yslas, Tony Obrohta, Loren Gold, Carlos Murguia and Eric Baines.

Photos Mia Palazzo

During the first set, Chicago played several songs from their 1970 hit album Chicago II, including “Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon.” This track, in particular, electrified the arena as fans clapped and danced along. The band continued with “Make Me Smile,” “So Much to Say, So Much to Give,” and “Anxiety’s Moment.” As Chicago’s breakthrough album, Chicago II runs over an hour with 25 songs, including some of the band’s biggest hits—especially their iconic song “25 or 6 to 4.” This segment wrapped up with “Now More Than Ever,” leading into a brief 20-minute intermission after about an hour of performance.

The second set was nothing short of exceptional. As the lights dimmed, the arena roared with applause and cheers as the band opened with “Old Days,” a 1975 release that resonated with the entire crowd. Early into the set, the band’s energy inspired fans to wave their phone flashlights, filling the arena with light. Many joked that lighters would have been more appropriate, harkening back to the band’s prime.

Midway through the second set, the crowd was surprised when Chicago played a cover of “I’m a Man” by The Spencer Davis Group. Though unexpected, the cover received enthusiastic participation, with the audience clapping and singing along to the 1967 classic. The set closed with “Saturday in the Park” and “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day,” after which the stage went dark as the band exited.

But the show wasn’t over yet. As lights returned, fans who had left hurried back to their seats. Chicago’s two-song encore featured their iconic tracks “Free” and my personal highlight, “25 or 6 to 4.” The encore provided the perfect conclusion to the two-hour performance, with the crowd on their feet, singing, dancing, and smiling. Leaving the arena, everyone seemed fully satisfied and thrilled with the unforgettable experience.

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