2011 was filled with great concerts. It turns out I saw quite a few concerts this past year. I love music. I love all kinds of music. Now keep in mind, this is MY list of favorite shows. Actually, there are only a few 'current' artists on my list. Some of these concerts were in support for new albums, but most of these concerts were of artists who have NOT had a 'hit song' in years. But some of these concerts were long over-due.
So here are my Top Ten Concerts of 2011, starting at Number Ten and ending at Number One:
#10 - Anything Box - Congress Theater - 11/05/2011
Anything Box was a synth-pop group from the late 80's who had a big hit with their song Living in Oblivion. They put on a great show and it reminded me of the old days when I used to hang out at Medusa's and Alcatraz dance clubs. Oh the good old days! Here they are singing Just One Day.
#9 - Tom Tom Club - House of Blues - 09/24/2011
The side-project of two members of the Talking Heads, their one big-hit wonder is the wonderful Genius of Love. I love this trippy dance song. Here is video of that song.
#8 - Psychedelic Furs - House of Blues - 09/24/2011
One of my favorite alternative bands from the 80's. Of course their big hit is Pretty In Pink from the movie of the same name. I always wanted to see The Furs in concert and this show did not fail. Here is video from that show. Here are The Furs singing another great song, Ghost In You.
#7 - Lisa Lisa - Halsted Market Days - 08/14/2011
One of the best pop, dance, R&B singers from the 80's. She looks good, she sings great. Here is Lisa Lisa singing the free-style classic Let The Beat Hit 'Em.
#6 - Linda Eder - North Shore Center for the Arts - 02/12/2011
One of the greatest singers....EVER!!! In the great style of Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand, Eder's voice soars on every song she sings. Here is Linda singing an AMAZING version of the time-less classic, the theme song from the film Valley of the Dolls.
#5 - Cyndi Lauper & Dr. John - The Paramount Theatre - 10/28/2011
A rare double-billing concert, this concert was in support of Lauper's recent Memphis Blues album. Cyndi's voice just does amazing things. Blues and Cyndi go together perfectly. Here is Lauper singing her beautiful song, All Through The Night.
#4 - Luis Miguel - All-State Arena - 05/27/2011
Without question, one of the greatest Latin singers in the world for the past 25 years. I took my Mom to this concert because she also LOVES Luis Miguel. I would have ranked this show higher, but I have seen better Luis Miguel concerts. But one song that Luis Miguel performed on this concert is what made this ranking. The video does not do this performance any justice, but in person it was just MAGICAL. Here is Luis Miguel singing a classic duet with FRANK SINATRA!!!
#3 - Alejandra Guzman - Aragon Ballroom - 11/19/2011
One of my favorite Latin singers who releases album after album of great rock songs, beautiful ballads and pop hits. This is only the 2nd time I have seen Guzman in concert, as she rarely tours State-side let alone in Chicago. Here is 'La Guzman' singing her latest hit, Dia de Suerte.
#2 - Erasure - Congress Theater - 09/16/2011
The great, great synth-pop duo from the 80's. They have so many great songs, they put on amazing shows, their songs are classics. I have been waiting for years to see them in concert and this show did not disappointment me. Here is Erasure singing my personal favorite song, Love To Hate You.
#1 - Sade - United Center - 08/07/2011
Sade releases an album every seven years or so. They rarely go on tour. But when they release an album and go on tour, it becomes an EVENT. This concert was beyond AMAZING. Sade looks and sounds amazing. Her voice just puts you in a trance. Here is Sade doing what they do best. This is why I ranked them my favorite concert of 2011. Here is Sade singing the haunting ballad, Pearls.
Honorable Mention - Adele - Riviera Theater - 05/24/2011
There were some great shows I missed in 2011. I wished I had seen Adele in concert. I think that would have been an amazing show to see. Adele has been on FIRE all year. She is expected to win numerous Grammies in 2012. So here is a glimpse of Adele's Chicago's appearance. Here is Adele singing the love-lost classic, Someone Like You.
Here's looking to some great concerts in 2012. See you next year!!!
John
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