Furthur At Chicago’s Allstate Arena 2011

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WXRT Welcomed Furthur to the Allstate Arena Friday night as part of the Furthur fall tour 2011. Although the weather showed how close to winter we are in Chicago the band warmed everyone up inside with a great show. Opening with Sugar Magnolia as part of a 9 song first set the band picked up energy after each song. Phil’s bass bombs would be heard through out the night and he delivered a great version of Pride of Cucamonga. Stagger Lee showed how far the band has come. John Kadlecik’s vocals and playing are making this band better all the time and he was very up in the mix. That always hasn’t been the case so its great to hear a lead guitar player who can really take over a song and have this band follow him. Cassidy into a rocking Sunshine Daydream rounded out the first set.

Photos: Furthur at UIC Pavilion…The second set opened with Playing in the Band which quickly turned into a great jam. This would be a theme they would keep. Exploring several songs in the second set and none more than Dark Star. Only the first verse was sung but the song played out before turning the rhythm into The Eleven. After Phil delivered again with his vocals on Mountains of the Moon the band exploded for the rest of the night. St Stephen, Shakedown and Wharf Rat lifted the crowd to its feet and continued this bands efforts to let the music play the band. John Kadlecik’s version of Wharf Rat was some of the best music this band has played. To wrap up the second set a reprise of Playing in the Band. Phil Lesh, as he does at every show asked that everyone consider being an organ donor before the band played Liberty under red , white and blue lights highlighting an American Flag hung on the bands light rigging over the crowd. Another great show in Chicago…here’s hoping to a few more next year!!!