Chicago Gold!
Cryan Shames with Special Guests Dennis Tufano and Ronnie Rice
Tivoli Theater, Downers Grove, Ill.
March 21, 2009
It was an amazing night, to be sure! The Tivoli Theater was absolutely beautiful, there was a huge enthusiastic crowd in attendance, and the performances by the Cryan Shames, Ronnie Rice, and the incomparable Dennis Tufano were fun, high energy and music to the Nth degree and beyond.
Dennis Tufano was in his element. His voice has never sounded better! Clearly and strongly, he sang Buckingham hits, the wonderful Rascals "How Can I Be Sure" (with a slight rewording of lyrics and good humor) and the true highlight of the whole evening: his repetoire of Bobby Darin songs! The bluesy "Funny What Love Can Do," (with an awesome harmonica accompaniment by Dennis) "My Funny Valentine," and the fabulous "Mack the Knife" rocked the house. The entire audience leapt to its feet in a major standing O after Mack finished.
Ronnie Rice, original lead singer of The New Colony Six, began the fun-filled concert with tons of songs and lots of audience participation. His zeal was infectious and the audience was only too happy to sing back to him.
The Cryan Shames were having a great time, and sang a lot of fan favorites. They teased their compatriots Rice and Tufano, and were generous with stage time and musical support.
The finale with all the performers was not to be missed. Local DJ Scott MacKay was called up onstage to join in. A great show that ended much too soon!
