Bruce Springsteen, the legendary American singer-songwriter and rock icon, delivered a sold-out concert on March 7, 2023, at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, WI. The highly anticipated event was a part of Springsteen’s ongoing tour which makes stops across some of the biggest arenas and stadiums throughout the country.
As one of the most prolific and influential musicians of his generation, Springsteen’s concert was a testament to his enduring appeal and his ability to connect with fans of all ages. The Fiserv Forum was packed to capacity with Springsteen enthusiasts eager to witness the Boss in action.
Springsteen’s performance was a tour-de-force for nearly 3-hours, showcasing his unmatched talents as a performer, songwriter, and storyteller. The concert featured a mix of classic hits and deep cuts from his extensive catalog, including tracks such as “Born To Run,” “Dancing IN The Dark,” and “Glory Days.”
Accompanied by his trusty E Street Band, Springsteen gave a high-energy performance that kept the crowd on their feet throughout the night. His signature blend of rock and roll, folk, and blues was on full display, as was his raw, emotional delivery that has made him a household name.
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
The Fiserv Forum was just one stop on Springsteen’s extensive tour, which has taken him to cities across the United States. With each performance, he continues to cement his status as a living legend and an icon of American music. Whether you’re a die-hard Springsteen fan or a casual listener, his sold-out concert at the Fiserv Forum was a must-see event that captured the spirit and energy of one of rock’s most enduring figures.
Check out our photos from the memorable night from our photographer Dan Garcia below.
Gracie Abrams mesmerized the crowd on Monday night at the House of Blues in Chicago, marking the opening night of her highly anticipated Good Riddance Tour. The sold-out venue, and just the first of two sold-out nights at the House of Blues, was filled with excited fans who couldn’t wait to hear her new music live for the first time.
Gracie, who had performed at Lollapalooza in Chicago last summer and who headlined at The Metro just over a year ago, was back with a bang. She kicked off her set with “Where Do We Go Now?,” one of the stand out tracks from her brand new album, “Good Riddance.” The crowd was immediately swept away Gracie’s unmatched vocals and the song’s powerful energy.
Gracie’s performance was nothing short of breathtaking. She played several songs from her new album, including “This Is What Drugs Are For,” “Full Machine,” and “Difficult”, to name a few. Her voice was raw and emotional on opening night, and she poured her heart into every note she sang.
But it wasn’t just her new material that impressed her Chicago fans. Abrams also played fan favorites from her earlier EPs, such as “21” and “Feels Like.” The crowd sang along to every word, clearly showing their deep love and admiration for the young artist.
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
As the night went on, Gracie’s energy continued to soar. She interacted with the crowd and thanked fans for coming out. “Welcome to night one of The Good Riddance Tour,” Abrams told fans. “I can’t wrap my head around that we are all in the same room together again,” Gracie continued. The “Rockland” singer also shared her admiration for the Windy City on Monday night. “Chicago is one of my favorite places to play, by a lot. I love it more than anything,” to which a fan in the back in the room reminded the rising star that Chicago loves her back. Gracie went on to introduce her band and perform more tracks from her early EPs and brand new album where the tour gets its name.
One of the highlights of the concert was when Gracie performed “Feels Like,” the standout track from her 2021, which she chose to close out the main portion of her set. The song, which used to open her set, was also a perfect track to lead fans into the encore. The crowd danced and sang along, clearly enjoying the infectious energy of the track.
The concert ended with a stunning encore of “I Miss You, I’m Sorry” a stripped down version of “Minor,” and a live debut of “Right Now”, the closing track from Abrams latest LP. Gracie left the stage to a thunderous applause, with the audience clearly wanting more. But even after the show was over, fans were buzzing with excitement, taking to social media to share their experiences and excitement for the rest of the tour.
It’s clear that Gracie Abrams is a rising star in the music industry, and following night two of her mini-residency tomorrow, her Chicago fans will surely be counting down the days until she comes back again, and they won’t have to wait too long. If you don’t have tickets to tonight’s performance, fans can also catch Gracie in Chicago, opening for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour on Sunday, June 4th.
With her raw talent and emotional lyrics, Gracie Abrams has the ability to connect with her audience in a way that few artists can. The Good Riddance Tour promises to be one of the best pop tours of the year, and after seeing Gracie’s tour kick-off in Chicago, it’s easy to see why.
Gracie Abrams: The Good Riddance Tour @ the House of Blues (March 6th and 7th)
Gracie Abrams is a rising star in the music industry, and her upcoming sold-out performances at the House of Blues, the first two dates of her anticipated “Good Riddance Tour”, on March 6th and 7th are a couple of the most highly anticipated concerts in Chicago next month.
The 23-year-old singer-songwriter first gained attention in 2019 with her debut single “Mean It,” which showcased her introspective lyrics and unique vocal style. Since then, she’s continued to build a dedicated following with a series of critically acclaimed releases, including her 2020 debut EP “Minor” and her live performances opening for Olivia Rodrigo on her Sour Tour.
What sets Abrams apart from other young artists is her ability to craft emotionally resonant songs that capture the complexities of the human experience at such a young age. Her lyrics touch on themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, and her raw, vulnerable delivery draws listeners in and leaves a lasting impact. Abrams’ music has been compared to artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Lorde, and she’s been praised for her ability to blend indie and pop influences in a way that feels both authentic and innovative.
Fans who attend Abrams’ House of Blues concerts can expect to hear a mix of fan favorites and her brand new album “Good Riddance”, all performed with her trademark sincerity and passion. Whether you’re a day one fan or new to her music, this is a concert you won’t want to miss, especially before she is set to hit the road with Taylor Swift, opening for her stadium tour which kicks off next month. With her star on the rise and a bright future ahead of her, Gracie Abrams is an artist to watch in the coming years, and her Chicago performances are sure to be one of the highlights of March’s music scene.
Visit the House of Blues’ official website for more information.
Taylor Swift has cemented herself as one of the most iconic and influential artists of our time. With each album, she has shown remarkable growth and evolution, constantly pushing the boundaries of what we expect from her music. Two of her most recent albums, “folklore” and “evermore,” have been particularly acclaimed, showcasing her versatility and depth as a songwriter. We will explore the debate of which album is better between “folklore” and “evermore”, both of which were released post-Covid, just a few months from each other. From the cohesive concept of “folklore” to the experimental sound of “evermore,” we will delve into the strengths of each album and make a case for why one may be better than the other. Whether you are a die-hard Taylor Swift fan or a casual listener, this article will provide insight into the nuances of her music and the impact it has had on the industry.
“folklore is the better album”
Taylor Swift’s “folklore” is undoubtedly her most impressive and poignant album yet. From the moment the opening track “the 1” starts, the listener is transported to a world of ethereal melodies, melancholy lyrics, and stunning production. Here are some reasons why “folklore” is superior to “evermore”:
Cohesion and concept
“folklore” is a masterful collection of songs that all feel connected to each other, creating a cohesive album that tells a story. Each song builds on the previous one, adding depth and nuance to the overall narrative. In contrast, “evermore” feels more like a collection of individual tracks that don’t necessarily flow into each other as well.
Standout tracks
While both albums have their fair share of standout tracks, “folklore” has a stronger overall selection. “cardigan” is a beautifully crafted ballad with haunting lyrics and a memorable chorus, while “exile” is a stunning duet with Bon Iver that showcases Swift’s vocal range and emotive delivery. “august” is a wistful, nostalgic song with an infectious melody that will stick in your head long after you’ve finished listening.
Cultural impact
“folklore” was a game-changer for Swift, not only in terms of her musical style but also in terms of the way she was perceived by the public. The album showed a newfound maturity and depth in her songwriting, earning her critical acclaim and cementing her status as one of the most important artists of her generation.
“evermore is the better album”
While “folklore” is undeniably a masterpiece, “evermore” takes everything that made its predecessor great and elevates it to new heights. Here are some reasons why “evermore” is the superior album:
Exploration of new sounds
“evermore” pushes the boundaries of what we expect from a Taylor Swift album. The album features more experimentation with different genres, from the pulsating beats of “long story short” to the haunting harmonies of “coney island.” This willingness to take risks and explore new sounds is what makes “evermore” stand out.
Collaborations
While “folklore” had some great collaborations, such as the aforementioned duet with Bon Iver, “evermore” takes it to the next level. From the duet with Haim on “no body, no crime” to the haunting vocals of The National’s Matt Berninger on “closure,” the collaborations on “evermore” add depth and texture to the album.
Emotional depth
While both albums are emotionally charged, “evermore” takes it to a whole new level. The album explores themes of grief, loss, and heartbreak in a way that feels raw and honest. Songs like “champagne problems” and “tolerate it” are heartbreaking in their vulnerability, while “happiness” is a poignant meditation on the struggle to find joy in the midst of pain.
All in all, both “folklore” and “evermore” are incredible albums that showcase Taylor Swift’s evolution as an artist. While “folklore” may have had a more significant cultural impact and a stronger overall selection of standout tracks, “evermore” takes risks and explores new sounds in a way that makes it feel like a natural progression from its predecessor. Ultimately, the decision of which album is better will depend on personal taste and what aspects of Swift’s music resonate most with the listener.
As winter comes to a close and spring approaches, Chicago’s music scene is heating up with a lineup of highly anticipated concerts featuring some of the biggest names in the industry. Next month promises to be an exciting month for music fans, with a variety of genres and styles represented in a series of concerts across the city. Whether you’re a fan of indie pop, hip-hop, or rock, there’s something for everyone on this list of the most anticipated Chicago concerts in the month of March. From the most exciting up-and-coming artists to seasoned veterans, these performers are sure to put on unforgettable shows that will leave fans talking about the night long after the final encore. So mark your calendars and get ready for a month of incredible live music in the Windy City.
Check out our list of the 5 can’t miss concerts in Chicago in March below!
Milwaukee was treated to a night of unforgettable live music as singer-songwriter Noah Kahan took to the stage for a sold-out crowd at the Miller High Life Theatre. The Vermont-native, known for his soulful voice and captivating live performances, treated fans to a set filled with crowd-pleasers and cuts from his latest studio album, “Stick Season”, one of the top albums to come out of the quarantine that has resonated with so many fans across the globe.
With a mix of performances from his first three albums, including a memorable encore of his breakout single “Stick Season”, Kahan had the audience of 4,000+ entranced from start to finish. Noah Kahan paid visit to Milwaukee during his first tour, performing for a few hundred at the Turner Hall Ballroom, but last night was evidence of his growth and massive reach in the past couple years.
In what was easily the biggest concert in Milwaukee for the year thus far, we sent our photographer Tess Trueblood to the Miller High Life Theatre to capture the highlights of the memorable night, giving fans a glimpse of Kahan’s unforgettable Milwaukee concert.
Chicago is known for its rich musical heritage and its vibrant live music scene, and this February is no exception. From the biggest names in R&B and rock to the hottest up-and-coming acts, there is something for everyone this month. Here are the most anticipated concerts happening in Chicago this February:
Check out our list of the 5 can’t miss concerts in Chicago in February below!
It was was Christmas in Texas last night at iHeartRadio’s massive annual Jingle Ball Tour returned to the Dallas-Fort Worth area for an unforgettable night of live music at the Dickies Arena. As the crowd got to unwrap gifts from major music artists, new and old across all different genres, including Jack Harlow, the Black Eyed Peas, Lauv, Khalid and many more, the Jingle Ball is as amazing and festive as ever.
Jack Harlow Keeps Us Laughing
“First Class” rapper Jack Harlow had his hits and personality on full display Monday night. Between Harlow’s performances from his first two albums, as well as his massive Lil Nas X collab “Industry Baby”, the Louisville native kept us laughing with his between song banter. “Two white rappers in a row, that’s a bold move,” Harlow joked after following Macklemore. Harlow is impossible to not root for.
Pitbull Closes Out with the Hits
Monday night’s stacked lineup ended with the most seasoned veteran on the whole bill, Mr. Worldwide himself, Pitbull. Delivering a 7-track set to put the cherry on top of a memorable night, Pitbull only brought the hits to the Allstate Arena. Starting with “Don’t Stop the Party” and finishing with “Give Me Everything”, Mr. 305 was easily a highlight in the 847.
Jax Finds a New Job
Jax is just a few performances into her career but its evident that she will be around for quite sometime as a performer. However she decided to pick up a second job as an arena security guard, as the “Victoria’s Secret” artist sported an arena staff members jacket during her performance. She blamed the wardrobe choice on a malfunction, but we are convinced that she just couldn’t resist making the joke during her opening set on Monday.
Khalid Spreads Positive Vibes
Khalid was nothing but smiles during his Allstate Arena performance for the Jingle Ball crowd. Khalid and his dancers kept us entertained throughout his 5-song set, with standout tracks like “Location”, “Talk”, “Better”, “lovely” and his Halsey collab, “Eastside”.
Macklemore Shines
Amongst an unbeatable lineup of musicians, one performer stood out the most, that being “Thrift Shop” rapper Macklemore. The Washington native was unstoppable on Monday and delivered an unmatched among of energy the reminded us of how great his live performances are. Macklemore challenged the sold-out arena to make sure that when he talked to his daughter following the Jingle Ball tour, Chicago would be the city that he told her was the most live. Chicago called Macklemore’s bluff and matched his energy from start to finish.
It was was Christmas in Texas last night at iHeartRadio’s massive annual Jingle Ball Tour returned to the Dallas-Fort Worth area for an unforgettable night of live music at the Dickies Arena. As the crowd got to unwrap gifts from major music artists, new and old across all different genres, including Jack Harlow, the Black Eyed Peas, Lauv, Khalid and many more, the Jingle Ball is as amazing and festive as ever.
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
First up for the night was Atlantic Records recording artist, Jax. One of the many talented artists to emerge into stardom during the quarantine, Jax already has a successful pop record on her résumé but is still a stranger to the big stage. “Oh my god, I’m in an arena,” Jax told fans before kicking off her set. Opening with her nostalgic track “90s Kids”, Jax kept fans singing and laughing with her buff Santa costume throughout her 3-song performance. The New York native closed her set with her biggest record to date, “Victoria’s Secret”, before saying goodbye to her fans and incriminating herself, sharing her plans to sneak into the dressing rooms of some of her favorite musicians who would hit the stage moments later.
Next up was Lauren Spencer-Smith, an American Idol alum who has already surpassed her 18th season peers. The Canadian singer-songwriter performed a few tracks from her growing career, including her single “Narcissist”, which Spencer-Smith foreshadowed in the set by pointing out a fan in the crowd wearing the singles’ merch. Last but not least she ended her set with her breakout single, “Fingers Crossed”, the song that changed her life, which Spencer-Smith credits to its success on iHeartRadio.
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Following the two newcomers that rewarded fans for finding their seats on time, it was time for a Jingle Ball alum to return to the stage. Opening with her 2020 hit single, “King & Queens” the artistic and talented Ava Max hit the stage. Max was a woman of few words on Tuesday night, making time for her growing catalog of hits like “Sweet But Psycho”, “Weapons” and of course her Tiesto-assisted track, “The Motto”. The 6-song performance wasn’t without issue, as Max was noticeably adjusting her monitor during the set, but she handled it like a pro and sounded perfect dispute any sound issues that she was experiencing behind the mic.
After Ava Max crushed it, it was time for another newcomer, 23-year-old Nicky Youre who gave fans a little bit of everything. Not only did he close things out with his breakout single “Sunroof”, which has been heard by everyone with a TikTok account, but Youre also performed a lesser known single, a Neon Trees cover and even an unreleased track, “Weatherman”, which he told fans they’ll be able to hear soon if Tuesday night’s crowd liked it enough.
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
The arena heard the loudest screams of the night perhaps when it was announced that Lewis Capaldi was up next. Making the journey from Scotland to Texas, Capaldi reminded us of his pipes and vocals throughout his set. When he wasn’t making us tear up with love songs like “Before You Go” and “Someone You Loved” he did a 180 making us crack up (no pun intended), talking about the big sh*ts (his words) that he has had to take due to the Texas BBQ that he has consumed since touching down in Dallas. Although he had a comedy bit about his chaffed buttcheeks practically as long as Jax’s set, he still delivered a number of our favorite songs.
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Moments later, another man who is no stranger to the Jingle Ball, Khalid, hit the stage to perform a collection of his biggest hits. Opening his set with his 2017 single “Young Dumb & Broke”, the RCA singer then followed things up with his Grammy nominated “Talk” and his Marshmello produced “Numb”, although the crowd could certainly feel every word. Although he performed 7 tracks, everyone was a hit, a trend that would continue throughout the night with the headlining acts.
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Delivering a dose of rap to the Jingle lineup on opening night was Jack Harlow. Harlow had just landed in Dallas from his homestate of Kentucky an hour before his set and he certainly hit the ground running with tracks like “Tyler Herro”, “I Wanna See Some Ass”, “Already Best Friends” and his massive Lil Nas X collab, “Industry Baby”. Next Harlow had the crowd rapping along with his breakout hit “What’s Poppin”, one of the highlights of the night. Despite the all ages crowd, Jack Harlow was unapologetically himself, but then again he wasn’t talking about his bowel movement like Lewis Capaldi so who would even complain about him wanting to see some ass? Harlow’s performance was evidence of why the Jingle Ball’s diversity across genres makes its such a “First Class” event.
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Although Jack Harlow is a tough act to follow, singer Lauv was up for the challenge for the second to last performance of the night. Opening with his 2021 single “All 4 Nothing”, Lauv instantly had the crowd dancing to his top songs. With a setlist that included tracks like his Troye Sivan-assisted “i’m so tired…”, “Modern loneliness” and “f*ck, I’m lonely”, Lauv may be tired and lonely in his music but he had a packed arena of screaming fans on Tuesday night. Putting a cherry on top of his set, the San Francisco native said goodbye to Fort Worth with his breakout 2018 single “I Like Me Better”.
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Last but certainly not least, the Black Eyed Peas performed a huge career spanning set that touched everything in their couple decades of hits but also left the crowd wanting more. The remaining energy Dallas had left was spent dancing and singer to huge hits like “Boom Boom Pow”, “Let’s Get It Started” and “Pump It Louder” to name a few. Jack Harlow wasn’t the only artist on the bill with ties to Fergie, but even without their legendary female vocalist, the will.i.am-led Black Eyes Peas are still a must see act. iHeartRadio couldn’t have picked a better group to end the night with for the first date of 2022’s Jingle Ball Tour.
Christmas comes early whenever iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball Tour comes to town. Making it’s first stop at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, TX, everyone’s favorite holiday concert is again bringing the biggest names in music to a city near you. Kicking things off for the Dallas Jingle Ball this year are names like Jack Harlow, the Black Eyed Peas, Khalid, Ava Max, Lauv and more!
So with so many talented performs sharing the stage, there are of course several songs that we need to hear before the night is over. From Jack Harlow’s big hits from the past two years to the Black Eyed Peas catalog of bangers from the last two decades, check out our set-list wish-list for Tuesday night’s concert.
Here’s our list of the 7 songs that we need to hear at Dallas’ iHeartRadio Jingle Ball this week: