by Raymond Kao
While you were watching the DNC (Democratic National Convention) in Chicago, I was watching Chicago at the DNC (Dad National Convention) - we are not the same.
The joke needs to be workshopped a bit, but Ameris Bank Amphitheater's guests for the night definitely do not. Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago blessed Atlanta with their standout sonics for an unforgettable night.
Even before the music started playing, EWF came out in style. The older members were adorned in reflective gold and newer members in sequined black, all against a large and colorful visual background - it was a feast for the eyes. While their talents should be highlighted as a function of their dedication and hard work, it is difficult to not consider their age - and how it is even more impressive that they continue to perform so well in spite of it. The longer-tenured members continued to keep up with choreography, Phillip Bailey hit multiple sustained falsettos and generally performed with an energy that is beyond many artists today. Hilariously (and maybe above the heads of the dads in the audience), B. David Whitworth even hit a few popular Fortnite dances. You can tell by the way that they perform and they carry themselves that they are the same group as when they first started - funky, energetic showmen, through and through.
What Chicago lacked in energy (relative to EWF), they made up for in raw musical prowess. Chicago had set up various instruments (flutes, horns, even a cowbell)
behind them like swords in a medieval barrack - swapping between songs and performing impressive solos with them. The crowd went absolutely electric for songs like "Hard Habit to Break", "You're the Inspiration", and "Hard to Say I'm Sorry/Get Away". Similar to EWF, they perform incredibly well despite their age - I don't think I could generate the lung power of any member on that stage at my current age, let alone when I would be their age. It is truly a testament to their dedication, hard work, and longevity as a band.
Both bands came together to perform 6 more songs in an encore like the Avengers in End Game. To have these two giants in music come together and showcase their talents together was magnificent, freestyling solos for vocals and instrumentals. As I left for the parking lot with the other attendees, I heard one of the dads proclaim that to be the best concert he's ever seen in his life.
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