This show at the House of Blues Chicago was sold out months in advance. With no opener, it truly was an evening with STS9. The final stop on their four night run (St. Louis, Milwaukee, and two nights in Chicago), many were unsure how they were going to wrap things up.
The show began with three Axe the Cables songs – a treat for this Sound Tribe fan, having never seen an Axe show. So melodic and flawless. From there, things started to get a little heavier with Arigato and Grizzly to name a couple. Music, Us was an oldie but goodie, from their 2005 album Artifact.

They came in strong with their second set, getting wild for Abcees and funky for Ramone & Emiglio. I enjoyed getting to see them play the first STS9 song I ever heard back in high school, Moonsocket (1999). Things got light and fluffy with a beautiful rendition of Circus, followed by a stellar encore including Wika Chikana (also from 1999).

Overall, I felt this was a great way to spend St. Patrick’s Day 2013. They definitely had a great mix of songs – old and new, mellow and rowdy. This trip to Chicago was made even better by my stay at the Hotel Sax, a luxurious art deco hotel just steps away from the House of Blues. I was impressed by the entire ambiance of the hotel, as well as the hospitality of the front desk staff, valet parking attendants, and bartenders at Crimson Lounge (filled with private nooks and sexy decor). Wonderful trips like this, full of fun, friends, and music, accent my already full and exciting life and I couldn’t be more grateful for each passing moment.

Here are a few of my favorite photos.