Grammy-winning singer and producer Jack Antonoff’s band Bleachers took the stage at the Salt Shed on Sunday, transforming the venue into an intimate recording studio where the band’s musical magic came alive. From the bleachers to the barricade, audience members were on their feet and dancing all throughout this rollercoaster of a show.
Antonoff is known for producing songs with Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey and Lorde. He is also the frontman of the indie-pop band Bleachers, which also consists of musicians Mikey Freedom Hart, Sean Hutchinson, Evan Smith, Michael Riddleberger and Zem Audu. The band released its fifth studio album, “everyone for ten minutes,” in May, and Chicago represented the first stop on its “Bleachers Forever” world tour.
With a checkered floor, an analog tape machine and framed portraits, the stage recreated the intimate atmosphere of a retro recording studio. Antonoff ran around the set throughout the show, often peering over the edge of the stage. Engaging in playful banter with fans and leading the audience in claps synchronized to the music, Antonoff invited everyone to be a part of the show. At one point, he even climbed off the stage and signed the cover of a fan’s vinyl record.
The lighting complemented the music, starting with a warm orange hue that grew more vibrant as the show continued. During the song “Chinatown,” the stage was bathed with red while Antonoff sang the lyrics, “Gimme, gimme, gimme, gimme that big red light.”
The performance also highlighted the raw talent of the musicians contributing their unique sounds that transcended any singular genre, making the concert a fresh listening experience.
Smith and Audu’s saxophones set a jazzy mood in “Modern Girl,” and Antonoff pumped up the crowd with his signature anthemic pop. For their rendition of Lana Del Rey’s “Margaret,” which features the band, Bleachers brought in performer Chris Thile to play the mandolin. Antonoff even brought out a harmonica to add another layer of folk sound.
Even after standing in the rain, the audience climbed on each other’s shoulders to belt out the lyrics of the band’s 2014 hit song, “Rollercoaster.”
Antonoff surprised the audience by singing on top of the front-of-stage barrier. For “How Dare You Want More,” Antonoff brought his father, Rick Antonoff, onstage to play guitar alongside him.
“I’m honored, honored, honored to say that you have given us two nights at the Salt Shed,” Antonoff said. “It’s an honor to start a tour right here.”
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Email: [email protected]
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