Chicago 60's Rock: A look back at a fantastic Summer season

Written By: Alyssa "Li'l Shameless" Barnes

Another season has slipped through our fingers and has just about come to an end. As I sit here, writing this "official review" of the Chicago Symphony Center concert last Sunday afternoon, I remember all the fun I had this past summer. From the first gig where it was so cold you could see your breath, to Cruise Night in Lombard, to my "Sweet 16" where everyone sang to me (and some even embarrassed me at midnight), to Algonquin where the Shameless girls (myself included) helped with making sure the dressing room was ready for the guys, and finally to Sunday night at the Chicago Symphony Center where it was truly a very emotional event to see our own Cryan Shames' up on stage in such a prestigious orchestra hall such as that one is. This past summer has proven to be one of the best, new friends were made, and even some new fans were discovered over the course of just a few months, but, oh what a few months they have been.

The summer shows this year certainly were a blast. My family and I made a lot of new close friends. Last year when I wrote my review for Valpo, I said that I would have to have my best friends come over and watch some tapes so that way you all would know what a teenage girl thought about the Shames. Well, for one show I did one better than just have them watch a tape, I actually got my best friend Megan to come to a show with me. She was very impressed at how good the Shames were, and she actually had a hard time choosing if she wanted to attend Homecoming, or the Algonquin Show with me (sadly she went to Homecoming). I also now have a few other friends that are anxious for next season to start so they can come with to a show or two. They have heard so much about the Shames, and some have even heard the CD, that they feel they already know them and can't wait for more shows next season so I can come to school or call them on the phone and tell them all about it.

But this article is not about what my friends think about the Shames, this is about looking back at all the fun everyone had this past summer, and also about the Chicago Symphony Center show. As Jimmy has said at so many shows, I believe that he's right, never once were they rained out of a gig. However, there were a few times where it seemed as though they would, but never did. All the shows were fun and you never knew what to expect. Whether it be Rocky with a new joke,  Jimmy with some goofy comment, or even unexpected guests showing up like Jeff Rutter, Tim's brother, or even members of The New Colony Six coming on stage to sing a few of their songs during the "Chicago Gold Medley". The shows truly were unpredictable.

The Chicago Symphony Center seemed to have been built just for last Sunday night. Not only was it a gorgeous venue, it also had some of the best acoustics I have ever heard in my life. Never before have I ever heard or seen the Shames put on such a fantastic show as they did that night. While the set had to be cut short due to the fact that they were not the only band performing that night, it was still a teriffic show. The lighting in there was just incredable and it added a magnificent effect for songs such as "Up On the Roof" when all the stage was dark except for Ron while he was singing, causing it to be an even more emotional song than it already is. To make things even more sentimental, Jimmy allowed a couple to come on stage so the man could ask his girlfriend to marry him. To that couple, I speak for everyone that was there as well as on this site, Congratulations and I hope you two spend many happy years together. The Shames were even blessed to have both Rutter brother's on stage at the same time. Tim however was just singing since he cut his hand and was unable to play bass, but it was still incredible. One down side to the night though was when Jimmy reminded us all that Larry only has one more show left after that one, then he will be retiring as the lead singer for the Cryan Shames. Even with that in the back of our minds, it didnt keep us from having a good time and enjoying him while he's still with us.

So perhaps the best way I can discribe last Sunday night is by quoting a good friend of mine and agreeing completely that it certainly was fun to be there and "watch these greats play their heart out." Now as I close this, I would like to say thank you to everyone that helped make this summer and so many summer before it so memoriable. While the Shames may not last forever (Heaven forbid it) the memories certainly will.