An Evening of Soulful Connection: Old Crow Medicine Show Brings The Circle The Wagons Tour to Life in Waukegan

The Circle The Wagons Tour rolled into Waukegan, Illinois, bringing the lively and spirited Old Crow Medicine Show to the historic Genesee Theatre. As fans gathered outside the venue, the air buzzed with anticipation. Known for their electrifying blend of Americana, folk, and bluegrass, Old Crow Medicine Show has been captivating audiences for over two decades. Their reputation for turning any venue into a full-blown hootenanny had fans eager to see what the night had in store.

The Genesee Theatre, with its vintage charm and grand architecture, provided the perfect backdrop for such a performance. The ornate details and glowing marquee welcomed a diverse crowd, from long-time followers of the band to newcomers ready to experience the infectious energy of Old Crow’s music.

The Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, Illinois, is a remarkable venue steeped in history and architectural splendor. Since its grand opening on December 25, 1927, it has served as a cultural landmark for the community. Designed with no expense spared, the building was constructed to be a luxurious entertainment destination, featuring intricate details that set it apart from other theaters of its time.

For decades, the Genesee Theatre stood as a proud venue for movies, live performances, and community events. However, by the late 1980s, the once-glorious building had fallen into disrepair. It officially closed in 1989 and sat vacant for years, its future uncertain. In 1999, the City of Waukegan purchased the theater, recognizing its historical and cultural significance. This decision marked the beginning of a massive restoration project that would bring the theater back to life. Over $23 million was invested in the renovations.

On December 3, 2004, the Genesee Theatre reopened its doors to the public, and it has since reclaimed its status as a cherished venue for entertainment and the arts. Today, with 2,403 seats, it strikes the perfect balance between grandeur and intimacy. The restoration has ensured that the Genesee Theatre continues to be a cornerstone of Waukegan’s cultural life, welcoming generations of visitors for unforgettable evenings.

Photos By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography

The evening began with the opening act, Vinnie Paolizzi, a Nashville-based singer-songwriter originally hailing from Philadelphia. With his laid-back charisma and heartfelt tunes, Paolizzi brought a down-to-earth energy that resonated with the audience at the Genesee Theatre. Over the years, he has honed his craft in the competitive world of songwriting, building a reputation for his relatable lyrics and warm melodies. Despite his roots in Philly, he made sure to give a nod to the Chicago Bears, sharing his enthusiasm for their promising future—a comment that earned him a few cheers from the crowd.

Paolizzi's set featured a selection of tracks from his 2025 EP *Spaghetti Western*, produced by none other than Old Crow Medicine Show’s Mike Harris. Songs like The Song That Makes Me Rich and What You See showcased his knack for storytelling and his ability to connect with listeners through honest, reflective lyrics. Family Tree added an emotional touch, exploring themes of roots and relationships with a tender sincerity that clearly struck a chord with the audience.

The highlight of his performance, however, was a track titled Cairo. Paolizzi introduced the song with a lighthearted anecdote about the southern Illinois town of the same name, cautioning anyone traveling through the area to stick to the speed limit—a lesson he admitted to learning the hard way. The song itself captured a sense of nostalgia and wanderlust, and its relatable themes seemed to resonate particularly well with the northern Illinois crowd.

Click The Image For The Full Vinnie Paolizzi

By the time Paolizzi finished his set, the room was buzzing with appreciation. The warm applause that followed was proof that he had won over some new fans in Waukegan. It was a strong start to the evening, setting the tone for what promised to be a memorable night of music.

Old Crow Medicine Show burst onto the stage with unrelenting energy, immediately captivating the Waukegan crowd. They opened with Tell It To Me and Alabama High-Test, igniting the room as fans rose to their feet, clapping and stomping along. Their blend of raw talent and lively charisma was palpable, setting the tone for what would become a dynamic performance. Wasting no time, they moved through snippets of songs like Tennessee Bound, Proud Mary, and Carry Me Back to Virginia, seamlessly weaving together a tapestry of Americana sounds that resonated with everyone in the room.

Given that it was St. Patrick’s Day, the band leaned into the festive spirit. Before launching into O Cumberland River, they joked about seeing the famous, green-dyed Chicago River earlier in the day. They couldn’t resist a tongue-in-cheek nod to the infamous Dave Matthews bridge incident, which had the audience erupting in laughter. The band’s playful commentary paired with their authentic musicianship made for a delightful combination.

Their setlist was a mix of beloved classics and lively snippets, keeping the audience engaged at every turn. Highlights included brief bursts of Lord Willing and Great Balls of Fire before diving into Take 'Em Away. Frontman Ketch Secor joked about feeling like a winner that day, thanks to the abundance of local dispensaries, drawing more laughter from the crowd. They continued to sprinkle in parts of Hard to Love, Boatman, Elzick’s Farewell, Stay All Night, and Boll Weevil, demonstrating their knack for blending songs in a way that felt natural and effortless.

One of the night’s standout moments came with I Like Beer, during which the band reworked the lyrics to include a clever reference to Harry Caray turning beer into wine. The crowd loved it, cheering loudly as the song unfolded. Dixie Avenue brought everyone to their feet again, filling the historic Genesee Theatre with energy that stretched all the way up to the balcony. The group kept the momentum going with Meters Jam, World Away, Redneck Girl, Cocaine Habit, and Levi, each track driving home their masterful ability to mix upbeat tunes with heartfelt storytelling.

In a nod to Chicago’s rich music history, the band touched on Jim Croce’s Bad, Bad Leroy Brown, as well as the jazzy C.C. Rider, and Union Made. But it wasn’t just the music that made the evening unforgettable, it was the sense of community and celebration they created. A particularly moving segment saw the band gather at the front of the stage to honor the musical icons lost in 2024. Each member took turns naming artists they would miss most, paying tribute with a heartfelt medley that honored Toby Keith, Dickey Betts, Quincy Jones, and Kris Kristofferson. This reflective moment was a highlight, underscoring the emotional depth of their performance.

The crowd’s energy reached a fever pitch during Flicker & Shine, as one member showcased impressive baton-twirling skills that left everyone cheering. Then came the moment everyone was waiting for—just a few guitar strums were enough to set the room alight as fans instantly recognized the opening of Wagon Wheel. The audience sang along, their voices blending harmoniously with the band’s, creating a powerful communal experience.

Not ready to let the night end, the crowd erupted into cheers, drawing the band back for an encore. They launched into Down Home Girl before inviting opener Vinnie Paolizzi back onstage for a rousing rendition of Cripple Creek. The night closed on an emotional high note with a heartfelt performance of I Saw the Light, as the entire room sang together. It was a fitting end to a night full of joy, connection, and unforgettable music.

As the final notes of I Saw the Light echoed through the Genesee Theatre, it was clear the evening had been something special. Old Crow Medicine Show delivered an outstanding performance filled with boundless energy, humor, and an undeniable connection to their audience. Their ability to seamlessly weave heartfelt storytelling with rollicking, foot-stomping tunes made for an unforgettable night of music. The setlist’s balance of fan favorites, playful surprises, and poignant moments kept the crowd fully engaged from start to finish.

The venue itself added to the charm, offering an intimate yet grand setting that complemented the band’s old-timey yet fresh style. The audience, an eclectic mix of ages and backgrounds, contributed to the night’s magic with their lively participation, whether singing along, laughing at the band’s witty banter, or dancing in their seats.

Click The Image For The Full Old Crow Medicine Show

Old Crow Medicine Show’s genuine passion for their craft and their audience shone throughout the evening, making it a night to remember. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, this is a live act not to miss. Their ability to create a sense of joy and community in a single evening is rare and remarkable, and I’d wholeheartedly recommend catching them on tour.

See Old Crow Medicine Show Live, Check Out The Dates Here!

Old Crow Medicine Show Set-List:

Tell It to Me (Traditional Cover)

Alabama High Test

Tennessee Bound / Proud Mary (Creedence Clearwater Revival cover) / Carry Me Back to Virginia / Shenandoah

O Cumberland River

Lord Willing and the Creek Don't Rise / Great Balls of Fire (Otis Blackwell Cover)

Take 'Em Away

Hard to Love / Boatman / Elzick's Farewell

Stay All Night

Boll Weevil (Lead Belly cover)

I Like Beer (Tom T Hall cover)

Dixie Avenue

Meters Jam (The Meters cover)

A World Away

Redneck Girl (The Bellamy Brothers cover)

Cocaine Habit (traditional cover)

Levi

Bad, Bad Leroy Brown (Jim Croce cover)

C.C Rider (Ma Rainey cover)

Union Made (Woody Guthrie cover)

Wabash Cannon Ball (The Carter Family cover)

In Memoriam Medley (Should’ve Been A Cowboy, Ramblin’ Man, Billie Jean, Me and Bobby McGee)

Flicker & Shine

Wagon Wheel

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Down Home Girl (Alvin Robinson cover)

Cripple Creek (The Band cover)

I Saw the Light (Hank Williams cover)