Sister Hazel Creates A Warm Night During The Brisk Chicago Winter
On a crisp evening in Chicago, the iconic House Of Blues played host to a night of unforgettable music, featuring the beloved band Sister Hazel. Fans packed the venue to capacity, eager to experience a night filled with nostalgia, new tunes, and camaraderie. Before Sister Hazel took the stage, the crowd was treated to two exceptional opening acts: Love.Craft and Jon Tyler Wiley & His Virginia Choir. Each brought their unique energy and talents, setting the tone for an electrifying night.
All Photos By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography
Love.Craft, a band hailing from Athens, GA, opened the evening with a truly inspiring performance. Comprised of adults with developmental disabilities, this group proved that music has no boundaries. From the moment they stepped on stage, the audience was captivated. Playing to their biggest crowd to date. They kicked off their set with an infectious enthusiasm that quickly spread throughout the venue.
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The highlight of their performance was their rendition of Dilemma by Kelly Rowland and Nelly, a song that showcased their musical skills and collective spirit. The crowd's appreciation was palpable, and when Love.Craft closed their 30-minute set with a crowd-assisted Backstreet Boys cover, and the House Of Blues erupted in applause. It was clear that Love.Craft was having the time of their lives, and the crowd loved every second of it.
Following Love.Craft, Jon Tyler Wiley & His Virginia Choir took the stage, and they didn't waste a moment diving into their set with The Ending Of The End. The Virginia natives, returning to Chicago for the first time in over a year, were met with enthusiastic cheers. Their performance was dynamic and filled with energy, keeping the momentum high from start to finish. A standout moment was their acoustic rendition of .45, which resonated deeply with the audience and became a crowd favorite.
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Jon Tyler Wiley took a moment to connect with the fans, promising a new album in 2025, which was met with excited anticipation. They closed their set with their latest track, Just Another Heartbreak Song, leaving the crowd eager for more and perfectly primed for the headliner.
As the lights dimmed and Sister Hazel took the stage, the excitement in the room was tangible. For nearly 32 years, this band has built a loyal fanbase in Chicago, and the packed House Of Blues was a testament to their enduring appeal. They launched into their set with Complicated You, and the crowd was immediately on their feet, singing along. Hits like Swan Dive and Hole In Your Life followed, showcasing the band's seamless blend of rock, folk, and pop. The energy was infectious, and fans of all ages—many of whom have been following the band since their inception in 1993—swayed and sang along.
The setlist was a carefully curated mix of fan favorites and a couple of covers, keeping the audience engaged and eager for each new song. Kiss Me Without Whiskey and Champagne High were crowd-pleasers, and the Allman Brothers' Blue Sky cover was a delightful surprise. Sister Hazel's original hits, such as This Kind Of Love, Your Winter, Shame, and Live Again, demonstrated the band's versatility and timeless appeal. The highlight of the night was undoubtedly their 1997 hit All For You, which prompted the loudest sing-along of the evening.
Sister Hazel continued to thrill the crowd with their second cover of the night, Prince's Let's Go Crazy, infusing it with their signature sound. Without the typical encore, they closed their set with an inspiring sequence: Change Your Mind, Happy, Mandolin Moon, and That Kind Of Beautiful. Their performance underscored why they've remained a beloved band for over three decades, showing no signs of slowing down.
The atmosphere at the House Of Blues was electric, with an undeniable sense of unity among the audience. Fans were eager to engage with the music and each other, creating an environment of shared joy and excitement. The venue's intimate setting allowed for a personal connection between the performers and the audience, making the concert feel like a gathering of friends rather than a large-scale event. The crowd's enthusiastic response to each act highlighted the deep appreciation and love for the music, fostering a night of unforgettable memories.
Sister Hazel's performance at the House Of Blues in Chicago was an extraordinary experience that left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. From the inspiring opening set by Love.Craft to the energetic performance by Jon Tyler Wiley & His Virginia Choir, the night was a testament to the power of music to unite and uplift. Sister Hazel's seamless blend of nostalgia and fresh energy demonstrated why they remain a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Their passionate performance, combined with the lively atmosphere and engaged crowd, made for an unforgettable evening. For fans and newcomers alike, the concert was a reminder of the importance of community, perseverance, and the joy that music can bring. Sister Hazel's relentless dedication to their craft and their fans continues to inspire, promising many more years of remarkable performances.
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Find out more here about Love.Craft Athens
Click here for more on Jon Tyler Wiley
Check Out Sister Hazel On Tour In 2025
Sister Hazel Set-List:
Complicated You
Swan Dive
Hole In Your Life
Kiss Me Without Whiskey
Champagne High
Blue Sky (Allman Brothers Cover)
This Kind Of Love
Your Winter
Shame
Live Again
All For You
Let’s Go Crazy (Prince Cover)
Change Your Mind
Happy
Mandolin Moon
That Kind Of Beautiful
