Keep Playing

I first saw Chicago (the band) perform live on tour with Earth, Wind & Fire in the early 2000s. Since then, I have been to many concerts and have seen some of my all-time favorite bands perform.

I still rank Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire in the Top Five Best Concerts I Have Ever Seen.

My father, brother and sometimes mother made it an annual tradition to see Chicago live in concert when they come to New Jersey for some family bonding paired with great music.

I grew up on what we called “oldies but goodies.” I’ve been listening to artists like Earth, Wind & Fire, The Beatles, Sir Elton John, Chicago and Billy Joel since the day I was born, knowing they’ve been around since before I was a twinkle in my parents’ eyes. While I sometimes wish I was around to see these artists in their “prime,” I consider myself fortunate to watch them play live today.

And do they still play.

It may be upsetting to think the original members aren’t all on stage anymore. Or you could say: Some members are newer and younger. However you spin it, each concert is an opportunity to see raw talent and to sing along to live versions of the songs I grew up listening to.

I am in awe of how some of the original band members are in their 70s, singing and playing their instruments as they dance and run around stage with smiles on their faces. My brother and I sing along, leaning toward each other to bemoan how tired we will be for work in the morning. The artists on stage are 40 years older but we will be tired in the morning.

It reminded me of this year’s comedy “Tag,” a movie based on a real-life group of adult friends who reunite once a year to play a childhood game. The message of the movie is spelled out early on: people don’t stop playing because they grow old, people grow old when they stop playing.

I witnessed this at the Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire show years ago and I found again at the Chicago and REO Speedwagon show in July 2018. I see it every time I see Chicago perform, whether traveling with with America (The Band) or The Doobie Brothers.

Stay young and active, my friends. Keep playing.

 

Megan Andreuzzi is an animal lover and a traveler from the New Jersey Shore. She earned a degree from Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania, USA in Liberal Studies with a dual concentration in writing and a minor in theatre.