Chicago, the City of Big Shoulders, is home to great food, iconic sports teams, and some of America's greatest music. These cultural touchstones exist thanks to one common factor: the fans. That’s why Chicago remains a prime destination for bands launching their careers or releasing new albums. If you make it in Chicago, you gain fans for life. Tonight, I’m lucky enough to see two such bands: Gardener, unveiling their debut album under their new name, and Fruition, the indie-folk icons promoting their latest release.
The venue, Lincoln Hall, holds a special place in Chicago’s history. Located in Lincoln Park, this vibrant neighborhood is where the heart of the city beats. Opened in 1912 as a nickelodeon, the building has its own colorful story. In 1938, FBI agents stationed on its roof shot John Dillinger as he left the Biograph Theater across the street—a mural still marks the spot. Today, Lincoln Hall serves as a beloved music venue, hosting some of the area’s hottest acts. Inside, the bar offers drinks at standing tables, while the main hall provides an unobstructed view of the stage.
Gardener hails from Yellow Springs, Ohio, where they formed their band in high school. Years later, they’ve embraced a new name and sound, blending their early music with a more mature and introspective approach. Their style leans toward early Neil Young, infused with a touch of Joni Mitchell’s lyrical depth. Joining Fruition for a four-night tour that includes stops in Toronto, Milwaukee, and St. Louis, Gardener is ready to make magic tonight—after all, this is Chicago.
The band takes the stage with a warm welcome, setting the room alight with their energy. Comprising Jake Diebold (guitar/lead vocals), Rory Papania (guitar), David Byrne (drums), Dylan Sage (bass), and Than Reed (keyboard), Gardener delivers a set that showcases their evolution. Songs like Cinder introduce their catchy melodies, while tracks like Easy Now, A Million Things, and Everything Goes keep the crowd swaying. The band’s mix of nostalgia and fresh material is a hit, energizing the room.
After a brief intermission, Fruition takes the stage, greeted by a crowd that has swelled in size. Jay Cobb Anderson (electric guitar, vocals), Kellen Asebroek (piano, acoustic guitar, vocals), Jeff Leonard (bass), Mimi Naja (mandolin, electric guitar, vocals), and Tyler Thompson (drums) waste no time launching into their set. Chicago is no stranger to Fruition, and the band’s connection to the city is evident in their determination to leave the audience both satisfied and eager for more.
Jay fueled up with a classic Chicago-style hot dog before the show, while Kellen wisely opted for Old Style beer during the performance—Chicago traditions that pair perfectly with their music. Mimi, as radiant as ever, greeted fans in the green room, embodying the warmth that endears the band to their audience.
The set begins with Forget About You, a gritty, driving anthem that grabs your attention from the start. Jay’s voice, with its perfect touch of gravel, lends authenticity to the lyrics, while Mimi and Kellen’s harmonies elevate the chorus. The crowd is hooked.
For the next hour and forty-five minutes, Fruition takes the audience on an emotional journey. Tracks like The Meaning, Can You Tell Me, and Hard to Make Money offer reflections on life’s challenges, while I Can’t Stop, Never Change, and Life Is for the Living inspire joy and movement. The rhythm section—Jeff and Tyler—provides a rock-solid foundation, allowing the melodies to soar. Their skill is both essential and seamless, like the heartbeat of the band.
Live performance is paramount in Chicago, a city made legendary by artists like Buddy Guy, Louis Armstrong, and Howlin’ Wolf. Here, it’s all about raw talent, not flashy stage effects. Fruition, who cut their teeth as street buskers, embodies this ethos. Their instrumentals shine, and their clear, heartfelt vocals resonate with the crowd.
Special credit goes to the Lincoln Hall crew, whose impeccable sound and lighting design enhances the experience without drawing attention to itself. It’s the mark of true professionals who let the music take center stage.
Songs like Santa Fe and Get Lost transport the audience from the chilly Chicago evening to sunlit vistas and riverside forests. This escapism is the essence of great entertainment, and Fruition delivers it with every note.
After an unforgettable 105 minutes, the band closes with Labor of Love. But the night can’t end there—the crowd demands an encore. Fruition returns to deliver two final songs, starting with Saturday Night, a joyful ode to shared moments. The evening concludes with When It’s All Said and Done, a dreamy, ethereal piece that gently ushers us back into reality.
Fruition has once again won over America’s heartland, leaving behind memories that fans will cherish until their next visit. If you haven’t yet discovered Fruition—or their stellar opening act, Gardener—seek them out. You’ll be richly rewarded.
