Winter has finally arrived in the Windy City. As the temperature drops, the streets come alive with the colors of the impending holidays, while brightly colored toy soldiers stand guard over shiny ornaments. The first celebrations of the season have reached the city, but the biting wind keeps shoppers and revelers moving quickly, seeking refuge indoors. What better time to take in a concert?
Tracy Silverman has gathered his family and friends—not to shop or merely stand in the audience, but to bring top-tier avant-garde entertainment to the people. Tracy, one of Juilliard Music School’s 100 distinguished alumni, is widely regarded as one of the finest violinists in the world. He has redefined the violin, expanding the classical instrument into a six-string electric marvel. The resulting sounds and techniques are nothing short of exquisite.
Meaghan Panici, an on-air personality and promotional director at WZRD in Chicago, serves as tonight's emcee. Her bubbly personality and positive outlook set the tone for the evening. Holidays are for family, friends, and revelry, and Meaghan revs up the crowd as Tracy takes the stage.
Tracy brings a fully loaded ensemble to tonight’s performance, including Tim Strings on bass, the amazing Adam “Futureman” Wooton on drums, and Tracy’s exceptionally talented son, Toby, on guitar.
The show kicks off with a lively cover of Peg that immediately lights up the room. Next, the audience is treated to a vibrant rendition of Jean-Luc Ponty’s Mirage. Soaring and mellifluous, the music is devoured by fans like holiday candy. From the balcony, I chat with other photographers and discover that the young videographer documenting the show is none other than Duncan Silverman, Tracy’s other son. This is truly a talented family.
For the third song, Tracy unveils his secret weapon for raising spirits: Howard Levy, the legendary godfather of the harmonica. Howard is to music what light is to plants—he seamlessly ties the elements together, making the soundscape feel complete. With eyes closed and hands wrapped around the tiny mouth harp, he conjures magical tones that blend effortlessly with the band’s lyrical lines. Time spent listening to Tracy and Howard is impossible to measure.
Suddenly, Tracy invites the one and only Joe Marcinek, Chicago's favorite jam band guitarist, to join the stage. Together, they launch into Stand Together Now, with Tracy, Joe, and Howard each taking turns improvising. The result is mesmerizing. Time stands still as the music enchants the crowd, and we all hope it will never end. But the evening holds even more surprises.
Joe bows out, and in his place, Tracy introduces another gifted family member—his daughter, Hannah Rose Silverman. Her stunning voice brings Dave McCabe’s Valerie to life, with her father and brother adding their magic to send the song soaring.
The hour has flown by so quickly that it feels like we’ve skipped through time. Tracy and the band say goodnight, making way for the evening’s additional acts. Yet, the crowd is in luck—Tracy and Howard will return later tonight to thrill us again.
For now, you can catch the Tracy Silverman Project on Spotify, YouTube, and on tour. Don’t miss out!
