In the early 1960s, most rock bands were comprised of only guitars, bass and drums. But in 1967, a group billing itself as “rock ‘n’ roll with horns” shook up the music scene with a new sound. That band was the Chicago Transit Authority, later shortened to Chicago.

Revisit their revolutionary music on April 25, when Beginnings brings Chicago’s sound and hits to the Avalon stage in Community Concerts of the Grand Valley’s final concert of the 2022-23 season.

“The music is timeless, and it marries rock and jazz seamlessly in ways that no other contemporary band has,” said Patrick Bush, manager and occasional keyboardist for Beginnings—the ultimate Chicago tribute band. 

Life on the road

The concept for Beginnings came about in 2001. Like all musical acts, even Chicago, Beginnings members have changed over the years.

“It’s challenging and demanding for even the best musicians, particularly the horns. But we love the music and the challenge of faithfully replicating it in a way few other tributes can,” said Bush.

The number of hits from the original band makes deciding which songs to pick for any given performance difficult. Each player has their favorite songs, but the band as a whole prefers playing the earlier songs from the start of the band through the hits of 1978. 

As with most touring groups, hard work, fun and friendship meld during long hours of drive time between gigs. But the drive and demanding performance schedules fall to the bottom of favorite ways to spend time. 

“It takes a special group of people to tour together over long stretches, living out of a suitcase and being away from family,” said Bush. “You spend so much time traveling, performing and hanging with the guys, it’s hard not to develop great friendships and a real appreciation for each band member’s talents.” 

See them live

Beginnings will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 25, at the Avalon Theatre, 645 Main St. in Grand Junction. Concertgoers will have a chance to meet all Beginnings members and chat with them after the show. Select merchandise will also be available.

“We love to meet the audience and make a point to chat with folks after the show. It helps to make the performance personal for us and our fans,” said Bush.

Concert tickets are available for $35 plus fees at Ticketmaster.com or the Avalon Theatre Box Office. Call the box office at 970-263-5757. 

WIN TICKETS FROM THE BEACON!

Send in your answers by Thursday, March 16 to be entered into a drawing for two tickets to Beginnings at the Avalon Theatre in Grand Junction. Winners will be notified by March 20.