Talented singer-songwriter Ben Kweller sings, plays guitar and piano. He is ably accompanied by a bassist and drummer. Their catchy melodic pop songs were energetic and spirited in which the enthusiastic crowd ate up Kweller’s material. Kweller played for a little over an hour.

Gomez then took the stage and the crowd went bonkers. One song after another, Gomez played to a captive, energized audience.

Gomez, a 6-piece band, hails form England. 3 lead singers – Ben Ottewell, Ian Ball and Tom Gray -- supply the band’s original material. Gomez is a seasoned band – they’ve played together for just over 10 years and it shows. Masters of nuance and dynamics, their songs varied in both attack and texture. Often described as “roots rockers,” I think this is a bit of a misnomer. Gomez is that and more. They are somewhat of a jam band within pop/rock constraints. Also, they are grunge-like, hypnotic and psychedelic. Ottewell’s lead slide guitar was awesome! - somewhat reminiscent of pre-“Dark Side Of The Moon” David Gilmour. Tom Gray reminds me a bit of Austin Powers. He is very spirited and enthusiastic; almost a conductor at times with the responsive audience. Song highlights for me were: “See The World,” “Hangover,” encore “Fill My Cup,” “Charley Patton Songs,” and “Notice.”

Gomez and Ben Kweller made for a great night out! Looking forward to their return to Chicago.