Chicago – Music Icons Play Canada’s Capital

 Chicago – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa (June 27, 2026)

Review by Mark Kelly

Grammy award winners, Chicago delivered a hit-filled performance to a sold-out crowd at Hard Rock Live Ottawa on Saturday night. The legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Band, renowned for its signature horn-driven sound, reached deep into its catalog to delight longtime fans, pulling out gems like “Free” from its third album, Chicago III.

 From the opening notes, the eight-piece ensemble sounded remarkably polished. The brass section remained the heart of the performance, delivering crisp, punchy arrangements that elevated classics such as “Saturday in the Park,” “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?,” and “Beginnings.” The rhythm Section was equally impressive, locking into tight grooves that reminded everyone why Chicago’s music has endured for more than five decades.

 Founding member, songwriter, and bandleader Lee Loughnane (trumpet and flugelhorn) guided the group with confidence throughout the evening. Noticeably absent were founding keyboardist Robert Lamm and legendary trombonist James Pankow, whose horn arrangements helped define Chicago’s unmistakable sound. The concert also carried an emotional note following the passing of founding saxophonist Walter Parazaider on June 17, 2026. Parazaider was instrumental in assembling Chicago’s original horn section and remained one of the band’s definingmusical voices. Former lead vocalist and bassist Peter Cetera  departed the band in 1985 to pursue a successful solo career.

The current lineup featured Rudy Cardenas on lead vocals, Nick Lane on trombone, Ray Herrmann on saxophone, Tony Obrohta on guitar and vocals, Carlos Murguía on keyboards and vocals, Justin Avery on keyboards and vocals, Ramon “Ray” Yslas on percussion, and former Santana drummer Walfredo Reyes Jr., who has been with Chicago since 2012. Together, they delivered a performance that honored the band’s legacy while bringing plenty of energy and enthusiasm to the stage.

 Chicago proved that great songs never grow old. Their musicianship remains first-rate, the horn section is still among the best in rock music, and the band’s timeless catalog had the Ottawa audience singing along from start to finish. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, it was an evening celebrating one of rock’s most enduring and distinctive bands. 

Setlist:

If You Leave Me Now

Make Me Smile

So Much to Say, So Much to Give

Anxiety’s Moment

West Virginia Fantasies

Colour My World

To Be Free

Now More Than Ever

Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

Hard Habit to Break

You’re the Inspiration

Beginnings

(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher

I’m a Man

Just You ‘n’ Me

Hard to Say I’m Sorry / Get Away

Saturday in the Park

Feelin’ Stronger Every Day