Anderson .Paak came back to Chicago with fireworks

Anderson .Paak and The Free Nationals

Northerly Island // Chicago, IL // June 4, 2019

The best grooves in the game.

It seems like just yesterday that hip-hop king Anderson .Paak sold out The Riv here in Chicago. Fresh off his Grammy win, .Paak brought the house down in February and wowed everyone in attendance. While that performance was amazing, .Paak’s show at Northerly Island was even better. Complete with a massive stage setup, fireworks and pyrotechnics, and an even bigger audience, .Paak was truly in his element for this massive outdoor show.

Anderson .Paak by Kate Scott

Fans screamed as the stage lights turned off and The Free Nationals took the stage. As the band started up, I was completely taken aback by the massive flames that shot up from the stage. The crowd loved it, and every cell phone in the amphitheater was immediately in the air as .Paak’s drum set rose up over the band. Flashing his massive signature smile and wearing glittery sunglasses, he laid down the rhythm for “Heart Don’t Stand a Chance”. It can be tough to play drums and stand out, but .Paak’s beaming energy filled the pavilion.

Anderson .Paak by Kate Scott

So often, artists rely on flashy lights and smoke machines to make their show more memorable. Anderson .Paak could stand on a completely bare stage with one spotlight and still have fans eating out of the palm of his hand. The fireworks, neon lights, and colorful LED screens added happy energy to the singer’s show and cast the audience in a sea of rainbow all night. It was clear that every single person, whether at the barricade or way back on the lawn, were elated to be there. .Paak is coming back to Chicago next month at the House of Vans for a small curated performance, and I can’t wait to see what his third Chicago show of 2019 will be like.