Chicago, America’s storied “rock and roll band with horns” delivered a dynamic and polished performance recently at Wolf Trap.
Mark Raker was there to photograph the show.
With no opener, Chicago solo-headlined the entire evening at the Filene Center at Wolf Trap on July 23. From the opening introduction number, the evening felt like a Greatest Hits tour, with fan favorites songs like “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” “You’re the Inspiration,” “Just You ‘N’ Me,” and ”25 or 6 to 4” to close the night.
Watch the official music video for “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” by Chicago on YouTube:
Wolf Trap’s Filene Center is an exceptionally well‑designed outdoor amphitheater nestled in a national park in suburban Virginia, just outside Washington, DC. Its all‑wood construction harmonizes beautifully with the forest surroundings, and the acoustics are superb — even from the lawn.
Setlist for the show:
Set 1:
Introduction
Dialogue (Part I & II)
Questions 67 & 68
Call on Me
(I’ve Been) Searchin’ So Long
Mongonucleosis
If You Leave Me Now
Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon
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
Set 2:
Alive Again
Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?
Old Days
Hard Habit to Break
You’re the Inspiration
Beginnings
(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher (Jackie Wilson cover)
I’m a Man (The Spencer Davis Group cover, with percussion solo)
Just You ‘n’ Me
Hard to Say I’m Sorry / Get Away
Saturday in the Park
Feelin’ Stronger Every Day
Encore:
Free
25 or 6 to 4
There’s still time to catch Chicago this summer, but on the West Coast. Later this Fall, the band will be heading back to the east coast.
Check out Chicago’s tour dates online!
Here are some photos of Chicago performing live at Wolf Trap on July 23, 2025. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Mark Raker.
