JT + JAY Z

A "brief" review of the Legends of the Summer concert at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL:

The two performers appropriately named their brief summer tour, as the performance was nothing short of spectacular. Working hard to please the audience, the duo opened with "Holy Grail," which allowed Justin to kick off the concert with that beautifully haunting and melancholiac verse. Jay Z busted out lacking any inhibitions, pumping up the crowd for the rest of the concert.

The opening song was obviously appreciated after an hour wait, as the real show began at 9:20 instead of 8:00. However, approximately 140 minutes of perpetual music was an impressive trade-off. Never a lapse in energy, Jay Z and Justin effortlessly passed the torch, moving from song to song with beautifully mastered transitions. The variety of music was also refreshing.

Obviously, Jay Z has a more limited repertoire of style, but his selection of songs was thoroughly enjoyable, performing an enthusiastic "99 Problems," "Empire State of Mind," and "Jigga What, Jigga Who". Additionally, Justin played a ripping guitar accompaniment to "99 Problems" that solidified is music-legend, jack-of-all-trades status.

Moreover, Justin pulled out all the stops, playing piano, showing off his dance moves, and sining everything from "Mirrors" to "Señorita" to "Cry Me a River," and of course, "Sexy Back," which pleased everyone.

I, for one, really loved "New York, New York," a song that some locals with a chip on their shoulder didn't appreciate. Equally beautiful was their encore tribute to Trayvon Martin, "Forever Young." Justin's performance was breath-takingly honest, sincere, and beautiful. Clear, light, but strong, and almost angelic, the tribute was lovely. The most impressive part of the concert was their ability to be front and center, but also act as back up. Both are incredibly famous musicians, and sublimely talented; how very telling and refreshing that two musicians of that high caliber are willing to be the back up to the other. Something very rare, and very brilliant to see.

Ending the show in unison, "We are. The legends of the summer!" could not have been more apt for Jay Z and J.T.

Photo via Rolling Stones

10 Reasons I Love Chicago

I am fresh off a vacation to my beloved Chicago. It's great to be back home, because there is something so indulgent about your own bed and hometown water; but Chicago is amazing, so here are some of my favorite things about it. 

1. It's like the less pompous, more relaxed NY. Lots to see, lots of culture, but no one puts on any airs. 

2. Speaking of culture, the museum scene is legit! I am in love with the Art Institute of Chicago (we saw an awesome exhibit called Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity, which had the AIC staples A Sunday Afternoon on La Grande Jatte and Paris Street; Rainy Day!). The Field Museum is also awesome with Sue, the T-Rex.

3. Chicago's walkability is a delightful treat since living in The Twin Cities. I realize not all of Chicago is like this, but the downtown area, the parks, the theater scene, and museums are all easily accessible by foot or bus! (This is great for keeping cost low when traveling.)

4. Soldier Field is a great stadium. I especially love seeing concerts there (as opposed to the more confined theater experience) because the night sky is so beautiful and the "Windy City" ensures a refreshing evening breeze. 

5. Unlike some bigger cities, the streets of downtown Chicago (notably Michigan Ave and intersecting streets like Ontario, Ohio, Huron, and Erie) are immaculate.

6. I very rarely notice cigarette smoking, something that I regularly experience on downtown Minneapolis Streets. Factually, I'm probably wrong, but there seems to be a lower smoking population so you're not inhaling fumes as you walk to dinner. 

7. The name. How fun is it to say Chi-Town? You sound like a total tourist, but it's worth it. 

8. FOOD! The Corner Bakery Cafe and Harry Caray's are both amazing. The latter is great for a fancy dinner and the former is my go-to. This past vacation I ate every breakfast there; they have fantastic Swiss Oatmeal (which is difficult to find) and great coffee. And don't forget Chicago deep dish pizza and dogs.

9. Local spirit is wonderfully vibrant. White Sox versus Cubs runs in the blood of every local. Plus, Wrigley Field is handsome and a true American ball field. 

10. Pedi-cabs are everywhere and they make me smile. I've never gone on one (I'm too afraid to get hit by a car, as they use the same streets!), but they look cute. 

Upcoming Hiatus

Tomorrow, we will be leaving for Chicago to enjoy the Legends of Summer concert at Soldier Field! I am hopelessly excited to see Justin Timberlake and Jay Z live, as they are pretty much mythic figures in the music industry right now. (How jammin' are their new songs "Holy Grail" and "Take Back the Night," right?) I nabbed a leak of their set list, which I'm hoping is pretty accurate for Monday night, because it's an out-of-this-world selection of their very best songs! 

During our vacation, I will not be posting as regularly, but you can stay updated with all things Chicago via my Twitter and Instagram (@sarahcarlsonetc) accounts! Enjoy this beautiful weekend! 

Photos by Abby from our last trip to Chicago.