210 Live In Highwood Captures Audiences With One Of A Kind Acts!

Just recently, the "Summer of Love" and all things groovy occurred at 210 Live in Highwood. 210 Live treated their lucky patrons to a festive evening of 60's Rock N' Roll by ushering in The Soundtracks Of A Generation, highlighted by a twin-bill that featured the transformative music of Woodstock, followed by a powerful tribute to vocal legend, the late, great, Joe Cocker.

210 Live has an uncanny knack for tempting and drawing their loyal musical fan base to the venue by snaring the most enticing national, regional and local band talent. 210 Live's combination of versatile yet unique dining options, beautifully decorated interior structure and a comfortably large dance floor, underscore 210 Live's penchant for getting it right. 210 Live is also a wonderful value for their audience's entertainment dollar. With so many choices, coupled with a virtual onslaught of entertainment options that folks are bombarded with daily, 210 Live may just be the best music/dining value anywhere in the US.

Doug James brought his concept, "The Woodstock Era Show" to 210 Live, that featured 14 musicians and singers covering the complete spectrum of musical genres from rock, blues, soul, jazz, folk and of course, psychedelic rock to the delight of the 210 Live faithful.

James and his top flight musician's showcased their incredible talents by pulling off classic Woodstock staples, underscoring the breakout performances of Santana, Jefferson Airplane, the aforementioned Joe Cocker BS&T and of course, what would Woodstock be without the unforgettable searing vocal stylings of Janis Joplin and the incomparable guitar riffs of Jimi Hendrix?

When female vocalist Roxy Stone broke into "Somebody To Love" featuring her interpretation of the iconic Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane, the audience wasn't required to close their eyes to imagine they were in front of the Woodstock stage, Stone transported the entire room back to the momentous event with band in tow!

The Woodstock Era Show's 14 musicians included a full horn section, 3 female lead/backup singers multiple guitars, bass, drums, percussion and a well-rehearsed group that clearly love performing to fresh audiences. When the band closed out the opening set with the epic "Aquarius" it truly felt like 1969 and we were watching the preview to "Hair" all over again.

On the cuisine side of the ledger, 210 Live brings an eclectic, healthy, delectable menu to the proverbial table that includes everything from (non) traditional super-creative sandwiches to mouth watering Israeli Platter that features hummus, baba ghanouj, Israeli salad, cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley and their signature pita bread to their famous BBQ, Sliders, Crab Cakes, Brisket, Vegan (The Impossible Burger) and the versatility to satisfy any palate!

Our meal began with their shrimp cocktail starring their jumbo wild golf shrimp on a generous bed of arugula topped off with their homemade cocktail sauce and lemon. Simply spectacular! For our entree's my significant other ordered the Gluten-Free Jambalaya made up of classic cajun rice, scrumptious andouille sausage, highlighted by Louisiana style BBQ wild-caught red shrimp...A true Wow! Super tasty with all the trimmings.

For my entree, I ordered the smoked half BBQ chicken with cole slaw and homemade cut fries, topped off with their incredible BBQ sauce. The chicken was lean, smoked to perfection and "finger lickin' good!"

By the time Sound Tracks Of A Generation's Joe Cocker Tribute took the stage, we were well sated and ready to hit the spacious dance floor. Doug James spared no expense in bringing authenticity to the role of Joe Cocker. James brought in Detroit rocker Pat Smillie who really kicked things into gear with his powerful, robust vocals. With guitarist Dennis Costis crunching through the exciting riffs and drummer Dave Harris setting the tempo, every element of the Joe Cocker experience took shape, especially when female singer's LaShera Zenise Moore, Pam Deethardt and the aforementioned Roxy Stone chimed in, painting their musical tapestry by weaving spectacular harmonies around Smillie's vocal stylings. The horn section was the frosting on the cake, a real treat for the tie-dyed 210 Live audience who enjoyed themselves immensely.

Rounding out both the Woodstock and Joe Cocker lineup were: Sal Canzone/Drums, Rick Demski/bass, Dennis Costis/guitar, Jay Martini/keys, Nick Roach/trombone, "Crash" Willens/Sax, "The Lip" Goldman/trumpet, Nick Drosdoff/trumpet and Gene Wygandt on vocals.

One other highlight featured a virtual musical overview of both eras by Producer/Narrator/Vocalist James, (a former Disc Jockey) who is clearly in his element when it comes to the history of Rock N' Roll.

With so many options for great entertainment in Chicagoland and it's North Shore and Lake County suburbs, 210 Live is a must attend experience: Outstanding service, wonderful management, great food with a creative Chef who thinks outside the box and a variety of top flight bands.

For more information, go to: 210live.com or contact 847-433-0304