Powerhouse Chicago Tribute Band DTA Puts On A Show at the West

In addition to being a wonderful venue for movies, the West Theater on Central Avenue has also become a very special musical venue. On Thursday evening we were treated to a fantastic concert by the DTA (Duluth Transit Authority) performing the music of Chicago. 

When I was a teen we lived next door to a musical family, the father a professional trumpet player. The eldest son was likewise an excellent trumpet player. Young trumpet players immediately key in on songs with brass. Kenny drew our attention to the trumpet part in the Beatles's Penny Lane. And he was a super big fan of the Chicago Transit Authority, whose hits included Saturday in the Park, 25 or 6 to 4 and many more. 

I can't say enough about
Marshall and Manny.
These kids have a future
if they play it right. 

The DTA proved that they were not only exceptionally talented, but also super tight. What impressed me was the range of ages, from 18 to 84 (just kidding, but somewhere in the late fifties or thereabouts). What also struck me was how the young people in this band were getting some truly great experience as regards how to work in a band, how to entertain a crowd and how a band leader keeps everyone in sync. 

When I spoke to Paul Lemenager, lead singer on many of the numbers, he said that was a deliberate part of their schtick. The experienced members are consciously mentoring the younger.

Here are the members of the band, stage left to right front (band POV):

Tanya Moore, vocalist, keys

Julia Collins, vocalist

Paul Lemenager,  vocalist

Greg Moore,  keys, alto sax

Joe Anderson,  bari sax, flute

Will Collins, trombone

Steve Siegel, trumpet

Jacob Burkhart, trumpet

Second row, left to right rear:

Ian Hopp, drums

Tommy Kishida, Conga

Manny Eisele

Center:

Marshall Dillon, guitar

The energy displayed was impressive. It bubbled out from within the performers and flowed over the audience. The song selection was perfect, too, as they opened with a Feeling Stronger Every Day that you couldn't help but smile to.

Paul, flanked by Tanya and Julia.

Other songs on the playlist included Saturday in the Park, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, We Can Make It Happen, Wishing You Were Here, You Are the Love of My Life (My Inspiration), Only the Beginning and many more. It was interesting that they incorporated Vehicle into the playlist, by the Ides of March. 

If you were a Chicago fan when you were young (that is, if you're old now) then you really appreciated their skill and versatility. And if Chicago was before your time, well, this was a truly great introduction to one of the classy bands of 50 years ago.

Kudos to the band, and to Bob Boone for his renovation of this classic venue.