One 'Wicked' Night - Chris Isaak concert review and photo gallery

Friday night provided ‘wicked’ weather and ‘wicked’ music. The weather was courtesy of Mother Nature. About 12 to 14 inches worth. The music was courtesy of one Christopher Joseph Isaak who is currently on a holiday tour across the United States.

Those who braved the roads and snowy weather were treated to a night of music, laughs and some of the oddest dress attire this side of Vegas.  The night kicked off with Isaak performing his hits, “American Boy” and “Somebody’s Crying” but as soon as the second song was over the witty humor of Chris Isaak kicked in.  First, he addressed his spirited suit which was quite a sight to see.  Imagine a bright cardinal red suit then add what appeared to be tree branches with leaves and blue snow flakes and you have the perfect picture of Chris for the night.  That’s until the encore but we’ll get to that later.  Chris advised the crowd that they shouldn’t have high expectations for the night.  He advised anyone who is seeing him perform for the first time should expect something slightly better than a state fair act but everyone in attendance knew better.

After Isaak’s mini comedy act he dove into his first of five Christmas hits while a life size, mechanical Santa Claus danced to the beat of the music.  The crowd loved it and the crowd’s cell phone cameras got a workout.

During the night Chris covered a number of different artists but the most noteworthy was the late Roy Orbison.  Most artist wouldn’t even go near his song list or attempt to reproduce that signature voice and sound but Isaak nailed it each and every time and the Treasure Island crowd let him know it.  You could see that they appreciated someone who was fully capable of keeping those treasured songs alive on stage.

Like most of the audience I was looking forward to hearing Isaak perform his signature hit “Wicked Game” off of the “Heart Shaped World” album.  Surprisingly, Chris didn’t save this one for last.  Instead, he performed it midway through his set.  Prior to Isaak performing his iconic hit, the crowd often joined in and sang along but not on this one.  From the first distinctive, sorrowful note to Isaak’s last lyric the crowd seemed mesmerized with every movement of his voice.  30 years after it appeared on the charts, Isaak and his well tenured band delivered a flawless version of this classic hit.

When Chris appeared for the encore it was obvious to everyone attending a wardrobe change had taken place.  Isaak appeared in what could only be described as a blinding mirror ball suit that had to weigh at least 20 pounds.  Chris sadly but fittingly concluded his 24 song set with “Pretty Paper”, a Christmas themed song written in 1964 and performed by Willie Nelson as well as Orbison.  As the song concluded one of Isaak’s crew came running across the stage with a sign advertising their next stop; Waukegan, IL.  I’m sure it sounded tempting to some to follow Chris to his next destination but Mother Nature had already played her ‘wicked game’ on the roads and that idea.

-Kendal Schmidt