CHATAUQUA, NY | Wilco played their final show of the summer this past Friday at the historic Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater with opener Cut Worms. It was their Chautauqua debut and a special treat for the historic educational and recreational community celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.
Of all the venues I’ve seen Wilco perform at through the years, this one was the most uniquely personal, as I spent my childhood and adolescent summers on the idyllic grounds, never dreaming that one day I’d be given the opportunity to photograph a favorite band in my favorite place. A great American band in a great American place over the 4th of July weekend? It doesn’t get more red, white, and blue.
The band, who coincidentally just held this year’s rendition of their own Chautauqua-like creation, Solid Sound Festival, was in full shred fest mode from the moment they kicked off the night with “Misunderstood,” to their banger of a finale cover, The Grateful Dead’s “U.S. Blues.”
There was a little something for everyone, as thoughtfulness takes up a good portion of the band DNA. They’re generous—to their crew, to their fans, to their tourmates. And it doesn’t hurt that their musicianship is otherworldly. This time around, I was particularly enamored with the live version of their newer “Bird Without a Tail/Base of My Skull.”
No upcoming shows have been announced for Wilco, but I suspect that they’ll be back on the road soon, as they’ve made a career of doing so. While you’re waiting, give a listen to their new EP, “Hot Sun Cool Shroud,” release just a few weeks ago.
SETLIST
Misunderstood
Forget the Flowers
Handshake Drugs
At Least That’s What You Said
I Am My Mother
Cruel Country
I Am Trying to Break Your Heart
Meant to Be
Annihilation
Hummingbird
Side With the Seeds
Evicted
Bird Without a Tail / Base of My Skull
Company in My Back
Impossible Germany
Jesus, Etc.
Box Full of Letters
The Late Greats
Heavy Metal Drummer
A Shot in the Arm
Falling Apart (Right Now)
California Stars (Billy Bragg & Wilco cover) (with Cut Worms)
U.S. Blues (Grateful Dead cover)
