The big surprise last night at the Musicians on Call gala? The lady, the legend Dionne Warwick came as a guest and nearly stole the show!
The gala featured some other legends — Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Chicago — who blew the roof off the Hard Rock Cafe with all their hits like “25 or 6 to 4,” “Beginnings,” and “Baby What a Big Surprise.”
But the big surprise was during the live auction, Warwick bid $6,000 and won a signed guitar from all the members of the band including 50 year originals James Pankow, Lee Loughnane, and Robert Lamm. Dionne knows how important Musicians on Call is, bringing music to hospitals around the world.
What a night! Chicago was brought to Columbia Records in the late 60s under Clive Davis in the spirit of Blood, Sweat, & Tears. Their early albums (before lead singer Peter Cetera got out of control with soft rock) were so cool, full of jazz rhythms and so much life. (Sorry– I love “Saturday in the Park”).
Last night they played all the hits except for “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” (I do.) Full of soaring melodies, their songs have stood the test of time beautifully.
Great night! Great charity!
