19 May Intimate Show with ODESZA: Chicago Theater [Event Review]

On May 16th, 2024, the electrifying duo ODESZA, famous for rocking out in colossal music arenas, lit up the legendary Chicago Theatre stage. This one-of-a-kind DJ set, featuring special guest Phantoms, was a not-to-be-missed event exclusive to Chase Sapphire Card members.

Photo by Delilah Bestler

As a fan of the iconic duo Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight, who make up ODESZA, the news of them coming to The Chicago Theater was a moment of pure excitement. I knew I had to find a way to be part of this monumental event.

Nestled snugly in the heart of downtown Chicago, The Chicago Theater is a historical gem. Constructed in 1921 with a fancy French Baroque flair, it proudly stands as America’s first colossal movie palace, a brainchild of the cinematic masterminds Balaban & Katz. The plush lobby, regal staircase, and the stunning auditorium bedecked with enchanting murals all play a part in the majestic aura of this ‘Wonder Theatre of the World’. For close to a hundred years, The Chicago Theater has been a magnet for the world’s top artists, with its iconic ‘Chicago’ marquee serving as a timeless emblem of its rich legacy.

I arrived a bit before 7 pm, hopefully, to avoid a crazy line, and I was pleased to discover that there were very few people there. The security check was swift and thorough, whisking me inside just 5 minutes after the doors opened. Being there so soon, the venue was still pretty empty, so I familiarized myself with the location, grabbed a drink, and relaxed. One thing to keep in mind when going to a show at this venue is that this theater is almost entirely seated. So when they refer to “GA standing room”, this translates to a musical chairs free-for-all, so snagging a seat close to the action is all about that early bird hustle. And if you were rocking the VIP status, hello plush seats and front row pit view!

Phantoms

Phantoms took the stage as guest DJs, serving up killer beats to hype up the crowd before the main show. I stumbled upon their performance at Electric Forest 2023 and couldn’t wait for an encore. They hit the stage right on cue, and boy, did they bring the party! Hailing from Los Angeles, Kyle Kaplan & Vinnie Pergola of Phantoms blend house and indie dance with their unique synth and drum vibes. Their music defies labels, keeping you on your toes during their sets and leaving you eager to hear what surprises they’ll drop next.

Photo by Delilah Bestler

ODESZA

ODESZA hit the stage at 9 pm sharp for a thrilling hour-and-a-half DJ session. The room plunged into darkness, their logo lighting up the LED screen. The bass kicked in, lights twirling above. Taking their spot behind the decks, they unleashed a tsunami of sound that filled the room with an epic vibe. Each track seamlessly blended into the next, creating an electrifying mix of hits like “Say My Name,” “Line of Sight,” “A Moment Apart,” and many more, sending the crowd into a frenzy!

Photo by Delilah Bestler

The ODESZA crowd was a wild bunch, a vibrant mix of die-hard fans singing every word and newbies just soaking it all in. Normally, I catch ODESZA’s full-blown show, but this time, it was a cozy DJ set, bringing me inches from the action. I could practically count their smiles and feel the music vibe. These guys are pure magic on stage—a rare breed of entertainers!

When they unleashed their final tune, “The Last Goodbye,” the crowd sensed the end and belted out every lyric. This song, in particular, brings me back to when I saw them at Electric Forest 2023, one of the most spectacular moments I have ever witnessed. The crowd kept the melody alive, pulsating in movement until the epic finale, when confetti rained down, sprinkling extra pixie dust on a night to remember.

In summary, this show had it all.

Insane light shows with lasers, state-of-the-art sound with a crisp quality that allowed everyone to enjoy every beat and note that flew out of the speakers, and a level of intimacy we don’t typically experience with them. Leaving the venue, I couldn’t help but feel incredibly lucky to be part of this vibrant community of music lovers and dreamers. Kudos to everyone who made this unforgettable journey possible!

It was undoubtedly a surreal concert experience, and I would love to see more at The Chicago Theater.