Emblem3 from Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois

Emblem3 on the “Stars Dance” tour with Selena Gomez, Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, November 22, 2013

Emblem3, Allstate Arena, Rosemont, IL, 11/22/13, ©PRL-Photos Peter Lizano

Ever since Emblem3, Drew Chadwick, Wesley Stromberg, and Keaton Stromberg, burst on to TV screens on X Factor, you could see stars in the making. After selling out venue’s in the summer with their headlining shows, they are opening the show for Selena Gomez arena tour.

The stage was setup with a drumkit on the right side, in the middle a box with a ramp with the Emblem3 logo on it and on the left guitar, bass and keyboard. As the lights dimmed the box lit up with the shadows of the 3as the front was kicked down out walked Drew, Wes and Keaton to huge roar from the crowd. They opened with Girl Next Door, a catchy song that had everyone dancing.

In my opinion, what separates Emblem3 from other younger acts in this genre, is the ability to jump from reggae rhythms, hip-hop beats, and guitar driven songs. They performed a funky stripped down version of Spaghetti they transitioned smoothly into 3000 Miles.

Keaton played guitar and talked about being on the road so much it can be hard but having the fans support it makes it easier. Drew told the fans Wes was sick tonight and he was doing his best to sing for everyone. I have to say most opening acts would have called it in or just not played that night, was nice to see a group take their music seriously as well as the fans that paid to see them, speaks volumes. Next was Sunset Blvd a nod to their home state California that is a perfect song to cruise with the top down, music blasting. They closed their set with Chloe (You’re the One I Want) with the problem of bullying often in the spotlight, this is a very positive spin on being just yourself.

Emblem3 proved to have the staying power long after the X-Factor and in another year or for sure by the next album will be headlining arena’s themselves. Chicago will be getting another chance to check them out in December at the Jingle Bash.

Review & Photos by Peter Lizano