Chicago Tribute Authority

The second biggest American rock bandever isn't so concerned about eight guysfrom Sacramento cashing in on their sound.When the members of cover band ChicagoTribute Authority met the real group aftertheir sold-out performance at the 2007California State Fair, the rock legendspractically gave the group their blessing."Chicago is very much behind anythingthat gets their name out and promotes themor their music,” said John Dengate,keyboardist for Chicago Tribute Authority.“I was telling Robert (Lamm, foundingChicago member) the most common thingwe hear (from our audiences) is that theyhad forgotten just how very many greatsongs Chicago has. Then they want to goout and pick up one or two of theiralbums.”That's something the tribute group hasbeen doing since its formation in 2005 -making people remember how much theylove the music of Chicago as well asintroducing their music to new fans. They'lldo it once again on Saturday, October 6that 8:00 p.m.at Pala Casino in Temecula.Chicago is one of the great jazz-rock fusiongroups and the only one who can claim aTop 40 record in every decade since the'60s.With hits such as “Saturday in the Park”and “Feelin' Stronger Every Day,” albumsales have made Chicago the second mostsuccessful American rock band of all timenext to The Beach Boys.Chicago has been a lifelong inspiration todrummer and lead vocalist Brian Clark ofChicago Tribute Authority. He broughttogether the group of Sacramento-areamusicians and long-time Chicago fanstogether in June 2005.Since then, the tribute band has beenbooked at feativals, fairs and casinosthroughout California and Nevada.Chicago Tribute Authority appreciates thefact that if it was not for the truly greatclassics of Chicago they would not exist.“Over the past forty decades Chicago hasbeen the voice of a generation… ourgeneration… speaking to the world for usthrough their lyrics and music. Throughthe turbulant 60’s & 70’s with all thepolitical upheaval, the craziness of the80’s & 90’s and now into the newmillenium, Chicago’s music rings truenow more t han ever. It has been of theconstant caliber that has made them thetruly legendary band they are today.” saidClarkMembers of the band say it's Chicago’soutstanding musical arrangements thatmake being in the band so much fun."It sounds easy and pleasant to the ears,but musically it's very challenging, and asa musician that's something you enjoydigging into,” Dengate said.The band tries to strike a balance betweenplaying the well-known hits like “Hard toSay I'm Sorry,” and “25 or 6 to 4” andsome of the lesser recognized numberssuch as “The Approaching Storm",“Dialogue” and “Harry Truman.”"The hardest thing is being such bigChicago fans ourselves is we enjoy playingsome of the more obscure stuff in additionto just the hits,” Dengate said.It’s this dedication to the “spirit” ofChicago’s performances that inspireChicago Tribute Authority.“These guys(Chicago) are still performing to over 200sold-out audiences a year! That’s anamazing record by anyone’s standards”Those who caught Chicago’s show forthe first time in September saw just howoutstanding they really are - those whohave been following them for years alreadyknow. - Auburn Journal