We attended a very unique event last Saturday night: we saw Brazilian guitarist Paulinho Garcia at the Auditorium Theater in Chicago.

The Auditorium is a huge venue– almost 4000 seats– and it’s where we’ve seen REM, Bob Dylan, and a memorable production of Evita (follow the link to see why I said “memorable”).

This show was set up cabaret-style. This means there were about 50 tables (for 6) set up on the stage, with the performers set up at the front of the stage, facing back, so our view was of Paulinho and his group with the rest of the Auditorium Theater behind him. These photos don’t do it justice, but you’ll get the idea. They also served wine and, if you were so inclined, a fruit and cheese tray. We split a bottle and a tray with some very nice people who were also seated at our table.

I had seen Paulinho several times over the years when he was a regular performer at Julio’s Cocina Latina, a wonderful little spot in Lake Zurich. I’m very glad to see his career taking off like this.

Here’s a link to a review of the show. I’d also like to put a plug in for radio host Scott Adams and his Brazil Club Facebook Page, which is how we got the tickets.

A visit to the Greek Islands followed by a leisurely walk to the Auditorium made it a great Saturday night!