Chicago Shows Up: The Crane Wives Take on a Sold-out Crowd at Park West
Article and Photo by El Wendy
Dim lights and smoke filled the air as a sold-out crowd filled the dark room of Park West Tuesday night. Eagerly awaiting them were the Crane Wives, ready to take the stage for their Act III Tour, showcasing a mix of familiar favorites from previous albums “Foxlore”, “Coyote Stories”, “The Fool In Her Wedding Gown”, and their most recent 2024 album “Beyond Beyond Beyond”.
Formed in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the American indie rock band The Crane Wives have come a long way since their start in 2010. The band features vocalists and guitarists Emilee Petersmark and Kate Pillsbury, drummer and vocalist Dan Rickabus, and bassist Ben Zito, who equally share the stage with a sense of trust and synergy that could only come from years of friendship.
Opening the show was the Chicago-born indie-pop artist Brye, who, despite facing great challenges on this tour- getting her trailer full of merchandise and music equipment stolen- brought unshakable confidence to the stage. Starting with her viral 2020 single “Lemons” and following with a mix of songs from her 2026 album “Cycle Breaker” and her 2023 album “Recover”, she sang through her set with familiarity, sharing vulnerable and unique stories in between each song.
After a brief intermission, Natasha Bedingfield's song “Unwritten” began to play, launching an unforgettable crowd singalong. Setting the tone for a playful and lively night, the song ended with the band taking the stage. Holstering the energy, they started the night with “Queen of Nothing”, a song that touches on the emotional and physical toll of hunting success as an artist and chasing a crown that can feel unrewarding at times.
As the night continued, they made sure to stop in between songs to interact with the crowd. Pillsbury and Petersmark acknowledge the longtime support Chicago has shown for the group. “Chicago has always shown up for us,” Pillsbury said, recalling memories of fans showing up for their first shows performed in fifteen-person rooms, and noting that the city contributes to the highest amount of their music streaming.
The most memorable part of the night was during the song “Sleeping Giants”, which explores personal growth and emotional buildup. The crowd erupted as soon as they heard the first chord, as golden lights bathed the room and a disco ball sparkled overhead, moving with everyone jumping and clapping collectively. Rickabus even shouted out fans in the back for their interpretive dancing.
The energy was palpable by the time the encore arrived. The band gave the audience their all by closing out with “Tongues and Teeth”, another vulnerable and yet powerful song that left a lasting impression on the fans as they filed out of the venue.
As the Crane Wives conclude their Act III Tour with stops in Columbia, MO, St. Louis, MO, and Indianapolis, IN, their show at Park West has proved to them that Chicago will continue to show up, just like they always have.