Three legendary acts grace New Jersey stages this season

by Jessica Jones Gorman

URBAN ICONS
Formed in 1967 as Chicago Transit Authority before shortening its name in 1969, one of America’s longest running and most successful rock groups is a multimember ensemble that has sold more than 100 million records, and is responsible for hits like “If You Leave Me Now,” “Baby What a Big Surprise,” and “Saturday in the Park.”

Of founding members Terry Kath, Robert Lamm, Danny Seraphine, Walter Parazaider, Lee Loughnane, James Pankow (and in short order Peter Cetera), Lamm, Seraphine, and Pankow are still in the ranks (lead singer Cetera left the band in 1987). They are joined by Keith Howland, Lou Pardini, and a number of other artists.

Chicago’s current tour, which will make a stop at The Event Center at Borgata on April 13, includes a front row meet and greet package for $450, which includes exclusive access to the band as well as commemorative VIP merchandise, including a personal photo taken with band members. 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, theborgata.com.

KIDJO: IN THE MIX
Singer, activist, and three time Grammy Award winner Angelique Kidjo who Time described as “Africa’s premier diva,” is coming to Princeton for a one night engagement on April 12 to, as she puts it “share the music and voices that decorate my life and craft,” as well as to tease tracks from her upcoming album, Celia (due out on April 19). Cross pollinating the West African traditions of a childhood in Benin with elements of R&B, jazz, funk, and other influences from Latin America and Europe, her albums are swirling in the diversity and delicious hooks. She has performed with music organizations as diverse as the Bruckner Orchestra, The Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and Austin City Limits. McCarter Theatre Center, 91 University Place, Princeton, mccarter.org

FOREIGNER: THE HITS ON TOUR
With an expansive catalog of 10 multi-platinum albums and 16 Top 30 hits from the 1970s and ’80s, Foreigner is responsible for some of rock’s most enduring anthems, including “Cold As Ice,” “Hot Blooded,” “Urgent,” and “I Want to Know What Love Is.” On May 7, the band will perform those classics and more on the Count Basie Center for the Arts stage. Three VIP Packages for the show are available ($199 to $399), the last including a front row ticket, an exclusive pre show meet and greet with the members of the band (including personal photograph), a tour poster autographed by members, an array of free swag, and crowd free merchandise shopping. 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, thebasie.org