BY ALLIE RUSSELL
Alec Benjamin’s highly anticipated 12 Notes tour made its stop in Chicago last week, and the energy inside the Riviera Theater was electric from the moment he stepped on stage. The crowd was undeniably hyped, screaming as soon as Benjamin kicked off the night with track “I Sent My Therapist to Therapy”. The energy only grew from there as Benjamin mixed tracks off the new album with his older hits, and everyone in the crowd sang along to every word
The stage design was minimalist but effective, featuring large windowpane structures and warm lighting that created an intimate atmosphere. Blue lights glowed from behind the windows, shifting in color throughout the set to match the mood of each song, enhancing the storytelling element of Benjamin’s performance. The lamps and other props on stage added a cozy and homey vibe, inviting the audience to join him in his world.
Alec Benjamin’s storytelling shines through in his live performance through the unique way he approaches his songs. Big, emotional choruses are balanced with almost conversational verses. This was particularly evident in “Different Kind of Beautiful,” where he alternated between standing during the choruses and sitting for the quieter, more reflective verses. His ability to blend such vulnerable moments with anthemic hooks is a testament to his signature style, and something fans have grown to love from Alec Benjamin.
“If We Have Each Other” was a standout moment, with the entire crowd passionately singing every word back to him. Benjamin was incredibly chatty with the audience, creating a warm connection throughout the night. He also gave a shoutout to the city, humorously thanking Chicago for “not being so cold this time”. Another humorous moment came when he commented on how the items thrown on stage usually get progressively larger as the night goes on after a fan tossed a bracelet. “I’m a small guy!” he quipped, sparking laughter throughout the room.
The middle of the show featured a more stripped down, acoustic set, where Benjamin showcased his talent as both a singer and a songwriter. Sitting along on stage, he played fan favorites “Annabelle’s Homework,” “I Built a Friend,” “Jesus in LA,” and “Paper Crown”. His vocal performance was clearly the star of the night, with the band offering just enough support to enhance the experience without overpowering him.
“Water Fountain” was another crowd pleaser, with fans shouting it from the audience all night with hopes he would play the song. Benjamin performed the first verse solo before the band joined in to restart the song. The groovy “Love the Ones Who Leave” and a lively rendition of “Outrunning Karma” kept the momentum going as the night progressed, and sounded even better than their recordings in the live setting.
He closed the main set with “Sacrifice Tomorrow”, a highly danceable track that left the audience buzzing with energy. It was a smart choice to end on such a high, with the crowd clearly not ready to end the night. After a brief pause, Benjamin returned for an encore, performing “12 Notes” and his breakout hit “Let Me Down Slowly,” leaving fans with a final heartfelt performance that capped off the unforgettable night.
In all, Alec Benjamin’s night in Chicago was a perfect blend of incredible music, witty crowd interactions, emotional storytelling, and one of the strongest vocal performances I have ever seen from him. The minimal yet effective stage setup and his chatty, personable nature made the large room feel surprisingly intimate. Fans walked away feeling like they had shared a personal, memorable experience with Benjamin, something that will stay with them long after the show ends.
Distracted 
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