When rock’n’roll artist Wille Nile promises that he will deliver a great live concert he doesn't take it lightly, he means every word, and on Saturday night he didn’t break his promise. A frequent visitor to Valparaiso (he has played in the town four times), Nile once again commanded the stage to make a lasting impression on both long time fans and new ones. It wasn’t only Valparaiso residents that flocked to downtown to hear Nile and his band play - people from Detroit, New York, Illinois and other parts of the country joined in to see Willie Nile make his triumphant return to the Memorial Opera House.
Before the show began and before opening act Jefferson Grizzard took the stage, the Opera House was buzzing with anticipation for what they were about to witness. Jerry Hagger, a Valpo resident that has seen Willie Nile multiple times, explained that he was sure the concert was going to meet his high expectations.
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“They’re one of the most energetic acts that I’ve ever seen on stage. I’ll tell ‘ya - we’ve seen bands like U2 and the Rolling Stones but the second time I saw Willie and his band play I realized his shows are some of the best ones I’ve ever seen.” Hagger explained. “We couldn’t wait to see him again and my wife’s even worn her ‘American Ride’ themed scarf too. He’s a great performer and tonight will be fantastic - again.”
From the first time the band took a foot on stage, the energy and power that so many had talked about was there. It wasn’t long until the crowd was giving as much energy back. The mutual admiration from the audience and Willie was apparent throughout the night. From Willie’s multiple mentions of the magic he sees in of Valpo and the “slammin and beautiful place that keeps bringing me back” to the approving shouts from the crowd, it was clear that not only was the crowd there for the band but the band was there for them too.
The show slowly built from a simply high-energy concert to a night that some classified as one of the best shows they’d ever seen. At first there were simply standing ovations after songs, long applauses, and shouts and whistles from the crowd - but soon enough the audience got out of their seats and made their way to the stage. The last few songs of the night, including an encore filled with covers, culminated into grown men and women letting loose, making the ground beneath them move, and in some cases getting their hands on the instruments. Near the end of the show is where the love between the artist and the crowd hit its pinnacle. A group of people in the balcony made their way to the railing to showcase their calling card for Nile - black t-shirts which helped to spell “We [heart] Willie Nile” along a color-changing light up poster to go with. Once the band noticed the group, it was only a couple songs later until Nile himself made his way up to the balcony - while still playing his guitar - to spend a few minutes of the show with his fans.
After Nile and his band gave their final bows and the house lights went back up, so many of the people who were up front and throughout the theatre all had similar things to say - that the concert they had just witnessed was fantastic. Brad Koeppen, of Imagine Music, LLC, said that the response he also heard from the crowd about the show was only incredibly positive.
“This now has to be the best Imagine Music concert this far - it’s clearly taken the number 1 spot.” Koeppen stated. “Everyone I’ve talked to since the show ended said that this has been one of the best shows they’ve seen here - some in their life. For me tonight is certainly in my top five.”
Johanna Simon, who travelled from Chicago to see Nile and his band play, agreed with everyone on how much she enjoyed the show.
“It was incredible. I know these guys, I’ve seen them live three times, and every time they completely bring all they have to the show.” Simon stated. “I really loved tonight. I was the first one dancing up there, I was ready to go and I’m glad the rest of the place had a good time like I did.”
It’s obvious that Saturday night will be fresh in the minds of many for a the near future but until Nile makes another stop at the Opera House it will certainly stay in the top spot of one of the best concerts Imagine Music has put on. Even with preconceived notions of Nile delivering a great show he blew past them farther than anyone expected. It was a great night for everyone at the show on Saturday night, and it will assuredly be remembered as one.