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Chicago a cappella collaborates with WTTW’S Geoffrey Baer for “Building American Pop” Concert in Evanston
Join the 10 singers of Chicago a cappella Apr 25 at Nichols Concert Hall to explore the Brill Building era with special guest Geoffrey Baer
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EVANSTON, IL — Chicago a cappella will bring its new concert program Building American Pop to Nichols Concert Hall in Evanston on Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m., featuring a rare live appearance by WTTW’s Geoffrey Baer.
Baer, the Emmy Award–winning host of popular WTTW specials such as Chicago by Boat, Chicago by ‘L’, and Chicago’s Loop, joins the ensemble on stage as narrator and co-writer of the program’s script. During the performance, he guides audiences through the story of New York City’s legendary Brill Building, the songwriting hub where many of the biggest pop hits of the 1950s and ’60s were created.
The concert highlights the golden age of American pop songwriting, when composers worked side by side crafting songs that dominated the charts. Chicago a cappella’s ten singers perform favorites such as “Stand by Me,” “On Broadway,” and “Hound Dog,” bringing the iconic music of the era to life in a cappella arrangements.
The program features 15 arrangements created specifically for Chicago a cappella, including 12 new arrangements by longtime ensemble member, singer, and program creator Joe Labozetta. The production also incorporates projections by Jeff Award–winning designer Anthony Churchill to help tell the story of the Brill Building era.
Chicago a cappella returns to Nichols Concert Hall as part of a short Chicagoland tour running April 19–26. The ensemble, founded in the early 1990s, is known for its dynamic performances and creative programs that span a wide range of musical styles.
Building American Pop – Evanston Performance
Saturday, April 25, 2026
7:30 p.m.
Nichols Concert Hall
1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston
Tickets range from $50 to $60, with limited $10 student tickets and pay-what-you-can tickets available. Additional performances take place on April 19 at Chicago’s Studebaker Theater and the McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn on April 26.
Tickets and additional information are available at chicagoacappella.org or by calling (773) 281-7820.
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