“Dreams do come true, even dreams you didn’t even bother dreaming because they seem too ridiculous,” said Alaina Moore early in Tennis’ April 7 performance at Chicago’s Riviera Theatre.
Moore was referring to the fact that the last time she and Patrick Riley took the stage at The Riv, in 2013, Tennis was opening for Haim and the duo never imagined that they would headline the venue themselves. With songs from their stellar 2023 release Pollen now in their arsenal, it’s only a matter of time before Tennis finds even more fans and has to expand to playing bigger spaces.
“One Night with the Valet,” “My Emotions Are Blinding,” and “Ladies Don’t Play Guitar” began the set, instantly transporting fans to another dimension with their perfectly-finessed, artfully-hypnotic sights and sounds. “Need Your Love,” “Forbidden Doors,” and “Runner” also appeared on the evening’s setlist.
This tour is also special for Tennis as it is sponsored by the Colorado Department of Tourism with Moore and Riley serving as ambassadors of their home state. With a smile, Moore called the honor the “most rock and roll thing” and proof that they have made it.
Earlier in the night, Kate Bollinger and her band opened the show. Sound problems and technical difficulties plagued her set, but she made the best of the situation by pivoting, ditching her guitar, and playing a never-before-heard version of “Running.”
Introducing the track, Bollinger said, “This is a special version of the song that no one has ever heard, not even us.”
Cellphones instantly went up to capture video of what became a stripped down, jazzy rendition of the new fan favorite.
Tennis will continue their tour in support of Pollen through May 6 when they play the South Side Ballroom in Dallas, TX. Check out photos from the duo’s Chicago stop – featuring Kate Bollinger – below and head over to Tennis-music.com for more information.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
