Chicago Plays Carpenter Theatre at Richmond CenterStage Tonight

Chicago, the first American band to chart Top 40 albums in five decades, announces a concert at the Carpenter Theatre at Richmond CenterStage tonight, September 19, 2013 at 7:30 pm.

Tickets range from $27 to $84 (plus applicable fees) and can be purchased at Richmond CenterStage Box Office, online at ETIX.com or charge by phone at 1-800-514-ETIX (3849). ADA seating tickets are also available. Box office hours are Monday through Friday 10 am - 5 pm. For venue information visit RichmondCenterStage.com.

In 1967, musicians Walter Parazaider, Terry Kath, Danny Seraphine, Lee Loughnane, James Pankow, and Robert Lamm formed a group, named fondly after their beloved city of Chicago, with One Dream, to integrate all the musical diversity from their dearly loved city and weave a new sound, a rock 'n' roll band with horns.

Well before all the hits started flowing, Chicago established a reputation for its powerful live show. Fueled by a passion for music, Chicago's members exploded the conventions of what rock music could or should be. The result was a groundbreaking new form, played by extraordinarily talented musicians. Early fans like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin were sufficiently impressed - they took the group out on their respective tours. Once the group began making records, fans rewarded the group with record sales of 100,000,000, 21 Top 10 singles, 5 consecutive Number One albums, 11 Number One Singles and 5 Gold singles. An incredible 25 of their 33 albums have been certified platinum.

In recent years, Chicago toured extensively in North America and internationally, including headlining shows in Japan, Korea and the Philippines. Last year Chicago performed headlining shows throughout the United States, an extensive tour of Europe as well as dates in Mexico and Canada. The band continues to tour throughout North America and dates are posted to the band's website (www.chicagotheband.com) and via twitter (www.twitter.com/chicagotheband) as soon as they are confirmed.

Chicago released their 33rd record in 2012 with their third album of holiday music, titled "O Christmas Three." The album features special guests Dolly Parton, America, Steve Cropper, and BeBe Winans, and was produced by veteran producer Phil Ramone, one of the most respected and prolific music producers in the recording industry (Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, Madonna, Elton John, Paul McCartney).

A few of Chicago's Accolades:

• Record sales of 100,000,000+

• 21 T op 10 singles

• 5 consecutive Number One albums

• 11 Number One singles

• 5 Gold singles

• 47 gold and platinum records

• An incredible 25 of their 33 albums have been certified platinum

• Chicago's live 2005 DVD of their epic performances with Earth, Wind & Fire was certified platinum in less than two months.

A world-class performing arts facility located in the heart of Richmond on Grace Street between 6th and 7th streets, Richmond CenterStage includes the fully-renovated, 82-year-old, nearly 1,800-seat Carpenter Theatre. In addition, CenterStage offers guests and performers three separate venues: the multi-use space Rhythm Hall; the intimate Gottwald Playhouse; and Showcase Gallery, for exhibition of the visual arts. The Genworth BrightLights Education Center, located on the third floor, promotes arts in education to the region's K-12 students. Also included in CenterStage's venues is the Landmark Theater, which is located in the heart of Richmond's historic Fan District at 6. N. Laurel Street.

Carpenter Theatre at Richmond CenterStage is a SMG Richmond managed facility. Across the globe, SMG manages more than 14 million square feet of exhibition space and more than 1.75 million arena and theatre seats. As the recognized global industry leader, SMG provides venue management, sales, marketing, event booking/ programming, construction/design consulting, and pre-opening services. SMG also offers food and beverage operations through its concessions and catering company SAVOR, currently serving more than 100 accounts worldwide.