Samantha Fish and band, along with Eric Johanson - Photo credit: John Kosiewicz

Samantha Fish

On October 8, 2023, Samantha Fish, the undisputed queen of modern blues, left the Windy City awestruck with her scorching performance on the Love Letters Tour at Park West, Chicago. With her blazing guitar skills, soulful voice, and undeniable charisma, Fish delivered an unforgettable night of blues-rock that had the crowd on their feet and craving for more.

Eric Johanson

Opening for Samantha Fish was the talented Eric Johanson, whose bluesy melodies set the perfect stage for the headliner. Johanson’s heartfelt lyrics and impressive guitar work captivated the audience. His raw, unadulterated sound was a refreshing way to kick off the evening, and he certainly earned his own share of new fans that night.

The Show

As the lights dimmed and the stage lit up, Samantha Fish emerged with her band. The audience erupted in cheers. Samantha Fish and the band kicked off the night with her most popular song, “Bulletproof”. Fish’s vocals were amazing, showcasing her versatility as she switched effortlessly between gritty, growling blues and tender, heartfelt ballads. What truly sets Samantha Fish apart is her guitar wizardry. Her fingers danced across the fretboard, producing searing solos and intricate riffs that sent shivers down the spines of the crowd.

Highlights of the night included “Bulletproof,” an electrifying rendition of “Wild Heart” and closing out the set with “Black Wind Howlin'”. The crowd swayed and sang along, forming an unbreakable connection with the artist on stage. The night closed out with two encore songs: “I Put a Spell on You” (Screamin’ Jay Hawkins cover) and “Bitch on the Run”. Eric Johanson rejoined Samantha Fish on stage for a bit of a jam session on “Bitch on the Run”.

Wrap-up

In conclusion, Samantha Fish’s Love Letters Tour in Chicago was nothing short of phenomenal. It was a night of soul-stirring music and electrifying performances that will be etched in the memories of all lucky enough to be in attendance. Samantha Fish proved once again why she’s the reigning queen of the blues, and we can’t wait to see what she has in store for us in the future.

Samantha Fish Links

To keep up with Samantha Fish’s news and to catch them on tour, check out:

OFFICIAL | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | X (TWITTER) | YOUTUBE

Samantha Fish Setlist

Park West, Chicago, IL
October 8, 2023

• Bulletproof (Tangle Eye Mix)
• Wild Heart
• Better Be Lonely
• Chills and Fever (Johnny Love & His Orchestra cover)
• Poor Black Mattie (R.L. Burnside cover)
• Love Letters
• Somebody’s Always Trying (Ted Taylor cover)
• Jim Lee Blues, Part 1 (Charley Patton cover) (Samantha on acoustic guitar – solo)
• If I Were Your Woman (Gladys Knight & the Pips cover) (Samantha on acoustic guitar – solo)
• Need You More
• Never Gonna Cry (The Cineemas cover)
• Don’t Say You Love Me
• Dream Girl
• Black Wind Howlin’
  
  Encore:
• I Put a Spell on You (Screamin’ Jay Hawkins cover)
• Bitch on the Run (With Eric Johanson on guitar)

Photos by John Kosiewicz