Chicago Fans Pack Joe’s for Adam Doleac’s Dream House Tour

The city of Chicago embraced an unexpected warmth this February, with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 50 degrees. It felt like a sign that the night ahead would be nothing short of extraordinary. Joe’s on Weed St., known for its warehouse-style vibe and nearly three decades of hosting unforgettable country music performances, was the perfect setting for the evening. As fans lined up, there was an unmistakable buzz in the air, a shared excitement rippling through the crowd.

All Photos By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography

The chatter of friends and strangers alike filled the space, all united by their love for live music and the promise of what the Dream House Tour had in store. The lights of the venue illuminated the surrounding streets as people streamed inside, ready to experience an artist who has made a profound connection with listeners across the country. The unusually mild weather seemed to reflect the warmth of the night’s energy, amplifying the anticipation even further.

Madeline Merlo stepped onto the stage and immediately brought an infectious energy that swept through the crowd. Her vibrant performance was made even more special when she introduced her guitarist, Jackson, a Chicago native, which drew an enthusiastic response from the audience. Her setlist was a blend of songs she’s written for herself and other artists, showcasing her talent as both a singer and a songwriter.

Click The Image Above For The Full Madeline Merlo Photo Gallery

The crowd lit up during her rendition of Champagne Night, a hit recorded by Lady A, and joined in on the vocals during her heartfelt cover of Olivia Dean's Man I Need. Between songs, Madeline’s connection with the audience felt genuine, and her stories gave a glimpse into her personal journey. She closed her set with It Didn't, a song that carried an emotional weight, sharing her struggles and the strength it took to push forward. The warmth she exuded on stage made her performance resonate deeply with everyone in the room.

With the opening act wrapped up, the energy in the room shifted, growing even more electric as fans eagerly awaited Adam Doleac’s arrival. The venue felt alive, with voices buzzing in excitement and the crowd pressing closer to the stage. The atmosphere was one of shared anticipation, as conversations turned to favorite songs and personal connections to Adam’s music. The lights dimmed slightly, amplifying the sense of something special about to unfold. Cheers and whistles started to ripple through the packed space, building to a crescendo as the moments stretched on. Every small movement on stage—technicians adjusting equipment, instruments being tuned- elicited an excited response from the audience. You could feel the room collectively holding its breath, waiting for that first note to strike. The passion in the air was undeniable, and it was clear that Chicago was ready to give Adam the warmest of welcomes.

The moment Adam Doleac stepped onto the stage, the atmosphere transformed into something electric. From the very first notes of Ain’t She, his natural charisma and talent pulled the crowd in, creating a feeling of connection that filled the room. Fans immediately joined in, their voices blending with his during songs like Somewhere Cool With You and Coulda Loved You Longer. Each track seemed to resonate deeply, as Adam’s vocals effortlessly carried the emotion behind his lyrics. He brought his signature warmth to the performance, smiling and engaging with the audience between songs, making everyone feel like they were a part of something special. When he transitioned into tracks like Dream House and Drinking It Wrong, the energy only grew stronger, with fans swaying, singing, and hanging onto every note. Adam’s stage presence was undeniable, and the way he poured himself into each song created a powerful, shared experience that felt unique to the night.

Adam created a night full of surprises, bringing Madeline Merlo back on stage to perform their duet Day One together for the first time live. The pair’s harmonies blended beautifully, and their connection brought an extra spark to the performance, leaving the crowd completely captivated. Another standout moment came during Close That Tab, when Adam had some fun with the audience by weaving the names of their exes, like Conner, Lucas, and Gary, into the lyrics. The crowd erupted with laughter and cheers, clearly enjoying the playful interaction. These moments of spontaneity and collaboration showcased Adam’s ability to make every show feel unique and personal. From heartfelt duets to humorous improvisation, the evening was filled with instances that highlighted not only Adam’s artistry but also his ability to connect with his fans in an authentic and memorable way.

Adam Doleac’s ability to connect with the crowd went beyond his music, offering moments that felt deeply personal. Before performing Puzzle Of Us, he shared a lighthearted story about how two bikers inspired the song, earning laughs and smiles from the audience. His shift to the piano for Barstool Whiskey Wonderland brought a different, more intimate energy to the room, showcasing his versatility and emotional depth. Fans were visibly moved when he introduced Another, sharing how it’s become a cherished part of so many people’s love stories & weddings. These stories and heartfelt moments created a sense of closeness between Adam and his audience, making the performance feel uniquely meaningful. Every song felt like a conversation, as Adam poured his heart into each note, making the crowd feel like they were not just spectators but an essential part of the night.

“This song didn’t go number 1 on the radio, but something else happened, that is became thousands and thousands of peoples first dance song, and it’s been so fun to watch”

Click The Image For The Full Adam Doleac Photo Gallery

Adam closed out the night with a series of songs that kept the energy high and the crowd fully engaged. Tracks like Meet Me In the City and Famous had everyone singing along, their voices filling the venue one last time. His gratitude toward the Chicago audience was clear, as he shared how much he loves playing in the city. The final moments of the show felt like a celebration, with Adam pouring every bit of passion into his performance. As the last notes of Whiskey's Fine faded, the crowd erupted into cheers, reluctant to see the night end. It was a performance that left everyone with full hearts and memories that will last long after the Valentine’s Day weekend is over.

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Set List:

Aint She

Somewhere Cool With You

Coulda Loved You Longer

All Over Again

Puzzle Of Us

Barstool Whiskey Wonderland

Didn’t We

Dream House

Drinking It Wrong

You Go I Go

Don’t It Sound All Right

Neon Fools

Day One

Bar Named Jesus

Girl In Love

Close That Tab

Another

Meet Me In The City

Famous

Whiskeys Fine