I kind of forgot people go out on Thursdays (or Mondays or Tuesdays or Wednesdays or Sundays… or even some Saturdays) but this week’s live music performance at Chicago’s Theory bar by Paul Kornmuller was a welcome reminder.

Paul took the stage at 6:30 and had the bar rocking well past 9:30 (when I left… honestly he may have rocked it well past midnight but yours truly was snooooozing by then). Mr. Kornmuller and his star singer covered a huge range of favorites, from “Footloose” to “Jack and Diane” with no banter and all swag.

The duo had an awesome knack for pulling together improvised medleys of feel-good-sing-along tunes that had all generations at the bar tapping their feet, doing their best to croon with the pair, and flat-out dancing at times.

Paul’s incredible ease on his guitar and with vocals kept the whole gig smooth and perfect for a rowdy sports bar. While the duo was unobtrusive in their manner, they really ended up stealing the show from the big screens blasting NBA and NHL around the crowd. All eyes were on him and his partner as beers were enjoyed and chicken wings were devoured.

Paul and his band have an active tour going around the Chi-town area at some pretty groovy pubs – check them out! You won’t regret it – and, if you’re like me, you can use it as an occasion to casually mention to EVERYONE that you were out past 8 on a weeknight. #YOLO as the kids say.