Jack Johnson I Got You (Bonnaroo Hay Bale Session)

Last time Jack Johnson played Chicago was back in 2005 at the newly opened Northerly Island, where he was joined by the forefather of chill beach tunes, Jimmy Buffett, in town to play the first major concert at Wrigley Field.

Since then, he's released three albums, 2008's Sleep Through the Static, 2010's To the Sea, and this September's From Here to Now to You -- all instant #1s. That's why even though this past Sunday evening found him playing a sold-out show at the storied 3,500 seat Chicago Theatre (you had to enter a lottery to even purchase tickets!), it was still considered an intimate engagement.

When we last checked in with Jack he was triumphantly filling in as Bonnaroo headliner for Mumford & Sons while their bassist Ted Dwane recovered from emergency brain surgery. With just mere hours to prepare, his band, including ALO frontman Zach Gill, percussionist Adam Topol, and bassist Merlo Podlewski, rose to the occasion, even covering Mumford's "The Cave" as well as an impromptu tune "What The Hell, It's Bonnaroo!" which perfectly captured the ad hoc nature of the show.

Sunday evening at the Chicago Theatre saw a more fully formed set, with wooden accented lights hung by industrial pulleys. Beginning under a single spotlight, Jack began with solo acoustic renditions of "Do You Remember," "Plastic Jesus/Fall Line" and "Good People," before being joined by his complete band for classics like "Flake" and "Taylor," and sing-a-longs like "Bubble Toes" and "Wasting Time." The set also included guest spots by openers Bahamas singing back up on "Don't Believe a Thing I Say" and a ukulele-tinged "Breakdown."

The relaxed melodies and universal lyrics of his tunes make Jack Johnson's live set an undeniably enjoyable sing-a-long that will instantly transport you to the beach, or the Bonnaroo farm.