Union Station’s Great Hall was like a nightclub when top recording artists Maroon 5 and Sara Bareilles performed a concert Thursday night.
The concert was part of a corporate promotion by Caesars Entertainment, owners of Horseshoe, Harrah’s and Caesars Casinos. Simultaneous concerts with other top acts were held in New York, Los Angeles and New Orleans.
While the event blocked off a major portion of the station and transformed the room into a large nightclub with a red carpet, cash bars and lounge chairs, the setup did not seem to trouble commuters.
Kammy McClurg, 44, was on her way home from work in Schaumburg. She was redirected to another exit instead of her usual path through the Great Hall to get to Jackson Boulevard.
“It’s not as chaotic as I thought it would be,” she said. “I could see how some people would be perturbed though.”
Many commuters curiously peeked through the curtained-off doors to the Great Hall to catch a glimpse of the celebrities, which included Rosie O’Donnell.
E!’s Giuliana and Bill Rancic emceed the show, which opened with video of Celine Dion performing at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Bareilles performed six songs, five on the piano and one a capella, including her hit “Love Song” and a cover of Beyonce’s “Single Ladies.”
Maroon 5 opened its portion of the show with its hit “Moves Like Jagger,” and the crowd of hundreds cheered loudly and danced. The group also performed its songs “Harder to Breathe,” “Sunday Morning” and “She Will Be Loved,” along with more than a half-dozen other tunes.
