Shortly after seeing Haley Reinhart perform twice in the Chicago area last year, I interviewed her for Talking Travel on Global Traveler. Reinhart promised she would be back soon, as she always returns to her home. Reinhart fulfilled that promise with an amazing concert at North Shore Center for Performing Arts.

Reinhart rose to fame after placing third on American Idol in 2011. Since then she has performed solo and as part of Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox. Her cover of an Elvis Presley song was used in a gum commercial and has gone double platinum, as Reinhart announced during her show.

For two hours Reinhart delighted the crowd with original tunes and covers. Raised in a musical family, Reinhart was joined by her parents and sister for “California Dreamin’,” showing the talent and closeness of the family. It was the first time I saw the whole family perform together. As usual, Reinhart finished with “Creep” as her encore. Reinhart always has so much fun on stage, but her shows here are extra special.

After the show, I caught up with her, her father, Harry, and sister Angie. Understandably, time was limited because of their many local friends.

North Shore Center for Performing Arts is a beautiful venue. Conveniently located walking distance of my place, it was designed by Boston-based architect/developer Graham Gundand. Opened in November 1996, the facility has an 867-seat main stage theater and a convertible 318-seat theater within 68,000 square feet of space. One of my favorite venues, every seat has a great sightline.

— John Wroblewski, online writer