Last night with my sister and brother-in-law was full of stars. It started with a five-star meal at Petterino’s and finished with a stage full of musical stars and one Starr, Ringo that is.

Jean, Scott and I met at Petterino’s, a favorite Italian restaurant of ours. They shared plates of chicken Parmesan and eggplant Parm, while I opted for chicken and wild mushroom risotto. Dining early, we enjoyed our meals and all the fun caricatures on the walls in a quieter setting than usual.

On the short walk to the Chicago Theatre, we savored the beautiful weather, knowing colder days are near. Built in 1921, the Chicago Theatre is a landmark theatre in the heart of downtown Chicago. It is both grand and modern, making it a magnificent venue. Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band sold all 3,600 seats.

While I was a bit late in discovering the Beatles, I made up for it in fervor. As a group or as four solo acts, they are musical royalty and elite Hall of Famers.

It was pure magic from the minute Ringo and his band took the stage. Starting with Ringo’s “Matchbox,” the set lasted more than two hours. It featured all members taking turns in the spotlight, creating the feel of several different concerts all in one. The band’s elder statesman at 82, Ringo only took a short break, with the band filling the void with an incredible jam. We agreed the band delivered much more than expected. Although all are legends, they performed with energy belying their average age of 72.

The crowd stood throughout the show and gave a tremendous ovation at the conclusion. A purveyor of peace and love, Ringo proved he can still rock a stage, especially with a little help from his friends.

— John Wroblewski, online writer