Talking Travel with Haley Reinhart

I have written many times about musician Haley Reinhart. About four years ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing her. That interview helped launch my Talking Travel series on Global Traveler.

I have wanted to interview her again for a while, but the timing was never quite right. That changed with my recent interview with musician Dave Koz. While setting up the interview, I learned Haley would be appearing on his upcoming Somma cruise. I pitched the idea of doing both interviews to Koz's PR person and all agreed. Another factor in my favor was Haley releasing her newest song "Promise." 

I was a bit more relaxed in this interview with Haley. I am still just as big of a fan of her, but having talked to her many times in person, I was much more at ease. For her part, Haley was as charming and engaging as always.

We talked a bit about "Promise" and her voiceover work on "F is For Family." Then we moved into talk of the cruise. We finished with a little Chicago talk, as she is a Chicago area gal.

The interview can be found on the Global Traveler YouTube channel. I hope you'll enjoy it and that you'll subscribe to the channel. The more subscribers the channel gets, the more fun interviews I can do.

Haley Reinhart at Arcada Speakeasy

If ever there was a performer perfectly suited for the Arcada Speakeasy, it is Haley Reinhart. A self-admitted old soul of music, Haley just fits the mood and vibe of the place.

Arcada Speakeasy is a throwback to those places of yesteryear. Complete with a password (Zoot Suit Riot) and secret doorway, everything about this place is a throwback.

I am not a concert guy, but I will always go to see Haley when she is around the Chicago area. This was my tenth time seeing her, trailing only 12 for Billy Joel. I have turned on several friends to Haley, including Tony, then his wife JoAnne, who I joined at the latest show.

One constant about Haley is her family. Their bond is evident on and off stage. On stage, father Harry often joins Haley for a few songs, while mom Patti sometimes will also sing a number or two.

Go to HaleyReinhart.com for more info on Haley. Also, check ClubArcada.com for info on this great venue.

Haley Reinhart and me in St. Charles, IL-September 2025.

Haley Reinhart Again

Everyone knows I am not a big concert goer. With minimal effort, I can probably name every concert I have ever attended.

For a long time, Billy Joel concerts were the only ones I definitely wanted to see. In recent years though, Haley Reinhart has joined Billy in that exclusive club.

Ever since seeing her on American Idol in 2011, I was hooked. A local gal, Haley's styling really impressed me. Her heart lies in the music of the 1960s and '70s, but she also writes and sings more modern tunes. Of course, I am biased, but she sings them all beautifully.

I have seen Haley eight times now, most recently Monday at Chicago's Lincoln Hall. That was the third time I have seen her there. Having interviewed Haley for Global Traveler and meeting her several times, she is now familiar enough with me to recognize me. 

Chicago shows are always special for Haley. As she said in our interview, she never strays too far from here. She also never strays too far from her family. Sister Angie's band The Alright Maybes, opened for Haley. Papa Harry joined Haley on stage for a couple songs. Mom was also there as were a bunch of her family members and close friends. of course, there also was her loyal group of #Haliens, including me. It's almost like a big family party.

If you aren't familiar with Haley's music or for more info, go to HaleyReinhart.com. She is as talented as she is sweet. My friends joke she must be special to get meto go to a concert, especially multiple times. My friends are right. Haley is special.

Haley Reinhart and me in Chicago, IL-July 2024.

Friend Encounters: Haley Reinhart and Tony

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

Today, I feature one of the most recent celeb meetings. It's also one I witnessed, although surprisingly I did not take the picture.

As is well-documented here, I have been a fan of Haley Reinhart for several years. I have seen her in concert at least six times (and I really don't like concerts).

When I saw Haley was performing near me at the North Shore Center for Performing Arts, I invited Tony to join me. I had sent him a few clips of her music and he was interested enough and trusted my judgment.

Of course, I loved this performance, but it was hard to tell what he felt during the show. Once it ended, he expressed how much he enjoyed her singing. I was glad to hear that and happy I did not steer him wrong.

After the show, there was a meet-and-greet. Of course I had to stay for it and Tony stayed, too. While waiting for Haley to come out, we chatted a bit with her father Harry, also a musician. We were lucky in our positioning, because when the announcement came for the event to start, we were one of the first few folks.

Haley remembered me from previous shows and from our interview (at Haley Reinhart Talking Music and Travel). Tony actually gave me credit for him being there (did I earn points with Haley for bring new #Haliens?).

As Tony drove me home, he talked excitedly about her singing. Her song list included a few different genres and Haley handled them all flawlessly. She covers a lot of eras and styles.

I highly encourage all to check out HaleyReinhart.com for more on Haley. Maybe I can bring more fans to Haley.

Haley Reinhart and Tony in Skokie, IL-November 2023.

Friend Encounters: Haley Reinhart and Jim Strong

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

A few months ago, my buddy Jim Strong and I attended two Haley Reinhart concerts in two venues about a week apart. After a long concert hiatus due to the pandemic, it was great seeing Haley again.

I have seen Haley five times now, more than any other musician except for Billy Joel. I also saw her in four different venues, with only Lincoln Hall being a repeat place.

Jim hadn't seen Haley, but I turned him onto her and he became a fan. He is even a bigger fan now that he has seen her twice, too. Plus, we got to meet her pre-show both times. She is such a sweetheart.

A week after the last show, I had the pleasure of Zoom interviewing Haley at Haley Reinhart: Talking Music and Travel for Global Traveler. While it wasn't an in-person interview, it was still a bucket list interview for me. I thank her and her team for making this happen.

Go to HaleyReinhart.com for more info on Haley. Check back here for my updates, as I am a big #Halien.

Jim Strong and Haley Reinhart in Des Plaines, IL-September 2022.

Talking Music and Travel with Haley Reinhart

After seeing Haley Reinhart in concert twice recently, I saw her again last weekend. This time it was via Zoom for Talking Music and Travel With Haley Reinhart for Global Traveler.

As well documented here, I am a big fan of Haley. Her Postmodern Jukebox version of "Creep" blows me away. Of course, that is just one of her many amazing performances. Not surprisingly, it would be hard to pick a top song (or even top five), but "Creep" would have to be in the mix.

The interview came together very quickly and easily. Even as I sat on Zoom waiting for the little light to appear notifying me of Haley's presence, I couldn't believe it was actually happening.

I admit, I was a bit stiff, probably from over-rehearsing my questions, and a tad nervous. Honestly, my nerves only kicked in a few minutes prior to the interview. Up until then, I was amazingly calm.

As for Haley, should couldn't have been nicer. She recognized me right away. We briefly chatted, then jumped into the interview, which lasted about 15 minutes. Post-interview, we chatted a bit more. I didn't want to take too much of her time, but I also didn't want to appear like I was rushing. I would have talked to her all day, but I think she had better things to do, especially in Nashville.

We covered several topics, including her start, her musical family, her musical choices and more. We finished with a bit of travel talk (I had to tie it into GT somehow LOL).

Oddly, when it ended, I felt more nervous than before. I think my adrenaline was gone and now I realized how cool this was for me. I hope Haley knows just how much this meant to me.

I greatly appreciate Haley for her time and consideration. I thank her media team for facilitating this interview. I also appreciate the fine folks at Global Traveler for giving me a little creative freedom with my online contributions. This was a bucket list interview for me and one of my biggest ever.

For more info on Haley and her touring, go to HaleyReinhart.com. Check out all my interviews on the Johngy's Beat YouTube channel.

Haley Reinhart Returns!

Last week, Haley Reinhart finally returned to the area for a birthday concert. After a few cancelled tours due to the pandemic, Haley was back better than ever. I wrote about the night at Haley Reinhart Birthday Concert for Global Traveler.

I have been a fan of Haley's since stumbling upon her videos on YouTube. While I missed her appearance on American Idol in 2011. Usually one to stick with older music, I quickly became of fan of Haley's. I have seen her four times now and I will be seeing her again next weekend.

A native of he Chicago area, Haley's local shows are always special. They are filled with family and friends, although Haley treats everyone like family. She is incredibly sweet in the meet-and-greets and her fater Harry, a musician on his own, is usually around talking to fans, before he joins Haley on stage.

Check out HaleyReinhart.com for more info and her concert schedule. Check GlobalTravelerUSA.com for all of my GT contributions.

Haley Reinhart an me in Aurora, IL-September 2022.

Haley Reinhart's Lo-Fi Soul Tour

My name is John and I am a "Halien."

Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending the Haley Reinhart concert. It was my third time seeing Haley and I thoroughly enjoyed each show. My report for Global Traveler appears online at Haley Reinhart at Chicago's Park West.

My friends know I am not a concert guy. I see Billy Joel every time he comes to Chicago, but that is pretty much it. I probably have seen less than 15 concerts (not counting Billy) in my life. From the first time I heard Haley singing "Creep" on YouTube, I was hooked.

Haley is one of the few musical acts of the last 25 years or so that I really like. I prefer more classic rock, although in many ways, Haley is a throwback. Her previous cd What's That Sound? is a perfect example of how she embraces that era.

There has been a soundcheck and a meet-and-greet at each of the three shows. Haley actually remembered me from the show last year.

The Park West holds about 1,000 people and I swear about 25% of the crowd was part of her family. Even those of us who aren't related were treated like extended family. Maybe because it is Chicago, but her shows are always like a big reunion. An especially heart-warming moment was when she called her grandfather to the stage and gave him a huge hug during soundcheck.

Haley's father Harry joined her on stage for a couple songs. A musician in his own right, the elder Reinhart had an amazing guitar solo.

Haley is a Chicago-area gal, but my appreciation goes way beyond her roots. I love her vocal range (from sultry slow songs to raucous rockers). In addition to that, she is a real sweetheart.

You can go to HaleyReinhart.com for more info on her. You can also check here, because I will be sure to write about any major Haley news. I admit it. I am a "Halien."

Haley Reinhart and me in Chicago, IL-April 2019.

Friendly Encounters: Haley Reinhart and Jim Gekas

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Many times, I am envious of my friends in their encounters with celebrities. This one would absolutely be near the top of that list, except I was there with Jim and I joined him in meeting Haley Reinhart. Actually, I was the reason he met her.

Haley is one of the few musical artists of recent years who I really like. A Chicago area native, she comes from a musical family. She appeared on the 10th season of American Idol, finishing in third place.

In addition to her beautiful voice, I really like her musical tastes. She often performs classic songs from the 1960's and '70's. Her album What's That Sound?, released last year, has 14 songs, mostly oldies, with a couple original compositions. I think I am close to wearing out the cd.

I am usually not a fan of concerts, but I had to make the exception when I learned Haley was appearing near me. Jimmy and I saw he in 2016 and then again in 2017 when she came back to the same venue.

Ever the logistics master, Jim scoped out the venue and secured the best seats for comfort and sight lines. We have enjoyed both shows from the same seats.

Prior to each show, I was able to wrangle meet-and-greet passes. Haley was as sweet as could be and actually remembered us the second time.

Haley concerts here are especially fun, because many friends and family members are in the audience. It is almost like a big family party (which would make me weird cousin Johngy?).

You can get all of the info and concert scheduling at HaleyReinhart.com. I also highly recommend you check out What's That Sound?

Haley Reinhart and Jim Gekas in Chicago, IL-November 2017.

Haley Reinhart at Lincoln Hall 2017

Haley Reinhart was born in the Chicago suburb of Wheeling. She rose to fame on tv's American Idol. Although she did not win the season (she finished third), she has gone on to a successful singing career.

I did not see Haley on AI, as I do not watch the show. I originally saw her accidentally when I came across her version of "Creep" on YouTube. I was blown away by her vocals. I started searching and downloading as much of her music as I could find.

There are very few musicians from the last 20 years who I really like. I know I'm old. Haley is one of my favorites though.

I had the pleasure of seeing her perform twice live at Lincoln Hall. I go to very few concerts, because I generally do not like concerts, but I totally loved Haley's shows. It was also cool to see so many of her family members and friends in the audience.

Haley gained a bit more exposure from the Wrigley Gum commercial, featuring her performance of "Can't Help Falling In Love." That video went crazy on YouTube.

As if I wasn't a big enough fan, Haley came out with "What's That Sound," a collection of her versions of classic songs from the 1960's and three original tunes. Haley's voice was perfect for songs like "Baby It's You," "White Rabbit," "Oh! Darling" and the rest. I absolutely love that album.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Haley prior to both shows. She was so sweet. The second time, she actually remembered us from the first show, which was a year earlier. We talked for a bit about her Chicago area roots and her musical family. It was about as cool as it could be within the time constraints.

For more info on Haley and her music, check out HaleyReinhart.com. Hopefully, she will be adding a show in Chicago again and I will be there if that happens!

Haley Reinhart and me in Chicago, IL-November 2017.

Haley Reinhart + Coca-Cola = Perfection

I first discovered Haley Reinhart when I came across a YouTube Video of her singing a cover of "Creep" by Radiohead.  I was blown away.  I looked up all of her other stuf on YouTube and my fandom kept growing.

It just kept getting better.  A little more research on HaleyReinhart.com revealed that she is a native of the Chicago area.  She placed third in the tenth season of American Idol and her rendition of Bennie and the Jets was ranked by E! Online as the 14th best AI performance of all time.  She was ranked similarly high on several other AI lists, too.

Since AI, she has performed solo and as part of Postmodern Jukebox.  She also has appeared on stage with her musician father Harry.  She is fantastic in any of those combinations.

I had the pleasure of seeing Reinhart perform last summer and met her prior to the show.  She was as friendly as could be and just adobable.

I thought my opinion of Reinhart was about as good as it could be, when I came across Casey Abrams and Haley Reinhart "Caley" Stageit on YouTube.  Around the 19 minute mark, Reinhart reaches over to a nearby table, grabs a Coke and proceeds to take a big swig (see visual proof below).

Thee you have it.  The perfect woman.  She is as cute as can be.  She sings like an angel, but can also belt out a rocker.  Plus she likes Coke!  Now if only she liked men twice her age, I might be in heaven.

Friendly Encounters: Haley Reinhart and Jim Gekas

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

This is another Friendly Encounter which I really enjoyed.  First, I am responsible for the moment.  I got passes to the Meet-and-Greet prior to the Haley Reinhart show.

Second, I also met Haley for the first time.  Haley had been on my radar and my "want" list since I heard her version of Radiohead's Creep.  It blew me away and I looked for other stuff of hers.  i quickly soaked up everything I could find from her.

I learned she is a Chicago area native and was a contestant on American Idol.  How did she not win that season?  Since then, she has performed solo, with Postmodern Jukebox and with various others, like Casey Abrams, another Idol contestance from that season.

There was an opening act, followed by Haley's band performing without her.  Haley eventually joined her band and performed for about an hour.  It was a great night of music.

At the Meet-and-Greet, Haley was very sweet and friendly.  She is simply a doll and her voice is amazing.  She is definitely my favorite singers from the current music scene.

I am glad Jimmy also enjoyed the night.  It was fun to experience all of this with him.

Haley Reinhart and Jim Gekas in Chicago, IL-June 2016.