It’s been awhile since I attended a regular Sunday mass.  But when Kanye announced he was bringing his Sunday Service home to Chicago at Northerly Island – I jumped online and scored a lucky pair of tickets.  Drizzle was in the forecast, but nothing could dampen the spirits at a rousing, uplifting 9am gospel show with Lake Michigan as a backdrop.  Kanye and Chance the Rapper sent the praise up with mesmerizing renditions of “Jesus Walks” and “Ultralight Beam.”  Just watch my whole Insta story:

Kanye Sunday Service chi from Brendan Greeley on Vimeo.

It was surreal being up close and personal with Kanye like that.  He’s got an aura that not every celebrity can boast.  The people love him here, and he knows it:

Kanye’s Sunday Service overflows with positivity.  Floated out of there at 11am with enthusiasm.   I’d go every week if he offered it.  I also want all concerts to start at 9am.  Marvelous way to start the day.  Now I’m home watching football and, shortly, the Cubs.  Morning service helped me put the Bears loss and Javy’s broken thumb in perspective.

Kanye drove his own SUV away from Northerly Island, getting caught in traffic several times. He rolled down his window to allow a few selfies.  Fans swarmed his SUV, a few risking getting hit by his car.  Kanye drove right past me as I stood sort of by myself – and I took off my hat and waved as a way of expressing my thanks for the free tickets.  All the tickets were free, first come first serve on Live Nation.  Pretty cool of Kanye to do that.  If my wave and hat removal didn’t express it enough — let me say: Thanks, Mr.  West.  I’ll remember this Sunday morning for a long time.