Chicagoans bounce back, no matter what.

Picture a room full of Chicagoans in Copenhagen, Denmark. Spirits were high with the excitement of a remarkable proposal, just presented, to host the 2016 Olympics in Chicago, including a stirring speech from the President of the United States. Everyone was awaiting the first balloting from the IOC on which city would be chosen to host the 2016 games, with all of the national and civic pride, economic development and prestige that goes with it.

Then came the shocking news. Chicago was eliminated from consideration on the first round. When the news was announced, the gasps were audible. Then, a room of several hundred sat in stunned silence for 10 minutes. As everyone looked for the words to express their emotions, a large man wordlessly stepped up on the stage and began to sing. His voice, eerily reminiscent of Frank Sinatra, pierced the silence with a rich baritone, singing the first verse of the Star Spangled Banner. A few voices joined. Then more. Then, more still.

Suddenly, the whole room was filled with an emotional Chicago delegation, singing the national anthem, many with tears flowing freely, proud of their country, proud of their city in America’s heartland, and proud that they had represented their city and their country well.

The big man was John Vincent, a nightclub singer who performs 5 nights a week at Ditka’s Restaurant. He covers songs by Frank Sinatra and others with a style virtually indistinguishable from the original. He’s not a household name. But he is part of the fabric of Chicago.

And on a cold, sad day in Copenhagen, he brought the warmth of sweet home Chicago to those who needed it most.

Concierge Preferred has more information on their  Downtown (just off Mag Mile) and Oak Brook locations, and CP’s guide to the best Chicago steakhouses.