Ben Barnes is known under many names, The Darkling in Shadow and Bone, Prince Caspian (Narnia), and even as a fancast for a young Sirius Black for fans of the niche Harry Potter characters the Marauders. But, many don’t know about Barnes’ double-life as life as a musician. Ben Barne’s began releasing music in 2021 with his single “11:11” and released his long-awaited debut album “Where The Light Gets In” just days before the tour of the same name tour started in San Diego, California. The album, “Where The Light Gets In,” chronicles the feelings of life taking you exactly where you need to be and appreciating where you ended up.

The Chicago show took place at the famous House of Blues in downtown Chicago, filling the space with a warm calming energy, different than the upbeat shows of the past.  The tour has a stacked lineup of musicians that rotate as opening acts as well as play in Ben’s band. The Chicago lineup of openers included Aaron Childs, Sophia James, and Chicago local Charles Jones. All of the artists brought their individual flavor while setting the mood.

After all the openers performed their short and sweet sets, Ben Barnes came out swinging with opening track of  Where The Light Gets In  “Beloved.” The energy was riding high throughout the evening as Barnes played through songs off the new album as well as fan-favorites from earlier in his discography including “Pirate Song,” his cover of “River” by Bishop Briggs, and a few selections from his 2021 EP Songs For You.

Barnes also did lots of chatting with the audience, mentioning his dreams of being a musician, the privileges of being an actor, and his appreciation for his band. The biggest theme of the night centered around following your dreams - his dreams of being a pop star in his 40s, and encouraging fans to follow their dreams as well - whether it’s becoming a singer or “writing Harry Potter fanfiction.” He also left the door open for a bit of audience participation near the end of the set, letting fans decide on a surprise cover based on a tiny bit of information, IE that he would play a cowbell in one vs. the other was a Disney song.

One of the highlights of the evening, was seeing the interaction with his band. Each musician got their own highlighted moment during the set. For the duet off Where The Light Gets In, “One Minute More,” originally sung with Monica Martin, he brought Sophia James out and the two showed off their impeccable vocals. 

The “Where The Light Gets In” Tour was a highlight for Ben Barnes fans in all fandoms, whether he was your childhood crush from The Chronicles of Narnia, or an enthusiast of the pop-rock genre, he welcomed everyone into the space with open arms. 

The set ended where his music journey started with “11:11,” a fitting track about his wishes for his love to be happy, free, and fearless.