Wednesday night’s Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood concert at the United Center in Chicago was a dream come true for me. Seeing these two legendary giants together left me in awe of their brilliance. They were clearly having fun, and so were we.

As the cat sitting next to me said midway through their set, “These guys seem like a match made in heaven.” And I was most definitely in heaven throughout this amazing, heavily blues-laden show.

I rarely think about what a band might play on any given night, but I must admit we showed up expecting to hear some Blind Faith, and they came out of the shoot with a fantastic “Had to Cry Today.” “Presence of the Lord” also made an early appearance with the boys trading verses, as did a powerful and groovy “Well Alright.”

Traffic was also represented with a splendiferous “Pearly Queen” and an absolutely smokin’ “Glad.”

Clapton typically pays tribute to both J.J. Cale and Robert Johnson, and this night was no exception with a joyfully playful romp through “After Midnight,” and a wonderfully slow-rolling “Crossroads.”

In the middle of the set they delivered a short but scorching “Forever Man,” before the band left the stage while Winwood remained behind the organ for an exquisite “Georgia on My Mind.”

The blues were on display throughout, and the acoustic segment of the evening brought us “Driftin’ Blues” and “How Long Blues,” leading into “Layla” and “Can’t Find My Way Home,” with Winwood’s vocals sounding as beautiful as ever.

The set closed with a phenomenal version of Hendrix’s “Voodoo Chile.” WOW!!!

I just stood there soaking it all in as we awaited the encore. I gotta admit I was thinking we’d get a predictable “Little Wing” or “Dear Mr. Fantasty,” which certainly would have been way cool. However, the boys had another fun idea. We could hear the guitars before we saw anyone, and as Winwood made his way to the keyboards, Slowhand was followed onstage by the incomparable Buddy Guy. BUDDY GUY!!

I just had to pinch myself as I giggled with delight. Buddy’s appearance on “Sweet Home Chicago” and “Drowning on Dry Land” was the icing on the cake on this glorious summer night in the Windy City.

A perfect ending to a perfect evening!