Wilco kicked off a homecoming run at Chicago’s Civic Opera House last night. Instead of staying at one venue, the Chicago-based group will gradually move to smaller clubs throughout the week, before closing their touring calendar at Chicago’s Lincoln Hall on December 18. Wilco hasn’t performed in Chicago since their two-night run at the UIC Pavilion on October 18 and 19, 2009.

Last night’s Chicago kick off featured material from each of Wilco’s studio albums, including seven songs apiece from this year’s The Whole Love and the classic Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (for those of you who have not visited the band’s website recently, Wilco now posts their setlists daily along with song-by-album pie graph breakdowns). Wilco also performed a self-described holiday version of “Outta Mind (Outta Sight)” complete with fake falling snow and their roadies on sleigh bells.

For their encore, Wilco brought out opening act Nick Lowe to play on his own “Cruel to Be Kind.” Surprise guest—and Chicago legend—Mavis Staples then emerged to sing with Wilco on “You Are Not Alone,” the title track from Staples’ 2010 album that was produced by Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy. Last night’s show marked the first time Tweedy played the song during a Wilco show though he has performed the original composition on his own. Finally, Lowe returned to join Staples and the members of Wilco for The Band classic “The Weight,” the sing-along Staples famously performed in The Last Waltz.

Wilco’s Chicago residency continues at Chicago’s Riviera Theatre this evening.

Here’s a look at last night’s setlist via Wilco’s homepage

Monday, December 12, 2011, Civic Opera House, Chicago, IL

One Sunday Morning (Song For Jane Smiley’s Boyfriend)
Poor Places
Art of Almost
I Might
Misunderstood
I Am Trying to Break Your Heart
One Wing
Rising Red Lung
Impossible Germany
Far, Far Away
What Light
Born Alone
Jesus, Etc.
Capitol City
War On War
Box Full of Letters
Pot Kettle Black
Dawned On Me
Shot in the Arm

Encore:
Whole Love
Heavy Metal Drummer
Candyfloss
I’m the Man Who Loves You
Outta Mind (Outta Sight)

Encore 2:
Cruel to Be Kind w/Nick Lowe
You Are Not Alone w/Mavis Staples
The Weight w/Nick Lowe and Mavis Staples