The Beach Boys at Ravinia

Highly Recommended ***** ” Ravinia is handling the “post Covid Era” with perfect outdoor conditions. Last night, we attended the second night of The Beach Boys ‘doing their thing”. They certainly topped off our week with a marvelous concert. Firs I must tell you that Ravinia has worked hard to make sure that your concert experience is wonderful. note: last night’s weather could not have been better.

Jane and I arrived with our friends, Barry and Fern, found out where our POD was, and then strolled over to the food area of the park. While they still have an area that seems to be stake your position and the restaurants were busy ( this can be explained by the fact that every restaurant is short of help), while we had no reservation, they offer open seating at the bar of each space. These are first come-first served, but we managed to get in to the Park View and had a delicious meal. The lesson to learn is that when you purchase your tickets, no matter when, that is the time to make the reservation. I am sure that many of these diners did so back in the early spring ( or sooner).

After dinner, we strolled over to our POD, directly in front of the Pavilion, where we had four chairs waiting. You can rent tables, chairs or bring your own, just as you can bring your own food and drink for your full picnic experience.

The concert began at 7:30 sharp and while our area was not filled to capacity ( very close) we noticed that there were very few empty seats IN the Pavilion. I am hopeful that all of these fans were vaccinated as many were “mask-less” in Highland Park!

The Beach Boys are not the same “boys” as they were back in my teen years, but over the years, the additions as members passed are great and are able to do the songs the way they were written to perform. They did all the classics and showed some videos of them in their youth ( with the originals) and during the concert paid tribute to many that are gone. Not only Beach Boys, but other stars of the era. Led by Mike Love and Bruce Johnston with Tim Bonhomme, John Cowsill, Brian Eichenberger, Randy Leago, Christian Love ( a new generation) and Scott Totten with special guest John Stamos ( a tremendous musical talent- guitar and drums) over two hours of amazing entertainment and some great memories for those of my era in the crowd.

The song list was powerful and quite memorable: “Surfin, U.S.A.'”, “Surfer Girl”, “Help Me Rhonda”, “Good Vibrations”, “Fun, Fun, Fun”, “Barbara-Ann” and of course “I Get Around”. These guys set the rone for their era and continue to bring the music to us. Thank you Beach Boys!

Amazingly, the younger crowd, those who were not even a twinkle in their parents eyes during the 60’s were loving the concert as well. They were dancing in their pods. In fact, some of the security folk were dancing as they walked their “beat” to make sure that people stayed in their pods. This is to protect everyone, but I must say, the audience was terrific. No one crowded each other, even at the stands where concessions were being sold.

Thank you Ravinia for the music and for bringing us back to one of the treasures of the Chicago entertainment area.

You still have time to experience the music at Ravinia. For the schedule, visit www.ravinia.org

photos by Ravinia Festival/Dan Piotrowski ( candids by Barry Segal)