[rating=5]If you have ever watched this group of musicians/singers live, on any stage, you know that for decades, Chicago, has set the tone for quality in music that is not typical rock n’ roll, but indeed a solid mixture of music that brings perfect harmony to audiences of all ages. They bring horns and percussion along with guitar and keyboards to a whole new level. Their music is amazing in that despite it being from the 1970’s and 1980’s ( pretty near 50 years old) people still recall the words and when they do “Saturday In The Park” at Ravinia ( on a Saturday), the entire pavilion and its energy brought the electricity that this song brought to us back in the day, back to life! They were on their feet, lights glowing. The bic lighters have been replaced by the smart phone, and while it has a little different look, it certainly makes one think of just how glorious this group and their music truly is!
For those who do not recall, the first time Chicago played Ravinia was in August of 1972. It was a different time and a very political theme. 18 year-olds were being given the vote and a lot of anti-Nixon songs and the big one was “Dialogue” (which they still do today). The group was five years old at that time. Imagine, 1967 was the start of a group that still shines today and has packed the seats and the lawn at Ravinia over these years. Try to imagine a new wave group or even single with that type of staying power.
Yes, some of the originals are no longer around, but three of the founders are, and each replacement they have brought into the group has been selected to fit what they were intended to be” representing Chicago” and its attitude, so every new member is selected for their talent and energy, and from my perspective, they are all perfect!
When one thinks, rock, they think guitars and drums, but with Chicago, it is the horns that truly set them apart. The sax, trombone and trumpet numbers are terrific and the guys who play them are absolutely amazing! They created 
something unusual – a rock and roll band with horns and plenty of jazz followers, in hearing what they played, fell in love with this new group, despite their being called “rock and roll”, to the jazz enthusiasts, this was a group that could easily have played at The London House ( the Chicago place for jazz, pure and sweet).
Chicago is a tradition at Ravinia, and probably around the country. They just keep going and going and from the reaction of tonight’s audience ( as I said “made up of all age groups”) they still have work to do and people to make music for. One more time Sunday, the 11th. If on the lawn, get there early.
By the way, you will hear the “Chicago songbook” and it sounds as good today as it did some 50 years ago!
By the way, this visit we dined at The Treetop, an excellent buffet that has something for everyone. It is all you can eat ( we probably ate more than we should have) and has salads, lots of entree’s to choose from and then the desert table. The peach cobbler was divine.
Ravinia is a special place on the North Shore and a treasure that all should take advantage of. By the way, for the Chicago concert ( and others) they have a giant screen on the lawn so those who relax on the vast lawn can see the performers do their thing. As I said, a very special night. For further info, http://www,Ravinia.org
photos by Ravinia Festival/Patrick Gipson
More Stories
“Music of The Baroque :Holiday Brass and Choral Concerts” reviewed by Julia W. Rath
Are You a Diva?— Would you like to be?
“Holiday Treat at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights”