Ravinia is always that place that helps remind me as to why I keep deciding to endure the long, cold winter months of Chicago. This outdoor venue has become one of my and many other Chicagoans’ favortie summertime traditions to celebrate warmer weather and, of course, music. With events such as Pitchfork and Lollapalooza in Chicago it is hard not to find an exciting outdoor concert during the summer months of Chicago, but nothing really compares to the atmosphere of Ravinia. Each year the Ravinia organization is able to schedule a diverse line up of artists for the entire summer. I am amazed by the seasoned concert goers of Ravinia. The park, and the guests have gotten the outdoor concert and picnic down to a simple science. With the lawn chair backpacks, collapsible tables and rolling coolers, the attendees of Ravinia know how to arrive prepared.

The lawn is always a favorite of mine. There really is no limit to how much food and drinks you can physically carry into the park. If you are not up for that you can always check out the new restaurant that was recently renovated inside the park. If you are not much of the picnic type there is also covered pavilion seating in front of the stage.

Jackson Browne was recently at Ravinia performing all of his classic songs. Even with a downpour of rain before the concert the lawn was packed with fans ranging all ages by the time Browne took the stage. Luckily the weather held up for the rest of the concert and everyone was able to enjoy the concert from the pavilion and the lawn.

What is nice about Ravinia is that it is a relatively small venue. The concert is centered around the headlining act and most of the shows do not have an opener which keeps the focus on the actual artist, which can be appreciated by most fans. With a quick ride on the metra you are taken to a venue that really is unlike any other which is something in itself that makes Ravinia worth the trip.

The Jackson Browne concert last nite was amazing. I’ve been a huge fan since his first album in 1972, when I played the first song on the album, “Jamaica”. I was THRILLED to finally hear him play that song live.

Thank you, Jackson! This was your best concert ever. It was wonderful to hear you play many of your songs that have been enjoyed by your true fans, but seldom played on mainstream radio.

Your band and back up singers were superb as well.

Thank you for a wonderful concert!

From your biggest fan, Pam

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