Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Nothing is as synonymous with summer surrounding the Windy City than Ravinia, and when it came to opening weekend, there was arguably no more quintessential act to consider booking than hometown heroes Chicago.

Not only was it an idyllic night, on Father’s Day no less, but the band sounded as strong as ever on the heels of its newest (and 38th!) project, “Born For This Moment,” continuing a streak of landing an album in the Top 40 for six consecutive decades, despite rotating membership.

Nonetheless, co-founding Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Robert Lamm (keyboards/vocals), Lee Loughnane (trumpet) and James Pankow (trombone) have been there since the very beginning and knew exactly how to lead the now ten-member troupe through two hours in just as many acts.

Chicago tapped back into its jazz fusion beginnings for the jams “Dialogue (Part 1 & II)” and “Questions 67 & 68,” later moving into mellow territory for “(I’ve Been) Searchin’ So Long,” one of many pristine executions by Neil Donell, singer since 2018, who’s perhaps the closest anyone has ever come to mirroring long gone leader Peter Cetera.

The hits just kept on coming, as they would the entire evening, including “If You Leave Me Now,” “Make Me Smile,” “Colour My World” and “Now More Than Ever” to close out part one.

Believe it or not, the second half featured huger smashes, such as the golden oldies “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” and “Beginnings,” alongside “Hard Habit To Break,” “You’re The Inspiration” and “Hard To Say I’m Sorry” from Chicago’s rebirth as balladeers during the 1980s.

It technically was a day later, but the essence of “Saturday In The Park” easily translated, while “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day” seemed like a mantra for the current and clearly revitalized line-up.

An encore of “Free” and “25 Or 6 To 4” only solidified that statement, and based on the ovation everyone received at Ravinia, there doesn’t seem to be any reason to wrap one of the most unprecedented careers this city has ever seen.

For additional information on Chicago, visit ChicagoTheBand.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at Ravinia include Pat Metheny (Jun. 20); Counting Crows and Dashboard Confessional (Jun. 23); Charlie Puth (Jun. 24); Jesse & Joy (Jun. 25); Santana (Jun. 30 and Jul. 1); Straight No Chaser (Jul. 2); Ne-Yo (Jul. 7); John Fogerty (Jul. 9); Chicago Symphony Orchestra: “The Trailblazing Music Of Joni Mitchell, Carole King And Carly Simon” (Jul. 29); Jason Mraz (Aug. 2); Boz Scaggs (Aug. 6); Rufus Wainwright & Chicago Symphony Orchestra: “Want Symphonic” (Aug. 11); Blues Traveler and Big Head Todd & The Monsters (Aug. 12); John Legend (Aug. 13-14); Jethro Tull (Aug. 18); Kenny Loggins (Aug. 19); Buddy Guy and George Benson (Aug. 23); Classic Albums Live: Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side Of The Moon” (Aug. 25); Boyz II Men and The Isley Brothers (Aug. 26); “Encanto” In Concert (Aug. 27); “Jurassic Park” In Concert (Aug. 29); Train (Aug. 30); Brandi Carlile (Aug. 31); Carrie Underwood (Sept. 1-2) and Shakti (Sept. 3). For additional details, visit Ravinia.org.

Related Articles

Chicago at 50 and The Doobie Brothers keep on rockin’ down the highway (and the lakefront) Ringo Starr (The Beatles) & His All Starr Band: “30th Anniversary” Tour at Ravinia The Beach Boys with John Stamos: “12 Sides Of Summer” Tour at Ravinia “Soundstage” season premieres with Chicago marking 50 years of its sprawling second project Blues alive and well at Ravinia courtesy of local legend Buddy Guy, guitar prodigy Jonny Lang Chicago Festival, Ides Of March provide “Vehicle” for Ravinia’s re-opening salute to frontliners “Have Mercy!” John Stamos rejoins The Beach Boys for annual Ravinia summer soiree Willie Nelson, Train, Gladys Knight and the real-life return of Ravinia