Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Whenever Earth, Wind & Fire returns to the state where it got started, especially the guys’ regular stomping grounds of Highland Park’s outdoor oasis Ravinia, it’s a always special occasion and sparks a brisk sell out.

But when it came on the heels of a local turned viral shocker, guesting with pop A-lister Sabrina Carpenter at the enormous Lollapalooza, the ticket became considerably hotter.

And that’s not to say Earth, Wind & Fire isn’t always part of the conversation, since after all, the group has steadily built its cross-cultural currency since the late 1960s, amassing a case full of Grammy Awards, selling a whopping 90 million records and getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, amongst several prestigious institutions.

Thankfully, the classic combo of front man Philip Bailey Sr. and fellow vocalist/percussionist Ralph Johnson is still going strong, even in the temporary absence of co-founding bassist Verdine White, who is recuperating from a routine medical procedure.

His late brother/band mastermind Maurice White’s fingerprints were also all over the concert, which was anchored by a fleet of top-notch musicians, supporting singers and fellow family members.

For 100 minutes or so, Earth, Wind & Fire was indeed a “Shining Star,” whether it was during the deeper tracks “Let Your Feelings Show,” “System Of Survival” and “Jupiter” or smashes “Serpentine Fire,” “Sing A Song” and “Got To Get You Into My Life,” the latter first cut by The Beatles yet could easily pass as an original at this point.

While each of the above flawlessly wove their way around R&B, funk, soul, pop and rock unlike anyone else, ballads such as “Devotion,” “Reasons,” “After The Love Has Gone” and “That’s The Way Of The World” seemed to really resonate.

The pace picked back up by “Fantasy,” then it was nothing but a “Boogie Wonderland” to the bitter end, where just like Lolla, EWF had everyone up and dancing for the perpetually futuristic “Let’s Groove” and the signature “September,” complete with its call and response choruses reinforcing the fact that “golden dreams were shiny days” once again for Ravinia.

For additional information on Earth, Wind & Fire, visit EarthWindAndFire.com.

Upcoming shows at Ravinia include Laurie Berkner (Aug. 9); Cynthia Erivo (Aug. 15); Lenny Kravitz (Aug. 21); Maren Morris (Aug. 22); John Legend (Aug. 23-24); UB40 (Aug. 27); “The Sound Of Music” Sing-Along (Aug. 28); “Infinity Saga” Concert Experience (Aug. 29) and Fiesta Ravinia (Aug. 31). For additional details, visit Ravinia.org.

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