Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Temperatures over 100 didn’t stop fans from flocking to Ravinia to see a double bill of Buddy Guy and George Benson, who for nearly three hours, were treated to a hearty helping of iconic blues and jazz.

Given he’s a hometown hero and the slightly elder statesmen of the periodic paring, it only made sense for Guy to take the closing slot, especially if the title to his “Damn Right Farewell” Tour turns out to be true.

Though Chicagoans are lucky to be close in proximity to his club Legends, landing a ticket whenever the owner’s in town is the hard part, making this expanded opportunity a must where even those on the furthest stretches of the lawn were able to watch via an enormous screen.

Regardless of where anyone was sitting, the soulful howls and guitar horsepower of the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer could be heard loud and clear throughout the likes of “Damn Right, I’ve Got The Blues,” Muddy Waters’ “Hoochie Coochie Man” and Willie Dixon’s “I Just Want To Make Love To You.”

At a remarkable 87, Guy sometimes shared his perspectives on subjects spanning a plea to end violence to parenting, though mostly “I Let My Guitar Do The Talking,” to quote a selection from his newest album, “The Blues Don’t Lie.”

All the while, a fiery four-piece ebbed and flowed through several clips of off the cuff covers, culminating in a monstrous jam session with Buddy’s son Greg Guy and Ronnie Baker Brooks to further reinforce the influential foundation of the main man who waved goodbye.

Like the fine wine that was flowing all around Ravinia, the 80-year-old Benson seems to get better with age, smoothly crooning his way around Roberta Flack’s “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable,” while applying distinctive guitar stylings to the personally popularized “Love X Love” and “Let Me Love You.”

“This is a nice park. It’s a great place to play,” the ten-time Grammy Award-winner remarked during a brief break, while recalling previous visits with future greats Kenny G and Randy Crawford when they were merely opening acts.

Meanwhile on this trip, a spectacular six-piece band added to the bursting beats of “Turn Your Love Around” and the ultra-cool “Breezin’,” both of which built up to the meaty bounce of “Give Me The Night.”

Benson and company encored with the beautiful ballad “This Masquerade,” then really let loose for an extended “On Broadway” as everyone had the opportunity to solo and really funk up an evening that already sizzled on all levels.

For additional information on Buddy Guy and George Benson, visit BuddyGuy.net and GeorgeBenson.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at Ravinia include 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.

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