It's hard to believe that after three years living in the Chicago-area, last night was my first time at Ravinia. I ventured up the Northshore for the much-anticipated band - not BSB, that's this weekend - but UB40. Who's that, right? Well they sing that song "Red, Red Wine". But turns out they didn't even write it. Neil Diamond did.
RaviniaWines.com
That's beside the point. If you haven't made it up to this outdoor music venue in Highland Park, mark your calendars. There are plenty of concerts left before the end of the season on September 14, and that date is just around the corner.
Different from other outdoor amphitheaters I've been to, getting a lawn seat at Ravinia means you'll be out of view of the main stage but as I came to appreciate last night, it's not about seeing the musicians at all. Sure you could set up a blanket and chairs in any park, sip some wine and listen to your favorite band from your portable iPOD speakers but you'd be missing out on the coveted Ravinia experience. That special, candlelight dinner with 10,000 of your Chicagoland neighbors. The friendly couple sitting in front of you that offers to light your tea lights when you forget to bring matches. The little baby girl who wanders over to your blanket and sits down beside you before waddling off again. And, of course, the music broadcast throughout the park, and that elated feeling when you hear that one song you've been waiting for all night.
So grab your blanket, your food basket, your wine, beer and booze and don't forget those Tiki torches. If you're a student, all you need is a valid college ID and you can get in free to any Martin Theater and Chicago Symphony Orchestra production.
And just FYI - while it may seem like all's fair game to bring into the park, technically, technically, you're not supposed to bring grills, kegs, athletic equipment (including bikes), tents canopies or anything that can stake into the ground. But other than that, go for it. If you're on the lawn, you don't really have to worry about blocking someone's view. I recommend getting there early, staking out a spot and avoiding the Metra at all costs. (But if you do take the Metra, be kind to those over-worked souls trying to make it home and kindly move your Costco cooler out of the way so they can make it off the train.)
Now uncork that wine and go enjoy these perfect summer nights. And when it gets dark, dance like no one's watching.
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Alyssa Urish
Alyssa grew up in southern California and willingly left the palm trees and warm winters for the capricious Chicago weather. She is a senior studying Journalism and Spanish at Northwestern University and no, she still doesn't know what she's going to do after college. She interned last fall at a daily newspaper in Boulder where she really tapped into her love for hiking, biking and farmers markets. Alyssa is currently on track to run her first marathon this October through the magnificent miles of Chicago. More
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Well it may be a bit late for summer nights, but November evenings around a crackling log fire can be as much fun, especially with a cool bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau. But, this year you will have to be quick to spot it. There won't be much around... and it's promising to be very, very good.
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