Kool & The Gang Brings the Party to Ravinia

There was really only one thing to do Thursday night at Ravinia: Get Down On It.

And the crowd did.

Kool & The Gang, joined by funk and R&B legends Con Funk Shun and Morris Day & The Time, delivered a high-energy, feel-good night of music that kept the audience engaged from the opening notes until the final, inevitable “Celebration.”

Con Funk Shun got the evening moving with their smooth blend of funk, soul and R&B, followed by Morris Day & The Time. Day remains one of music's great entertainers, bringing his unmistakable swagger, humor and showmanship to the stage. The Time's connection to Prince also added a dose of Minneapolis funk to an already star-studded night.

Then it was time for Kool & The Gang featuring Robert "Kool" Bell.

Opening with “Open Sesame” and “Fresh,” the legendary group wasted little time reminding everyone why its music has endured for more than 50 years. “Too Hot” and “Joanna” showed the band's smoother side before the energy level jumped with “Jungle Boogie” and “Hollywood Swingin’.”

Kool & The Gang formed in Jersey City in 1964 and began as a jazz-influenced instrumental group before developing the distinctive combination of funk, soul, R&B and pop that made them one of the most successful bands of their generation. Their catalog includes hits that have become part of the soundtrack of American life, including “Ladies' Night,” “Get Down on It,” “Cherish” and, of course, “Celebration.”

The band was finally inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024, a fitting recognition for a group whose music has influenced generations of performers and listeners. Thursday's performance made it easy to understand why.

“Cherish” gave the audience a chance to catch its breath before “Ladies' Night” and “Get Down on It” once again had people on their feet. By the time the band launched into “Celebration,” the evening had become exactly what it promised to be—a giant, joyous dance party.

And Ravinia was the perfect place for it.

The sound inside the Hunter Pavilion was outstanding. The horns were crisp, the vocals were clear and the rhythm section had plenty of punch without overwhelming the music. Every part of the band came through beautifully, allowing the audience to hear the musicianship behind those familiar songs.

What made the night especially enjoyable was that none of the three acts treated the evening like a trip to the nostalgia circuit. They played with energy, personality and genuine enthusiasm—and the audience responded in kind.

Some concerts are about remembering where you were when you first heard the music.

Thursday night at Ravinia was about remembering that the music still works.

And judging by the dancing, singing and smiles throughout Hunter Pavilion, it worked very, very well.

More photos at Scott Margolin Concert Photography

Check out more upcoming concerts at Ravinia.