Chicago Returns To Ravinia Festival For Nostalgic Homecoming Celebration!

By DYLAN JORDAN (Open Post)

It’s no secret why Highland Park’s Ravinia Festival was transformed into music Nirvana Saturday evening.

When original members of Chicago: James (Jimmy) Pankow, Robert Lamm, Walt Parazaider and Lee Loughnane, bounced onto the stage, it was abundantly clear even before the first note was played, as to who the Ravinia audience was partial to.

From the moment Chicago launched into “Introduction” from their classic LP CTA, to their surprising second song choice, the epic “Questions 67 & 68,” it was evident that Chicago was prepared to take their audience on a masterful journey that will not be forgotten anytime soon.

Jimmy Pankow promised the Ravinia faithful they would get to “all your favorites” and lo and behold, Chicago pulled it off-and than some!

Our legendary local band, Chicago’s success has only been eclipsed by The Beach Boy’s when it comes to record sales numbers. The DePaul University alums proved that their remembering where they came from important to staying humble, even after surpassing their wildest dreams in one of the most competitive industries on the globe. The music industry is not for the faint of heart and most bands fail to maintain the staying power and fortitude that Chicago’s enjoyed.

With so many pitfalls, e.g. money, drugs, ego’s, poor management and in-fighting, it’s rare when a super-group not only continues to sustain all-time status, but remembers the importance of their hometown roots.

Serenading their faithful crowd with classic hits like:

“Dialogue (Part 1 & 2)

“If You Leave Me Now”

“Alive Again”

“Call On Me”

“Another Rainy Day IN New York City”

The more recent “Look Away”

“Ballet For A Girl In Buchannon/Make Me Smile”

And the nostalgic “Old Days”

Rounding out the versatile lineup:

Robert Lamm, Lead Vocals, keys, acoustic guitar

Jimmy Pankow, Trombone, percussion, keys, vocals

Lee Loughnane, Trumpet, vocals

Walt Parazaider, WoodwindsJason Scheff, Primary Lead Vocal/Bass (Jason’s Dad was Elvis Presley’s Bass Player-not too shabby!

Lou Pardini, Keyboards and Lead VocalsTris Imboden, Drums

Walfredo Reyes Jr. Percussion

Keith Howland, Guitar

Tris Imboden, Drums

As the audience discovered, every member of Chicago not only sings, but has the ability to lead any band, which underscores the bands versatility and from a harmony standpoint, make them formidable across the board.

When Chicago performs, there is something for everyone. Ravinia was rockin’, Saturday night and like a fine wine, Chicago only seems to get better with each performance.

When Robert Lamm launched into the classic ballad “Beginnings” everyone witnessed a little heaven/Nirvana. His performance was a “Wow!” and the fact that 50+ year’s later he’s still effectively pulling the hits out of his hip pocket is reason enough to see Chicago perform.

Chicago also proved that old rocker’s never die, launching into “Old Days” much to the delight of their audience. Crowd favorite Tris Imboden, ensured that no one missed legendary drummer Danny Seraphine, by filling every drum lick and than some!

Chicago proved that their unique combination of Jazz chops and classic rock know-how are a dangerous hybrid that shouldn’t be tampered with-having paved the way for rockers to include a full horn section, Chicago paved the way for groups like Tower of Power and other successful groups following in their footsteps.

Truth is, no one does it better. Consider the short-lived Blood Sweat & Tears and contrast their success with 50+ year’s of non-stop Chicago, hit after hit after hit. To have one #1 hit is a musical accomplishment, but Chicago has had 5 #1 LP’s and a whopping 21 Top Ten Hits, yet, somehow, the “Mistake By The Lake,” Cleveland’s joke known as “The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame,” still haven’t inducted the #2 selling US group of all-time, legitimizing my argument for me that the hallowed “Hall” should be transferred or moved to Chicago, where our blues, jazz and rock history would support a better home for musician’s that deserve their rightful place in music history. The fact that Chicago’s been snubbed by the suits in Cleveland reeks of rotten politics-Why?

From “Beginnings” to “Colour My World” so many memories were exchanged, so many moments celebrated on this memorable evening.

After a brief intermission and renewed vigor, Chicago marched back onto the stage and whipped the crowd into a frenzy by deploying Spencer Davis’s arrangement of “I’m A Man,” from CTA, their first LP offering, “Street Player,” “Just You N’ Me” and “Hard To Say I’m Sorry.”

The encore amped up the entire house with Mega-Hits: “Saturday In The Park,” “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day,” “Free” and closing out the show with the epic “25 or 6 to 4!”

Welcome home boys and just know we can’t wait to see you again next season.

Upcoming: ZZ Top will be appearing this Thursday, August 27th at 8pm.

For more information for this or any other upcoming events and concerts go to:

www.ravinia.org