My Happy Place
Last weekend for Father’s Day, we took our kids to a concert at Ravinia Festival. If you grew up in Chicago, especially the north side, you may have visited this unique Chicago venue. Just walking in makes me feel happy.
Imagine a large park with grassy lawns shaded by 100 year old trees. A pavilion and stage are the focal point, and several small buildings dot the property. There are numerous large sculptures scattered around the lawns. Paved walks criss-cross the sea of picnickers.
Classical, jazz and pop concerts are held throughout the summer. Concert-goers tote in food and drinks, although there are also restaurants on the property. But to say they are “picnicking” is kind of like saying Tiger Woods is out duffing.
Ever since I can remember, Ravinia has been home to classy concerts, and classy outdoor dining. People bring short tables that can be set up on a blanket, but often bedeck the tables with linen tablecloths and candles. Silver ice buckets mingle with Coleman coolers.
Ravinia is in Highland Park, a suburb part of Chicago’s tony North Shore area, and the concert-goers are very civilized. You’re allowed to bring alcohol into the park, and people usually do—but the incidence of drunkenness or boisterousness are very rare. That’s simply not done at Ravinia. People are friendly, but the crowd is pretty mellow.
I loved going to Ravinia with friends when I was in college—we could hang out, listen to music, and usually, we could just chat. That is, unless the Chicago Symphony Orchestra was playing that night—since then, ushers walk around the lawn with signs that say “Quiet, Please.” Back then, lawn tickets were only $5. Now they are $15, which is still a pretty good deal for a concert under the stars.
But we took the kids to see Kenny Loggins. The place was pretty crowded (although it gets much more jammed for sold out concerts like James Taylor or Peter, Paul and Mary). The crowd was mostly with Baby Boomers who grew up listening to Kenny both as a solo artist and as part of the duo Loggins and Messina. Since it was Father’s Day, there were a lot of families, and the atmosphere was festive.
My high school graduation was on the stage at Ravinia. It’s a fun, peaceful, beautiful place, where I’ve heard great music and connected with friends. I strolled around with my kids, showing them the various buildings, including an ice cream shop in an open air pavilion.
And I thought, this to me is a happy place—a place of memories and music, and one I’m glad I got to share with my family.
Posted: June 19th, 2008 under Family, Food, Fun, Parenting.
Comments: 8
Comments
Comment from suzanne eller
Time: June 19, 2008, 2:23 pm
How fun is that? I wish I was there with you.
In Tulsa, we have Thursday concerts where people bring food, dance, and enjoy the summer evenings. It’s not on the scale of your park, but it’s at least a taste of it.
Comment from Keri Wyatt Kent
Time: June 19, 2008, 7:21 pm
That sounds fun, Suz. Chicago has a number of free concerts and festivals downtown during the summer, which are also great but much larger crowds. this is a more intimate venue and a bit more laid back.
but to me, it’s part of summer. And after our horrible winter, summer is feeling really sweet.
Comment from Flea
Time: June 19, 2008, 7:54 pm
So tell me - what did the kids think of Kenny Loggins? 
Sounds like a great place to be. We’re headed to Tulsa’s ampitheater next Tuesday night for something similar. They hold Tuesday free concerts all summer and it’s a great place for families. I’m told I can even bring my dogs!
Suzie! Are those the ones at Utica? I’m told the ones at the ampitheater are more spacious. starlightbands.net But both sound like a lot of fun!
Comment from Keri Wyatt Kent
Time: June 20, 2008, 5:52 am
The kids had heard a few of his songs–American Idol had featured his “Celebrate me Home” one year. They rolled their eyes when Scot started dancing and singing along to the theme from CaddyShack (”I’m alright”) Probably because he was dancing like the gopher in that movie, sort of pumping his arms.
IBut they seemed to enjoy it.
Comment from Flea
Time: June 23, 2008, 1:25 am
I wish my kids could see Caddy Shack, but there’s just so much we’d have to edit out. 
My kids are way too familiar with Journey and ELO, but I’ve never been a big Kenny fan. He’s alright (pun intended).
Comment from Sue Cramer
Time: June 26, 2008, 4:37 am
I love Chicago! Glad you had a good time.
Sue
Comment from Dotsie
Time: June 30, 2008, 8:19 am
Keri, your daughter looks just like you. She’s precious.
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Comment from Cheryl Barker
Time: June 19, 2008, 1:50 pm
Wow, Keri — concerts in the park, friends, family, memories… Sounds great. Hope you get to enjoy many more wonderful times there!