Last weekend, I saw the BoDeans concert at  Ravinia, a concert and venue unlike any other. Ravinia, the oldest outdoor music festival in this country, is located in Highland Park (Illinois) about 15 miles north of Chicago. Every year, from June through September, Ravinia is home to a series of live performances.

At Ravinia, you have the option of traditional concert seating or the much-preferred lawn seating. While the regular seats offer better views, the lawn just can’t be beat for the overall experience. Ravinia is one of the few concert venues which allows attendees to bring in their own food and drink, including alcoholic beverages. Most attendees, armed with full picnic supplies, arrive very early. You pick your spot, spread your blanket and settle in for a wonderful night of music and food under the stars. It’s not unusual to even see a few candles here and there. It is such an intimate, beautiful experience.

The BoDeans, who hail from Waukesha (Wisconsin) have been around since 1983. They are perhaps best known for “Closer to Free” and “Good Work,” although my favorite is “Beaujolais.” Ravinia is the perfect place to hear their music. I am not much of a concert-goer, but I never pass an opportunity to see a performance at Ravinia. Whether with a group of friends or your significant other, this is the perfect place to spend an evening.

— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist