Ravinia Festival Park in Chicago

Nestled on the outskirts of Chicago, IL, Ravinia Park has been a Chicago favorite since 1904 when it was created as an Amusement Park. Since the 1900's it has become a very family-oriented environment where music lovers can bring their chairs, picnic tables, various cuisines, and a drink of choice while enjoying the best artists in the World. On an average, many of Ravinia's listeners are mothers, sisters, brothers, retired teachers, corporate workers, and many other individuals who simply love to prop their feet up on the lush green grass while humming along to the likes of Peabo Bryson, Lyle Lovett, Tito Puente, and other musical groups.

In the past, I have seen many groups at Ravinia and actually began attending this wonderful venue in 1996, as a part-time worker for Rehabilation Institute of Chicago. At that time, I was working with a Human Resources group and we decided to do a group outing to Ravinia. I did not know that Ravinia would forever change the landscape of my musical mind. Entering my tenth year as a "Ravinia-head" I recently had a chance to enjoy a day at the park as I encourage my retired mother and good friend, Vern Webbs, to join me on a Ravinia trip to see fabulous Patti Labelle perform. I logged on to www.ravinia.org a few months ago to purchase my lawn tickets, which were $15.00 each, and Vern purchased her ticket online a few days before the event.

On the day of the event, my mother, Marian Osbey, Vern and myself, took the "Ravinia Special" train, which departs from the Ogilvie Transportation Center located in the heart of Chicago's loop - Madison and Canal Avenues. This special train costs $5.00 round trip for the Ravinia music goers and leaves around 5:50 pm. This train is an express train, which was filled with many people, picnic baskets, tables, summer chairs, and coolers. Many of the people either have prepared their meals before hand, however if you are attending a concert at Ravinia and do not feel like lugging many things with you, you can purchase, food and chairs at the park.

A typical day at Ravinia starts with a comfortable laugh, and searching for the perfect 'spot' if you are a lawn seat holder. Most lawn seat holders do not really care where they sit because Ravinia has placed around the park, large stereos that can blast the musical performance. When my group gets to the park, we find a spot in the back of the middle section, set up our red chairs, and begin to snack on our individual meals. For this trip, my mother and I had subway sandwiches, with chips, and light diet drinks, while Vern snacked on an Arby's Chicken Market Sandwich. Like many Ravinia goers, my mother and I decided to bring a little wine to toast Patti's performance while Vern sipped on her water.

The real treat to going to Ravinia is that you can bring your own beverages, food, chairs, and tables. Many people bring their children, and family members. Some people celebrate birthdays, while others just simply want to see their favorite star.

The 2006 Ravinia line up is pretty good and includes many performances including, Tony Bennett, Opera Star Audra McDonald, blues legend B.B.King, and R& B songstress Lalah Hathaway with the wonderful Take 6 ensemble. To see more of the line up simply log on to www.ravinia.org.

A few simple tips for those who decide to purchase lawn seats.

•Don't forget your summer chairs
•A lawn seat is not a real "seat"….so keep that in mind.
•Set up your area with your blanket and chairs
•Be respectful to other lawn seat goers
•Bring your cintrella candle to ward off the mosquitoes

If you are not into sitting on the ground, then you can purchase theatre tickets, which cost a few dollars more. These seats are in the interior of the Ravinia Park and closer to the stage where the artist is actually performing.

If you do not feel like dragging lawn chairs or bringing food, you can purchase two lawn chairs with a table for $10.00 at the venue. There are several onsite restaurants including, Mirabella, Le Café, The Gatehouse, and Fanfare Carts. The cuisine ranges from Asian warps, to boxed lunch sandwiches, chips, and general American dishes.

This is a great musical venue that many Chicagoans are not taking advantage of. However, if you are interested in a good time, in a very beautiful park highlighted with lush grass, friendly people, and you can hear the best in music…then Ravinia is necessary whether you are a Chicago or a visitor. You will not be disappointed. Hope you join us soon!