I wanted to throw tomatoes at the weatherman, after having heard it was going to only be in the 50-something degrees on a Chicagoland’s summer’s eve, for Ravinia’s Saturday performer, Melissa Etheridge. I pouted and pictured my mom and I continuing to go would make us feel as though we were locked in an ice-cold fridge. And I would have wished I invited my mom, and some friends over to my home to play a game of Bridge.
But then I got knocked upside the head, and on the way to see thee Melissa Etheridge at the gorgeous outdoor venue Ravinia, I was getting more and more excited about seeing her. I had never seen her perform before, and she is a Grammy, Academy and other Award’s winner!
Besides, some of Melissa Etheridge’s friend’s were to play (Jessie Payo, Paula Cole and Joan Osborne), so how in the heck could I have been previously torn?
The first act was Jessie Payo, who served lyrics such as “I smell like whiskey,” that would be neat drinking music for a few nights a week or so. She sang pretty loudly, and her vocals didn’t always sound the best though. Plus the voice of Jessie Payo is not as smooth as mayo.
Paula Cole also performed and has the clap (not the S.T.D. one) down pat—she clapped her hands together during most of her time onstage, and the majority of the audience looked really into that.
Plus, Paula Cole very obviously expressed during her stage time she is an especially emotional soul. The Theme song for the smash hit TV show “Dawson’s Creek,” was written and played by Paula Cole. Yet, she said on the Ravinia stage, that the song was just supposed to be for her grandpa —not a TV show.
Paula revealed, too, that she loves Dolly Parton, and she did a rendition of the Country Superstar’s “Jolene,” with an ending that included her masterfully b-boxing! Subsequently, she got seated peeps to rise to their feet, standing tall and clapping.
Joan Osborne sang some pleasurable new bluesy tunes, and cover songs, but her not doing more of ones from her recently Grammy-nominated album was a tad lame. However, she did sing “One of Us,” to which my bus rides have never been the same!
All of the talent deservingly received a standing ovation, which brings me to thee Melissa Etheridge’s performance being an incredibly lengthy and admirable duration.
But first, if you do not know already, you may be wondering why Melissa Etheridge has recently made News’s headlines galore? According to Perez Hilton, “Melissa Etheridge once again pinky promises she never meant to light a fiery feud by calling Angelina Jolie’s mastectomy “fearful” even if she and Brad Pitt aren’t bestiez anymore (www.perezhilton.com 2013.”)
Melissa Etheridge has also been in the media more lately because of her almost brand-spanking new and happy marriage. When on Ravinia’s spectacular stage, Melissa Etheridge said “I am proud to be an American today” and later spoke of the importance of what we put into our body, and how we should have faith in our body, all while appearing ever-so passionate about helping people by spreading her knowledge.
The best part of Melissa Etheridge’s show was when she played her Cancer Anthem “I will Run for Life.” It looked like everyone in the crowd got extra revved up, singing along, dancing, shouting praise, waving their arms in the air, some shedding tears, and my mom and I receiving goose bumps, and smiling from ear to ear, via experiencing such enormously impactful moments with each other, as well as with thee Melissa Etheridge and other concert-goers deeply feeling life.
The audience acted in the manner, described above, during most of Melissa’s show since she was exceptionally heart-warming, inspiring, good-humored, animated, plus an extraordinary force and talent in every other way onstage. There was not one dull moment throughout Melissa’s performance, she put the audience through some hoops, played most of her biggest songs, and was a humongous ball of energy for over 2 and a half hours, despite her 50-something age!
Also, Melissa said during her show she already knew how to play guitar, so she decided to teach herself how to play the piano at the age of six. And her mom came into her room one day when she was practicing, and said “Melissa, now you’re just making stuff up,” and she did so while living in the sticks, a small town named Leavenworth, Kansas. (Is Leavenworth worth leaving?)
On an ending note, I darn well know for certain now I would be extremely upset to miss a Melissa Etheridge show. Whether, cold and rainy, or even a snowstorm, if thee Melissa Etheridge is to play, it is a sure go!
Melissa Etheridge’s Latest Album is: 4th Street Feeling
Joan Osborne’s: Bring It On Home
Paula Cole’s: Raven
Jessie Payo’s: (Single—no album yet, “Heaven Help Me.”)
For more information on shows at Ravinia, please visit Ravinia.com
