Home

Displaying items by tag: Handle with Care

The summer concert season kept rolling at Ravinia with Stephen Stills and Judy Collins. The manicured lawns were graced with the musical talents of two folk singers that started their careers a half century ago. As they went along through the course of a ninety-minute set they presented their own style of serene music for everyone to hear.

Concert-goers were allowed a dry spell long enough to enjoy a good show. The humidity was starting to fade into night as people munched on short rib tacos and sipped wine from Ravinia’s restaurants. The well-groomed crowd mostly decked in white pants and khakis were preparing themselves for a time to remember.

Kenny White started out the evening with a solo piano show. He tickled the ivories for a short warm up to set the tone for the evening. Calm and mellow was the mood for this outing. The opening act was brief, but filled with soft tones that were easy on the ears.

Then came the time for the main act and the legendary artists came out together as if they owned the world. The first song for the evening was the Traveling Wilburys' hit song “Handle with Care”. It was a great way to start off the show and get the crowd’s attention. After nearly fifty years since these two performed together live, Collins and Still fell back into it as if it were meant to be.

Stills had some guitars with him that were not just for an everyday player. Two mid-fifties Fender Stratocasters made their way into the hands of the guitar legend and he was more than worthy to play them. His sound was smooth and pristine. His solo capabilities were incredible and he could even up with any guitar great out there. His voice was crystal clear and very pleasant to hear.

Stephen changed guitars after almost every song. He went back and forth between one of the Strats to a Gretsch Stephen Stills Signature model and a few Martin acoustics. He told a story about buying one smaller bodied Martin acoustic while on tour. He joked how if you are traveling North in Minnesota in February that your musical career was just about over with. After a good laugh from the audience he continued by saying he bought the guitar to perform for the evening.

A white light came up from behind Collins and lit up her hair as if she were an angel. Her voice was refined and her guitar abilities were excellent. Her instrument of choice was a Martin Judy Collins Signature Model. She strummed chords on the beautiful twelve-string while providing some incredible vocal harmonies. She is truly just a stunning woman to see and hear.

The two pulled out some songs that made the crowd very happy as toes tapped and bodies swayed. Judy brought out a bigger hit “Both Sides Now”. The mellow upbeat song was an excellent choice for the set list that put a smile on so many faces. Stills played the classic rock anthem “Carry On”. The CSN masterpiece was like a shot in the arm of adrenaline. After all, they were being entertained by one of their heroes.

Stephen started to strum out the chords to a song that turned out to be a high point for the evening. Once lyrics came out, “There’s something happening here…” the crowd started to applaud with excitement. The Buffalo Springfield song “For What It’s Worth” was heard through the venue and everyone knew the words. The show would not have been the same without the iconic protest song about the Sunset Strip curfew riots.

It came time for an encore and they saved the best for last. “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” written for Judy Collins was a reason that a lot of people attended the show. The torch song was first unveiled for the public at Woodstock in 1969 and it brought this crowd to their feet. Singing along with every word it made the evening complete.

The show ended and everyone started to make their way back to their mode of transportation. The fountain outside the main entrance was lit up in every spectrum of the rainbow. As the colors changed a few raindrops started to fall. Thankfully it held out just long enough for this perfect evening.

Ravinia Festival in Highland Park provided the setting for this great concert that was brought together from the love felt within two musicians. Stephen Stills and Judy Collins graced the grounds with their unbelievable talent and performed a mellow musical set for its well-behaved onlookers. It was a night to remember.

 

Published in In Concert

Take Flight and Feel the Magic with ‘Peter Pan: The Hit Broadway Musical'

28 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

After many years without seeing the movie or reading the story of Peter Pan, the moment I learned that Peter Pan:…

Casting for Lifeline Theatre’s production of “Native Son” adapted by Chicagoan Nambi E. Kelley, May 10 - June 30

28 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Lifeline Theatre and Artistic Director ILesa Duncan announce the casting for Chicagoan Nambi E. Kelley's "gutsy, powerful, and relentless" adaptation of Richard Wright's powerful introspection…

A.B.L.E. presents "The Odyssey" at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on May 11

27 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

A.B.L.E.—Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations—a Chicago-based nonprofit that creates theatre and film for, with, and by individuals with Down syndrome…

Review: Remy Bumppo Theatre Company's "Love Song' at Theater Wit

26 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

When a play’s opening moment is mystifying and its closing moment is satisfying, the stuff in between must be doing…

“Navigating Family, Truth, and Legacy: A Must-See Journey in ‘Purpose’”

26 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

The expansive, opulent home exudes an air of solid middle-class comfort, boasting a formal dining area, an upright piano, and…

Eddie Izzard performs Shakespeare’s "Hamlet" in limited engagement, April 19–May 4

26 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces today a thrilling addition to the season: Tony Award-nominated actor Eddie Izzard brings her celebrated solo theatrical performance of Hamlet to…

Identity Performing Arts presents spring concert “Muted”

26 March 2024 in Upcoming Dance

Identity's Spring concert offers a captivating performance with two dissimilar works in its dynamic. Join us for the premiere of choreographer…

Joffrey Ballet closes season with remount of crowd favorite, Alexander Ekman's "Midsummer Night's Dream"

25 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

The Joffrey Ballet boldly closes its 2023-24 season with the return of Midsummer Night's Dream by internationally renowned Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman. Premiered by The…

Breaking Through The Winter Blues: Cirque du Soleil Crystal Sparkles at NOW Arena

23 March 2024 in Theatre Reviews

Like any good Chicago March, the city cannot make up its mind about what season it is in. This weekend…

Review: A Streetcar Named Desire at Copley Theatre

22 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

If there's one play every American should see in their lifetimes, without a doubt it's Tennessee Williams' perennial classic A…

Five Plays by Spanish Speaking Female Playwrights Selected for Series at Instituto Cervantes

20 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Instituto Cervantes of Chicago (31 W. Ohio St.), the city's primary non-profit center for Spanish language and cultural exchange, is pleased to present,…

Macbeth Gets Upended in ‘What the Weird Sisters Saw'

20 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

I love all things Shakespeare, particularly modern iterations and adaptations of his works, and I’ve had good experiences with Idle…

ON YOUR FEET! THE STORY OF EMILIO & GLORIA ESTEFAN Is Now Playing

19 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Broadway In Chicago is pleased to announce the smash-hit musical, ON YOUR FEET! THE STORY OF EMILIO & GLORIA ESTEFAN is now…

Casting Announced for Drury Lane Theatre's production of Guys and Dolls April 10 – June 9, 2024

18 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Drury Lane Theatre is thrilled to announce casting for its first show of the 2024/2025 season, Guys and Dolls, making its triumphant return to…

Writers Theatre announces 2024-2025 season

18 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Artistic Director Braden Abraham and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma announce Writers Theatre's 2024/25 season. The season launches with the Chicago premiere of the acclaimed musical Natasha,…

Music Theater Works’ ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ a sparkling and witty production

17 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

Who will the best speller be? Who will be able to withstand the pressures of competition? Who wants it the…

BLACK SUNDAY, a new, dust bowl-era drama by Dolores Díaz, directed by Sandra Marquez, storms in as TimeLine Theatre's 2023-24 finale

16 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

TimeLine Theatre announces the world premiere of the latest play developed through the company’s Playwrights Collective—Black Sunday, by Chicago playwright Dolores…

Marriott Theatre Continues Thrilling 2024 Season with "The Music Man"

15 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Marriott Theatre continues its thrilling 2024 season with MEREDITH WILLSON'S THE MUSIC MAN, the six-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy, directed and choreographed…

Red Theater presents HAMLET

15 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Red Theater is thrilled to present its second show of the 23/24 season: Shakespeare’s HAMLET, directed by Jeff nominated director Wyatt Kent, running April 26…

Margaret Atwood's 'The Penelopiad' Is a Zesty Romp, Even If a Bit Cerebral

15 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

“The Penelopiad” is a zesty romp and very entertaining. With a script by a writer I adore, Margaret Atwood of “The…

City Lit announces first season under incoming Executive Artistic Director Brian Pastor

14 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

City Lit Theater has announced its programming for the 2024-25 season, the company’s 44th. The season is the first to…

GIORDANO DANCE CHICAGO DEBUTS "GERSHWIN IN B" CHOREOGRAPHED BY EMMY AWARD-WINNER AL BLACKSTONE IN SPRING HARRIS ENGAGEMENT APRIL 5 & 6

13 March 2024 in Upcoming Dance

Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC) presents their "Season 61 | UNLIMITED!" Spring engagement at the Harris Theater at Millennium Park, 205…

Steppenwolf Theatre Announces 2024/25 Season

12 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Steppenwolf Theatre Company, under the leadership of Artistic Directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis and Executive Director Brooke Flanagan, today announced its 2024/25 Season, featuring a dynamic…

Pretty Woman is now playing at CIBC Theatre

12 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Broadway In Chicago is delighted to announce PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL is now playing at Broadway In Chicago's CIBC Theatre (18 W.…

'Bill W. and Dr. Bob' Tells About AA Founders, and What It Was Really Like to be their Wives

11 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

“Bill W. and Dr. Bob,” in its Chicago premiere at the Biograph Theater, tells the exciting story of the 1935…

MOMIX: ALICE is Spectacular!

10 March 2024 in Dance in Review

I’ve seen quite a lot of wonderful, entertaining dance productions in Chicago lately - creations that include music and modern…

Review: 'Aida' at Lyric Opera Chicago

10 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

There’s a reason Elton John’s Broadway musical adaptation of ‘Aida’ was one the most popular musicals of the early aughts.…

Deathtrap: A Thriller to Die For

09 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

It was a dark and stormy night (yes, it really was!) – the perfect ambiance for taking in one of…

Pre-Broadway World Premiere DEATH BECOMES HER Announces Complete Casting

05 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Broadway In Chicago and Universal Theatrical Group announced today complete casting for the world-premiere Chicago production of the drop-dead hilarious new musical comedy, DEATH…

Black Ensemble Theatre's 'The Time Machine: A Tribute To The 80’s' celebrates a transformative era of music

05 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

Black music in the 1980’s was transformative. It was the decade where Black music exploded in diversity and influence. It…

 

 

         17 Years and counting!

Register

 

     

Latest Articles

Guests Online

We have 213 guests and no members online

Buzz Chicago on Facebook Buzz Chicago on Twitter 

Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.