As the end of summer nears, midwesterners take one of the last opportunities to see their favorite artists perform at an outdoor venue.
Ravinia is a venue unlike any other in the area. People make sure to arrive early to set up their tables, chairs, and even candles, and enjoy their picnics on the lawn as they get to listen to live music in the most relaxing way possible. There’s also the seated, undercover pavilion for those who want to be able to see their favorite bands up close and personal on the stage. It’s like two different venues in one, with something to suit all preferences. It’s clear to see why it’s so popular throughout the summer months.
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit cannot get enough of the Chicagoland area, and we clearly can’t get enough of them! Despite selling out two nights at The Salt Shed earlier this year, fans flocked to Ravinia, many with picnics in tow, to get another fix of the band. During those Salt Shed shows, Isbell had been battling an illness that had impacted his voice. That was clearly not an issue here as his voice sounded the strongest and best it ever has! The band has toured relentlessly this year, but it does not appear to be taking its toll on them in terms of fatigue or lack of enthusiasm as you may expect it to. Quite the contrary, in fact, they seem to be firing on all cylinders and genuinely excited to be playing for their audiences. The touring schedule is not showing any signs of letting up, with dates set through until the end of November, including a two-week residency at the Ryman in Nashville.
The setlist may have some similarities night to night on tour, but no two nights are ever identical these days. Every now and again, they also throw in a little treat that you don’t expect. The surprise for the Ravinia crowd came in the form of “Live Oak,” which has popped up in rotation a few times in the last few months. This tour is in support of their most recent release, Weathervanes, so unsurprisingly the majority of the set comprised of songs from this album such as “King of Oklahoma,” “Death Wish,” and “Strawberry Woman.” A particular highlight of the set was their performance of “This Ain’t It,” a song that truly comes to life when performed live. As always, the guitar performances from Isbell and Sadler Vaden were spectacular with the two looking to have a great time bouncing back and forth off one another. The song clearly had an impact on the crowd who showed their enthusiastic appreciation.
The evening was rounded off with an impassioned performance of “Miles.” Some might wonder why “the new guy” has his own drum kit and plays some additional percussion. Well, this song was the perfect example of why. Chad Gamble and Will Johnson both beat their kits into submission during this one and it was impossible to take your eyes off them. Thank goodness this was the last song of the evening because these two had definitely earned a well-deserved lie-down.
