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Health & Fitness

Chicago Takes Ravinia By Storm With Hall Of Fame-Worthy Live Performance!

This past Saturday evening, Chicagoan's were treated to the highly anticipated homecoming of one of, if not Chicago's finest musical group during a high-octane live performance by James Pankow and company.

Boasting their customary three-tiered lead vocal trio of Robert Lamm, Jason Scheff (son of long-time Elvis Presley sideman/bassist Jerry & replacement for Peter Cetera) and Grammy-nominated Lou Pardini on keyboards and vocals (replacing long-departed Terry Kath's gruff vocals), Chicago continues to tour the globe to sold-out venues wherever they play.

However, even after all these 45 years of super-success, which according to Billboard Magazine has Chicago ranked as the second most successful American band, only to the Beach Boys, they refuse to rest on their laurels. While they've added more recent additions like Keith Howland On lead guitar and vocals, Tris Imboden on drums (replacing the legendary Danny Seraphine) and rounding out the new members: the highly quirky and entertaining Walfredo Reyes Jr. on percussion, the founding members remain the heart and soul of the group.

Chicago's hook has always been their uncanny ability to reinvent themselves decade after decade, while keeping their trademark ability to "rock with horns" unique, fresh and always to notch in terms of musicianship and especially songwriting. Their horn section of founder's James Pankow, Lou Loughnane and Walt Parazaider sound as chop-worthy and powerful as they ever have and that's a testament to their caring about their craft as it is to their personal pride. Anyone witnessing their concerts at Ravinia either Saturday and Sunday were treated to Hall of Fame performances that would trump 95% of the contemporary lineup's of musical acts currently receiving radio play. One thing for sure: You'll never hear a band like Chicago request auto-tuning. They're the Real Deal on every front.

From "Beginnings" to end, (yes, pun intended-duh!), Chicago wowed the Ravinia faithful with every hit during two satisfying sets that included top ten and number one hits like: "Look Away," 25 or 6 To 4, "Baby What A Big Surprise," "Colour My World," Top Hit: "Make Me Smile," and so many more. 

The great Robert Lamm, whose charisma and voice as the original crooner even prior to Peter Cetera joining the band, still performs at peak level, blowing the audience away with his smooth, silky renderings of Colour My World and so many others, especially "Saturday In The Park." 

In addition to the band putting out 150% and performing like they still have something to prove, (even though they clearly don't), it turns out the members of the group are good guys too. So far, to date: Chicago has raised $500,000.00 in funds to help find a cure for Breast Cancer. Their tradition is to feature a Chicago fan who has provided generously to Breast Cancer awareness/prevention and have them come up on stage to perform with the band on stage. 

After a beautiful speech from the charity's representative and an award presented to Chicago's long-time Manager, Peter Scivarelli, the entire Ravinia audience was treated to a touching rendition of "If You Leave Me Now," with fan in tow.

Chicago's James Pankow wowed the crowd with his energized stage-presence, amazing horn solos and ability to connect with the entire audience. Loughnane and Lamm were in tip-top form and Parazaider and Pardini were spot on with their instrumentals and lead and backing vocals.

Lead guitarist Keith Howland displayed searing lead chops and rocked the sold-out Ravinia house and lawn while the group enjoyed a most welcome homecoming. Even after 45 year's, it's evident that Chicago has no intentions of slowing down or interrupting the momentum they've built during the last half-century. 

If ever a band deserved recognition for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it's the group Chicago, with their far-reaching influence on so many generations of musicians and bands alike. The fact that they've been so far snubbed, has not been lost on fans or the readers of Rolling Stone Magazine for instance. With bands like Chicago, The Doobie Brothers and even Deep Purple having failed to have been inducted, it's a wonder a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame exists to begin with. 

If Saturday and Sunday's performances at Ravinia provided anything, it's living proof that a great band like Chicago has not lost a step and if their fans have anything to say about it, they're first ballot all the way.

For more information and to book your tickets to the remaining concerts at one of the world's best live music venues, be sure to go to: www.ravinia.org to purchase tickets for the upcoming Cheap Trick concert and much more.

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