
Ravinia, the last show of the 2014 Moody Blues Timeless Flight Tour, where did the time go? I began this journey with the band in Syracuse and for me, the most concerts I have attended for in one tour, five in all.
Stella came in from New York and spent some time with me before we took off to Chicago on Friday morning. I had made reservations to stay there at the Renaissance Downtown Hotel, where we were given a room with a fantastic riverview. However, when making the reservations, the woman who I spoke with was very familiar with the Chicago area and assured me I wouldn't have to drive on the Dan Ryan Expressway. I find the name should be changed to the Dan Ryan Parkway! If you have ever been to Chicago, you try to avoid this at all costs and I even made sure I wouldn't hit the area at all around rush hour. But, to my great surpise and seeing the sign as we entered onto it, all Stella heard from me was, "Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!" It soon became apparent as to why I was hitting my head against the steering wheel. Either you were standing still or anyone trying to exit or enter same, would cut you off, without given consideration that there was not enough room between vehicles. I soon became Jeff Gordon, the race was on towards the Kennedy Expressway!
We made it to our hotel in one piece, as did my new car! Another story but, with only 1600 miles on it, someone backs into me, I have pictures with Flo to prove it! The hotel was great, everyone was very accomodating and while we decided to just stay there and have a bite to eat before heading out to the venue, it turned out to be a great idea. A storm passed through, it was raining so hard, that you couldn't see out the windows. From what I've heard several people had lost power and trees were downed. While driving to the venue, we hit a lot of standing water. It was raining lightly and an umbrella was needed as we walked from the parking lot. At least this venue compared to Toledo's, was covered for the pavilion area. Several people were on the lawn atop of the entrance to the pavilion and were all geared up as if they were at a tailgate party and regardless of the rain, they were ready for a party!
We made our way down to our seats which were in the third row, between Justin and John. Bonnie from Canada, had contacted us earlier. Two ladies that she had met the night before, had also attended the show in Westbury, New York on May 9th. When learning that they all attended the same show, they learned I was coming and had to meet the lady who, "Scarfed Pete!" Refer to my review of Westbury on May 9th, it is in Veteran Comic Rocker(s), probably on page 2 now. I miss Petey - yank, yank!
Out came the band at their normal Moodies time - 8:10pm. They were given a warm welcome and began to rock! I must mention I was told ahead of time, the show the night before had an audience who, for the most part, just sat there and clapped, and my two new friends said if I stood up, they would too!
Well, after each song and with no one sitting in the two rows in front of us, about the third time, I look around and piped up as I'm applauding, isn't anyone going to stand and at least applaud? The crowd finally got into it and everyone seemed to pick up on it, even those who were coming late to their seats.
Intermission came and went and finally when everyone came back onto the stage, they had the crowds attention! At one point, John who always plays to the crowd, made a move with his guitar, whereby I lost both Tylenol I was just getting ready to take, I didn't think I could get that flustered, and I could only imagine what it looked like from the stage as I was trying to find them in my lap! Again, it was over too quickly, but after talking with the security guard who kept my umbrella for me, he said he had attended several Moodies concerts and he said the crowd the night before was not as exhuberant as this show was, he agreed they sounded great and was planning on attending more shows!
The Moodies rock! How many bands are out there for 50 years who can do this and quite often? They keep getting stronger and stronger - keep on rocking and I cannot wait for the next tour!
We will start posting pictures from the venue in the, "Steppin' in the Slide Zone" thread - Enjoy!
Denise
