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Concert Preview: BLACKPINK Set to Bring the “DEADLINE” World Tour to Soldier Field This Month

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Next weekend, one of the biggest names in global pop returns to Chicago in a major way. BLACKPINK, the record-shattering K-pop phenomenon, will headline Soldier Field on July 18, 2025, as part of their monumental 2025 World Tour, marking the group’s first tour since 2023 and their most ambitious live production yet.

The show follows the tour’s explosive kickoff in Goyang, South Korea earlier this month, where the group debuted their new single, “Jump”, to rave reviews and fan-frenzy. If that launch was any indication, Chicago fans are in for a high-energy, hit-packed spectacle with stadium-sized visuals and a show-stopping setlist. Soldier Field, already no stranger to blockbuster tours, will transform into a haven for BLINKs, as Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa bring their signature blend of powerful choreography, solo moments, and undeniable pop charisma to the Windy City.

Fans can expect a setlist that spans BLACKPINK’s career—from early anthems like “Boombayah” and “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du”, to recent hits like “Pink Venom” and “Shut Down”, with room for surprises and dazzling solo performances. During the Goyang show, each member took the spotlight with their own performance, a tradition that’s likely to continue in Chicago. The concert will also mark one of the first North American stadium performance of “Jump,” the group’s brand new comeback track that’s already climbing charts across the globe.

Doors open at 6:00 PM, with the show set to begin at 8:00 PM. As always with major stadium shows, fans are encouraged to arrive early to navigate parking, merch lines, and the electric pre-show atmosphere. Parking lots open at 4:00 PM, and public transit is recommended for a smoother arrival experience.

For Chicago’s music scene, and for K-pop in general, this is more than just a concert. It’s a cultural moment. BLACKPINK’s DEADLINE tour is already making history as their first all-stadium tour, and Soldier Field marks the group’s return to the city after previously playing the United Center. With tens of thousands expected in attendance, July 18 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated shows of the year.

Limited tickets are still available, but they’re moving fast. If you’ve never seen BLACKPINK live before, now’s your chance. If you’ve seen them already, you know you won’t want to miss this.

Remaining 2025–2026 Tour Dates

North America
• July 12-23 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
• July 12-23 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field
• July 22–23 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre
• July 26–27 – New York, NY – Citi Field

Europe
• Aug 2–3 – Paris, France – Stade de France
• Aug 6 – Milan, Italy – Ippodromo La Maura
• Aug 9 – Barcelona, Spain – Estadi Olímpic
• Aug 15–16 – London, UK – Wembley Stadium

Asia & Oceania
• Oct 18–19 – Kaohsiung, Taiwan – National Stadium
• Oct 24–26 – Bangkok, Thailand – Rajamangala Stadium
• Nov 1–2 – Jakarta, Indonesia – GBK Main Stadium
• Nov 22–23 – Manila, Philippines – Philippine Arena
• Nov 29–30 – Singapore – National Stadium

Final Dates
• Jan 16–18, 2026 – Tokyo, Japan – Tokyo Dome
• Jan 24–25, 2026 – Hong Kong – Kai Tak Stadium

For more info on the tour, visit blackpinkofficial.com or soldierfield.com.

Concert Photos, Features, News

9 Reasons You Shouldn’t Have Missed The Lumineers’ Summerfest Closer

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Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

The Lumineers closed out Summerfest 2025 the way only they could, with sincerity, harmony, and a sold-out amphitheater full of fans yelling “Ho!” and “Hey!” like their lives depended on it.

Headlining the American Family Insurance Amphitheater on Saturday night, the Colorado-born folk rock band brought a warm, emotional close to three weekends of nonstop music on Milwaukee’s lakefront. This wasn’t their first time playing Summerfest or the venue, but it might’ve been their most triumphant.

For many in the crowd, it wasn’t just the end of a festival, it was a moment of reflection, connection, and collective singing that felt bigger than any fireworks show that the holiday weekend could offer. From early hits to newer gems, The Lumineers reminded us how powerful simple and honest songwriting can still be.

Here are 9 reasons you shouldn’t have missed it.

1. They always deliver on the Summerfest grounds

Whether it’s a headlining tour or part of Summerfest’s official lineup, The Lumineers have made Milwaukee a frequent stop and every time they show up, they bring the house down.

2. It was the final night of this year’s Summerfest

You only get one shot to close out the world’s largest music festival, and The Lumineers made sure the last night was something to remember.

3. It was another sell-out

If you were still hunting for tickets the week of, you were out of luck. It was one of the most in-demand sets of the entire festival and the packed amphitheater proved it.

4. “Ho Hey” was made for this setting

Some songs are destined to be sung outdoors, shoulder to shoulder with strangers, all yelling in rhythm. “Ho Hey” isn’t just a hit it’s a group therapy session under the stars.

5. They sounded flawless

No frills, no filler,  just pitch-perfect vocals, tight instrumentation, and harmonies that hit you in the chest. Wesley Schultz sounded as fresh as ever.

6. One of their last Milwaukee shows triggered the end of the world, so it couldn’t get any worse than that

One of the last times The Lumineers were performing in Milwaukee (at the Fiserv), the world shut down due to COVID-19. This time? No global pandemic followed. Just good vibes and banjo solos.

7. They played the hits and then some

“Ophelia,” “Angela,” “Stubborn Love”, they were all there. But fans were also treated to deeper cuts and newer favorites that made the set feel rich and well-rounded.

8. They proved why they’re perfect festival closers

Not every band can command a massive amphitheater crowd without pyrotechnics or flashy visuals. The Lumineers did it with raw emotion and timeless songs.

9. Jeremiah and Wesley are still doing it 20 years later

Bandmates Jeremiah Fraites and Wesley Schultz have been making music together for two decades now, and it shows. Their chemistry, trust, and passion radiated from the stage and it was contagious.

Concert Photos, Features, News

Photos: Benson Boone’s Summerfest Set Was a Rollercoaster of Emotion

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Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

On Thursday night, Benson Boone took over the iconic American Family Insurance Amphitheater at Summerfest, and boy, did he deliver. Against the sprawling backdrop of Milwaukee’s Henry Maier Festival Park, Boone commanded a sold-out crowd with a 18-song set that showcased his growth from breakout artist to stage-born performer. From tender vocal feels to full-throttle anthems, his Summerfest set was nothing short of unforgettable.

Boone kicked things off with an emotional punch, launching into “Sorry I’m Here for Someone Else” and “I Wanna Be the One You Call”, immediately engaging fans with his soulful vocal timbre and intimate stage presence. Things got sweet and intimate with “Coffee Cake”, before transitioning into high-energy territory with “Drunk in My Mind” and “There She Goes”, where he paced the stage, waving his arms and feeding off the crowd’s infectious energy.

Mid-set, the mood shifted. With “Slow It Down” and “Be Someone”, Boone stripped things back, his voice crystal clear against the amphitheater lights and the night sky. Then of course, what better way to cap off a memorable night than with his breakout single “Beautiful Things”, the track that made him a star. Spanning bangers, ballads, and emotional crescendos, Boone’s performance at the AmFam Amp confirmed that he’s far more than a TikTok flipping darling, he’s a full-fledged performer capable of moving a massive crowd with both vocal finesse and authentic connection.

Check out our photos of the sold-out performance below!

Photos by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

  • Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Features, News

Kelsea Ballerini & The Marías Set to Bring Star Power to Austin City Limits Season 51

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Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Austin City Limits continues its landmark 51st season with a pair of highly anticipated tapings in July. The genre-spanning artistry of indie outfit The Marías and the chart-topping country-pop flair of Kelsea Ballerini will light up the iconic Moody Theater on July 8 and 10, respectively.

The Marías: Psychedelic Soul Comes to ACL (July 8)

Bursting onto the scene with their cinematic debut Cinema in 2021, The Marías have since gained acclaim for their hypnotic fusion of jazz, psychedelia, funk, and lounge. The duo, fronted by Puerto-Rican-born, Atlanta-raised María Zardoya and LA-based Josh Conway, alongside Jesse Perlman (guitar) and Edward James (keys) weaves a musical tapestry rich in smoke-velvet vocals, nostalgic horns, and jazz-fueled percussion.

Their ACL debut comes on the heels of Submarine, their sophomore album and a reflective return to the hazy indie rock roots first hinted at in their 2017 EP Superclean. Described by Josh as the “bookend to their trilogy”, Submarine explores solitude’s lonely beauty and evokes a vivid, almost filmic exploration of human emotion. Fans caught them this spring, lighting up Coachella and ACL Fest; now ACL fans get the full immersive live experience.

Kelsea Ballerini: Country Pop Trailblazer Takes on ACL (July 10)

Country music’s shining star, Kelsea Ballerini, makes her ACL debut on July 10, showcasing songs from her fifth studio album, Patterns. A decade after her breakthrough with The First Time, which spawned three consecutive No. 1 singles by a debut female artist, Ballerini has built an impressive résumé: seven chart-toppers, 36 RIAA certifications, multiple Grammy nods, and induction into the Grand Ole Opry at just 25.

Her 2024 album Patterns debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart and hit No. 4 on the Billboard 200. Produced with Alysa Vanderheym and featuring stars like Noah Kahan, Patterns earned critical praise and award nominations for tracks like “Cowboys Cry Too,” which snagged Globe Music Event nominations.

Fresh off her headlining arena tour, Ballerini is poised to deliver one of the most compelling country performances ACL has staged.

How to Attend

Tapings for both artists will take place at ACL Live at The Moody Theater, 310 W. 2nd St., Austin. Free taping-pass announcements will go live approximately one week ahead via ACLTV’s Instagram, Facebook, and X channels. Episodes are slated for broadcast this fall as part of Season 51 on PBS.

Stay tuned to ACLTV’s socials for taping pass giveaways and more.

Features, News

Brisket, Boots & Bailey Zimmerman: Your Guide to Windy City Smokeout 2025

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Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Get ready, Chicago! The Windy City Smokeout, Chictown’s signature country‑music and BBQ extravaganza, is back July 10–13, 2025 at the United Center. This marks its 12th edition, and it’s shaping up to be the most mouthwatering yet.

Music Highlights

Thursday, July 10
Headlined by ACM’s 2023 New Male Artist of the Year Bailey Zimmerman, supported by the gritty country‑rock of Koe Wetzel, Shane Smith & The Saints, Bayker Blankenship, and powerhouse newcomer Angel White.

Friday, July 11
Experience Old Dominion (ACM Group of the Year 2024) and breakout star Dylan Gossett, alongside talented rising acts Josh Meloy, Lauren Watkins, and Maggie Antone.

Saturday, July 12
The weekend reaches full throttle with Kane Brown and ACM’s 2024 New Female Artist of the Year Megan Moroney, plus Charles Wesley Godwin, Austin Snell, and Kashus Culpepper rounding out the day.

Sunday, July 13
Closing night features country star Jon Pardi and Riley Green, plus exciting newer names like Ella Langley, Sam Barber, and Josh Ross.

With over 20 artists across all four days, this year’s bill blends superstar headliners with aspiring and independent voices in country, Americana, and folk-influenced country.

BBQ + Beer = Chicago’s Tastiest Tradition

This festival isn’t just about music, it’s a curated feast of top-tier BBQ and craft beer. Over 20 celebrated pitmasters will bring regional BBQ firepower from across the U.S., including Chicago legends and national favorites:

  • Chicago stalwarts: Bub City, Smoque BBQ, Lexington Betty Smokehouse, Chef Art Smith’s Reunion, Green Street Smoked Meats, and Soul & Smoke
  • Regional stars: Little Miss BBQ (Phoenix, AZ), Hoodoo Brown BBQ (Connecticut), Heritage Barbecue (California), Pappy’s Smokehouse (St. Louis), Dayne’s Craft BBQ (Texas), Wright’s Barbecue (Arkansas), and more.

Expect bold, regional styles and a pitmaster buffet experience that pairs perfectly with live tunes. Note: food is available for purchase separately from wristband access.

Ticket Options & Events

Choose from 4‑day or single‑day General Admission, VIP, or Platinum wristbands.

  • General Admission grants access to all live music stages, BBQ vendors, and cashless concessions.
  • VIP wristbands offer shaded elevated decks, express entry, air‑conditioned restrooms, private bars, and charging stations.
  • Platinum Experience includes premium amenities: golf cart transport, reserved parking, chef‑curated food & drinks, exclusive viewing zones, and concierge service.

Special-ticket events include the Friday “Biggest Happy Hour of the Summer” and the bottomless Sunday BBQ Brunch, open to 4‑day or Sunday pass holders. Brunch features live acoustic sets, mimosas, build-your‑own Bloody Marys, and buffet‑style BBQ favorites.

Why Windy City Smokeout Stands Out

  • This festival is one of Chicago’s only dedicated country‑music weekends downtown, blending big names and local talent across four days.
  • Its location at the United Center parking lot offers urban energy combined with the intimacy of an open‑air BBQ festival.
  • Curated by Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants and festival promoter Ed Warm, Smokeout consistently marries top-tier music with top-tier pitmasters, earning its status as one of the premier country + BBQ events in the country.

MORE INFO

  • Getting here: United Center is at 1901 W Madison St, easily reachable via public transit or ride share.
  • Stay nearby: Hotels in Near West Side and West Loop offer great proximity; consider booking early due to high demand.

Windy City Smokeout 2025 delivers a perfect midsummer mix: rising and established country stars, mouthwatering BBQ with a national and local flair, and Chicago’s festival energy right downtown.

Whether you’re chasing country classics or chasing burnt ends, this four‑day event promises something to savor for every country‑music and BBQ lover in Windy City.

Keep an eye on windycitysmokeout.com and the festival’s social channels for updates and more info.

Concert Photos, Features, News

Photos: Isabel Dumaa’s Summerfest Debut Was a Hidden Gem

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Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Isabel Dumaa may not have been the most familiar name on this year’s Summerfest lineup, but by the time her set wrapped on Friday, it was clear Milwaukee had just witnessed one of the best breakout acts of the festival. Performing a late-afternoon set on the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard stage, Dumaa brought the kind of warmth, charm, and raw talent that instantly made fans out of first-time listeners.

Armed with a guitar and a voice that blends vulnerability with polish, the California-born singer-songwriter shared originals from her debut project Just My Nature, captivating the crowd with standout tracks like “Quarter Life Crisis” and “C’est La Vie.” Her indie-pop melodies, poetic lyrics, and stage presence made her performance feel both intimate and full of potential, the kind of set that leaves you saying, “Wait, who was that?” before quickly adding her to your playlist.

Isabel Dumaa didn’t need pyro or flashy visuals to win over the Summerfest crowd, just great songs, a clear sense of self, and the quiet power of an artist at the very beginning of something special. Keep an eye on her, we definitely will.

Scroll down to see our favorite photos from Isabel Dumaa’s Summerfest performance (Photos by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration).

  • Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Features, News

Country Thunder Wisconsin 2025 Preview: One Million Fans Can’t Be Wrong

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Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

It’s almost that time again, when cowboy boots stomp through Twin Lakes, country anthems echo across the fields, and tens of thousands of fans descend on southeast Wisconsin for one of the biggest parties of the summer. Country Thunder Wisconsin returns July 17–20, 2025, and this year, it’s not just bigger and better, it’s historic.

Celebrating its legacy as the largest country music festival brand in North America, Country Thunder Wisconsin is set to welcome its one millionth fan this year. That lucky festivalgoer, whose ticket gets scanned at just the right moment, will be crowned live on-site and awarded a once-in-a-lifetime prize package. (April’s Country Thunder Arizona winner, Lacey Culpepper, was attending for the very first time. So yes, this could be your year.)

As for the lineup? It’s a can’t-miss mix of country’s biggest hitmakers and rising stars, all taking the stage just a short drive from the Illinois border. Headliners this year include:

  • Cole Swindell, known for arena anthems and #1 hits like “She Had Me at Heads Carolina”
  • HARDY, a genre-blending force whose rock edge redefines modern country
  • Jelly Roll, one of music’s most talked-about crossover success stories
  • Dierks Bentley, a festival favorite with over 20 years of crowd-pleasing hits

Supporting acts include the likes of Tyler Hubbard (of Florida Georgia Line fame), the ever-energetic Gavin Adcock, rising powerhouse Ashley Cooke, Ashley McBryde, and 2025 ACM New Male Artist of the Year Zach Top—plus even more artists to be announced.

The sprawling Country Thunder grounds in Twin Lakes, WI, just under 90 minutes from Chicago, turn into a full-blown country music city each year, complete with campgrounds, food vendors, artist activations, and nonstop good vibes. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a curious first-timer, the energy is infectious.

Country Thunder has built a reputation over its 21-year history not just as a concert, but as a four-day celebration of all things country—a place where new memories are made, friendships are forged in the campgrounds, and everyone’s a little more sun-kissed and country by Sunday.

So pack your boots, your coolest shades, and maybe even a foam finger, because if you’re lucky, you just might become part of Country Thunder history.

For tickets, full lineup details, and camping info, visit countrythunder.com.

Concert Photos, Features, News

Photos: T-Pain’s Wiscansin Fest Returned to Milwaukee Bigger Than Ever

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Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

What started as a one-off joke in a 2008 T-Pain lyric, rhyming “mansion” with “Wiscansin”, has evolved into one of the Midwest’s most consistently stacked and wildly entertaining hip-hop events of the summer. On Friday night, T-Pain’s Wiscansin Fest returned to The Rave in Milwaukee for its latest installment, and the “Buy U a Drank” hitmaker once again proved he knows how to throw a party, even in a state he has no formal ties to, except in rhyme.

This year’s lineup was easily one of the most eclectic and star-studded yet. The crowd was already buzzing early in the night when viral rapper Armani White, best known for his TikTok hit “Billie Eilish,” opened things up. The energy continued with NLE Choppa, who gave fans both high-octane bangers and a heartwarming moment by bringing his young daughter on stage. Prof followed with a set tailored to the hip-hop purists in the crowd, delivering clever rhymes and offbeat humor with the confidence of an underground king.

The night’s biggest curveball, in the best way, came courtesy of DJ Diesel, a.k.a. Shaquille O’Neal. Towering over his turntables like a living meme, Shaq unleashed an electrifying set that fused hip-hop with EDM drops, shaking the entire ballroom. It wasn’t his first time bringing chaos to The Rave, and based on crowd reaction, it better not be his last.

While the schedule ran about 15 minutes behind throughout the night, it was Glorilla’s delayed set that drew the most attention, and not the good kind. The Memphis rapper, who headlined and sold out The Rave earlier this year, took the stage late and left after performing only one song (“TGIF”), resulting in a wave of boos from disappointed fans. Her brief appearance felt more like a cameo than a performance, especially considering her prominence on the flyer.

Kash Doll got the show back on track with a fan-involved set that included a surprise onstage duet with one lucky audience member, who nailed every word. Wale followed with one of the most engaging performances of the night, jumping into the crowd and spitting bars shoulder-to-shoulder with fans. A regular at The Rave, Wale’s familiarity with the venue shined through, making his set feel like a reunion more than a concert.

The night also included a surprise that didn’t disappoint: Flo Milli. Unbilled until she hit the stage, the rising rap star brought infectious energy and gave fans a teaser of what they can expect when she returns to Milwaukee later this summer to open for Megan Thee Stallion at Summerfest.

Still, all eyes turned to the stage when Pusha T arrived. One-half of the legendary duo Clipse, Pusha tore through his solo catalog with razor-sharp precision, giving Milwaukee fans a preview of what’s to come when he returns with Malice later this year for the Clipse reunion tour.

Just as many fans, however, came for Colombian superstar Feid, who nearly matched T-Pain in crowd size and energy. Donning his signature green shades and delivering hit after hit in Spanish, Feid transformed The Rave into a reggaeton hotspot, proving why he’s become one of Latin music’s most in-demand names.

T-Pain, of course, closed out the night, and as always, he delivered. Backed by a full band and a catalog packed with timeless party anthems, Pain balanced hype and heart as only he can, moving effortlessly from chart-toppers like “Bartender” and “Can’t Believe It” to deeper cuts for the day-one fans. His charisma filled the room, his vocals were sharp, and his genuine joy in hosting Wiscansin Fest was unmistakable.

Despite a couple hiccups, including Keyshia Cole’s unexplained last-minute absence, Wiscansin Fest 2025 was a celebration of music, community, and T-Pain’s ever-growing impact on hip-hop and pop culture. From start to finish, the night reminded us why this fest has become such a staple, even if it all started with a made-up word.

Photos by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

  • Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Features, News

Preview: Dispatch Bringing Reggae Roots and Indie Rock Spirit to Ravinia Festival This June

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Summer nights at Ravinia Festival are always special but on June 21, they’ll be downright unforgettable.

Beloved indie trailblazers Dispatch return to the Highland Park venue as part of their stacked summer tour, bringing with them an eclectic lineup of fan favorites and genre-defiers. Sharing the stage will be John Butler, G. Love & Special Sauce, Donavon Frankenreiter, and Illiterate Light, making this more than just a concert, rather a curated experience of roots, reggae, and revival.

Known for their genre-melding sound that blends roots rock with reggae, folk, ska, and soul, Dispatch has built a fiercely loyal fanbase over the past 25 years. Their latest project, Yellow Jacket, finds the band returning to the reggae/ska influences that first inspired them, offering a fresh-yet-familiar soundtrack for longtime fans and newcomers alike. You can check out the new LP here!

Joining them is John Butler, the virtuosic frontman of the John Butler Trio, whose deep catalog of blues and folk-infused rock has earned him acclaim around the world. His live performances are a masterclass in musicianship, emotion, and raw, improvisational energy.

Also on the bill is the effortlessly chill Donavon Frankenreiter, a former pro surfer who swapped his board for a guitar. His breezy, soulful jams bring a coastal warmth that fits summer evenings like a well-worn pair of flip-flops. Add in G. Love & Special Sauce’s funky hip-hop-blues fusion and the high-voltage indie energy of Illiterate Light, and you’ve got a night that crosses continents, styles, and sounds.

But part of what makes this show so uniquely appealing is the venue itself. Ravinia Festival is a whole experience. Tucked in a leafy corner of Highland Park, it’s the country’s oldest outdoor music festival and offers a laid-back, picnic-style setting unlike any other. Whether you’re grooving from a reserved seat or lounging on the lawn under the stars with a bottle of wine and charcuterie board in hand, there’s simply no better place to catch live music in the Midwest during the summer.

Dispatch at Ravinia will be a celebration of community, storytelling, and the enduring power of music that moves both body and soul.

Tickets are available now at ravinia.org.

Concert Photos, Features, News

Grace Jones and Janelle Monáe Bring Power and Pride to the Ravinia Festival

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Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

The Ravinia Festival isn’t your typical concert venue and Saturday night wasn’t your typical show.

As thousands gathered in Highland Park, just outside of Chicago, with picnic baskets, bottles of rosé, and rainbow flags in hand, the second major concert of Ravinia’s 2025 season transformed the scenic, tree-lined amphitheater into a sanctuary of sound, style, and self-expression. The pairing of two genre-bending icons, Grace Jones and Janelle Monáe, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that felt tailor made for Pride Month. It was futuristic. It was funky. It was fearless.

Janelle Monáe: Opening with Headliner Energy

Janelle Monáe might have technically opened the night, but her performance was anything but secondary. The acclaimed artist brought her unmistakable blend of Afrofuturism, soul, and pop polish to Ravinia’s stage with commanding presence, igniting the crowd from the jump. With hits like “Make Me Feel” and selections from her Age of Pleasure era, Monáe blurred the lines between concert and theatrical production, dripping charisma and reminding everyone that she can, and does, headline festivals on her own.

Monáe’s performance also echoed the spirit of Pride in both message and aesthetic. Between songs, she shared messages of empowerment and visibility, championing queer joy in a world that too often stifles it. She made Ravinia’s lawn feel less like a north shore park and more like a utopian block party, with concertgoers dancing in the grass, glitter on their cheeks.

Grace Jones: The Queen Ascends (Literally)

Then came Grace Jones.

As the curtain fell, the stage revealed Jones poised atop a towering platform, wearing a striking red mask that looked like a cyberpunk welder’s helmet. It was theatrical, menacing, iconic. She opened with her take of Iggy Pop’s “Nightclubbing,” her voice slinking through the air like velvet smoke, and from that moment on, the audience was hers.

At 77, Grace Jones remains a marvel. Her set was part fashion show, part performance art, part dance party, and all Grace. The hits came one after the other: “Demolition Man” and the sly groove of “My Jamaican Guy” drew roars from both the pavilion and the packed lawn. Lawngoers, some listening from their blankets on the ground, others sipping cocktails from crystal glasses, were just as locked in as those with front-row seats.

She commanded the stage with magnetic eccentricity, balancing avant-garde visuals with raw musical power. During “Williams’ Blood,” she delivered vocals that were chilling in their intensity. Her take on “Amazing Grace” was stirring and oddly intimate, even in a venue filled with thousands.

But the night’s true climax came during “Pull Up to the Bumper,” when Monáe reappeared to join Jones on stage. It was a generational summit of two trailblazers, exuding mutual respect, joy, and defiance. Finally, “Slave to the Rhythm” closed the night in spectacular fashion, although the crowd certainly didn’t want it to end.

Ravinia’s Unique Magic

There’s truly nowhere else like Ravinia. While many venues are content with plastic chairs and overpriced beer, Ravinia invites fans to build their own experience. Couples on the lawn dined by candlelight, groups of friends lounged on picnic blankets decked out like living rooms, and families danced among hanging string lights and garden gnomes.

That sense of personal celebration blended perfectly with the ethos of the night: be yourself, love freely, live loudly.

Grace Jones and Janelle Monáe gave Pride Month a North Shore moment it won’t soon forget.

Check out photos from Saturday night’s unforgettable performances below (Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration).

  • Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration