The serene and enchanting Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, IL, once again set the stage for a musical extravaganza that left the audience in awe. Train, the iconic multi-Grammy and Billboard Award-winning band hailing from San Francisco and led by the talented Pat Monahan, graced the Ravinia Festival on August 30, 2023, with another performance that will undoubtedly be etched in the memories of the band’s Chicagoland fans.
Here are seven compelling reasons why you shouldn’t have missed Train’s latest sensational performance at the Ravinia Festival.
1. The Unmatched Venue
Ravinia Festival is not your ordinary concert venue; it’s a place where music meets nature. Nestled amid lush greenery and a serene atmosphere, the festival provides an intimate and immersive musical experience that’s hard to find elsewhere. Where else can you find a great outdoor amphitheater surrounded by thousands of fans having a literal picnic on the lawn. Train’s performance amid this picturesque backdrop elevated the concert to a whole new level of magic.
2. Opening Act by Parmalee
The evening began with a captivating performance by country music’s Parmalee. Their infectious energy and soulful tunes set the stage for an evening filled with diverse musical experiences.
3. Unveiling “I Know”
Train delighted the audience by performing their new song “I Know,” a collaboration, which features the talents of Bryce Vine and Tenille Townes for the recording. The electrifying blend of vocals and melodies resonated through the venue, showcasing Train’s ability to seamlessly weave different styles into their signature sound.
4. Consistent Ravinia Brilliance
Over the years, Train has become synonymous with remarkable Ravinia performances. Their legacy of consistently delivering memorable shows at this venue continued to shine brightly, leaving no doubt that the band and the festival share an inseparable bond.
5. “Meet Virginia” meets “The Joker”
Train’s creative genius was on full display as they mashed up their hit “Meet Virginia” with the classic Steve Miller Band song “The Joker.” This unexpected yet harmonious fusion showcased the band’s ability to reinvent their music while paying homage to their influences.
6. A Legacy of Musical Excellence
Train’s journey to stardom, from their early days of hometown shows to their debut self-titled album and subsequent chart-topping hits, has solidified their status as musical legends. The band’s evolution, marked by chart-toppers like “Drops of Jupiter” and “Hey, Soul Sister,” has left an indelible mark on the music industry.
7. Hit-Filled Encore
Train’s encore left the crowd on their feet, as they launched into a cover of “Hotel California,” putting their own spin on the classic, and followed it up with their iconic hit “Drops of Jupiter.” The crowd’s participation reached a crescendo during these enigmatic performances.
Under the starlit sky, a wave of nostalgia and excitement swept through the crowd gathered at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater in Milwaukee, WI. The Lumineers were set to deliver a memorable performance and the enchanting lakefront venue on the Summerfest festival grounds provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of exceptional music, with James Bay warming up the stage as the opening act.
The night’s musical journey commenced with the mellifluous tunes of James Bay. With his soulful voice and masterful guitar skills, Bay effortlessly held the audience’s attention. His intimate performance created an ambiance of anticipation, setting the stage for the Lumineers’ much-anticipated appearance.
As darkness descended, the Lumineers took the stage amidst an eruption of cheers and applause. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation, and the band’s performance did not disappoint. They effortlessly moved through their repertoire, delivering heartfelt renditions of fan-favorites and new tracks alike. The raw emotion in Wesley Schultz’s vocals resonated deeply, creating an intimate connection with everyone present.
The Lumineers’ last Milwaukee concert had inadvertently become a symbol of the pre-pandemic era, making this performance even more special. The audience found themselves immersed in a shared experience, reliving the power and magic of live music.
As the Lumineers concluded their set with a resounding finale, the echoes of their performance lingered in the air, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of the audience. The night encapsulated the healing power of music, a reminder that even during challenging times, the melodies that move us can bring solace, joy, and a sense of togetherness. As the crowd slowly dispersed, the echoes of their performance remained, serving as a reminder that music has the ability to unite us and evoke powerful emotions, no matter the circumstances.
Check out our amazing photos from the memorable night, from our photographer Tess Trueblood below.
The Windy City was alive with musical magic as Sam Smith took center stage at the iconic United Center on August 15th, 2023. The much-awaited Chicago stop on “GLORIA The Tour” finally arrived, marking Sam Smith’s first tour run in North America since 2018. This enchanting evening of music was further elevated by the presence of special guest Jessie Reyez, adding an extra layer of excitement to the night’s festivities.
With a perfect one-two-punch for a packed crowd at the UC, we captured some of our favorite moments of the night for your enjoy. Check out our photos from last night’s performance below!
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration/OnMilwaukee.com
Karol G brought a little bit of spice to Lollapalooza for an epic first night of the iconic Chicago music festival. Headlining the lakefront festival’s Bud Lite stage, Karol G gave fans a perfect taste of what they can expect next month as the Colombian singer is set to perform at Soldier Field for her massive stadium tour.
Check out our photos from last night’s performance below!
Imagine this: A warm summer night at Soldier Field, the Chicago skyline glowing behind you, and more than 60,000 fans all decked out in chrome and cowboy hats, chanting in unison for one person — Beyoncé. As part of her groundbreaking Renaissance Tour, the Queen herself transformed the home of the Chicago Bears into a dazzling, otherworldly celebration of music, movement, fashion, and freedom.
If you stayed home last weekend thinking, “I’ll catch her next time,” let me be blunt: You missed a once-in-a-generation spectacle. Beyoncé’s stop in Chicago was not just a concert — it was a cultural event, a fashion show, a dance party, a statement, and a masterclass in live performance. So whether you’re a part-time member of the Beyhive or a certified stan, here are all the reasons why you should’ve made the drive from Milwaukee to catch Queen B in action.
Beyoncé isn’t just a pop star. She’s a movement.
There’s a reason Beyoncé doesn’t need an opening act: the minute she steps on stage, she becomes the moment. And on Saturday night, that moment stretched for over two and a half hours, spanning 34 songs across multiple eras — from her Dangerously in Love ballads to Renaissance’s ballroom-inspired anthems. Her voice was flawless, effortlessly shifting from hushed intimacy to full-blown diva power, while her choreography hit just as hard.
With a live band, backup dancers, stunning visuals, and an elaborate moving stage, Beyoncé delivered a performance that felt more like a Broadway-meets-club extravaganza than a typical arena show. It was curated to perfection, but still pulsing with raw energy — reminding us why she’s regarded as one of the greatest live performers of all time.
She made Soldier Field her palace
Sure, Soldier Field may be best known for its gridiron history, but for two nights, Beyoncé was the only one calling the plays. In fact, now that Aaron Rodgers is no longer “owning” the Bears, Beyoncé seemed to lease out the entire venue — taking over the lakefront stadium with a sense of power, joy, and undeniable swagger.
The transformation was incredible. Giant LED screens wrapped the stage, the catwalk extended deep into the crowd, and lights lit up the night like a Fourth of July fireworks show — all to serve one queen’s vision. Surrounded by fans from across the Midwest (and far beyond), the atmosphere inside Soldier Field was electric from the moment gates opened until Beyoncé gave her final bow.
It wasn’t just a show. It was a runway.
Going to a Beyoncé concert is like attending fashion week — if fashion week involved tens of thousands of screaming fans in rhinestones. Renaissance-era Beyhive came dressed to slay, flaunting metallics, chrome accents, rhinestone cowgirl boots, and yes, an endless supply of disco ball cowboy hats.
But even with all that shine in the crowd, no one outshone the queen. Styled by Marni Senofonte, Beyoncé cycled through a series of couture looks that were both futuristic and fabulous — including a custom black-and-gold Schiaparelli bodysuit to open the night. Every outfit change was its own moment, paired seamlessly with a new mood, new choreography, and new visuals. Fashion wasn’t just part of the show — it was the show.
The visuals? Out of this world.
If Beyoncé’s voice was the soul of the night, her stage production was the beating heart. A sci-fi-glam fever dream brought to life, the Renaissance Tour’s visuals leaned into metallics, androids, and intergalactic imagery. One of the night’s most jaw-dropping moments came when Beyoncé sang atop a Cybertruck-inspired silver horse, slowly floating over the stage like a chrome goddess.
Lasers, robotic arms, chrome backdrops, and a transforming video wall all enhanced the music without overpowering it. Even the interludes — which featured glitchy, futuristic spoken word segments — added to the immersive vibe. Beyoncé didn’t just perform music; she built a world.
A journey through her evolution
The concert wasn’t just a celebration of Renaissance — it was a career retrospective for one of pop culture’s most influential figures. Beyoncé opened the night with a stripped-down rendition of Destiny’s Child’s “Dangerously in Love,” a reminder of where she started. But by the time she arrived at “Alien Superstar” and “Pure/Honey,” it was clear just how far she’s traveled — musically, creatively, and personally.
Gone is the girl-group ingénue. In her place stands a self-possessed, genre-bending, boundary-pushing icon. To witness that evolution in real-time, song by song, was nothing short of inspiring.
No openers. No filler. Just Beyoncé.
When you’re Beyoncé, you are the pre-show, the main event, and the encore. Skipping the tradition of having an opening act, Bey gave fans more of what they came for: her. No distractions, no warm-ups — just a two-hour-plus journey that never let up.
And it worked. The crowd didn’t need hyping. From the second the lights dimmed and the first notes rang out, Soldier Field was on its feet. The vibe? A communal, euphoric energy that pulsed with every beat and lyric.
FOMO is real — and so is redemption
Let’s not sugarcoat it: If you missed Beyoncé in Chicago, you missed something unforgettable. Social media clips don’t do it justice. Setlists can’t capture the energy. And no amount of sparkle on your couch can replace the glittering, sweaty, joy-soaked reality of being there in person.
But all is not lost — not yet. Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour is still rolling through more stadiums across the U.S., and if there’s a show within driving distance, consider this your wake-up call. Trust me: You don’t want to be left out of the next unforgettable night.
Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour at Soldier Field wasn’t just a concert — it was a reminder of what live music can be at its very best: bold, breathtaking, and unifying. Whether you were in the front row or the nosebleeds, you left with the same feeling — like you’d just witnessed something transcendent.
Next time Queen B rolls through the Midwest, don’t hesitate. Bow down, grab your disco hat, and join the party.
With no tour stops in Milwaukee or Chicago this time around, rapper Post Malone split the difference and made an appearance at East Troy, Wisconsin’s iconic Alpine Valley Music Theatre. With about 7,000 fans packed in the amphitheater and even more in the general admission lawn, Post Malone put on a full show with his new live band that was more than worth the price of admission.
From start to finish Posty performed his biggest hits, showed off his unmatched personality and rocked out with East Troy until the night was over. So of course we had to be there to capture some of our favorite moments from the massive performance.
The picturesque Veterans Park on Milwaukee’s lakefront came alive on a Friday night as music enthusiasts and motorcycle aficionados gathered for the highly anticipated opening night of the Harley Davidson Homecoming music festival, in celebration of the iconic brands 120th annivary. With an electric lineup featuring KennyHoopla, Phantogram, The Cult, and the legendary Green Day headlining the evening, the stage was set for an unforgettable experience blending the thrill of roaring engines with the power of live music.
Helping kick-off the festival in the early afternoon, rising alternative rocker and Wisconsin’s own, KennyHoopla took the stage with his signature energy, captivating the crowd with his charismatic presence. His blend of catchy melodies, introspective lyrics, and genre-defying sound created an electric atmosphere that set the tone for the rest of the night. KennyHoopla’s performance left an indelible impression, establishing him as an artist to watch in the music scene.
Although not without sound issues and delay, musical duo Phantogram mesmerized the audience with their unique blend of dreamy electronic beats, ethereal vocals, and captivating visuals. Their hauntingly beautiful melodies echoed across the park, creating an otherworldly ambiance that transported listeners on a sonic journey.
As the evening progressed, The Cult took the stage for their Milwaukee return, infusing the night with their raw and powerful rock anthems. With their rich catalog of hits spanning several decades, the British rockers delivered a high-energy performance that resonated with both longtime fans and new listeners. The crowd sang along passionately as The Cult unleashed their classic tracks, reminding everyone why they remain a force to be reckoned with in the rock genre.
As anticipation reached its peak, the iconic punk rock band Green Day stormed the stage, instantly sending the crowd into a frenzy. From the opening chords of “American Idiot” to the explosive finale, the band delivered an electrifying performance that showcased their unparalleled stage presence and unwavering energy. With an impressive repertoire of hits spanning their illustrious career, Green Day captivated the audience, uniting generations of fans in a shared moment of musical euphoria.
The opening night of the Harley Davidson Homecoming music festival at Veterans Park in Milwaukee, WI, was a celebration of the indomitable spirit of both music and motorcycles. The harmonious blend of KennyHoopla’s dynamic energy, Phantogram’s mesmerizing sonic tapestry, The Cult’s timeless rock anthems, and Green Day’s legendary headlining set created an unforgettable experience for all in attendance. As the festival continues tonight, it promises to be an exhilarating journey, uniting music lovers and motorcycle enthusiasts under one roaring banner of pure joy and exhilaration.
The Windy City Smokeout festival, known for its mouthwatering barbeque and outstanding musical lineup, kicked off its first night with a bang at the United Center. The main event of the evening was the highly anticipated headlining set by the rising country music sensation, Zach Bryan, who is rising to stardom so fast that he was performing in the afternoon at the Chicago festival just a year ago. With his raw talent, heartfelt lyrics, and captivating stage presence, Bryan left the audience in awe. Let’s take a visual journey through the mesmerizing performance in this exclusive photo gallery.
Summerfest 2023 has come to a close after another three weekends of amazing performances from the biggest established and emerging names in music. To close out the Milwaukee lakefront festival on Saturday night, the massive pop rock band Imagine Dragons returned to the Big Gig for an epic sold-out performance.
If you weren’t there or want to relive the night, don’t worry as we have you covered. We captured some of our favorite moments from the show so you can take yourself back to one of Summerfest’s top concerts of the festival.
The Gravy Train made a second stop in Milwaukee this month as rapper and University of Wisconsin alum Yung Gravy returned to Summerfest after Thursday night’s headliner had to cancel. Performing a one-of-a-kind free with admission set at the festival’s American Family Insurance Amphitheater, Yung Gravy double down on the entertainment from his huge set at the Big Gig a week prior.
If you weren’t there or want to relive the night, don’t worry as we have you covered. We captured some of our favorite moments from round two of Yung Gravy.
Photos by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
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