BY DAN GARCIA
Last night, the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, IL, was transformed into a nostalgic paradise as TLC and Shaggy took the stage for a night of throwback hits and feel-good vibes. With a lineup like this, you couldn’t help but ask, “What About Your Friends?” because they should have been right there with you, reliving the ’90s and early 2000s.
Despite many expecting TLC to headline, the legendary group kicked off the evening at 7:30 PM. The moment Tionne ‘T-Boz’ Watkins and Rozonda ‘Chilli’ Thomas stepped on stage, the crowd was hit with an overwhelming wave of nostalgia. The duo, back in action after T-Boz’s recent health scare, showed no signs of slowing down. Opening with “Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg,” TLC immediately reminded us why they’re icons of the R&B scene.
The setlist was a mix of their greatest hits, including “What About Your Friends,” “Red Light Special,” and of course, the timeless “Waterfalls.” Each song brought back memories of cassette tapes, MTV music videos, and those middle school dance moments where you pretended you didn’t care about “No Scrubs,” but you totally did.
T-Boz, who recently overcame an abdominal blockage, delivered a performance that was nothing short of inspiring, not missing a beat. Her vocals were strong, and her energy was infectious. And let’s not forget Chilli, who brought the heat with her flawless dance moves and ageless beauty. Together, they proved that even decades later, they still have what it takes to “Creep” into our hearts.
Following TLC’s stellar performance, Shaggy took to the stage as the night’s headliner—a surprise to many but a welcome one. The reggae-fusion artist, known for his smooth voice and cheeky lyrics, immediately set the tone with his opening track, “Mood.”
Shaggy’s set was nothing short of a party, filled with hits that had the audience dancing in their seats and on the lawn. From “Boombastic” to “Angel,” the crowd was transported to a Caribbean paradise, even if we were just in Highland Park. His cover of Mungo Jerry’s “In The Summertime” was a delightful addition, bringing that summer festival vibe to life.
One of the highlights of Shaggy’s set was his humorous interaction with the audience. Despite repeatedly referring to the venue as “Ravina” instead of Ravinia, Shaggy’s charm and wit won everyone over. By the time he launched into “It Wasn’t Me” for the double billing’s encore, the entire venue was singing along, proving that some songs are truly timeless.
His rendition of Eddy Grant’s “Electric Avenue” added an extra spark to the night, and his performance of “Luv Me Luv Me” had everyone swaying. Shaggy might have been expected to open, but he delivered a headlining set that felt like a Jamaican carnival—full of life, energy, and irresistible rhythms.
Ravinia Festival provided the perfect setting for this night of nostalgia. Known for its unique atmosphere, Ravinia is not just a concert venue—it’s an experience. The sprawling lawn, picnic-friendly policies, and intimate pavilion seating make it a beloved spot for music lovers.
There’s something magical about watching a concert under the stars, surrounded by trees and fellow fans. As the music played, the crowd relaxed on their blankets, sipped wine, and let the good vibes wash over them.
TLC and Shaggy delivered a night that was as much about reminiscing as it was about celebrating the present. For anyone who grew up with these artists on their mixtapes, last night was a reminder of why we fell in love with their music in the first place.
As the crowd dispersed into the night, you could hear echoes of “Waterfalls” and “It Wasn’t Me” mingling with the laughter and chatter of satisfied concertgoers. Ravinia, with its unique charm, had once again hosted a night to remember. If you missed it, don’t be a scrub next time!
The Early Registration 