I saw Al Green live but have no proof
I saw Al Green but I have no proof. That was my only job: to take pictures. And I failed :( But it's okay!! I still have a lot to say about my time at the Ravinia Pavilion seeing the O'Jays and Green perform. Plus, I have some sweet photos of everything but the performers that hopefully you enjoy :)
The Edge of Ravinia Pavilion
When I first walked into Ravinia (late, of course), I was washed over by the sound of the O’Jays. Navigating the hundreds of people sat on the grass, with picnic tables, candles, and food. Whether it was a pair of friends sitting together or a huge family gathering, everyone was happy to be surrounded by the ones they loved and music that touched their soul.
I missed about half of the O’Jays set (check out the dates for their final tour below), but even with my limited time, they did not disappoint. With a 17 piece band, there were two pianos, two drums, backup vocals, and a brass ensemble. To say the least, the O’Jays enamored the crowd. The original members of the trio left on the stage at Rivinia Park were Eddie Levert Sr. and Walter Williams Sr. The other original member, William Powell died in 1977, and was officially replaced by Eric Nolan Grant in 1995. All three current members were in red suits, but notably, Grant was wearing a different outfit, almost distinguishing his separation from the original group, paying tribute to Powell.
~The O'Jays Final Tour~
~The O'Jays Final Tour~
The O’Jays spoke of their spirituality, love, and gratefulness for everyone there. This energy translated to the crowd and was entirely reciprocated. When they closed out their set with one of their many infamous hits, Love Train, members of the audience began to form their own, tagging people in to join the line. Even with my general shyness, I couldn’t resist the O’Jays, the song, the people, and joining the love train. Snaking through the seated part of the pavilion, countless people continued to hop on, singing the song and waving to onlookers. The line dispersed at the end of the song, closing out with hugs exchanged amongst people in the train.
There was a 45 minute intermission before Al Green took the stage. My friend Karin and I meandered through all of the premises as I was hoping to use up the last of my film roll and replace it with a new one for the start of Green’s set. I had never been to Ravinia before, but it was nothing short of extraordinary. We spent the entire intermission walking around the grounds. Starting on the south end and moving our way north, we saw hundreds of people packed into all areas of the grass.
As we moved further away from the stage, the crowd thinned, but the excitement did not. Kids ran around, couples held hands, and everyone gathered for Al Green. Known as one of the best soul singers, I intentionally chose film to visually capture the vintage nature of Green’s sound. However, right as the show was about to begin and I was putting in a new roll and my camera stopped working. It wouldn’t load the film and I didn’t know what to do. I frantically asked camera people working the show if they knew anything, but nobody could stop the inevitable. I came to this show to photograph Al Green and I wasn’t able to take a single one. I could have been stressed, frustrated, and upset (which I was), but I swiftly forgot about my troubles as soon as Green came on stage.
Date Night
Karin Dancing in the Carousel Stage
Inside the Pavilion
Coming on stage with roses in his hand, which he passed out throughout the set, Green opened with “I Can’t Stop,” and the crowd quickly quieted. It was a peaceful set which reflected in the audience actually using the seats in the pavilion, only standing when their favorite song was being played. Green’s energy was sweet, you could tell he loved what he was doing and the community it created. In between each song, he would pull his pants up and make a comment about how he was on the verge of a wardrobe malfunction. This always elicited a laugh from the audience. He never failed to put a smile on people’s faces, either with his witty remarks or his angelic songs.
I have never been so moved by someone’s voice alone. Given, he had a ten piece band, similar to the O’Jays, that added complex, instrumental layers that heightened the impact of his voice. He sang my three favorite songs back to back, “Let’s Stay Together,” “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?,” and “Take Me to the River.” During this time, I couldn’t help but be brought to tears. His voice communicated so much emotion, something I don’t find in many artists today. I felt what he was feeling and saying in my bones. I saw myself in the songs and it seemed as though the words came from my own brain. Confirming my thoughts about his dedication to singing, Green said, “I am not here to perform or dance, I am here to sing.” I have never agreed with anything more. Watching his face as he sang, the feelings that were put into these songs were as potent as the day they were written. He felt the songs, he wasn’t just singing them. The lyrics he wrote poured out of him and hit the heart of each emotion he was conveying.
Some pretty clouds 4 u
Green showed up as his authentic self, vulnerably sharing his thoughts, emotions, and music with us. Notably, he was also vulnerable in admitting he could not hit the high notes in certain songs such as “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?” and “I’m Still in Love With You.” This seemed to soften the hearts of the audience even more, I know it did for me. He was honest about his shortcomings and made light of them. Overall, Green’s performance was nothing short of magical. His voice, the notes that he did or didn’t hit, the raw lyrics, the soulful band, and his connection to the crowd created an experience that I will never forget. With only five stops left in his tour, I am sure that he will create a unique environment for anyone that goes to see him. You can get more information about Al Green and upcoming shows at the Ravinia Pavilion below!!!!!!!!!