Active 50s + Group

Nancy Hays & the Romance of Dance Orchestra Downtown Cancelled

Fri, Aug 21 · 6:00 PM CDT

Spirit of Music Garden, 601 S. Michigan, Chicago, IL, US

The beloved Chicago SummerDance series returns this summer at parks throughout the city. Dancers of all ages and skill levels are invited to take part in introductory dance lessons by professional instructors followed by live music and dancing.
Come join us this summer as the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park blossoms into an urban dance space, Glide across the restored 4,900-square-foot, 100 percent recycled, open-air dance floor designed by Chicago artist Dan Peterman.

City of Chicago :: Chicago SummerDance Returns for 2026 Featuring More Than 30 Dance Styles Across Neighborhood Parks and Grant Park

Friday August 21, 6-9pm
Theme: Ballroom & Vintage Swing

• 6 p.m. – Dance Instruction by Margot Toppen & Riley Wimes, Jr.
• 7:15 p.m. – Music by Nancy Hays & The Romance of Dance Orchestra

Join Nancy Hays & the Romance of Dance Orchestra for a fun swing night! Many of Chicago's finest musicians will be backing this very talented lady.

Nancy Hays & The Romance of Dance Orchestra, Swing Night at Grant Park, SUMMERDANCE!

(20+) Facebook

The lesson is optional and all dance styles are welcome! This is a FREE EVENT

There are no concessions so bring your own beverage and snacks.
This event will only be cancelled for severe inclement weather

Take public transportation or use parking apps like Park Whiz or Spot Hero to find reasonable parking.
CTA Transportation
From the elevated lines: exit at State/VanBuren (Library) and walk east.
From the subway: exit at Harrison (Red Line) -- LaSalle or Jackson (Blue Line) and walk east.
Served by buses 3, 4, 6, J14, 20, 56, 60, 124, 146, 147, 151 and 157.
We will be setting up just east of the dance floor (facing the stage to the right), and look for the white balloon. There are some chairs, while bringing a lawn chair will guarantee you seating.

This will be posted on two meetups. Come join us for a fun evening downtown!

🎸🎶 Bonnie Raitt Live at Ravinia — Blues, Soul & Summer Vibes! 🍷✨

Sat, Aug 22 · 5:00 PM CDT

Ravinia Festival, 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park, IL, US

🎸🎶 Bonnie Raitt Live at Ravinia — Blues, Soul & Summer Vibes! 🍷✨

Get ready for an unforgettable summer evening with legendary singer-songwriter Bonnie Raitt at Ravinia Festival!
Known for her soulful voice, masterful slide guitar, and heartfelt storytelling, Bonnie Raitt brings a powerful blend of blues, rock, folk, and Americana to the stage. 🎤🔥

From “Something to Talk About” to “I Can’t Make You Love Me” and “Nick of Time,” expect a night filled with iconic songs, emotional depth, and incredible musicianship under the stars. 🌙🎶

We’ll be relaxing on the lawn—blankets, chairs, food, wine, and great company—for one of the most laid-back yet musically rich nights of the summer. 🍷🌿

⚠️ These shows sell out FAST—grab your tickets ASAP!

***

🎟️ TICKETS + SEATING
🎫 $60 — General Admission Lawn
👉 Direct tickets:
https://www.ravinia.org/events/detail/bonnie-raitt-260822

💺 Optional rentals (HIGHLY recommended!):
• Chair — $10
• Table — $12
⚠️ Add chairs/tables before checkout so you don’t have to carry them on the train!
🪑 I’ve already rented one table—we may want another!
***
📍 EVENT DETAILS
📅 Saturday, August 22, 2026
⏰ Gates open at 5:00 PM (arrive early so we can sit together!)
📍 Ravinia Festival
🏠 200 Ravinia Park Rd, Highland Park, IL 60035
📱 I’ll post my exact lawn location once I arrive!

🍷🍴 FOOD & DRINK (POTLUCK STYLE!)
🥗 Bring food or drinks to share—this is a picnic-style lawn experience!
✔️ Snacks, meals, wine, beer, desserts welcome
✔️ Please comment what you’re bringing
🪑 I’ll bring a table—extra tables welcome!
***
🚇 TRAIN (BEST OPTION!)
🚆 Union Pacific North Line (Metra)
Board at: Ogilvie / Clybourn / Ravenswood
🎯 Stop: Ravinia Park (direct entrance) or Braeside (short walk)
👉 https://www.ravinia.org/visit/getting-here#train
👉 https://ridertools.metrarail.com/maps-schedules/train-lines/UP-N
I will post exact train schedule closer to the date so check back!
***
🚗 PARKING INFO
🚘 $25 on-site parking
⚠️ Big shows may redirect to remote lots + shuttle buses
💡 Tip: Arrive early or take Metra to avoid delays
🆓 Highland Park Metra parking after 4 PM + shuttle option
***

🎶 OTHER RAVINIA SHOWS THIS SEASON (join 1 or all 5 shows)
📅 7/12 — Billy Idol
📅 8/20 — Ricky Martin (SOLD OUT)
📅 8/22 — Bonnie Raitt
📅 8/27 — Kool & the Gang + Morris Day & The Time + Con Funk Shun
📅 9/5 — Rod Stewart + Richard Marx
👉 Meetup event list (FOR ALL SHOWS):
https://www.meetup.com/the-active-chicago-50s-and-up-group/events/

🎶 ABOUT THE ARTIST
Bonnie Raitt is a legendary American singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice, expressive slide guitar, and genre-blending sound that weaves together blues, rock, folk, and country.

She debuted in 1971 and built a strong reputation through critically acclaimed albums and collaborations with artists like Jackson Browne, John Prine, and Leon Russell.

Her breakthrough came in 1989 with Nick of Time, a chart-topping album that won Grammy Award for Album of the Year and became one of the defining records of her career. She followed it with multi-platinum albums Luck of the Draw (1991) and Longing in Their Hearts (1994), featuring timeless hits like:
• “Something to Talk About”
• “Love Sneakin’ Up On You”
• “I Can’t Make You Love Me”

With a career spanning over five decades, she has earned 13 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, and her 2022 song “Just Like That” won Song of the Year.

Raitt was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 and received a Kennedy Center Honor in 2024—cementing her status as one of the most respected and enduring artists in American music.

Known for her emotional depth and musicianship, Bonnie Raitt continues to captivate audiences with powerful live performances that blend storytelling, heart, and masterful guitar work. 🎸✨

🌐 https://www.bonnieraitt.com/

🎼 ABOUT RAVINIA
Ravinia Festival is North America’s oldest outdoor music festival and summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. It offers a unique picnic-style concert experience under the stars. It hosts a series of outdoor concerts and performances every summer from June to September. The first orchestra to perform at Ravinia Festival was the New York Philharmonic under Walter Damrosch on June 17, 1905. It has been the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) since 1936. Located in the Ravinia neighborhood, the venue operates on the grounds of the 36-acre (15 ha) Ravinia Park, with a variety of outdoor and indoor performing arts facilities, including the architectural prairie style Martin Theater. The Ravinia Festival attracts about 600,000 listeners to some 120 to 150 events that span all genres from classical music to jazz to music theater over each three-month summer season.
🌐 https://ravinia.org/
***
📌 IMPORTANT REMINDERS
⚠️ Arrive early so we can sit together
⚠️ Bring food/drinks to share
⚠️ Add chair/table rentals before checkout
⚠️ Keep RSVP updated—no-shows impact the group
***
Get ready for a soulful night of blues, storytelling, and incredible live music under the stars! 🎸🌙🍷

🎷🎶 Kool & The Gang + Morris Day & The Time + Con Funk Shun — Live @Ravinia🍷🔥

Thu, Aug 27 · 5:00 PM CDT

Ravinia Festival, 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park, IL, US

🎷🎶 Kool & The Gang + Morris Day & The Time + Con Funk Shun — Live at Ravinia Festival! 🍷🔥

Get ready for a funk-filled, feel-good summer night under the stars! This incredible triple-bill brings together some of the greatest legends in funk and R&B for a night of nonstop grooves, throwback hits, and pure dance energy. 💃🕺

From “Celebration” and “Ladies’ Night” to “Jungle Love” and “Love’s Train,” expect a high-energy night packed with iconic songs and irresistible rhythms—you will not be sitting still. 🌙✨

We’ll be relaxing on the lawn with blankets, chairs, food, wine, and great company—one of the most fun, nostalgic nights of the entire summer! 🍷🌿

⚠️ These shows sell out FAST—grab your tickets ASAP!

***

🎟️ TICKETS + SEATING
🎫 $60 — General Admission Lawn
👉 Direct tickets:
https://www.ravinia.org/events/detail/kool-and-the-gang-260827#showing_725

💺 Optional rentals (HIGHLY recommended!):
• Chair — $10
• Table — $12
⚠️ Add chairs/tables before checkout so you don’t have to carry them on the train!
🪑 I’ve already rented one table—we may want another!
***
📍 EVENT DETAILS
📅Thursday, August 27, 2026
⏰ Gates open at 5:00 PM (arrive early so we can sit together!)
📍 Ravinia Festival
🏠 200 Ravinia Park Rd, Highland Park, IL 60035
📱 I’ll post my exact lawn location once I arrive!

🍷🍴 FOOD & DRINK (POTLUCK STYLE!)
🥗 Bring food or drinks to share—this is a picnic-style lawn experience!
✔️ Snacks, meals, wine, beer, desserts welcome
✔️ Please comment what you’re bringing
🪑 I’ll bring a table—extra tables welcome!
***
🚇 TRAIN (BEST OPTION!)
🚆 Union Pacific North Line (Metra)
Board at: Ogilvie / Clybourn / Ravenswood
🎯 Stop: Ravinia Park (direct entrance) or Braeside (short walk)
👉 https://www.ravinia.org/visit/getting-here#train
👉 https://ridertools.metrarail.com/maps-schedules/train-lines/UP-N
I will post exact train schedule closer to the date so check back!
***
🚗 PARKING INFO
🚘 $25 on-site parking
⚠️ Big shows may redirect to remote lots + shuttle buses
💡 Tip: Arrive early or take Metra to avoid delays
🆓 Highland Park Metra parking after 4 PM + shuttle option
***

🎶 OTHER RAVINIA SHOWS THIS SEASON (join 1 or all 5 shows)
📅 7/12 — Billy Idol
📅 8/20 — Ricky Martin (SOLD OUT)
📅 8/22 — Bonnie Raitt
📅 8/27 — Kool & the Gang + Morris Day & The Time + Con Funk Shun
📅 9/5 — Rod Stewart + Richard Marx
👉 Meetup event list (FOR ALL SHOWS):
https://www.meetup.com/the-active-chicago-50s-and-up-group/events/

🎶 ABOUT THE ARTISTS
🎷 Kool & The Gang
One of the most influential and enduring bands in music history, Kool & The Gang formed in New Jersey in the 1960s and evolved from a jazz ensemble into global funk and pop icons. Their signature sound—driven by tight horn sections, infectious grooves, and uplifting lyrics—helped shape the sound of the ’70s and ’80s.

They’ve achieved massive success across decades with 25 Top 10 R&B hits, 9 Top 10 pop hits, and dozens of gold and platinum albums. Their music seamlessly blends jazz, funk, soul, disco, and pop—making them one of the most versatile crossover acts of all time.

🔥 Signature hits:
• “Celebration”
• “Ladies’ Night”
• “Jungle Boogie”
• “Get Down On It”

Their songs remain staples at parties, weddings, and festivals worldwide—and their live shows are pure, joyful energy.

🌐 Official website: https://www.koolandthegang.com/

***

🎤 Morris Day & The Time
A defining force behind the Minneapolis sound, Morris Day & The Time were originally assembled by Prince in the early 1980s and quickly became one of the most stylish and entertaining acts of the era.
Blending funk, R&B, new wave, and pop, their music is as slick as their stage presence. Morris Day—known for his charisma, humor, and signature mirror-and-valet routine—turns every performance into a full-on show.

✨ Known for:
• “Jungle Love”
• “The Bird”
• “Cool”

Beyond music, Morris Day has also appeared in film and television, further cementing his pop culture legacy. Today, the group continues to tour, delivering high-energy performances packed with choreography, personality, and undeniable groove.

🌐 Official site (booking/info): https://morrisdayandthetime.com/

***

🎸 Con Funk Shun
Formed in California in 1969, Con Funk Shun helped define the smoother, more melodic side of funk, blending soulful vocals, tight rhythms, and jazz-influenced musicianship.

Signed to Mercury Records in the 1970s, they released multiple successful albums and became known for their polished sound and romantic, groove-driven hits. Their influence continues today—“Love’s Train” has even been revived by modern artists like Silk Sonic.

🎶 Signature songs:
• “Love’s Train”
• “Ffun”
• “Chase Me”

Their live performances strike the perfect balance—smooth, soulful, and irresistibly danceable—making them the ideal kickoff to this stacked lineup.
🌐 Official website: http://www.confunkshunusa.com/

🎼 ABOUT RAVINIA
Ravinia Festival is North America’s oldest outdoor music festival and summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. It offers a unique picnic-style concert experience under the stars. It hosts a series of outdoor concerts and performances every summer from June to September. The first orchestra to perform at Ravinia Festival was the New York Philharmonic under Walter Damrosch on June 17, 1905. It has been the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) since 1936. Located in the Ravinia neighborhood, the venue operates on the grounds of the 36-acre (15 ha) Ravinia Park, with a variety of outdoor and indoor performing arts facilities, including the architectural prairie style Martin Theater. The Ravinia Festival attracts about 600,000 listeners to some 120 to 150 events that span all genres from classical music to jazz to music theater over each three-month summer season.
🌐 https://ravinia.org/
***
📌 IMPORTANT REMINDERS
⚠️ Arrive early so we can sit together
⚠️ Bring food/drinks to share
⚠️ Add chair/table rentals before checkout
⚠️ Keep RSVP updated—no-shows impact the group
***
Get ready for a funky, soulful, dance-all-night kind of evening—this lineup is stacked and the vibes will be off the charts! 🎷🔥🍷

🎤🌟 Rod Stewart w/special guest Richard Marx — Live at Ravinia Festival! 🍷🔥

Sat, Sep 5 · 5:00 PM CDT

Ravinia Festival, 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park, IL, US

**LAWN SEATS GENERAL ADMISSION STILL AVAILABLE AS OF 5/1/26!** THEY HAD BEEN MARKED SOLD OUT BUT THEY ADDED MORE SEATS SO BUY NOW BEFORE THEY REALLY DO SELL OUT~

🎤🌟 Rod Stewart with special guest Richard Marx — Live at Ravinia Festival! 🍷🔥

Get ready for a legendary summer night under the stars with two powerhouse hitmakers spanning decades of iconic music! 🎶✨

From “Maggie May” and “Forever Young” to “Right Here Waiting” and “Hazard,” this is a night packed with timeless classics, singalong moments, and pure concert magic. 🌙🎤

We’ll be relaxing on the lawn—blankets, chairs, food, wine, and great company—for one of the biggest, most feel-good shows of the entire Ravinia season! 🍷🌿

⚠️ These shows sell out FAST—grab your tickets ASAP!

***

🎟️ TICKETS + SEATING
🎫 $103 — General Admission Lawn (fees included!)
👉 Direct tickets:
https://www.ravinia.org/events/detail/rod-stewart-260905#showing_745

💺 Optional rentals (HIGHLY recommended!):
• Chair — $10
• Table — $12
⚠️ Add chairs/tables before checkout so you don’t have to carry them on the train!
🪑 I’ve already rented one table—we may want another!
***
📍 EVENT DETAILS
📅Thursday, August 27, 2026
⏰ Gates open at 5:00 PM (arrive early so we can sit together!)
📍 Ravinia Festival
🏠 200 Ravinia Park Rd, Highland Park, IL 60035
📱 I’ll post my exact lawn location once I arrive!

🍷🍴 FOOD & DRINK (POTLUCK STYLE!)
🥗 Bring food or drinks to share—this is a picnic-style lawn experience!
✔️ Snacks, meals, wine, beer, desserts welcome
✔️ Please comment what you’re bringing
🪑 I’ll bring a table—extra tables welcome!
***
🚇 TRAIN (BEST OPTION!)
🚆 Union Pacific North Line (Metra)
Board at: Ogilvie / Clybourn / Ravenswood
🎯 Stop: Ravinia Park (direct entrance) or Braeside (short walk)
👉 https://www.ravinia.org/visit/getting-here#train
👉 https://ridertools.metrarail.com/maps-schedules/train-lines/UP-N
I will post exact train schedule closer to the date so check back!
***
🚗 PARKING INFO
🚘 $25 on-site parking
⚠️ Big shows may redirect to remote lots + shuttle buses
💡 Tip: Arrive early or take Metra to avoid delays
🆓 Highland Park Metra parking after 4 PM + shuttle option
***

🎶 OTHER RAVINIA SHOWS THIS SEASON (join 1 or all 5 shows)
📅 7/12 — Billy Idol
📅 8/20 — Ricky Martin
📅 8/22 — Bonnie Raitt
📅 8/27 — Kool & the Gang + Morris Day & The Time + Con Funk Shun
📅 9/5 — Rod Stewart + Richard Marx
👉 Meetup event list (FOR ALL SHOWS):
https://www.meetup.com/the-active-chicago-50s-and-up-group/events/

🎶 ABOUT THE ARTISTS
🎤 Rod Stewart
Sir Rod Stewart is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 120 million records sold worldwide. Known for his signature raspy voice and electrifying stage presence, he’s been a defining force in rock and pop for over six decades.

His career began in the early 1960s busking with a harmonica before joining bands like the Jeff Beck Group and later Faces—while simultaneously launching a hugely successful solo career.

His 1971 album Every Picture Tells a Story made him a global superstar, featuring the iconic hit:
🔥 “Maggie May”

Throughout the ’70s and ’80s, he dominated the charts with a mix of rock anthems and unforgettable ballads, including:
• “Tonight’s the Night”
• “You Wear It Well”
• “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?”
• “Sailing”
• “You’re in My Heart”

He continued evolving through the decades—from rock to pop to the Great American Songbook—proving his incredible versatility and staying power.

🏆 Career highlights:
• 10 UK #1 albums & 30+ Top 10 singles
• Multiple Billboard Hot 100 #1 hits
• 2× Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee (solo & with Faces)
• Grammy & Brit Award winner
• Knighted in 2016 for services to music and charity

With timeless hits, unmistakable vocals, and a legendary catalog, Rod Stewart remains one of the most dynamic and beloved performers you can see live today. 🎶✨

🌐 https://www.rodstewart.com/

🎹 Richard Marx
Richard Marx is a chart-topping singer-songwriter and producer who has sold over 30 million albums worldwide and helped define pop-rock in the late ’80s and ’90s. Known for his powerful ballads and radio-dominating hits, he’s one of the most successful songwriters of his generation.

He made history as the only male solo artist to have his first seven singles reach the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100—a record that still stands.

His self-titled debut album (1987) launched him into stardom, and he went on to score 14 Top 20 hits during his peak years, including multiple #1 singles.

🔥 Signature hits:
• “Right Here Waiting”
• “Hazard”
• “Hold On to the Nights”
• “Endless Summer Nights”
• “Satisfied”

Beyond his own performances, Marx is an award-winning songwriter behind major hits for other artists, including:
• “This I Promise You” (NSYNC)
• “Dance with My Father” (Luther Vandross) — 🏆 Grammy Award for Song of the Year

🏆 Career highlights:
• 14 #1 songs as a performer, writer, or producer
• Billboard chart success across four decades
• Grammy Award winner + multiple nominations

With soaring vocals, emotional songwriting, and a catalog full of timeless love songs, Richard Marx delivers a live performance that’s both nostalgic and powerful. 🎶✨

🌐 https://richardmarx.com/

🎼 ABOUT RAVINIA
Ravinia Festival is North America’s oldest outdoor music festival and summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. It offers a unique picnic-style concert experience under the stars. It hosts a series of outdoor concerts and performances every summer from June to September. The first orchestra to perform at Ravinia Festival was the New York Philharmonic under Walter Damrosch on June 17, 1905. It has been the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) since 1936. Located in the Ravinia neighborhood, the venue operates on the grounds of the 36-acre (15 ha) Ravinia Park, with a variety of outdoor and indoor performing arts facilities, including the architectural prairie style Martin Theater. The Ravinia Festival attracts about 600,000 listeners to some 120 to 150 events that span all genres from classical music to jazz to music theater over each three-month summer season.
🌐 https://ravinia.org/
***
📌 IMPORTANT REMINDERS
⚠️ Arrive early so we can sit together
⚠️ Bring food/drinks to share
⚠️ Add chair/table rentals before checkout
⚠️ Keep RSVP updated—no-shows impact the group
***
Get ready for a night of iconic voices, timeless hits, and unforgettable summer vibes under the stars! 🎤🌙🍷