The Temptations and The Beach Boys Bring Back the Memories
Over the holiday weekend, the Ravinia stage came alive with a sold-out concert for two of America’s all-time favorite groups; The Temptations and The Beach Boys. Original band member, Otis Williams, introduced the band with full-orchestra and let them take over the show. The gentlemen of dance showed off their famous moves, in unison, dressed in blue trousers and black jackets. The audience happily sang along with “Aint Too Proud to Beg,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone, “The Way You Do The Things You Do,” and “Psychedelic Shack.” It was “Just My Imagination” that had the crowd humming the sweet melody. But it was “My Girl” that got everyone up on their feet as they swayed to the memories.
The Beach Boys remain the all-American rock band, formed in Hawthorne, California, in 1961. The group’s original lineup consisted of brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and their friend Al Jardine. For more than 50 years, this group has touched the souls of their fans with the unique sounds of sun, surf and song. Both Dennis and Carl Wilson are deceased, but through the magic of modern technology, Carl’s voice came through the vocals in “God Only Knows.” It was a touching moment. On the lawn, fans were tossing beach balls and belting out the songs, careful not to spill a drop of wine or two, and generally getting caught up in the sheer joy of the music. The vintage stills and videos of the group on the jumbotron took the audience back to happier times and reminded them why The Beach Boys will always have a piece of their heart.
This week for Ravinia is the much-awaited return of OneRepublic, for two shows on Friday and Saturday. Some tickets are still available. Ravinia.org