Under a perfect, breezy, starlit sky, John Legend headlined Ravinia’s opening night kicking off his Darkness and Light Tour. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and new Tony Award winner for co-producing “Jitney,” was greeted with thunderous applause throughout the night. His blend of gospel-inspired soul and classic R&B with modern pop polish delighted the fans in the sold out pavilion and lawn. The gorgeous set, featuring a black oval frame, was the perfect complement to his solid performance.
Legend opened with “I Know Better,” which is also the first track on his new album, Darkness and Light. He proceeded to perform more selections from the album, including “Overload,” “Surefire,” “Love Me Now,” and “What You Do to Me” as well as old favorites such as “Like I’m Gonna Lose You,” “Save Room,” “Green Light” and “Who Do We Think We Are.” He even invited one lucky fan to join him on stage as he sang “Slow Dance.” His beautiful a cappella rendition of the Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows” was beautiful and moving. Curtis Mayfield’s “Superfly” was playing the moment their Luna daughter was born, so he played that in tribute to her and his wife, Chrissy Teigen. Of course, Legend ended the show with “All of Me, which left the audience wanting even more.
Starting the show was alternative R&B singer/songwriter Gallant who entertained the crowd with his engaging falsetto and hot dance moves.
Up next for Ravinia this month is:
- Willie Nelson and Family – June 16
- La La Land in Concert – June 18
- Gipsy Kings – June 23
- Common – June 24 (Ravinia debut)
- Lea DeLaria – June 25
- Michael McDonald/Boz Scaggs – June 27
- Diana Krall – June 28
- Moody Blues – June 30
- Aretha Franklin has been rescheduled for September 3.
For tickets, visit Ravinia.org.
