OneRepublic Reigns as Pop Rock Kings at Ravinia

The long-awaited return of OneRepublic was heralded with two sold-out, back-to-back shows at Ravinia last weekend. Starting with James Arthur, the U.K.’s singing sensation made his Ravinia debut. Winner of The X Factor UK in 2012, Arthur infuses his music with personal experience he shares with his audience. Arthur not only possessed great showmanship, but has an incredible, distinctive voice. Last fall, Arthur released his second album, Back from the Edge, which went straight to the top in the UK. “Say You Won’t Let Go” has lead the iTunes charts in more than 20 countries.

Next up was Fitz and the Tantrums with an energy level so high, it shook the rafters! Known for their “HandClap hit,” this L.A. based group is on their way up. They were a perfect choice to accompany OneRepublic as they returned to the stage for the encore. They even brought their own kids out to dance on stage. Always a standout at music festivals around the world, Fitz and the Tantrums did just what they were supposed to do… warm the audience up and get the energy level going for the main event.

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Then it was time for lead vocalist Ryan Tedder’s multiplatinum, Grammy-nominated OneRepublic quintet to take the stage for what would be an explosion of sound and color. This dynamic laser light show blasted primary shades into the audience. The band included Zack Filkins on guitar and vocals, Drew Brown on guitar, keyboard and percussion, Eddie Fisher on drums and Brent Kutzle on bass, cello and piano.

Keeping the audience on its feet with their biggest hits: “Wherever I Go,” ‘Apologize,” “I Lived,” and “Come Home,” the Colorado-born OneRepublic wowed the crowd. All. Night. Long. Tedder even ran through the aisles to reach his fans. Zack’s fabulous guitar solo was met with thunderous applause. Watching Tedder play the piano for the songs he wrote for other artists demonstrated to the crowd they were in the presence of a real musician. And a sincere one. By someone who is grateful to his many fans for making the band such as great success.

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Then it was time for the encore with “Counting Stars,” Adele’s “Rumor Has It” (accompanied by Fitz and company) and “Love Runs Out,” where you could feel the ground shake.

Coming up at Ravinia is Blondie and Garbage on July 22, Stephen Stills with Judy Collins on July 26 and Itzhak Perlman Gala on July 29. For more information, visit Ravinia.org.

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