Counting Crows and Dashboard Confessional Create Electric Atmosphere at Ravinia Festival
The Banshee Season Tour featuring Counting Crows and Dashboard Confessional rocked the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park on a perfect summer evening. The beautiful, serene setting was transformed into a lively atmosphere of joyous excitement.
Photos By: Nashville Is His Bride
Dashboard Confessional took the stage first, setting the tone for the night with an incredible performance. Chris Carrabba, the band's lead singer, made an immediate connection with the audience by addressing a little girl who was attending her first rock concert. It was an endearing moment that displayed his affable nature. Carrabba’s charm and raw energy carried throughout their entire set and made the performance a remarkable one.
Dashboard Confessional's setlist was diverse and eclectic, spanning across the different eras of their career. "Screaming Infidelities," a crowd favorite, drew a massive singalong from the fans, while "Belong" gave us a more vulnerable moment. They rounded out the performance with their breakout hit from Spider-Man 2, "Vindicated." The performance was impeccable and received roaring applause from the audience.
Photos By: Nashville Is His Bride
Counting Crows' setlist showcased a masterful blend of their old hits with their newer work. They immediately hit their stride, showcasing their unparalleled musical talents with “Sullivan Street” and “Mr. Jones." Adam Duritz’s captivating vocals were beautifully accompanied by the powerful guitar riffs, played by David Bryson. “Blues Run the Game” by Jackson C. Frank and "Friend of the Devil" by Grateful Dead were two well-known covers the band played to make the performance feel more intimate.
Photos By: Nashville Is His Bride
The energy from the crowd was high during the whole set and reached new heights with “Rain King.” It was a musical highlight of the night, captivating everyone present in a communal moment. Counting Crows finished the set with their hit "A Long December". In 1996, A Long December was released, yet for me, its poignancy truly struck home in December of 1999. I had spent considerable time in and out of the hospital while visiting my grandfather, only to be told afterward that he would not have much longer to live. That month passed by as the longest December of my life, while I was driving home from the hospital near Chicago, the song suddenly began playing on the radio. In that instant, I was overwhelmed with emotion and had to pull over. From that day onward, every time I hear the song, I'm reminded of that December in 1999. The band returned to the stage for their encore giving the concert-goers one more song, “Holiday in Spain,” to sing their hearts out and bid farewell to a legendary night.
Photos By: Nashville Is His Bride
The venue's atmosphere enhanced the performance, with the lush surroundings adding a special charm to the concert. Ravinia Festival is North America's oldest music festival, and its open-air pavilion was designed perfectly to showcase such talented musicians. The setting provided a comfortable and enjoyable environment for fans of all ages. The ambiance at Ravinia was unique in that everyone came to experience music, have a good time, and connect with the music community. The guests brought their picnic baskets and wine, setting up a picturesque and heartwarming evening under the stars.
Photos By: Nashville Is His Bride
In conclusion, The Banshee Season Tour featuring Counting Crows and Dashboard Confessional was an epic performance that the Ravinia Festival hosted effortlessly. The talented musicians, enchanting atmosphere, and wonderful people attending created an experience that won't soon be forgotten. The performances at the event were full of enthusiasm and passion, giving the audience an enjoyable experience to cherish.
Dashboard Confessional Set-List
Don't Wait
Saints and Sailors
Belong
Catch You
Screaming Infidelities
Remember to Breathe
So Long, So Long
Stolen
Vindicated
Hands Down
Counting Crows Set-List
Sullivan Street
Richard Manuel Is Dead
Mr. Jones
Colorblind
Butterfly in Reverse
Omaha
Cover Up the Sun
Recovering the Satellites
Blues Run the Game (Jackson C. Frank cover)
Friend of the Devil (Grateful Dead cover)
Washington Square
Round Here
The Tall Grass
Elevator Boots
Angel of 14th Street
Bobby and the Rat-Kings
Rain King
A Long December
Encore:
Time and Time Again
Hanginaround
Holiday in Spain
