Grown-up Goodness: Music in the Park

So, here we are at the end of July, friends. Summer is whipping right by us. Time to check in. Have you soaked in enough Grown-up Goodness from your summer list? I've gone back to mine, and I'm really delighted by how many experiences we've been able to have from my original wish/hope list.

This weekend we traveled into Chicago to see my in-laws and take in a great children's concert at Ravinia, an outdoor music festival with pavilion and lawn seating. I bought up the $5 tickets on the lawn for our fam, and we enjoyed our picnic lunch as we awaiting the singing and dancing to come. The number of children and strollers and sippy cups seemed exponential for the very fun, sold-out show by Laurie Berkner.

               

Concerts in the park are such a great part of summer for me. In all honesty, I'm not even picky about the genre of music. When it comes to being out in the sunshine or relishing the sweet summer evening, I can be romanced by any artist.

This past Saturday was a high-spirited, youthful hour of sillyness.

We've taken in orchestral performances, operas, contemporary solo artists, acoustic bands, and local starlets. And I've enjoyed everyone MORE because of the setting of the great outdoors. These concerts say to me, "Throw down the blanket, toss off the shoes, and get out the snacks (or wine glasses) because this will feed your soul and make a memory you'll come back to, again and again."

My favorite open-air concert to date? Lillith Fair, hosted by the talented Sarah McLachlan. My hubby and I were just in our early courtship days at the time, and the beauty and power of those amazing female voices lilting through the sunset breeze...

How about you, friends? Are outdoor concerts a part of your summer fun?

XOXO, MJ

PS. Thanks to all who visited Joy's lovely post about me on Frock Files yesterday. If you haven't had a chance, take a journey over and check it out. :)