By Delores Walton
No chill in the night air or forecast for rain could stop Diana Ross fans from gathering at Ravinia 2018 to kick off its summer concert series this weekend. Singer and actress Diana Ross graced the stage on Saturday, June 2 and performed many of her Motown era hits.
Ross was part of the 1960s pop/soul singing trio, The Supremes. The Detroit, Michigan native brought the soul of Motown to Ravinia, looking stunning…opening the concert to a packed house, performing one of her 1980s Motown album hits ‘I’m Coming Out.’ Her performance maintained a sensational, soulful and stylish rhythm from beginning to end. She captivated her fans who filled the Pavilion and Lawn Area as she took them on a musical journey that showcased that she has truly mastered the test of time and can still rock a crowd as she has done for more than four decades.
Diana Ross fans arrived early to Ravinia and were excited in anticipation of experiencing a stunning night of entertainment. The Lofton family from Flossmoor, IL has been coming to Ravinia for more than seven years. Their Ravinia concert planning always includes flowers, candles, good food and lots of fun. They shared that they choose Ravinia because “they enjoy coming together with friends they know and don’t know, to share in great times. Diana Ross is a bold and courageous woman who has tenacity. Ross is about the romance and Smokey (Robinson) was about bromance,” said Sharon Grace of the Lofton family.
As the Pavilion seats continued to fill and the Lawn spaces became more and more limited, fans occupied their time talking, laughing, and playing various card games, while feasting on food and enjoying spirits or beverages to complete their night out with Diana Ross. Loretha J. and Danita J., sisters from Chicago’s south side community both attend Ravinia periodically, based on who’s performing. Loretha is a Diana Ross fan who shared, “ Dianna Ross is everything … excellent performer and looks great for her age (77 years young). Diana gives me inspiration and something to look forward to as I get older,” she said.
Diana Ross performed many of her Motown era songs including: The Boss, Touch Me In The Morning, Stop! In the Name of Love, Upside Down, Do You Know Where You’re Going and more. She wowed her fans as she gracefully moved about the stage with energy and tenacity, singing with strong and confident vocals that resonated throughout Ravinia, and had fans on their feet dancing and singing along. Many fans gathered outside the Pavilion seating area like the paparazzi, trying to capture their best photo of Ross’ performance.
Among the many attendees was Diana Ross’ self-proclaimed number one fan, Queion Scott, from Chicago’s South Loop. A recent graduate of Drake University, and an English major interested in Screen Writing and Film Making, Queion says he has been in love with Diana Ross since he was 17 years old. His concert ticket was a surprise graduation gift from his aunt and uncle. He was present with two Diana Ross albums to show his dedication as a loyal fan. He has seen Dianna Ross in concert since the 1980s. He shared a photo of his graduation day holding a message that stated, “You can’t just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream. You’ve got to get out there and make it happen for yourself.” -Diana Ross. Queion was more than excited about having another evening with his iconic and all-time favorite celebrity, songstress Diana Ross.
Ross came to Ravinia and rocked the house retaining her status as an original Diva with a legendary and iconic playlist that will continue to be enjoyed by people of all ages, ethnicities and cultures around the world.
For additional information about Ravinia 2018 visit www.ravinia.org.
