Marshall Crenshaw
Tucked in somewhere in the conspicuous affluence of Highland Park, Illinois lies the town's quaint Ravinia District- a tiny, yet vibrant community of small business owners, unique boutiques, and eclectic restaurants and food specialty shops. On October 2nd and 3rd that charming, friendly and historic neighborhood (located within a few walkable blocks) will rollick and twang with the music of roots rock legends Marshall Crenshaw and The Bottle Rockets at the 1st Annual Harvest & Harmony Fest, a free, live outdoor music festival.
Traditionally, Ravinia District has been a kernel of bustling creativity, of musicians, photographers, and painters all making art in the shadow of the nearby opulent lake front homes and the internationally known summer Ravinia Festival. So, in a collaborative effort between the Ravinia Business District TIF Advisory and the Ravinia District SSA 17 Advisory Committee, plans were made to stage an event to spotlight its hidden jewel.
"We wanted to do something in the fall, at the close of the Ravinia Festival season showcasing the artistic community with a focus on food and music, so Harvest and Harmony became the theme for this outdoor free music festival," said event producer, Ilyse Strongin-Bombicino, of Ripple Public Relations.
The rain or shine event is located on Dean Avenue, between Roger Williams and St. Johns, and in Jens Jensen Park, steps away from the Ravinia Metra stop.
Festivities will be kicked off with an opening ceremony and the unveiling of the new Ravinia District streetscape signage and a special drum circle and percussion performance by 5th graders from four schools in the North Shore School District 112. Attendees of all ages will revel in two days of live music featuring a variety of other exciting musicians including: Local favorites Ravinia Ramblers, Laura Doherty & The Heartbeats, from the Old Town School of Folk Music, Steve Karras and The Mopes, and many more.
The Fest will also feature the best in local bites and flights of artisan beer, wine and "Dutch" mule cocktails, and a variety of vendors.