HGC Foundation

Hello All!

I hope this finds everyone rested and relaxed after the holiday weekend, HGC is now on the road from the North Shore of Chicago to Saint Louis.  As we enter the final week of our 150th Anniversary Tour, we find ourselves well rested and anxious to go after four days in the Ravinia area.

Our arrival on Thursday evening was rather straightforward, although it did involve us skipping dinner on the road in favor of arriving earlier for our hosts... to take us to dinner.  Everyone was quick to unload the bus and get on the way, however, as we had heard the "Independence Eve" fireworks in Chicago are not to be missed.  I can't say that I know what the Eve of Independence is particularly significant for - or why any city other than Boston would attempt to put on a fireworks show - but it was certainly enjoyable.

The 4th of July was a free day for the group, and my impression is that almost everyone relaxed at their hosts' in some fashion or another.  A few went into the city for the "Taste of Chicago" food festival, quite a few saw more fireworks, and my group treated itself to a full day of cooking for ourselves and one another.  It is remarkable how domestic 50 guys can become after riding on a bus for four weeks.

Saturday was another relaxed morning in order to preserve energy and voices for the big concert that evening.  The Martin Theatre on the Ravinia Festival Grounds turned out to be a truly wonderful acoustic to sing in, the rehearsal was truly a joy.  I am not sure that it is the "acoustic marvel" they loudly proclaim it to be, but I am happy to accept that so long as they continue to just as loudly proclaim us as the "World Famous Harvard Glee Club!"  

Following rehearsal, we all were free to go out on the Ravinia grounds and picnic during the Prairie Home Companion broadcast that was "opening" for us at the Festival.  I can't say that there are any particularly hilarious stories from our afternoon eating and lounging in the sun, but the time and the broadcast were much appreciated by all of us.  It also helped that the weather was absolutely perfect and without humidity, but the Glee Club has been bringing that with us most anywhere we go.

After changing into concert attire and warming up, we began our concert at the Ravinia Festival in earnest.  This also happened to be Jim's last concert on tour and he undoubtedly pulled out all the stops and best pieces to cap off his involvement in this wonderful year.  The Glee Club responded in kind and enjoyed a wonderful concert in front of 600 in the theatre and who-knows-how-many enjoying lawn seating.  Bernie made mention to me that he even saw Joe Fabbioli in attendance.

Two standing ovations, a great reception, and one free day later, HGC is back on the road and leaving Chicago just as the rain starts to fall behind us.  We only need to outrun the weather for one more week, but I sincerely doubt anything can dampen the group's spirit!  After all this "Rolls Royce of male choirs" performs just as well in snow, sleet, or rain.

In Glee,
Kelby

P.S.  For those wondering, my parents did make it to Chicago in good order after their first flight ever.  They also loved the concert and said it made the entire journey worth it - which was fortunate given that on the flight the gentleman across the aisle from my mom suffered a seizure.  I've tried to assure my mother this is not common on flights, but I doubt she will be jet-setting anytime in the near future.