RAVINIA PRESENTS: GIPSY KINGS FEATURING NICOLAS REYES AND TONINO BALIARDO

August 25, Highland Park, IL, Gipsy Kings last Thursday performed at Ravinia in front of the enthusiastic crowd. This performance marked their fifth appearance at Ravinia. Chicago was their last stop in the American Tour. Many have gathered on the lawn and pavilion. Those on the lawn in an elaborate fashion set-up their picnic stations and some even ordered catering to celebrate this occasion in style. Attendees could not help themselves but, to sing, and dance to many of their favorite songs. That night they performed Djobi Djoba, Un Amor, A Tu Vera, Caramelo, Volare, Samba Samba, Sabroso and Bamboleo to name a few.

Walking through Ravinia one could hear multitude of languages. Gipsy Kings with their Latin influence appeals to a vast diversity of fans – from Latin-American to Eastern European. The band comprised of two related gypsy families with roots in Barcelona, Spain: the Reyes and the Balliardos. Having met by chance and jamming together decided to form a group. The band has performed for over two decades, equally appealing to young and old.

The band’s vigorous guitar play and passionate vocals are influenced by the lead singer’s father Jose Reyes the famed Flamenco singer. This indigenous musical influence known as rumba flamenco makes the band quite appealing to the masses. They sold more than 14 million albums worldwide with four million in the United States.
The band in a grand exit fashion allowed the ladies from the audience to join them on the stage dancing. It was an unforgettable sight of female fans dancing in a seductive fashion with the band members. The audience whether on the lawn or at the pavilion left the concert enthralled. I overheard many promising to return to Ravinia for this and many other upcoming concerts.

For future concert information at Ravinia contact 847.266.5100.

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Leonard Mogul
Kontinent Media Group
Photos by Kontinent Media