Most of Boystown traveled up north to Highland Park on Aug. 7. Ravinia Festival filled to the brim in a sold-out show featuring Dolly Parton with her large lesbian and gay fan base.
Parton kicked things off with "Why'd You Come in Here Looking' Like That," bringing high energy with a signature smile as well as a hunky cowboy assistant. She told everyone to watch out for redheads, then sang "Jolene."
She talked a lot to the audience in fact, reminiscing about her humble beginnings in Tennessee. The 70-year-old icon really took her time with her stories and seemed right at home talking on the portable microphone. Her stories worked well with new song "Pure & Simple" and the cover of John Wright's "Precious Memories."
Her "Coat of Many Colors" is always a good tale and she connected it with her upcoming Christmas special of the same name.
She did a medley of oldies such as "American Pie" and "If I Had a Hammer" but kept politics light. She joked about running for office saying, "They could have another boob in the race!"
Her set list was very large but gave her a chance to take a break and change costumes midway through with a short intermission. The merchandise booth was extremely busy throughout the entire night. It was a shame that she only allowed VIP ticket holders to view her dress collection that is currently traveling with her. It would have been a fun photo op for many of her loyal fans.
With a just simple a trio of band members to support her, Parton showed that's all she really needs and played a variety of instruments herself.
Toward the end of the night she plowed through one hit after another ( "9 to 5" and "Two Doors Down" ), resulting in everyone dancing and singing on the lawn.
She closed with "I Will Always Love You," which was just pitch-perfect.
View more acts on the way at Ravinia.org and follow Parton on the road at DollyParton.com . The album Pure & Simple arrives Aug. 19.