My pictures were taken from row FF in the center section. Wish they had turned out better but I was pretty far back.
No change in the set list. Some of the lighting/stage set up wasn't included but still similar to the other shows. She talked a lot-sometimes for long stretches. She talked about the Buick Skylark(fine skylark) and about her little Toyota car that her grandmother bought her. She flubbed the lyrics on New Orleans but recovered quickly--I think it was during the first chorus. She discussed Hurricane Irma and said "figure out which part of Florida to send money to" basically encouraging people to think about which organization and what type of help you want to focus on.
Before Starshine she waved Waddy off and said "no story". Not sure why but we didn't hear about her at Tom Petty's place with Hershey's powder. Super long detailed recounting of Stand Back/Prince. Before IYWML she gushed about how much she loves singing the song and the harmonizing on it. GDW crackhead dance was shorter and less animated than I've seen. During the band intro she explained they didn't have a drummer to start the tour so when they got Scott Crago Waddy had to teach him the set list in 1 week. Before they left the stage towards the end of the show she thanked the audience and said "I know this is probably the craziest show you've ever seen" and general comments about how enjoyable it's been for her to share her songs and she enjoys it so much.
Her voice was strong. She was so adorable talking about helping hurricane victims. Her affection and concern for people is legit and this is one of the things I love about her. Waddy really let it rip at the beginning of Edge.
Now let me tell you about the audience: The entire pavilion sat thru the show. The front row sitting. Most standing for Edge, Stand Back, GDW. Everyone standing for Rhiannon and Landslide. I truly believe this sucked some of the energy out of Stevie and the band. Even sitting at the start! Ravinia sometimes has a hoity toity crowd, the vibe is more laid back since the venue hosts classical music in addition to other genres. It's kind of hard to explain if you're not familiar with this place. I've been here many times over the years and not all audiences are this placid but this was extreme. It was like a tranquilizer mist had been sprayed over the pavilion. Fairly quiet between songs, polite clapping. The people in front of me glared when I cheered and the people behind me were yelling sit down as soon as Gold and Braid started. The one bright spot in all this were the 4 fans to my left. They were standing and just as perplexed with everyone sitting down. The girl next to me was singing all the words to Gold and Braid and all I thought was Thank You Jesus!! I don't think Stevie expected this atmosphere--she seemed unsure at first then I think she just accepted it after awhile. This is only my opinion. I was so excited for this show and really needed it with my parents hunkered down in Fort Myers. I enjoyed the show, esp my sister of the moon next to me but I needed more LIFE out of the audience.
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