The real Ravinia

Having grown up in the Chicago area, I read Mark Swed’s affirmation of Ravinia’s qualities with interest (“How They Do Summer in This Big City,” Aug. 8). However, I disagree with the idea that the Hollywood Bowl could learn a lot from Ravinia. I believe it is the other way around.

The Hollywood Bowl is a natural amphitheater with a sophisticated amplification system. Ravinia is in a wooded glen, with a small seated pavilion and a large field behind for picnicking. As charming as this sounds, the vast majority of attendees have a distant (if any) visual effect, and spotty sound.

As for a delightful summer evening, Ravinia features humid warm evenings, mosquitoes and 20-plus evenings of rain. The Hollywood Bowl features ocean-cooled breezes with few buzzing insect distractions.

I cherish Ravinia for the childhood memories but embrace the Bowl as a true summer concert experience.

Gregory Facktor

Hancock Park