Evanston music lovers were treated to an emotional concert on Saturday night, August 7, as Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals took to the stage near the first tee of the Canal Shores golf course. The opening act was Jake Etheridge and his band. Spokesmen for Out of Space, which produced the concert, and the Canal Shores Golf Course confirmed attendance to be between 2,600 and 2,700 paying attendees.

The weather forecast cooperated for the benefit of spectators. The predicted rain stopped, temperatures dropped, putting a dent in the oppressive humidity, and a breeze swept through the crowds as the night sky darkened. The audience seemed relaxed, munching on a mix of goodies from some of Evanston’s best restaurants and snacks they had brought home. Activity was also sustained in food trucks and stands offering beer and wine.

Ben Harper took the stage at 8 p.m. with his five band mates and played an assortment of hits from various studio albums over the years for over 90 minutes. One of the first songs on the setlist, “Steal My Kisses”, was by his Burn to shine album (1999), an ideal choice to thrill the crowd with an upbeat tempo, good rhythm and easy lyrics.

Other songs included “In the Colors” by the Safety rope album (2007), “Happy for all time[MOU1] In your eyes ”of the Both sides of the gun album (2006), “Trust You to Dig My Grave” by No mercy in this country album (2013). “Amen Omen” and “With My Own Two Hands” were both from Diamonds inside album (2003).

The gentle crowd seemed relaxed and happy to be entertained in a quiet, well-manicured lot near our home. All participants had to show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination status in order to enter, a requirement that added to the feeling of security and the relaxing atmosphere. Evanston Police had a lifeguard station along the gangway where tables were set up for local businesses offering merchandise sales, and a uniformed officer confirmed it was a quiet night without any major disruption.