A special Ravinia-like evening complete with music under the stars is planned for Friday, June 15, on the scenic grounds of the Crystal Lake Country Club.

"Moonlight and Music" tickets, a special summer concert benefitting the Pioneer Center for Human Services, are on sale only through this Friday, June 8, said Pioneer's director of marketing, Laurie Bivona.

"As RSVPs are made, potential guests are reminded that the deadline for this unique summer event has been extended to Friday, June 8, so that last-minute revelers can confirm their attendance," Bivona said.

Incendio, a Latin guitar world fusion group, is traveling from California to provide the evening’s entertainment. This year they hope, weather permitting, to perform outside under a starry night sky.

Last year’s inaugural event, held in Bull Valley, defied all odds, including rain and moving indoors at the last minute, to become a wildly successful and entertaining evening for both Pioneer Center and guests alike. The event raise more than $114,000 to support Pioneer Center’s programs, Bivona said.

In keeping with the theme established last year by Pioneer Center’s Auxiliary, the “Ravinia-like” event will feature a mouth-watering gourmet cookout and buffet offering a grill station including BBQ ribs, Mediterranean chicken, chef-carved pork loin and delicious sides.

Also included will be a salad station offering Caesar salad, Thai rice and cabbage salad, grilled vegetables and fresh summer fruit.To end the decadent feast, desserts will include a chef-scooped ice cream station and a special tribute cake presented to Pioneer Center by the Crystal Lake Country Club.

As guests depart, they will receive a commemorative music collection featuring the evening’s entertainment,  Incendio and Cassandra Vohs-Demann. Guests should be sure to bring their lawn chair or blanket to fully enjoy the outdoor ambience.  Dress is casual and a full cash bar will be offered. 

Tickets are $125, Bivona said. Reservations are available by calling 815-759-7050. The Crystal Lake Country Club is located at 721 Country Club Rd., in Crystal Lake.

Pioneer Center for Human Services is a non-profit charitable organization providing direct services to more than 2,500 people. Pioneer delivers community-based services in the areas of McHenry County PADS, Youth Service Bureau, autism services, developmental disabilities, mental illness, traumatic brain illness, and VOICE sexual assault.