06/25/2026
Let's kick off the start of posting more Cole Porter Festival Photographs with a continuation of a series I like to call, "At Long Last Love". Where I bring you stories and heartfelt quotes from the sidewalks of the Cole Porter Festival!
I met Ruben and Mike outside of Legends. They just so happened to be waiting for a table at Legend's when I passed by. As they struck up a conversation with me, that first night, I soon realized just how much Cole Porter and this festival truly means to people.
"We've been coming to the festival since probably 2012. We just love it."
From Mundelein Illinois, Ruben and Mike make this time at the Cole Porter Festival count by attending as many events as they possibly can. (I can vouch for that because once you know Ruben and Mike, there is not turning back. Every event I covered, they were there!)
They both had a sincere softness to them when they spoke about Cole Porter's music. As much as they admire his music, there is something to be said about the lyrical way they expressed it.
"Cole Porter's music..." Ruben paused with his hands almost forming a conductors pose without trying, "it's a timeless fountain of music."
There is a passion that shone through each event we bumped into each other at. Ruben and Mike have an appreciation for the history and music of Cole Porter but also have a great love for the Cole Porter Festival itself.
When I asked them what makes this festival so special in particular, they both answered in the same soft spoken care with this statement here.
"This is a festival we come to because of the people. Each year we come, it's like we leave with a collection of friends. Oh yes, the friends."
Collecting friends..... Do I need to say anything more? Thank you Ruben and Mike for sharing your story with me! I have to say that you both are a part of my collection!
At risk of looking like an absolute stocker, I shall leave you with just one photograph, but keep an eye out in the upcoming posts for these lovely faces!
