Ravinia is a staple of Lake County. Since 1905, the Highland Park fest has featured the top musicians in a variety of genres, making it the oldest outdoor festival in U.S. history.
On March 14, (aka Pi Day), the Highland Park mainstay revealed the 2019 Ravinia Festival schedule. It's easy as 3.14 to get there as the MetraRail is located right outside of the threshold.
Like every year, Ravinia showcases a slew of star-studded names. In the 2017 edition, we were blessed with a cast of legendary performers like Diana Ross, Tony Bennett, Evanescence, Whoopi Goldberg, ZZ Top, Los Lonely Boys and so many more.
Let’s not forget that the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is the resident band and has a couple tricks up their sleeves this year. Mark May 7 on your calendar as that's when tickets go on sale.
Continue to scroll to view the exceptional lineup as the 2019 Ravinia Festival schedule is revealed.
For 50 years, Lewis has provided his unique star and is an advocate for the contemporary jazz movement. He has been a crossover in the pop and R&B charts, while he also gives back to the music community. The kick off to the Ravinia season features the Windy City native (who's registered three Grammy wins) and he's bringing a plethora of talented friends with him. Philip Bailey, who's the lead singer of Earth, Wind and Fire (does "Ba de ya, dancing in September" ring a bell), the John Pizzarelli Trio and Ann Hampton Callaway.
Currently getting ready to begin his Bridges Live Tour, the gentleman with the golden pipes is no joke. Groban has sold over 25 million records worldwide. The five-time Grammy nominee and Tony Award nominee is a musical prodigy and he's only 38 years old. You know Groban can sing if he can do a tribute to Luciano Pavarotti. Josh Groban is also releasing a new album on April 19 as well.
For over 45 years, John Prine has brought some of the most powerful lyrics to the forefront. As one of the most influential songwriters of his generation, the three-time Grammy Award winner was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame in the last few months. In 2018, Prine also peaked at no. 5 on the U.S. Billboard Charts and no. 1 on the U.S. Folk Billboard Chart. The Maywood, Ill. native has beaten cancer twice and served as a soldier in the U.S. Armed Forces.
He won't be performing on a Sunday morning, but Lionel Richie will grace the Highland Park stage for two nights singing all of the hits. The four-time Grammy-winning, Academy Award-winning, Kennedy Center Honoree, former "American Idol" and "The Voice" judge, has a ridiculous amount of accolades. Richie also co-wrote smash hit "We Are the Wolrd" with Michael Jackson in 1985 (that also won the Grammy for Song of the Year in the same year). Richie is known for other hits like "Three Times a Lady," "Endless Love featuring Diana Ross," "Dancing on the Ceiling," "Hello," "All Night Long" and so many more.
The sweet sounds of American blues and rock will fill the air for an entertaining night of toe-tapping and dancing. Chicago blues legend Buddy Guy is a seven-time Grammy-winning guitarist and vocalist who has been ranked 30th in Rolling Stone magazine’s 100 greatest guitarists of all time. North Mississippi Allstars and Shemika Copeland join this Friday night concert.
Tony Bennett makes his annual appearance at Ravinia (earlier than usual as he normally performs on or around his birthday in August). The 91-year-old legend has released over 70 albums, sold 50-million records worldwide, won 19 Grammy Awards (including a Lifetime Achievement Award) and earned two Emmy Awards. Watch him sing the greats like ‘I Left My Heart in San Francisco,’ ‘Rags to Riches,’ ‘Because of You,’ and so many more hits.
The country quartet has been assembled since the late 90s, but their careers really started gaining steam around 2006. You've probably seen them sing at every single notable music award show. The four-time Grammy winners are known for songs like "The Road to Here," "Pontoon," "Girl Crush," "Better Man," "Themselves" and a slew of other hits.
This author can't help himself and request that The Counting Crows perform "Mr. Jones and me." The alternative rock band is celebrating their 25 year anniversary. Their album "August and Everything After" went seven times Platinum according to the Recording Industry Association and six of their albums have charted on the Billboard 200 Chart. The band from Berkley, Calif. was also nominated for an Academy Award for their song "Accidentally in Love," which was in the movie "Shrek 2."
Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., otherwise known as the dope emcee T.I.P from Atlanta makes his first appearance at the Highland Park fest. The three-time Grammy Award-winning wordsmith also is an actor and appeared in films like "ATL" "American Gangster" and "Ant-Man" (and it's sequel). T.I. is known for hits such as "Rubber Band Man," "Whatever You Like" and "Big S*** Poppin'."
"Tell Me Something Good." How about a raspy-voiced diva from Chicago and a raspy-voiced singer from St. Louis and 15 Grammy Awards between the two. Chaka Khan (10 Grammys) is ranked in VH1's list of the 100 Greatest Women of Rock & Roll and nominated twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Windy City native is "Every Woman." Michael McDonald was a part of the legendary Steely Dan (who's performing later in the season) and the Doobie Brothers. The master of the ivory keys is known for "Taking it to the Streets," "Sweet Freedom" "On My Own" and dozens of more hits.
This country band rose to quick fame and is a powerhouse in their genre since their inception in 2006. They've won seven Grammy Awards including Song of the Year and Album of the Year. The trio has sold over 18 million units, notched nine no.1 singles on the country chart.
"And I am telling you.." Jennifer Hudson is making her debut at the Highland Park fest with Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Hudson is known for her monster voice. Hudson bust on to the scene with American Idol. The Chicago native got her big break acting alongside Beyoncé in "Dreamgirls." Hudson won an Academy Award for that performance and has also registered to Grammy Award wins. She is also a judge on The Voice UK and THe Voice U.S.
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Ringo is one of the two remaining Beatles as many know and he's a national treasure. Since the Beatles break up, in the 1970s he strung together multiple top 10 singles and formed the band the All Starr Band. The Beach Boys are the real deal. The astounding yet true saga of The Beach Boys is well chronicled, and by any standard, it’s one of the greatest and most musical stories ever told. Now, this unique West Coast story continues with a global celebration that is befitting of the remarkable and enduring legacy of these Rock & Roll Hall of Famers.
Over 50 million records sold worldwide, nine Grammy awards and 23 chart-topping singles, the Vancouver rockers are making their appearance at Ravinia Festival. Nickleback is known for humongous hits like "Photograph," "How You Remind Me," "Savin' Me," "Rockstar" and many more in their eight-time platinum career.
