Ravinia Festival in Highland Park Reveals its 2024 Schedule
By: Stephanie Wylie 04/05/2024
Ravinia is a staple of Lake County. Since 1905, the Highland Park fest has featured the top musicians in various genres, making it the oldest outdoor festival in U.S. history.
As always, Ravinia presents an array of acclaimed artists. The 2024 installment treated us to an illustrious lineup featuring iconic talents such as Ms. Lauren Hill, Chicago, Counting Crows, Charlie Puth, Santana, John Legend, Jethro Tull and numerous others.
Don't forget, with a Ravinia Festival ticket; visitors can access the Highland Park grounds via MetraRail for free.
The Ravinia Festival serves as the anchor venue for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra during the summer season, under the direction of the exceptional conductor Marin Alsop. Keep scrolling to discover the outstanding roster for the highly anticipated return of Ravinia Festival in Highland Park in 2024!
James Taylor's five-decade career has been marked by his warm baritone voice and acclaimed guitar playing, selling over 100 million albums and winning multiple Grammy Awards. Beyond music, he's received prestigious honors like the National Medal of Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 2020, he released his deeply personal memoir "Break Shot" and his 19th studio album "American Standard," earning him a Grammy and making him the first artist with a Billboard Top 10 album in six decades. Alongside his all-star band, Taylor's timeless music continues to captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying his status as a music legend.
After closing the 14-year gap between two albums, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss have reunited with their fusion of blues, country, folk-rock and soul music. From their Grammy-sweeping "Raising Sand" to the chart-topping "Raise the Roof," their performances have captivated audiences worldwide. Special guest JD McPherson joins their band, adding to the excitement alongside drummer Jay Bellerose, bassist Dennis Crouch and multi-talented string player Stuart Duncan. Together, they promise an unforgettable night of surprises and musical brilliance that transcends genres.
Hailing from Milwaukee, Violent Femmes were one of the most influential punk acts in the 1980's alternative rock scene. They come to Ravinia for the first time for a night of music with the Chicago Philharmonic led by conductor Stuart Chafetz. Songs like "Blister in the Sun," "Kiss Off," and "Gone Daddy Gone" continue to rock the radiowaves around the world.
Get ready for a legendary night at Ravinia Pavilion as Little Feat and Los Lobos take the stage. Little Feat's eclectic mix of California rock, funk, folk and jazz, alongside hits like "Willin'" and "Spanish Moon," promises a rich musical experience. Los Lobos brings their unique fusion of Mexican folk, rock and roll and blues, with chart-toppers like "La Bamba" and "We Belong Together." Don't miss the chance to see these iconic bands, offering a rare opportunity to witness musical greatness in one unforgettable event.
Ben Platt, acclaimed for his performances in Broadway with hits like "Dear Evan Hansen," emerged as a standout talent with a historic Tony Award win for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical. Beyond Broadway, Platt has showcased his musical prowess through two studio albums, "Sing to Me Instead" and "Reverie," earning a dedicated following with his soulful melodies and introspective lyrics. His latest single, "Grow As We Go," a collaboration with Sara Bareilles, reflects his commitment to creating music that inspires and uplifts. With his multifaceted talent and heartfelt performances, Ben Platt continues to captivate audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the world of theater and music.
Celebrating over fifty years of musical brilliance, The Beach Boys are embarking on their "America's Band" tour, bringing their iconic hits to fans worldwide. With timeless classics like "Surfin' USA" and "Good Vibrations," the band has sold over 100 million records and received numerous accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2001 Grammy Awards. Led by co-founder Mike Love and longtime member Bruce Johnston, Joining them on stage is actor and producer John Stamos, famous for his role as Uncle Jesse on "Full House." Stamos has a rich performance history alongside The Beach Boys, spanning back to 1985. The Beach Boys continue to captivate audiences with their harmonies and melodies, solidifying their place as legends of American music history.
Norah Jones returns showcasing her Grammy-winning talent and genre-blending style. Known for hits like "Don't Know Why" and "Sunrise," Jones's music seamlessly blends jazz, folk and country blues. Joining her is the legendary R&B and gospel singer Mavis Staples, celebrated for her decades-long career and iconic tracks like "I'll Take You There." Jones and Staples promise an incredible night of musical brilliance at Ravinia.
For over twenty-five years, the Gipsy Kings have mesmerized audiences worldwide with their unique fusion of flamenco, pop and Latin rhythms. Their self-titled debut album achieved gold and platinum certifications, introducing millions to their captivating sound. With a lineup of virtuoso musicians, the band has sold nearly twenty million albums and toured extensively across the globe. As they celebrate their enduring musical legacy, the Gipsy Kings remain icons of cross-cultural musical excellence.
Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls present their latest creations, showcasing poignant narratives and introspective themes. With "Look Long," Indigo Girls delve into personal journeys, exploring perspectives and self-reflection with newfound clarity. Melissa Etheridge continues to captivate audiences with her soul-stirring performances and fearless authenticity. Together, these artists offer a beacon of hope amidst life's complexities, inviting listeners on a journey of empowerment and resilience.
Gaelic Storm and The High Kings for their debut performances, offering an unforgettable night of Celtic music. Gaelic Storm, formed in California over two decades ago, blends traditional folk tunes with Celtic rock, charming audiences worldwide with hits like "Blarney Pilgrim" and "Drowsy Maggie." Meanwhile, The High Kings, a Dublin-based Irish folk group, have earned acclaim with numerous albums and performances across Europe and America, including a notable appearance at the White House's St. Patrick's Day celebration in 2012. Together, these two powerhouse bands promise to deliver an electrifying showcase of Celtic music.
O.A.R. brings over 25 years of musical excellence to Ravinia, showcasing their free-flowing sound and captivating live performances. Special guest Fitz & the Tantrums, known for their soulful indie-pop sound, will share the stage, promising an energetic and dynamic show. Opening the evening is DJ Logic, a pioneer in turntablism, who brings his innovative style to Ravinia for the first time. This promises to be an unforgettable night of diverse and electrifying music.
Experience a dynamic hip hop showcase featuring The Roots, Digable Planets and Arrested Development. The Roots, known for their live instrumentation and Grammy-winning hits, have served as Jimmy Fallon's house band since 2009. Digable Planets burst onto the scene with jazz-infused hip hop in the '90s, while Arrested Development merges African rhythms with social activism, earning critical acclaim and Grammy Awards. This concert promises an electrifying celebration of hip-hop culture's diversity and innovation.
Get ready for a night of iconic hits as R&B supergroup TLC and Jamaican dancehall icon Shaggy join forces for a powerhouse performance. TLC, hailed as the best-selling American 'girl group' of all time, brings chart-toppers like "No Scrubs" and "Waterfalls" to the stage. Meanwhile, Shaggy, the only Diamond-selling dancehall artist, promises reggae fusion classics such as "It Wasn't Me" and "Boombastic." Together, these musical legends guarantee an unforgettable evening filled with timeless music and infectious rhythms.
April Shows at Ravinia Festival
- Pianst Terrence WIlson at Bennett Gordon Hall (4/6) INFO»
- Kittel & Co. at Bennett Gordon Hall (4/13) INFO»
- Eddie Barbash and KASA Quartet at Bennett Gordon Hall (4/20) INFO»
May Shows at Ravinia Festival
- Kurt Elling/Danilo Perez Duo at Bennett Gordon Hall (5/5) INFO»
- Galvin Cello Quartet at Bennett Gordon Hall (5/5) INFO»
June Shows at Ravinia Festival
- Return of the Flock Featuring Jerry Goodman (6/7) INFO»
- An Evening with James Taylor and His All-Star Band (6/8-6/9) INFO»
- Bridges Composition Competition (6/11) INFO»
- Robert Plant and Alison Krauss - Can't Let Go Tour (6/12) INFO»
- Kronos Quartet (6/13) INFO»
- Hauser: Rebel with a Cello (6/14) INFO»
- Michael Franti and Spearhead: The Togetherness Tour (6/15) INFO»
- Divi Roxx Kids (6/15) INFO»
- Jazz in June: Battle of the Big Bands with Kurt Elling (6/16) INFO»
- Jazz Grandstand (6/18) INFO»
- Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue with Rapper Big Boi (6/19) INFO»
- Pianist Jonathan Biss (6/20) INFO»
- Violent Femmes with the Chicago Philharmonic (6/21) INFO»
- Ruth Page Civic Ballet and Friends (6/22) INFO»
- Little Feat: Can't be Satisfied Tour with special guest Los Lobos (6/22) INFO»
- Michael Feinstein: My Tribute to Tony Bennett (6/23) INFO»
- "Birdman" Live with Antonio Sanchez (6/26) INFO»
- Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper (6/27) INFO»
- Ben Platt (6/28) INFO»
- Roger Daltry with special guest KT Tunstall (6/29) INFO»
- The Knights + Aaron Diehl Trio (6/29) INFO»
- Clint Black + Lyle Lovett and His Large Band (6/30) INFO»
July Shows at Ravinia Festival
- A Far Cry + Kinan Azmeh and Dinuk Wijeratne (7/2) INFO»
- The King's Singers (7/3) INFO»
- The Music of ABBA: Arrival from Sweden (7/5) INFO»
- RSMI: Piano and Strings (7/5) INFO»
- Daryl Hall + Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton (7/5) INFO»
- Midori + RSMI Faculty Chamber Players (7/6) INFO»
- The Beach Boys with special guest John Stamos (7/7) INFO»
- RSMI: Piano & Strings (7/7) INFO»
- National Seminario Ravinia: Orchestras for All Concert (7/10) INFO»
- The Reset: An ImmersiveSound Experience with Davin Youngs (7/11) INFO»
- RSMI: Piano & Strings (7/11) INFO»
- CSO + Marin Alsop with Michelle Cann and Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha (7/12) INFO»
- Masterclass with Violinist Midori (7/12) INFO»
- A Gabriel Faure Centenary (7/13) INFO»
- CSO + Marin Alsop with Abel Selaocoe (7/13) INFO»
- Norah Jones with special guest Mavis Staples (7/14) INFO»
- RSMI Piano & Strings (7/14) INFO»
- Masterclass with the Takacs Quartets (7/16) INFO»
- Takacs Quartet in Concert (7/17) INFO»
- Milos Karadaglic + Viano Quartet (7/18) INFO»
- CSO + Icons of Song: The Music of Stevie Wonder and Paul Simon (7/19) INFO»
- RSMI: Piano & Strings (7/19) INFO»
- Elena Moon Park & Friends (7/20) INFO»
- CSO + Marin Alsop: Mahler's Ninth (7/20) INFO»
- RSMI: Piano & Strings (7/20) INFO»
- RSMI: Piano & Strings (7/21) INFO»
- CSO + Marin Alsop with Hayato Sumino (7/21) INFO»
- Ravel and His Contemporaries (7/21) INFO»
- RSMI: Piano & Strings (7/24) INFO»
- CSO + Marin Alsop with Augustin Hadelich (7/25) INFO»
- CSO + Marin Alsop: The Planets and the Moons Symphony (7/26) INFO»
- Killer Queen: A tribute to Queen (7/27) INFO»
- Dan Brown's Wild Symphony (7/27) INFO»
- CSO Tchaikovsky Spectacular + Carolyn Kuan and Desiree Ruhstrat (7/28) INFO»
- Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes (7/31) INFO»
August Shows at Ravinia Festival
- CSO + Valentina Peleggi with Jorge Federico Osorio (8/2) INFO»
- Laurie Berkner (8/3) INFO»
- Gala Concert and CSO: Mancini at 100 with Jesse Mueller, Norm Lewis, and Karen Mason (8/4) INFO»
- Gustavo Dudamel and National Children's Symphony of Venezuela (8/6) INFO»
- Masterclass with Pianist Kevin Murphy (8/6) INFO»
- Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers (8/7) INFO»
- Angelique Kidjo and Meshell Ndegeocello (8/8) INFO»
- RSMI: Singers at Bennett Gordon Hall (8/8) INFO»
- CSO: Mozart's Idomeneo with James Conlon (8/9) INFO»
- Songs for "Ode to Joy" at Bennett Gordon Hall (8/10) INFO»
- CSO and James Conlon with James Ehnes: All Mozart (8/10) INFO»
- Indigo Girls + Melissa Etheridge (8/11) INFO»
- CSO: Mozart's Idomeneo with James Conlon (8/11) INFO»
- Masterclass with Baritone Matthias Goerne at Bennett Gordon Hall (8/12) INFO»
- Matthias Goerne and Anton Mejias: Schubertiade at Martin Theatre (8/13) INFO»
- Robert Glasper and J. Ivy (8/14) INFO»
- RSMI: Singers at Bennett Gordon (8/14) INFO»
- Apollo's Fire: Four Seasons Rediscovered at Martin Theatre (8/15) INFO»
- CSO: The Princess Bride in Concert (8/16) INFO»
- CSO: Disney and Pixar's Up in Concert (8/17) INFO»
- Mentor in Torment: Schubert and Mayrhofer at Bennett Gordon Hall (8/17) INFO»
- CSO and Jonathan Rush with Rachel Barton Pine (8/18) INFO»
- Matthew Polenzani and Kevin Murphy at Martin Theatre (8/20) INFO»
- RSMI: Singers at Bennett Gordon Hall (8/21) INFO»
- Gaelic Storm and The High Kings (8/22) INFO»
- Laurie Berkner (8/23) INFO»
- O.A.R. Summer Tour '24 with Fitz and the Tantrums (8/23) INFO»
- The Roots (8/24) INFO»
- Hits from the American Songbook at Bennett Gordon Hall (8/24) INFO»
- Stella Chen, Matthew Lipman and Brannon Cho Trio at Bennett Gordon Hall (8/25) INFO»
- Third Coast Percussion and Sergio & Clarice Assad at Martin Theatre (8/27) INFO»
- Zlatomir Fung and Dina Vainshtein at Bennett Gordon Hall (8/28) INFO»
- ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd (8/29) INFO»
- Fyutch at Bennett Gordon Hall (8/31) INFO»
- TLC and Shaggy (8/31) INFO»
September Shows at Ravinia Festival
- Pianist David Kaplan performs "Quasi Una Fantasia" (9/1) INFO»
- Violinist Yevgeny Kutik + Pianist Renana Gutman (9/5) INFO»
- Big Drum/Small World featuring JazzReach's Metta Quintet (9/7) INFO»
- Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit with Alejandro Escovedo (9/8) INFO»
- Music of the Baroque + Dame Jane Glover with Anthony McGill (9/10-9/24) INFO»
- Crowded House (9/11) INFO»
- Aznavoorian (9/12) INFO»
- Joffrey Ballet "Music of Ramsey Lewis and more" (9/13) INFO»
October Shows at Ravinia Festival
- Shelly Berg Trio at Bennett Gordon Hall (10/26) INFO»
November Shows at Ravinia Festival
- Alexander Hersh and Victor Santiago Asuncion at Bennett Gordon Hall (11/2) INFO»
- PROJECT Trio at Bennett Gordon Hall (11/9) INFO»
- Letters to Jackie: Ryan Townsend Strand and Karina Kontorovitch (11/16) INFO»
For more updates about Ravinia Festival, continue here. To see other live music across the land of lakes, click here.
