Ravinia Announces 2016 season

As the weather begins to warm, the trees begin to flower and kids start talking about Summer vacation, our minds begin to think about a favorite entertainment spot on the North Shore- Ravinia. This summertime festival located in Highland Park is not just a concert hall on the lawn, but also a small theater, great dining, and a place to greet, meet and dine with your friends and family while listening to some of the best in entertainment.

The 201 schedule includes Kids Concerts, Movies on the lawn, acts like Paul Simon , Tony Bennett as he hits 90, Diana Ross, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Broadway night, Bob Dylan ( think back to 1964 for the last time he was here) and much more. In fact a summer filled with entertainment that will please everyone in your family- to check out the full schedule, visit www.Ravinia.org

Lots of great dining on the grounds, or you can bring your own and do a picnic. In fact, for you novices, many audience members prefer to do the lawn so they can bring their special table and dinner basket along with the special candles to make the evening even more special. If you love Ravinia, this season will be another winner for you! If you have never visited Ravinia, do not put it off! Once you go, you will want to return as often as    you can. Pack a basket and your romantic selves, or dine in one of the great restaurants, or pick up your taste delights and bring them to your lawn seats. No matter your tastes, you will find them all at Ravinia. On the grounds and on the stages.

Tributes to David Bowie, Oscar Brown Jr., Nat “King” Cole, Jerry Garcia and Stephen Sondheim are featured this season. Fourteen chamber programs and there will also be a three year cycle of Beethoven’s piano sonatas by Jonathan Bliss. James Levine (former music director) returns after two decades to conduct Mahler’s Second Symphony ( this is where he began some 45 years earlier, with the same piece). Great moments at Ravinia!

As always, weather permitting, Ravinia is the choice of many patrons of the arts. It is a special place, where one can go with friends, family or just a loved one and have a memorable nights of entertainment, fine dining (either on premise or a packed basket of goodies). A night to remember, for years after. To view the entire schedule, visit www.Ravinia.org. June 2nd is the start of our Ravinia Summer and it lasts thru September 11th. Enjoy!

There will be a new welcoming at the gate. An aquatic sculpture by the designers of Bellagio’s dancing fountains and this year , a wave of water-themed concerts as well.