Ravinia Festival is packed with great performances this summer

There is something spectacular about listening to music outside on a warm summer night.  Especially where the scenery is lovely and you can even bring along your own food and drinks.  Ravinia Festival is legendary for it’s impressive lineup and this year keeps with that tradition.

Ravinia will present more than 100 concerts June 6 through September 15, 2013 including the annual summer residency of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.  Pavilion tickets to all CSO concerts this year are only $25.  The season features more than 80 debuts by such artists as Josh Groban, OneRepublic, Journey, Heart and Matchbox20 sharing the bill with the Goo Goo Dolls.  Returning favorites include piano superstar Lang Lang, Sting, Sheryl Crow, Tony Bennett, Yo-Yo Ma and Anita Baker.  My picks: Go-Go’s and The B-52’s.  And certainly Cheap Trick, who will be performing two classic albums live with an orchestra: At Budokan and Sgt. Pepper Live.

Even though Ravinia is located about 20 miles north of Chicago it is super easy to get to without a car.   Simply hop on a Metra train and you will be dropped off right at the gate.  And even though you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks, there are amazing options on site for purchasing gourmet food and wine and even renting tables and chairs.  Their gift shop is a must-visit if you head to Ravinia for a concert this summer.

Tickets for the 2013 season at Ravinia are now on sale online exclusively at www.Ravinia.org.   Phone sales will begin May 20.