This Summer At Ravinia Just Keeps On Getting Better And Better

Ravinia has announced several additions to its 2014 season, including new concerts; artists added to existing dates; video screen on the lawn; and a kids series. The 2014 season now features more than 130 events from June 5 through Sept. 14. Tickets go on sale to the public at 5 a.m. Thursday, April 24.

New concerts include the Ravinia debuts of Grammy-winning R&B star Maxwell (July 2); Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins and Australian singer/songwriter Katie Cole (Aug. 30); and international soul sensation Joss Stone and Lisa Fischer, star of the documentary 20 Feet from Stardom (Sept. 10). Also announced was the return of Ravinia favorites John Hiatt & The Combo and The Robert Cray Band (June 29).

In a summer already packed with unique pairings and double bills, Ravinia also has added new artists to previously announced concerts. American Authors will now make their Ravinia debut with OneRepublic and The Script (June 18-19); Toad the Wet Sprocket and folk duo Daniel and the Lion both will make their Ravinia debuts with the Counting Crows (July 14); Andrew McMahon, former front-man of Something Corporate and Jack’s Mannequin, makes his solo debut joining Gavin DeGraw and Matt Nathanson (July 21); Vintage Trouble makes its Ravinia debut with Heart (Aug. 3); The Wallflowers makes their Ravinia debut on a bill with Train (Aug. 22-23) and Katrina (ex-Katrina & the Waves) has joined the star-studded ’80s night “Retro Futura Tour 2014,” featuring the Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey and Howard Jones (Aug. 27).

If you enjoy bringing a picnic and sipping wine on the lawn you will be excited about this…Ravinia will install a large video screen on the North Lawn, broadcasting live action from the stage for performances by Willie Nelson and Alison Krauss (July 12); a Broadway evening with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Deborah Voigt (July 13); Counting Crows and Toad the Wet Sprocket (July 14); the Martin Theatre recital by guitarist Milos (July 15); violinist Midori with the CSO (July 16); West Side Story with the CSO playing live to the film (July 17-18); Crosby, Stills & Nash (July 19); a CSO evening with Lerner & Loewe (July 20); and Matt Nathanson, Gavin DeGraw and Andrew McMahon (July 21).  As usual, video screens flank the stage for every Pavilion performance.

Ravinia’s 2014 Kids Concerts series emulates the festival’s main-stage programming across a mix of genres and artists, all in a kid-friendly environment. This Saturday series directly connects to the mission of the festival’s REACH*TEACH*PLAY education programs. The fun kicks off with a double-header on June 14 with the world-renowned Chinese Circus of Beijing at 11 a.m. and Laurie Berkner—The You & Me Tour at 2 p.m. (separate admission required for these events). The series features Tom Chapin at 11 a.m. July 12; Ralph’s World at 11 a.m. July 19; and the Ruth Page Civic Ballet at 11 a.m. Sept. 13. To celebrate the 110^th anniversary of Ravinia on August 15, there will be a free “Young*Musician*Concert,” featuring the Lang Lang International Music Foundation Scholars with the Midwest Young Artists Symphony Orchestra (reservations required through Ravinia’s box office).

Ravinia also aims to spark that discovery with its Kids Lawn (formerly known as Family Space) that will include enhanced activities this summer, including hands-on music-making opportunities prior to select concerts, including the Chinese Circus of Beijing and Laurie Berkner on June 14 and Sunday concerts by the CSO, July 13, 20 and 27 and Aug. 2 and 10. Lawn admission to all classical concerts is free to children and students through college.