Ravinia announces its 2012 schedule
Esperanza Spalding, Gavin DeGraw with Colbie Caillat, Santana, Al Green, Sarah McLachlan, Glen Campbell and "Glee"/"Wicked" star Idina Menzel are among dozens of popular performers to join this summer's lineup at Ravinia.
Appearing at Ravinia for the first time are Green on June 15, Spalding on June 25, Cambell with Ronnie Milsap on June 28, DeGraw and Caillat on June 29, McLachlan on June 30, Menzel on July 8 and Santana on July 9.
The tree-filled, Highland Park venue also will welcome back Tony Bennett (Aug. 18), James Taylor (July 27-28), Earth, Wind & Fire (June 9), Train (Aug. 11-12), Diana Krall (July 17), Boz Scaggs (Aug. 22) and Crosby, Stills & Nash (Aug. 3), according to a news release Thursday.
For a full listing, see ravinia.org.
Ravinia has long emphasized classical music, but over the years, has expanded its musical offerings to include jazz, bluegrass, pop, reggae, country and other styles.
This year's season opens June 7 and runs through Sept. 9. The summer is also filled with special kids concerts, a customer appreciation day May 19, free family areas for Chicago Symphony Orchestra concerts and tribute shows to musicians like Woody Guthrie and Lena Horne.
Ravinia is offering a new smartphone app that helps guests find their friends on the lawn, among other features.
Tickets are available now with a Ravinia donation, at ravinia.org. Public ticket online sales begin April 26, and phone sales begin May 7 at (847) 266-5100. A $7 service fee is added to all ticket orders.