Ravinia 2019 Season Preview

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to Ravinia President and CEO Welz Kauffman about Ravinia’s 2019 season.

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WDCB's Gary Zidek talks to Ravinia President/CEO Welz Kauffman about Ravinia's upcoming season.

“It’s not just another tour stop, it’s something that means a great deal to him on a personal level. And he’s just an impeccable singer, the type of we don’t have anymore.” - Ravinia President/CEO Welz Kauffman talking about Tony Bennet’s special relationship with Ravinia.

Ravinia President & CEO Welz Kauffman

The weather is finally starting to feel warmer, which means Ravinia’s season is just about to start. More than 140 events will take place at Ravinia from May 31 through September 15 this year.

Ravinia at night.

Ravinia’s multi-season celebration of Leonard Bernstein, curated by acclaimed conductor Marin Alsop, will continue this summer. In addition to a number of Bernstein-inspired concerts, Ravinia will introduce the Ravinia MusicBox Experience Center later in the summer. The new building features an immersive-experience 65-seat theater that will offer a 4-D presentation of Leonard Bernstein’s story.

Conductor Marin Alsop curated Ravinia’s two-year Bernstein celebration

In addition to a number of classical concerts, Ravinia is also presenting a variety of jazz, R&B, pop and rock performances.

Lionel Richie

Pop superstar Lionel Richie will make his Ravinia debut June 11 & 12.

Alternative rock icon Morrissey will also be performing at Ravinia for the first time ever this summer.

Morrissey

Legendary bluesman Buddy Guy will take the Ravinia stage on June 14.

Buddy Guy

And the one and only Tony Bennett will return to Highland Park on Friday June 21 for his 40th concert at Ravinia.

Tony Bennett

Of course this is just scratching the surface of Ravinia’s 2019 season. There’s a number of classical and non-classical concerts (including stars like Sting. Ringo Starr and Chaka Kahn) taking place under the stars at Ravinia this summer. Click here for a full schedule.

Ticket sales will start on two separate days:

May, June and July concerts will go on sale on May 7.

August and September dates will be available on May 8.