Santana, Ms. Lauryn Hill, John Legend, Carrie Underwood and another diverse Ravinia roster

Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Chicagoland can always count on Ravinia to deliver one of the most diverse line-ups in the world, which is also probably why the Highland Park hot spot is able to retain its reign as America’s longest running music festival.

In fact, there are few other places on earth where pop, rock and R&B could so regularly converge with classical, country and children’s shows, not to mention jazz, blues, movies and a whole lot more.

“Ravinia’s summer offerings reflect the wide-ranging musical tastes of Chicago and beyond,” says Jeffrey P. Haydon, the venue’s President and CEO, in a shared statement. “Whether you’re attending for the first or fiftieth time, a concert here is a special experience and one we hope our audiences will treasure.”

This year is no exception thanks to debuts as widespread as today’s constant chart-topper Charlie Puth, vocal veterans Boyz II Men, funk legends The Isley Brothers, soulful singer/songwriter Ne-Yo and viral a cappella sensations Straight No Chaser.

Returning favorites are plentiful in the superstar likes of Santana, Ms. Lauryn Hill, John Legend, Carrie Underwood, Chicago, Train, Jason Mraz, Brandi Carlile, Jethro Tull, Boz Scaggs, Pat Metheny, and of course, the annual Chicago Symphony Orchestra residency with Chief Conductor Marin Alsop.

There’s extra significance to appearances from “Top Gun” Kenny Loggins and Chicago’s own Buddy Guy, both of whom are making the farewell rounds, while the latter has the bonus addition of George Benson on the bill.

The only trick may be scoring tickets to several sure-to-be sell outs, which go on sale to the public on Monday, May 1, though luckily, there are pre-sale options for donors and subscribers.

For a full list of performance dates, membership perks and a virtual look inside the beautiful park, visit Ravinia.org.