Photos provided by Ravinia/ Roger Daltrey by Fabrice Demessence

It might not technically be summer just yet, but it sure did feel that way when Ravinia dropped its extensive line-up. Though classical music will always be the base for America’s longest-running music festival, various forms of pop have also become a major component of its programming in Highland Park. Between the two disciplines, there’s probably more than a hundred worthwhile shows to choose from, but here are ten absolute essentials, including some history-shaping rock n’ rollers, Motown’s leading lady, a rarely traveling comic, an out of retirement R&B goddess and a progressive pair that just turned 50.

1. The Who’s Roger Daltrey (Jun. 23 and 25)
Legendary front man Roger Daltrey has performed The Who’s “Tommy” in its entirety before, but this double date marks his debut with the Ravinia Festival Orchestra. Be sure to stick around after the rock opera for additional past classics right up through his upcoming solo project “As Long As I Have You” (out June 1).

2. Diana Ross (Jun. 2)
Whether she’s slaying the American Music Awards, serenading Las Vegas or tearing it up on tour, Diana Ross is a supreme diva. Relive Motown’s golden era, her rebirth as a solo artist and endurance as one of the most mesmerizing figures in every sector of entertainment.

3. Tony Bennett (Sept. 8)
When Tony Bennett comes to Ravinia for the 39th time, he’ll be 92-years-young. However anyone who’s seen him solo or with Lady Gaga can attest to his zest for living and singing standards, most notably, his signature “I Left My Heart In San Francisco.”

4. Culture Club, The B-52’s and Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey (Aug. 31 and Sept. 1)
The ‘80s will be alive and well when Boy George leads a recently reunited Culture Club through two days’ worth of partying. Returning favorites The B-52’s are always a blast, plus it’s not all that often American audiences get to relive the Thompson Twins through singer Tom Bailey.

5. The Beach Boys and The Righteous Brothers (Aug. 24)
Mike Love and Bruce Johnston bring their version of The Beach Boys back for all the surfing and sun-soaked memories that made the band the Stateside equivalent to The Beatles. As an added bonus, Bill Medley leads a reconstituted version of The Righteous Brothers to ensure fans have the time of their life.

6. Anita Baker (Jun. 10)
R&B songstress Anita Baker may have already embraced retirement, but she apparently got “Caught Up In The Rapture” of Ravinia because she’s indeed slated to appear once again. Expect a career-spanning set heavy on the dusties, and hopefully, her latest smooth smash “Lately.”

7. Yes featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman (Sept. 7)
Original Yes singer Jon Anderson, “90125” guitar wizard Trevor Rabin and classic line-up keyboardist Rick Wakemen commemorate 50 years since the group’s beginnings. In other words, plan on plenty of progressive rock, a bit of glossier arena pop and grandiose execution all across the board.

8. Jethro Tull by Ian Anderson (Sept. 3)
Speaking of prog royalty celebrating 50 years, singer/flute/guitar player Ian Anderson and his skilled backers deliver a career-spanning Jethro Tull retrospective. Don’t forget the band also packed just as many classical, folk and straight up classic rock elements to ensure variety at every cerebral turn.

9. Whoopi Goldberg (Aug. 3)
Star of the silver and small screen Whoopi Goldberg makes a ridiculously rare return to her stand-up comedy roots. She promises witty observations about current events and a multitude of topics during this no-holds-barred night, but note this show is only open to ages 18 and up.

10. ZZ Top and John Fogerty (Jun. 12)
No band can grow their beards like ZZ Top, let alone crank up the blues-infused boogie rock. And former Creedence Clearwater Revival leader John Fogerty couldn’t be a better co-headliner, whether he’s playing tunes from the down and dirty south or hitting one straight out to “Centerfield.”

Ravinia donor ticket presale begins March 20. Public tickets go on sale May 8 for June and July concerts, followed by May 10 for August and September concerts. For additional details and the full line-up, visit Ravinia.org.

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