Ravinia Presents Encore Screening Of Oscar-winning The Lady In Number 6

Ravinia will present an encore screening of this year’s Oscar winner for Best Documentary Short Subject, The Lady in Number 6, in Bennett Gordon Hall with free general admission to ticket holders for the Monday, Aug. 25, performance by Pedja Muzijevic featuring Chopin’s complete Op. 28 preludes. The film tells the riveting, true story of the world’s oldest pianist, who also happened to be the world’s oldest concentration camp survivor, Alice Herz-Sommer. Chopin was a particular favorite of the 101-year-old, who died just one week before the film won the Oscar. The 38 minute film begins at 4:45 p.m. with the concert starting at 6:00 p.m.

Get Approved to Foster PAWS Pet and Win Free Billy Corgan Tickets

Billy Corgan is taking a break from recording two new Smashing Pumpkins albums, due out in 2015, to perform at Ravinia, in his hometown of Highland Park, for the first time on Aug. 30, and anyone who gets approved to foster a pet through PAWS between now and Aug. 27 will receive a free pair of Pavilion tickets to Corgan’s performance. Fostering a pet usually requires just a few weeks of love and care for a sick or abused animal until it is ready to find a permanent place to live. Applications can be filled out online. PAWS will also have a booth set up at Ravinia’s main gate on the day of Corgan’s concert. Guests are encouraged to register here to find out more about PAWS and how they can help.

Last Chance to Win Cash for Your School by Attending Ravinia's CSO Concerts for Free

The 2014 Chicago Symphony Orchestra residency is winding down. That means there are only a handful of opportunities left to give your high school a chance to win cash for its music program. All high-school students are admitted free to the lawn for CSO concerts, but those students should sign in at the box office before entering the park to earn a point for their school. The school with the most points at the end of the season will win $5,000, awarded by the Ravinia Associates Board. For the first time in years, Highland Park High School is pressing its hometown advantage—here are the standings—but students can turn the tides by attending Don Giovanni on Aug. 14 and Aug. 16 or The Marriage of Figaro on Aug. 15 and Aug. 17.

Scientific Chef Bowman Transforms Ravinia With A Middle-Earth Menu

Celebrated Chicago chef Thomas Bowman, of iNG, Baume and Brix and the recent WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot (WTF) event, returns to Ravinia as guest chef. Known for his attention to detail and scientific balancing of sweet and savory, Bowman will transform Ravinia into a Middle-earth feast fit for any hobbit or wizard when Ravinia presents the final installment of the Lord of the Rings series with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performing the live score along with the film Return of the King on Aug. 7 and Aug. 8. For dining reservations, call 847-432-7550.

American Idol Phillip Phillips Joins Food Network in Concert at Ravinia

Phillip Phillips, the winner of American Idol season 11, has been added to the roster of music talent for Food Network in Concert at Ravinia on Sept. 20. Having recently released his sophomore album, Behind the Light,Phillips joins headliner John Mayer, DJ Alexandra Richards, Twin Forks(with Dashboard Confessional’s Chris Carrabba), jazz musician Raul Midón, indie rock band California Wives, and guitarist/singer Zane Carneyand others for the daylong festival of food and music, featuring some of the best music and culinary talent. Ticket prices for admission to the event include: Lawn Only ($99), Lawn plus Greatest Hits venue-wide tasting event ($199), Pavilion 2 plus Greatest Hits ($249), and Pavilion 1 (premium seating) plus Greatest Hits ($299). Attendees will also have the opportunity to experience exclusive lunch and dinner events hosted by Food Network stars Sunny Anderson, Anne Burrell, Jose Garces, Alex Guarnaschelli,Jeff Mauro, Marc Murphy and Geoffrey Zakarian. These special add-on experiences will feature some of the best BBQ, craft beers, cocktails, wines, sandwiches, desserts and more. Prices vary from $85 and $125 per culinary event, and can be purchased with new tickets or added to previously purchased ones.

Win Cash For Your High School Music Program

Not only do children and students through college receive free lawn admission to every classical concert at Ravinia, but high-school students could actually win cash for their school’s music program. Each time a student attends a CSO performance at the festival, his or her school earns a point. At the end of the season the school with the most points will receive a check for its music programs from the Ravinia Associates Board. Double points will be awarded at the Tchaikovsky Spectacular on July 27, when Ravinia’s student marketing team will host a free preconcert hangout with food and refreshment for all high-school students. Remember to check in at the box office to get your points.

Did You Get Engaged At Ravinia? We Want To Hear About It!

If you got engaged to be married at Ravinia, you’re not alone (hopefully). We want all the couples who got engaged at Ravinia to “Come Together” for the world’s largest engagement photo to be taken Saturday,Sept. 13, when Classic Albums Live performs the iconic Beatles album, Abbey Road. If you got engaged at Ravinia, tell us how it went down (the public version, please) in an e-mail to contests@ravinia.org (include an engagement photo if you can). Photos and anecdotes may be printed in Ravinia’s blog and magazine. Once verified, we will send you a complimentary pair of tickets to the Abbey Roadconcert and instructions for participating in the photo. Contest is open to couples only.

Celebrity Chefs As Big As Music Stars At Food Network In Concert At Ravinia

A lot of buzz has been generated by John Mayer’s Ravinia debut headlining the Sept. 20 exclusive event Food Network in Concert at Ravinia, but the daylong festival of food and music promises an array of celebrity chefs with an equally audience-pleasing cache.

Guests will have the opportunity to experience a variety of unique food offerings throughout the day through an array of ticket packages. The Greatest Hits—a venue-wide, walk-around food and wine tasting—will feature samplings of “greatest hits” from 50 chefs and 100+ wineries, while other available culinary experiences will include the BBQ-themed Country Cookout; Farm to Turntable, featuring locally sourced, farm-fresh dishes; Breakfast Club, presenting favorite brunch foods with a creative twist; HOT HOT HOT!where guests can indulge in the spiciest of dishes from around the world; and I Want Candy, a dessert-themed tasting hosted by Food Network star Anne Burrell and featuring 15 pastry chefs from around the country.

Other popular Food Network celebrities on hand will include Alex Guarnaschelli, Jose Garces, Jeff Mauro, Marc Murphy, Geoffrey Zakarian and Sunny Anderson. Detailed information and ticket packages are available at foodnetworkinconcert.com.

Meet Ravinia With The Mix, The Drive and Chicago's 100.3 at Ogilvie

Recalling Ravinia's origin as a train station 110 years ago, and to celebrate the start of season sales, a team from Ravinia will greet commuters during the morning and afternoon rush on Thursday, April 24, along with radio partners from The Mix (WTMX), The Drive (WDRV) and Chicago's 100.3 (WILV). They'll be handing out scratch cards and a variety of prizes, as well as season schedules and Ravinia Magazine.

Ravinia CEO Previews Season: Free Admission, Refreshments

Ravinia President and CEO Welz Kauffman, who programs the festival, will walk guests through the upcoming season in a preview presentation at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, in PNC Private Dining at Ravinia. Admission is free, and refreshments will be served. Guests should park in the south lot, located at 200 St. Johns Ave., Highland Park.

Associates Board Proves Music Matters In May 10 Event

The Ravinia Associates Board will host its annual fundraiser, Music Matters, on Saturday, May 10, at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago. In addition to raising funds for Ravinia’s REACH*TEACH*PLAY education programs, the event this year will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Associates and honor its founding president David Weinberg. Music Matters features silent and live auctions, raffle, cocktails, dinner, live music and dancing.

Don't Miss Houston Ballet's Aladdin At Auditorium Theatre

Tickets are still available for Ravinia's co-presentation of Houston Ballet's magical take on the ageless Aladdin at Auditorium Theatre on Saturday, March 22 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, March 23. at 2 p.m.! The full-length production, originally created for the New National Ballet of Tokyo in 2008 with scenery by Dick Bird and original score by Carl Davis, will be performed at Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre as part of the annual Ruth Page Festival of Dance. The Daily Telegraph says, “Aladdin is a full-blown piece of three-act splendor and looks absolutely astonishing... a delightful family show and an ideal first outing to the ballet. Don't miss out on this magical performance."

Calling All Artists For Your Chance to Win $1,000!

Here is your chance to become part of Ravinia history! The Ravinia Festival Women's Board is hosting their annual poster design contest, inviting artists to submit their creative, imaginative and colorful poster design for the 2014 season. This year the theme is "Season of Stars, Summer of Love." Work that features original drawings, paintings or graphic designs will be favorably regarded. Interested? We have provided guidelines below, but for the entire entry packet, please visit Ravinia.org/poster2014.aspx or email at postercompetition@ravinia.org.

THEME/DIRECTION

• Ideal themes:
  • "Season of Stars, Summer of Love"
  • Descriptive images of the Festival experience conveying the pleasure of listening to all types of music in a beautiful park, under the stars during the summer.
• Highland Park is a suburb of Chicago, so designs should NOT include Chicago city skyline or other iconic Chicago landmarks

GENERAL INFORMATION

Participants may submit only one entry. Entries due no later than Wednesday, November 27, 2013. Judging is on the basis of graphics and design quality and will take place in early December. All winners receiving monetary compensation must submit a W-9 form in order to receive cash reward. Participants must attach their personal information on the reverse side of their entry using the information form found at ravinia.org. REQUIREMENTS/SPECIFICATIONS

• Entry design should be 9” X 13.5” vertical format printed on 11” X 17” paper and mounted for possible public display.
• May be a multicolor rendering to print in six colors total:  four-color process + PMS + varnish or five flat colors + varnish; no foil stamping or engraving; may have bleed edges.
• NOTE! Final output size of poster is 24” x 36.”  Please keep in mind that original art will need to be high-resolution (at least 300 dpi) in order to scale up to final size.
• Ravinia name or logo included as part of design
• Final color determination and details are subject to review and possible modification by a representative of the Women’s Board.

Ravinia Hosts Steinway & Sons Piano Clearance Event Sept 20 - 22

Each year Steinway & Sons provides Ravinia with dozens of Steinway and Steinway-designed pianos for use throughout the year. Steinway is now taking a limited number of appointments to sell used Steinway, Boston and Essex pianos at Bennett Gordon Hall on Sept. 20 and 21. The sale will be open to the public on Sept. 22. Steinway-designed pianos are rarely discounted. Many of these pianos were taken in on trade, rental returns, or have been retired from Ravinia and Steinway’s concert inventory. There will even be a small number of new pianos from 2011/2012 that are being priced to find homes. Check here for appointments and details.

Terlato Wines Invites You To Pre-Concert Tastings In The Park This Season

Terlato Wines invites Ravinia patrons to sample some new wines from their luxury portfolio prior to the following concerts (ID required!): Lapostolle Casa Sauvignon Blanc and Casa Cabernet Sauvignon on July 2 (Matchbox Twenty / Goo Goo Dolls); Fizz 56 on July 20 (Smash Mouth, Gin Blossoms, Sugar Ray, Fastball and Vertical Horizon); Mazzoni Pinot Grigio and Vermentino Chardonnay on Aug. 2 (Steely Dan); and Mike Ditka Wines on Aug. 25 (Chicago).

Happy Valentines Day

Congratulations to social upgrade winner Sharon G. for her outstanding poem about Ravinia Festival. She has won a pair of tickets to tonights Chicago Tribune's Chicago Live recording featuring special guests Billy Corgan, Rebecca Skloot, Amy Dickinson, the Second City and more. Music guests Shoes to perform. Happy Valentines Day to all of our fans!

Ravinia
by: Sharon G.

Though so many miles stand between
Where I am now and Ravinia's overwhelming
beauty and understated refinement.
The memories on your picturesque terrace
Make more bearable my distance imposed confinement.

For fond memories, this venue is so much a part,
Ragtime romps, haunting arias and bittersweet melodies,
are keepsakes, impressions so dear to my heart

And no matter where the Winds of Fortune carry me
Or how far that I may roam.
As summer returns and overtures begin.
Like a moth to light I'm drawn.
My compass transfixed to Lake Michigan
Ravinia calls me home.

Photo: Joan's Bench by Richard Hunt