Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
Flea Finds His Jazz Thing
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
This year’s Jazz in June, Ravinia’s festival-within-a-festival, kicks off June 21 at the Martin Theatre with the Joshua Redman Quartet and pianist Hiromi, with a master class by the latter prior to the concert.
On June 22, the festival presents “Jazz with the Joffrey” featuring the Ramsey Lewis Trio with Chicago’s Joffrey Ballet, which will be choreographed by Donald Byrd. Vocalist Roberta Gambarini will also perform in a Martin Theatre Jazz Preview Concert.
Wynton Marsalis brings the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra’s new work “Congo Square” to the pavilion on June 23. This cross-cultural musical collaboration between Marsalis and drummer Yacub Addy was inspired by the public square of the same name in New Orleans that led historians to name that city the birthplace of jazz. Addy’s eight-piece ensemble Odadaa! will join the orchestra.
The Jazz in June series concludes on June 24 with a Latin Jazz Dance Night. A tented dance floor will be set up on the north lawn and guests are welcome enter the festival’s second-annual dance contest, hosted by the Women’s Board of Ravinia Festival. Trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, the Caribbean Jazz Project and Diane Schuur featuring Dave Samuels will take the stage throughout the evening.
The Original Pin Stripe Brass Band will return to Ravinia this year to lead revelers in a parade around the park between events on all four days of Jazz in June.
The purchase of a single pavilion or lawn ticket to the main event concert provides free first-come, first-served seating to master classes, Jazz Previews and Late Show performances. A Jazz Passport, $120 for reserved seats or $30 for lawn, will grant access to all Jazz in June events.
Other Ravinia headliners outside of the Jazz in June series include David Sanborn with Tower of Power, B.B. King, Madeleine Peyroux, Dr. John, Buddy Guy, Susan Tedeschi and Tony Bennett.
For more information, visit: www.ravinia.org
“Cerebral and academic thought is a different way to approach music,” Flea says of his continuing dive into jazz. “I’ve always relied on emotion and intuition and physicality.”
Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
Cécile McLorin Salvant busts out Jelly Roll Morton’s “The Murder Ballad” at Big Ears, here with pianist Sullivan Fortner.
Apr 7, 2026 1:21 PM
There’s pluralism, then there’s PLURALISM! — and then there’s Big Ears. Thurston Moore, who participated in…
Each of the 25 JAMs has delivered a poster featuring a jazz legend that is sent out to schools across the nation. This year’s poster features Tony Bennett.
Mar 30, 2026 10:20 PM
Every April for the past quarter century, something remarkable has happened across the United States and far beyond.…
“We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”
Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM
Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.…
Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.
May 12, 2026 11:42 AM
The scene still sticks with me. I had heard the oddball name of this new group being dropped around town, and…
