Ravinia Festival Announces 2026 Lineup Featuring Paul Simon, Chance the Rapper and Ricky Martin The Ravinia Festival revealed its 2026 season lineup on Thursday, highlighting a diverse array of artists performing at the redesigned Hunter Pavilion in Highland Park. The lineup includes Paul Simon, Chance the Rapper, Ricky Martin, Brandi Carlile, and Hugh Jackman, alongside other notable acts such as Miranda Lambert, Alabama Shakes, Rod Stewart, and Ziggy Marley. The festival will run from June through September, with over 50 artist debuts scheduled across the season. The 2026 season marks the return of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for its 90th anniversary of residency at Ravinia. The concerts will take place in the upgraded pavilion, which is part of a $75 million renovation project announced by the festival last February. This renovation encompasses the entire venue, aiming to enhance the visitor experience. Tickets for the 2026 season will go on sale starting April 23. The full lineup details can be found on the Ravinia Festival’s official website. The festival’s announcement coincides with other local events, including St. Patrick’s Day parades and the Chicago River dyeing tradition, as well as updates on sports and business developments in the region.#ravinia_festival #paul_simon #ricky_martin #chance_the_rapper #highland_park
Ravinia Festival 2026 Schedule Revealed with Star-Studded Lineup The Ravinia Music Festival has officially unveiled its full 2026 schedule, featuring a diverse array of performances spanning multiple genres. The lineup includes iconic artists such as Paul Simon, Gladys Knight, Miranda Lambert, Ricky Martin, and Rod Stewart, alongside rising talents like Chance the Rapper and Alabama Shakes. The festival will also celebrate the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s 90th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its storied history. The festival’s programming highlights the Hunter Pavilion’s grand opening, a state-of-the-art venue designed to enhance the musical experience for both performers and audiences. President and CEO Jeffrey P. Haydon emphasized the pavilion’s role in attracting world-class talent, noting its advanced acoustics and production capabilities. The venue will host debut performances by artists such as conductor Klaus Mäkelä, Ricky Martin, and Miranda Lambert, creating an environment that fosters artistic inspiration. Tickets for the 2026 season will go on sale on April 23, with details available at Ravinia.org. The festival’s schedule includes a mix of family-friendly events, pop and hip-hop concerts, rock and folk performances, and special collaborations with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Family programming features interactive and educational events, such as the Black Moon Trio’s concert celebrating the Great Lakes, which combines storytelling with music to engage children and adults alike. The JAM Orchestra’s performance of Dr. Seuss Goes to the Opera will introduce opera to younger audiences through an interactive adaptation of Green Eggs and Ham and Gertrude McFuzz.#ravinia_festival #paul_simon #gladys_knight #miranda_lambert #ricky_martin
Harry Styles Shares Inspiration Behind 'Carla’s Song' in Apple Music Interview Harry Styles has long been known for his tendency to name-drop in his music, a habit fans have come to expect. However, his latest track, “Carla’s Song,” stands out as a rare exception where he openly discusses the inspiration behind the title and lyrics. During a recent Apple Music interview with Zane Lowe, the British pop star revealed that the song’s muse is a close friend named Carla, whose significance to the album’s creation is deeply personal. Styles described Carla as “the most important part of the record” to him, explaining how the song helped him reflect on his motivations for making music and the emotional connection he feels toward performing. He recalled a pivotal moment when Carla and their group of friends gathered at a house before an after-party. During the gathering, Carla shared that she had recently discovered Paul Simon’s music, a revelation that resonated with Styles, who grew up listening to Simon and Garfunkel. The singer recounted how he had spent time in a pub as a younger man, where a four-CD changer constantly played “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” a track from Simon and Garfunkel’s iconic album. During that night with Carla and their friends, Styles decided to play her the song, believing it might resonate with her. The experience proved transformative for both of them. “Watching her listen to it, having never heard that song before, felt like I was just watching someone see or something, or like discover magic,” Styles said. He described the moment as a reminder of the deeper purpose behind music, noting how songs can transcend time and impact lives in profound ways. He also mentioned playing Carla “Kathy’s Song,” a track that inspired the title of his own song.#harry_styles #apple_music #paul_simon #zane_lowe #carla
