Music

Ravinia 2011: Classical highlights

The Ravinia Festival’s 2011 classical music season embraces everything from solo recitals to chamber music and grand orchestral evenings. For those with limited time and/or budget — which includes almost everyone — here are some suggestions for programs that should not be missed. Whether in …

Woodstock Folk Festival honors Lee and Joann Murdock

When the recipient of a ‘lifetime achievement award’ is nowhere near ‘old age’ and very much in the midst of a sustained and vibrant career, it can only mean that the quality and volume of contributions to date have been exceptional. This is certainly the …

CSO, stars shine in 75th season opener at Ravinia

There is always a certain magic surrounding the first weekend of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s residency at the Ravinia Festival. This year marks the 75th summer the orchestra has spent at the leafy Highland Park enclave, so the three opening concerts July 7, 8 and …

Opera group celebrates music of Spain

A celebration of Spanish culture will be presented in three languages — Spanish, French and English Saturday and Sunday in Elgin. The title of the event is translated as “the force of music,” and it signifies the powerful influence of Spanish and Latin American music …

Monkees reunion is all about the fans

Davy Jones of the Monkees said he is still getting the funniest lines from people he meets. “I can’t tell you how many times people have come up to me and said, ‘Do you know who you are?’ Or ‘I used to kiss the television …

Magnificent premiere for North Shore Chamber Music Festival

A blazing cello, a fiery violin, a flaming viola and an incandescent piano. The second evening of the North Shore Chamber Music Festival’s three-night series concluded with the Finale of Robert Schumann’s Piano Quartet, played with such intensity as to leave the audience breathless. Friday, …

BUFFALO GROVE “Lawn Chair Lyrics Concert Series” Tuesdays, 7- 8:30 p.m. at Willow Stream Park South, 651 Old Checker Road, Buffalo Grove. www.bgparkdistrict.org/events. June 14: Lisa Rene Band (country/pop/rock). June 21: Buffalo Grove Jazz Band. June 28: Neverly Brothers (’50s,’60s rock). July 12: The Juke …

Ravinia for kids

Add Ravinia to your list of fun places to take the kids this summer. The season opens with a special event offering free activities for kids. There are eight concerts scheduled especially for young people. Children 15 and younger will have free admission to the …

Ravinia Festival kicks off June 9

If it’s June in the northern suburbs, it must be time for the Ravinia Festival to swing open its gates for another summerlong music extravaganza. Ravinia is the country’s oldest outdoor music festival, and it’s in no hurry. Picnic on its cool lawn, kick your shoes off. Arrive early, stay late. Relax in the sway of the pavilion for an up-close look at your favorite musicmaker.

Benefit showcases Adler teachers’ talents

The David Adler Music and Arts Center instructors will get up in front of the crowd and practice what they teach in a show to benefit the center on June 10. Eight faculty members will show off their musical talents, playing guitar, violin, piano and …

New chamber music fest for Northbrook

A star-studded new chamber music festival is coming up next week in Northbrook. The concept originated with internationally acclaimed violinist Vadim Gluzman and his wife, pianist Angela Yoffe, who are residents of the village. Through their professional connections in the musical world, they have gathered …

Rose Laughlin performs at the Lake County Folk Club

“I was a late bloomer, age 30 when I picked up the guitar again and started studying, ready for a life change,” said Rose Laughlin. “I’d heard (Irish singer) Oliver Mulholland, and it was really then that I discovered traditional music and said, ‘that’s what …