The 2011 Ravinia Festival schedule has been announced. Besides the usual wonderful classical music lineup, there are some odd pop pairings this year. For example, on 18 June, classic rock band Deep Purple will play with the Ravinia Festival Orchestra. On 4 September, country-pop artist Carrie Underwood will also appear with the Ravinia Festival Orchestra.
No Kanye West or Lady Gaga, of course, but some of the acts have been around for awhile. On 10 June, The Judds will appear in a farewell concert although I thought they quit performing years ago. Maybe it's their 2011 farewell concert! Hall & Oates appear on 26 June. Peter Frampton will appear on 5 July for his Frampton Comes Alive 35 tour! I think the "35" refers to the 35th anniversary of the Frampton Comes Alive album (although it could refer to the 35 people who still care!).
Other acts past their prime are Chicago, The Moody Blues, Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan and Lynyrd Skynyrd. I guess Wham! isn't touring this summer.
There's even an ABBA cover band presenting the "Music of ABBA." You really can't make this up!
To be fair, still-relevant Maroon 5 appears 30 June and 1 July.
Since Ravinia is the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, I have always found the classical music to be more interesting than the pop acts.
