Tickets will go on sale Thursday for all shows at Ravinia in Highland Park this summer.

From classical to pop to '90s rock, this season is overflowing with the acts you expected to see again at Ravinia and ones you never saw coming. Below is a list of the bands playing at Ravinia Festival during the 2013 season.

Tickets will be available for purchase on April 25 on the Ravinia Festival website. 

June 

Thursday, June 6, 7:30 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall
$10 BGH Series 
Ruth Page Festival of Dance 
Concert Dance, Inc. 
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Thursday, June 6, 7:30 p.m.—Pavilion 
Judy Collins and Don McLean 
Tickets: $55-$45/Lawn $22**/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Friday, June 7, 7:30 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
$10 BGH Series 
Ruth Page Festival of Dance 
Concert Dance, Inc. 
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Friday, June 7, 8 p.m.—Pavilion 
Sting 
Season Sponsors: Ernst & Young LLP; PNC Bank 
Tickets: $120-$115/Lawn $38**/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Saturday, June 8, 11 a.m.—Martin Theatre 
Kraft Great Kids Concert 
Ko-Thi Dance Company 
Featured Sponsor: Mondelēz International Foundation 
Tickets: $10/Lawn $5/Park opens at 10 a.m. 

Saturday, June 8, 8 p.m.—Pavilion 
Back to Bass Tour 
Sting 
Tickets: $120-$115/Lawn $38/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Sunday, June 9, 7 p.m.—Pavilion 
Joan Baez and Indigo Girls 
Tickets: $65-$55/Lawn $27**/Park opens at 4 p.m. 

Wednesday, June 12, 8 p.m.—Pavilion 
Celtic Woman + 
Tickets: $75/Lawn $27**/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Thursday, June 13, 8 p.m.—Pavilion 
Gary Sinise and The Lt. Dan Band + 
Tickets: $65-$55/Pavilion dancing section $65/Lawn $22**/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Friday, June 14, 4 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
$10 BGH Series 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute Jazz Showcase 
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 3 p.m. 

Friday, June 14, 7:30 p.m.—Pavilion 
Tribute to Benny Goodman Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of his Ravinia Debut 
Chicago Jazz Orchestra 
Tickets: $55-$45/Lawn $22/Ticket & Dining Package $70/Park opens at 3 p.m. 

Saturday, June 15, 8 p.m.—Pavilion 
Mormon Tabernacle Choir  and Orchestra at Temple Square 
Tickets: $95/Lawn $17/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Sunday, June 16, 7 p.m.—Pavilion 
Jewel + 
Tickets: $70-$60/Lawn $27**/Park opens at 4 p.m. 

Monday, June 17, 8 p.m.—Pavilion 
Kraft Great Kids Concert 
Golden Dragon Acrobats from China 
Tickets: $20/Lawn $5/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Tuesday, June 18, 8:30 p.m.—Off-site—Trinity Episcopal Church, Highland Park 
The Singers + 
Matthew Culloton, Conductor + 
Rachmaninoff : Vespers, Op. 37 
Tickets: $40

Wednesday, June 19, 8:30 p.m.—Martin Theatre 
The Singers 
Matthew Culloton, Conductor 
Rachmaninoff: Vespers, Op. 37 
Tickets: $60-$40/Lawn $10/Park opens at 5 p.m.

Thursday, June 20, 7:30 p.m.—Pavilion 
BoDeans 
Tickets: $65-$55/Lawn $27**/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Friday, June 21, 8 p.m.—Martin Theatre 
Peter Serkin, Piano 
Tickets: $60-$40/Lawn $10/ Ticket & Dining Package $75/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Saturday, June 22, 4:45 p.m.—Pavilion 
Live National Broadcast 
A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor 
Tickets: $65-$35/Lawn $10/Park opens at 3 p.m. 

Saturday, June 22, 8 p.m.—Martin Theatre 
Diva On Detour 
Patricia Racette, Soprano 
Craig Terry, Piano 
Tickets: $75-$50/Lawn $10/Park opens at 3 p.m. 

Sunday, June 23, 7 p.m.—Pavilion 
Chicago Philharmonic + 
Tito Muñoz, Conductor + 
Daniel Hope, Violin + (solo debut) 
Tickets: $60-$25/Lawn $10/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Monday, June 24, 8 p.m.—Martin Theatre 
Zukerman ChamberPlayers 
John Sharp, Cello 
Tickets: $75-$50/Lawn $10/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Tuesday, June 25, 2 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Steans Music Institute Program for Piano and Strings Master Class 
Miriam Fried, Violin 
Admission: FREE 

Tuesday, June 25, 8 p.m.—Pavilion 
James Hunter 
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings + 
Tickets: $55-$45/Lawn $22**/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Wednesday, June 26, 7:30 p.m.—Pavilion 
Jackson Browne 
With special guest Sara Watkins + (solo debut) 
Tickets: $90-$80/Lawn $33**/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Thursday, June 27, 7 p.m.—Pavilion 
Los Lonely Boys 
Los Lobos 
With special guest Alejandro Escovedo + 
Tickets: $70-$60/Lawn $27**/Park opens at 4 p.m. 

Friday, June 28, 2 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Piano and Strings Concert 
Artists from Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute 
Admission: FREE 

Friday, June 28, 7 p.m.—Pavilion 
Darius Rucker + (solo debut) 
Rodney Atkins + 
Jana Kramer + 
Tickets: $85-$75/Lawn $33**/Park opens at 4 p.m. 

Saturday, June 29, 2 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Piano and Strings Concert 
Artists from Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute 
Admission: FREE 

Saturday, June 29, 6:30 p.m.—Pavilion 
Melissa Etheridge Live + 
Joan Osborne 
Paula Cole + 
And introducing Jessie Payo + 
Tickets: $100-$90/Lawn $33/Park opens at 4 p.m. 

Sunday, June 30, 2 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Piano and Strings Concert 
Artists from Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute 
Admission: FREE 

Sunday, June 30, 7 p.m.—Pavilion 
Go-Go’s 
The B-52s 
Tickets: $70-$60/Lawn $27/Park opens at 4 p.m. 

July

Monday, July 1, 8 p.m.—Martin Theatre 
Matthias Goerne, Baritone 
Alexander Schmalcz, Piano +
Tickets: $60-$40/Lawn $10/Ticket & Dining Package $75/Park opens at 5 p.m.

Tuesday, July 2, 8 p.m.—Pavilion 
Goo Goo Dolls + 
Matchbox Twenty +
Tickets: $125-$105/Lawn $38**/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Wednesday, July 3, 8 p.m.—Pavilion 
Goo Goo Dolls 
Matchbox Twenty 
Tickets: $125-$105/Lawn $38**/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Thursday, July 4, 2 p.m.—Martin Theatre 
All-American Program 
Alexander Platt, Conductor + 
Ensemble Dal Niente +
Singers from Ryan Opera Center 
Actors from Writers’ Theatre 
Tickets: $60-$40/Lawn $10/Park opens at 1 p.m. 

Friday, July 5, 8 p.m.—Martin Theatre 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Miriam Fried, Violin 
Mihaela Martin, Violin 
Atar Arad, Viola 
Paul Biss, Viola 
Frans Helmerson, Cello 
Jeremy Denk, Piano (RSMI alum)
Tickets: $60-$40/Lawn $10/ Ticket & Dining Package $75/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Saturday, July 6, 2 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Piano and Strings Concert 
Artists from Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute 
Admission: FREE 

Saturday, July 6, 7:30 p.m.—Pavilion 
David Byrne & St. Vincent +
Tickets: $65-$55/Lawn $27**/Park opens at 5 p.m.

Sunday, July 7, 1 p.m.—Pavilion 
Kraft Great Kids Concert 
Justin Roberts & The Not Ready for Naptime Players 
2-3 p.m. Instrument Petting Zoo, Martin Theatre Plaza
Tickets: $/Lawn $/Park opens at 12 p.m. 

Sunday, July 7, 7 p.m.—Martin Theatre 
Sarah Chang, Violin
Tickets: $75-$50/Lawn $10/Park opens at 4 p.m.

Monday, July 8, 8 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
$10 BGH Series 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Piano and String Artists from Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute 
Program to include world premiere of a piano quartet by David Ludwig, commissioned for the RSMI 25th anniversary
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 7 p.m. 

Tuesday, July 9, 8 p.m.—Martin Theatre 
Music of the Baroque Orchestra and Chorus 
Jane Glover, Conductor 
Soloists from the Choir 
Tickets: $75-$50/Lawn $10/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Wednesday, July 10, 2 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Steans Music Institute Program for Piano and Strings Master Class 
Frans Helmerson, Cello
Admission: FREE 

Wednesday, July 10, 8 p.m.—Martin Theatre 
Samuel Rhodes Farewell Concert 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Juilliard String Quartet
Tickets: $60-$40/Lawn $10/Ticket & Dining Package $75/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Thursday, July 11, 5:30 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Piano and Strings Preview Concert 
Artists from Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute 
Admission: FREE with paid ticket for evening concert 

Thursday, July 11, 8 p.m.—Pavilion 
Chicago Symphony Orchestra 
Tickets: $80-$25/Lawn $10/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Friday, July 12, 1 p.m.—Pavilion 
Kraft Great Kids Concert 
Ralph’s World
Tickets: $15/Lawn $5/Park opens at noon 

Friday, July 12, 5:30 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Piano and Strings Preview Concert 
Artists from Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute 
Admission: FREE with paid ticket for evening concert 

Friday, July 12, 8 p.m.—Pavilion 
Chicago Symphony Orchestra 
Christoph von Dohnányi, Conductor 
Emanuel Ax, Piano
Tickets: $80-$25/Lawn $10/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Saturday, July 13, 7:30 p.m.—Pavilion 
Anita Baker 
Tickets: $85-$75/Lawn $33 **/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Sunday, July 14, 2 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Piano and Strings Concert 
Artists from Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute 
Admission: FREE

Sunday, July 14, 7 p.m.—Pavilion 
Willie Nelson & Family 
With special guest Lukas Nelson & P.O.T.R. +
Tickets: $100-$90/Lawn $33**/Park opens at 4 p.m. 

Monday, July 15, 8 p.m.—Martin Theatre 
Maxim Vengerov, Violin 
Itamar Golan, Piano
Tickets: $75-$50/Lawn $10/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Tuesday, July 16, 2 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Steans Music Institute Program for Piano and Strings Master Class 
Leon Fleisher, Piano
Admission: FREE 

Tuesday, July 16, 8 p.m.—Martin Theatre 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Brooklyn Rider + 
Johnny Gandelsman, Violin 
Colin Jacobsen, Violin (RSMI alum) 
Nicholas Cords, Viola (RSMI alum) 
Eric Jacobsen, Cello
Tickets: $60-$40/Lawn $10/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Wednesday, July 17, 5:30 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Piano and Strings Preview Concert 
Artists from Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute 
Admission: FREE with paid ticket for evening concert 

Wednesday, July 17, 8 p.m.—Pavilion 
Britten Centennial 
Wagner Bicentennial 
Chicago Symphony Orchestra 
James Conlon, Conductor 
Maxim Vengerov, Violin
Tickets: $50-$25/Lawn $10/ Ticket & Dining Package $60/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Thursday, July 18, 5:30 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Piano and Strings Preview Concert 
Artists from Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute 
Admission: FREE with paid ticket for evening concert 

Thursday, July 18, 8 p.m.—Pavilion 
Chicago Symphony Orchestra 
James Conlon, Conductor 
Jorge Federico Osorio, Piano
Tickets: $50-$25/Lawn $10/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Friday, July 19, 2 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Piano and Strings Concert 
Artists from Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute 
Admission: FREE

Friday, July 19, 7:30 p.m.—Pavilion 
Sheryl Crow 
With special guest Kristen Kelly +
Tickets: $100-$90/Lawn $33/Park opens at 5 p.m.

Saturday, July 20, 2 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Piano and Strings Concert 
Artists from Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute 
Admission: FREE

Saturday, July 20, 6 p.m.—Pavilion 
Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray, Gin Blossoms, Vertical Horizon and Fastball 
Tickets: $65-$55/Lawn $27/Park opens at 4 p.m. 

Sunday, July 21, 5 p.m.—Pavilion 
Chicago Symphony Orchestra 
James Conlon, Conductor 
James Ehnes, Violin
Ticket & club package pavilion $65-$40/Lawn $25
3-4:30 p.m. Family Space on the north lawn
Tickets: $50-$25/Lawn $10/Park opens at 3 p.m.

Sunday, July 21, 8 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
$10 BGH Series 
Linden String Quartet +
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 3 p.m. 

Monday, July 22, 6 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
$10 BGH Series 
Benjamin Grosvenor, Piano +
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Monday, July 22, 8 p.m.—Pavilion 
Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson + (solo debut) Plays Thick As a Brick 1&2 
Tickets: $70-$60/Lawn $27**/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Wednesday, July 24, 8 p.m.—Martin Theatre 
Britten Centennial 
Soloists from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra 
James Conlon, Curator 

Conlon curates a musical exploration of Benjamin Britten, Walter Braunfels and Adolph Busch
Tickets: $60-$40/Lawn $10/ Ticket & Dining Package $75/Park opens at 5 p.m.

Thursday, July 25, 8 p.m.—Pavilion 
Chicago Symphony Orchestra 
James Conlon, Conductor
Tickets: $50-$25/Lawn $10/ Ticket & Dining Package $60/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Friday, July 26, 2 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Steans Music Institute Program for Singers Master Class 
James Conlon 
Admission: FREE 

Friday, July 26, 8 p.m.—Pavilion 
Brian Wilson Co-founder of the Beach Boys +
With special guests Al Jardine + and David Marks +
Tickets: $65-$55/Lawn $27**/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Sunday, July 28, 5 p.m.—Pavilion 
Leon Fleisher’s 85th Birthday Celebration 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Chicago Symphony Orchestra 
James Conlon, Conductor 
Leon Fleisher, Piano ~ 
Katherine Jacobson Fleisher, Piano 
Alon Goldstein, Piano (RSMI alum)
All-Mozart program
Tickets: $50-$25/Lawn $10/Park opens at 3 p.m. 

Monday, July 29, 2 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Vocal Concert 
Artists from Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute 
Admission: FREE

Monday, July 29, 7:30 p.m.—Pavilion 
Heart +
With special guest Jason Bonham +
Tickets: $90-$70/Lawn $33**/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Tuesday, July 30, 8 p.m.—Martin Theatre 
Silver Rain: Songs by Ricky Ian Gordon Based on Poems by Langston Hughes 
Nicole Cabell, Soprano 
Ricky Ian Gordon, Piano +
Tickets: $60-$40/Lawn $10/Ticket & Dining Package $75/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Wednesday, July 31, 8 p.m.—Martin Theatre 
Wind Soloists from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra 
James Conlon, Conductor
Tickets: $60-$40/Lawn $10/Ticket & Dining Package $75/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

August

Thursday, August 1, 2 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Vocal Concert 
Artists from Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute 
Admission: FREE 

Thursday, August 1, 7:30 p.m.—Pavilion 
Steely Dan 
Tickets: $105-$90/Lawn $38**/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Friday, August 2, 7:30 p.m.—Pavilion 
Steely Dan 
Tickets: $105-$90/Lawn $38**/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Saturday, August 3, 11 a.m.—Pavilion 
Kraft Great Kids Concert 
Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra 
12-1 p.m. Instrument Petting Zoo, Martin Theatre Plaza
Tickets: $10/Lawn $5/Park opens at 10 a.m. 

Saturday, August 3, 7:30 p.m.—Pavilion 
One Score, One Chicago 
Verdi Bicentennial 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Chicago Symphony Orchestra 
Chicago Symphony Chorus 
James Conlon, Conductor
Tickets: $100-$25/Lawn $10/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Sunday, August 4, 2 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Steans Music Institute Program for Singers Master Class 
Michelle DeYoung, Mezzo-soprano
Admission: FREE 

Sunday, August 4, 5 p.m.—Pavilion 
Chicago Symphony Orchestra 
James Conlon, Conductor 
Gil Shaham, Violin 
Oksana Dyka, Soprano +
All-Tchaikovsky evening:
Ticket & club package pavilion $95-$40/Lawn $25
Tickets: $80-$25/Lawn $10/Park opens at 3 p.m. 

Monday, August 5, 8 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
$10 BGH Series 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Britten Centennial 
Vocal Artists from Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute 
Program to include works by Britten
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Monday, August 5, 8 p.m.—Martin Theatre 
Complete Bartók Quartets—Part I 
Takács String Quartet 
Tickets: $60-$40/Ticket Package for Aug. 5 and 6 $100/Lawn $10/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Tuesday, August 6, 8 p.m.—Martin Theatre 
Complete Bartók Quartets—Part II 
Takács String Quartet 
Tickets: $60-$40/Ticket Package for Aug. 5 and 6 $100/Lawn $10/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Wednesday, August 7, 8 p.m.—Pavilion 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Chicago Symphony Orchestra 
Carlos Miguel Prieto, Conductor + 
Itzhak Perlman, Violin 
RSMI Vocalists 
Tickets: $100-$25/Lawn $10/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Thursday, August 8, 8 p.m.—Pavilion 
Chicago Symphony Orchestra 
Itzhak Perlman, Conductor 
Alisa Weilerstein, Cello +
Tickets: $50-$25/Lawn $10/ Ticket & Dining Package $60/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Friday, August 9, 2 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Steans Music Institute Program for Singers Master Class 
Malcolm Martineau, Piano
Admission: FREE 

Saturday, August 10, 7:30 p.m.—Pavilion 
Josh Groban + 
Ravinia Festival Orchestra 
Tickets: $120-$100/Lawn $33**/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Sunday, August 11, 7 p.m.—Pavilion 
Gipsy Kings 
Tickets: $75-$65/Lawn $28**/Park opens at 4 p.m. 

Monday, August 12, 8 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
$10 BGH Series 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Vocal Artists from Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute 
Program to include world premiere songs by David Ludwig, Jake Heggie, Aaron Jay Kernis, Ramsey Lewis, Stephen Paulus, Roberto Sierra and Augusta Read Thomas commissioned for the RSMI 25th anniversary
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, August 13, 8 p.m.—Martin Theatre 
Britten Centennial 
Emerson String Quartet 
Tickets: $60-$40/Lawn $10/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Wednesday, August 14, 6 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
$10 BGH Series 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Narek Hakhnazaryan, Cello + (RSMI alum) 
Noreen Polera, Piano +
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Wednesday, August 14, 8 p.m.—Martin Theatre 
Vladimir Feltsman, Piano
Tickets: $60-$40/Lawn $10/Park opens at 5 p.m.

Thursday, August 15, 6 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Classical Request Night 
$10 BGH Series 
Lincoln Trio 
Ayane Kozasa, Viola + (RSMI alum)
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Thursday, August 15, 7:30 p.m.—Pavilion 
Chicago Symphony Orchestra 
Ludwig Wicki, Conductor 
The Lakeside Singers 
Chicago Chorale 
Chicago Children’s Choir 
Kaitlyn Lusk, Vocalist
Howard Shore: The Lord of the Rings—The Two Towers *
(with complete film and lawn screen)
Tickets: $25/Lawn $25/Park opens at 5 p.m.
Video screen on the lawn 

Friday, August 16, 6 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
$10 BGH Series 
Bryan Wallick, Piano +
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 5 p.m.

Friday, August 16, 7:30 p.m.—Pavilion 
Chicago Symphony Orchestra 
Ludwig Wicki, Conductor 
The Lakeside Singers 
Chicago Chorale 
Chicago Children’s Choir 
Kaitlyn Lusk, Vocalist
Howard Shore: The Lord of the Rings—The Two Towers 
(with complete film and lawn screen)
Tickets: $25/Lawn $25/Park opens at 5 p.m.
Video screen on the lawn 

Saturday, August 17, 2 p.m.—Off-site—Trinity Episcopal Church, Highland Park 
Britten Centennial 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Soloists from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra 
James Conlon, Conductor
Tickets: $40

Saturday, August 17, 6 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
$10 BGH Series 
Rachel Barton Pine, Violin
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Saturday, August 17, 7:30 p.m.—Pavilion 
George Thorogood & The Destroyers 
Buddy Guy 
Program Sponsor: Deloitte
Tickets: $85-$75/Lawn $33**/ Ticket & Dining Package $90/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Saturday, August 17, 8 p.m.—Off-site—Trinity Episcopal Church, Highland Park 
Britten Centennial 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Soloists from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra 
James Conlon, Conductor
Tickets: $40 

Sunday, August 18, 6 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
$10 BGH Series 
Rachel Barton Pine, Violin
Paganini: Complete Caprices *
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 4 p.m. 

Sunday, August 18, 7 p.m.—Pavilion 
The Goat Rodeo Sessions * (Midwest premiere) 
Yo-Yo Ma, Cello 
Stuart Duncan, Fiddle + 
Edgar Meyer, Bass + 
Chris Thile, Mandolin + (solo debut)
With special guest Aoife O’Donovan, Vocalist +
Tickets: $80/Lawn $30/Park opens at 4 p.m. 

Monday, August 19, 6 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
$10 BGH Series 
Kuok-Wai Lio, Piano +
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Tuesday, August 20, 6 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
$10 BGH Series 
Gabriela Montero, Piano
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Tuesday, August 20, 7 p.m.—Pavilion 
Journey +
Tickets: $125-$105/Lawn $38**/Park opens at 4 p.m.

Wednesday, August 21, 7 p.m.—Pavilion 
Journey 
Tickets: $125-$105/Lawn $38**/Park opens at 4 p.m. 

Thursday, August 22, 8 p.m.—Pavilion 
Tony Bennett 
Tickets: $101-$91/Lawn $34**/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Friday, August 23, 7 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
$10 BGH Series 
The Nashville Songwriters Series at Ravinia featuring 
Big Al Anderson + 
Tim Nichols + 
Rivers Rutherford + 
Hank Adam Locklin +
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Friday, August 23, 8 p.m.—Pavilion 
Lyle Lovett 
Tickets: $80-$70/Lawn $27**/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Saturday, August 24, 7 p.m.—Pavilion 
Chicago 
Tickets: $105-$90/Lawn $38**/Park opens at 4 p.m. 

Sunday, August 25, 1 p.m.—Pavilion 
Kraft Great Kids Concert 
The You & Me Tour 
Laurie Berkner 
Tickets: $15/Lawn $5/Park opens at 12 p.m. 

Sunday, August 25, 6 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
$10 BGH Series 
Liaisons: Reimagining Sondheim from the Piano 
Anthony de Mare, Piano +
Program to include commissioned works for piano inspired by Stephen Sondheim songs
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 4 p.m. 

Sunday, August 25, 7 p.m.—Pavilion 
Chicago 
Tickets: $105-$90/Lawn $38**/Park opens at 4 p.m. 

Monday, August 26, 6 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Wagner Bicentennial 
Joel Fan, Piano + (RSMI alum)
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Monday, August 26, 8 p.m.—Martin Theatre
Program to include the Ravinia premiere of David Lang’s Pulitzer Prize-winning The Little Match Girl Passion as well as works performed by Eighth Blackbird +
Tickets: $35/Lawn $10/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Tuesday, August 27, 6 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
$10 BGH Series 
Aaron Diehl, Jazz Piano +
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 5 p.m.

Tuesday, August 27, 7 p.m.—Pavilion 
John Hiatt & The Combo 
The Robert Cray Band 
Tickets: $65-$55/Lawn $27**/Park opens at 4 p.m. 

Wednesday, August 28, 6 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
$10 BGH Series 
Fumiaki Miura, Violin +
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Wednesday, August 28, 8 p.m.—Pavilion 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Ramsey Lewis 
Dee Dee Bridgewater 
With special guests alumni from the RSMI Program for Jazz 
Tickets: $65-$55/Lawn $22/ Ticket & Dining Package $70/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Thursday, August 29, 6 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
$10 BGH Series 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Adam Golka, Piano + (RSMI alum)
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Friday, August 30, 6 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
$10 BGH Series 
Robert Michaels, Guitar +
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Friday, August 30, 8 p.m.—Pavilion 
Back to the Bowery Tour : Celebrating 40 Years 1973-2013 
Alabama +
Tickets: $100-$90/Lawn $33**/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Saturday, August 31, 6 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
$10 BGH Series 
Cellomania 
Amit Peled, Cello +
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

September

Sunday, September 1, 6 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
$10 BGH Series 
Johnny Gandelsman, Violin +
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 4 p.m. 

Monday, September 2, 6 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
$10 BGH Series 
David Fung, Piano +
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 5 p.m.

Tuesday, September 3, 8 p.m.—Martin Theatre 
Britten Centennial 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
The Knights 
Nicholas Phan, Tenor (RSMI alum)
Tickets: $75-$50/Lawn $10/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Thursday, September 5, 8 p.m.—Martin Theatre 
The 5 Browns <
Tickets: $60-$40/Lawn $10/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Friday, September 6, 8 p.m.—Martin Theatre 
45th Anniversary Concert 
Misha Dichter, Piano 
Cipa Dichter, Piano
Tickets: $60-$40/Lawn $10/ Ticket & Dining Package $75/Park opens at 5 p.m.

Saturday, September 7, 11 a.m. —Bennett Gordon Hall 
Kraft Great Kids Concert 
Ruth Page Festival of Dance 
Ruth Page Civic Ballet 
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 10 a.m. 

Saturday, September 7, 7:30 p.m.—Pavilion 
RSMI 25th Anniversary 
Chicago Philharmonic 
Los Angeles Master Chorale + 
Grant Gershon, Conductor 
Kelley O’Connor, Mezzo-soprano 
Tamara Mumford, Mezzo-soprano (RSMI alum) + 
Russell Thomas, Tenor + 
Brian Cummings, Countertenor 
Daniel Bubeck, Countertenor 
Nathan Medley, Countertenor +
John Adams: The Gospel According to the Other Mary * (Midwest premiere)
Tickets: $50-$25/Lawn $10/Park opens at 5 p.m. 

Sunday, September 8, 2 p.m.—Bennett Gordon Hall 
$10 BGH Series 
KahaneSwensenBrey + featuring 
Joseph Swensen, Violin 
Carter Brey, Cello 
Jeffrey Kahane, Piano
Tickets: $10/No Lawn Sales/Park opens at 1 p.m. 

Sunday, September 15, 7 p.m.—Pavilion 
Ruth Page Festival of Dance 
Pilobolus 
Tickets: $45/Lawn $10/Park opens at 4 p.m. 

Tuesday night’s rainfall resulted in this April being the wettest in Chicagoland history.  The National Weather Service recorded .70 inches of rain at O’Hare which brings the total for April to 8.54 inches, topping the previous record set in 1947 with 8.33 inches.

It's the rainiest April in the 143 years that rainfall has been recorded in Chicago.

Here are Chicago's Top 5 wettest Aprils:

1. 2013 8.54 inches
2. 1947 8.33 inches
3. 1975 7.84 inches
4. 1909 7.73 inches
5. 1983 7.69 inches

Inspired by his niece who has juvenile diabetes, Andrew Krupp, of Highland Park, will climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in November to raise money and awareness for the Juvenile Diabetes Reserach Foundation (JDRF).

"Most people don’t realize that blood sugar levels need to be checked dozens of times a day and throughout the night," said Krupp, whose niece, Katy McGregor, also of Highland Park, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes last summer.

"These kids never get a full night’s sleep or have a normal meal without calculating every single ounce of food. I am happy to do what little I can to help Katy in her fight," he said.

Krupp, owner of Chicago-based Flagmaster, a leading manufacturer and importer of flag and banner products, said he is looking forward to the challenge of Mount Kilimanjaro, even though he hasn't done a great deal of climbing.

"I have done a lot of trekking before. Last year, I hiked Nepal in the Himalayas. The year before I did the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu."

Krupp will begin his climb on Nov. 25 with plans to reach the summit on Nov. 30.

Donations to Krupp's cause can be made at http://jdrfevents.donordrive.com/campaign/kiliforkaty.

For more information, visit JDRF.org. Andrew Krupp may be reached at 773-843-8308.

A week before Baker Boys opened in Highland Park, co-owner Jordan Rappaport turned to his business partner, Pete Rauser, and confessed that he had no idea what kind of sweets he'd be making.

Years of talking about starting a business together had finally brought the two men here: to a 750-square-foot space in the Ravinia Business District that was filled with baking supplies, cupcake dough and cookie sheets. Sure, it wasn't perfect: there wasn't a lot of space for customers and they could only use one oven without tapping out the electricity. But they planned to work around that by baking everything in small batches so that everything would always be fresh — a strategy that would prove frustrating to some new customers expecting a more conventional bakery, but would also win Baker Boys a dedicated following reaching deep in Highland Park as well as the surrounding suburbs.

But before all that, they needed a menu.

"A week before we opened, I didn't even know what the product base would be," Rappaport said. "I told Pete I had to figure out what we're making here."

One baker plus one baker equals five bakers

Nearly three years later, Rappaport and Rauser know what they're making with a familiarity that most people associate with breathing.

The two Highland Park natives open the bakery at 7:30 a.m. six days a week and close it together about 12 hours later. In between, the they make Intelligentsia coffee and bake muffins, scones, cupcakes, cookies, eclairs and cheesecakes. Originally Rappaport — a trained pastry chef who learned his trade in Chicago — was the baker and Rauser was the guy at the counter and on the phone. Over the years, the two began sharing all the tasks with a trust that only time and a shared, almost manic dedication can create.

"Me and Pete are really four to five people," Rappaport said. He was checking on a batch of cookies while Rauser filled eclairs. "If me and him weren't here it would take at least five people to staff this store."

The claim would sound like a boast if Rappaport wasn't so clearly frustrated by the realization. After three consecutive years of growth in customers and sales, Baker Boys is ripe for expansion. Rappaport has been looking for a second space for months, but hasn't found the right spot yet.

"There's a ton that goes into finding a location," Rappaport said. "It's not as easy as it sounds."

Sure, it's hard to find a spot that's the right size, has the right number of basins (three) and is located in an area with high foot traffic. But the hunt for a space seems more like a distraction from the question Rappaport is really struggling with: After three years of being totally accountable for and committed to this location, what will happen when he relinquishes some of that control?

"It's a fight for me to let someone make my stuff," Rappaport admitted.

Comparing the bakery to a restaurant, he said Rauser acts as his sous-chef, his second-in-command. He trusts him because the two are old friends, and because they're similarly invested in the enterprise. How will he find someone else to be that reliable?

As Rappaport and Rauser discuss the expansion, there's a nearly constant stream of customers in and out of the small storefront that is matched only by the relentless beeping of the bakery's surprisingly small oven.

"The whole day you're non-stop, thinking about your next move," Rappaport said. "You're never doing one thing."

Rappaport's reservations about the expansion are competing against another powerful force: his increasing frustration with his "mind-blowing" inefficiency. If he had two spaces, he could bake larger batches of cream cheese frosting and other items with a longer shelf life. 

"Chocolate cake has a week shelf life so if I'm making it four times a week I'm wasting my time," he said. When I suggested that the time could be spent getting more sleep, Rappaport disagreed: that's time he could spend crafting a new cupcake.

"It's a big deal."

How to make it in Highland Park

While growing into a second location is a sticky issue for Baker Boys, the fact that the two men face the conundrum of expansion is especially remarkable when compared to the faltering state of the rest of Highland Park's dining and dessert scene.

During the course of Baker Boys' nearly three years in business, two cupcake places have openedand closed on Central Avenue in downtown Highland Park. Restaurants like Corner Bakery, Stashs, M and Moderno have come and gone. Some, like Royce, Benjamin Tapas and Nieto's are reinventions that owners hope will accommodate diners looking to spend less when they eat out.

"Initially I was like, 'uh-oh,' about two cupcakes places," Rappaport said. "Do these people know we exist? We've already been here a year. I was definitely nervous."

Rappaport never got to try either cupcake place before it closed. He was too busy. But he says he never noticed a decline in his own sales, either.

"You just keep your head down, keep doing what you're doing," he said.

Rappaport and Rauser don't know why Baker Boys has thrived when similar ventures have stumbled. They threw out a few suggestions, including the bakery's shoestring budget, the actual product and their unflinching work ethic.

"When it's all said and done, if the product is no good you can have the greatest space in the world… it's not going to last," Rauser said.

Then Rappaport threw out a more abstract suggestion: mental devotion to the product.

"You have to be there," Rappaport said, holding his fingers to his temples. He points to Norton's and Country Kitchen as examples of successful places where the managers are a constant presence.

'The markets aren't that great'

As the ups and downs of Highland Park restaurants illustrate, it isn't easy to turn a profit in the dining industry. That's especially true when it comes to sweets.

Steve Farley, a former partner at Julius Meinl Coffee Shop who now works as a salesman for Chicagoland Beverage Company, explained the obstacles facing the Baker Boys. The cost of business may be a bit lower, but the labor is time intensive and the purchases are often small in comparison to a check at the end of a full meal at a resaurant.

"You have to make a lot of transactions or sell a lot out the back door," Farley said. "The markets aren't that great."

Farley goes to Baker Boys almost every day. He moved to Highland Park a few months ago, but he's known Rappaport for about a decade. He got the Baker Boys a deal on their coffee and recently helped them find some nicer chairs and tables for customers to give the place "more of a cafe feel."

During the day, he sees Rauser and Rappaport refer to their customers by name. They know who typically orders what and will start preparing a cupcake box the minute a familiar face walks through the door.

"They know 90 percent of customers," Farley said. "These days, you don't see that as much."

'We're pretty proud'

A few moments before a group of mothers and their children amble into the storefront for cupcakes, cookies and coffee, Rauser tells an anecdote from the bakery's early days.

A woman walked in on a Saturday afternoon with some of her friends, but the shelves were empty. The morning rush had just ended, and Rauser and Rappaport were in the middle of making new batches of everything.

"I could tell she and her friend were kind of frustrated and angry," Rauser said.

Regardless, the woman continued coming to the bakery. Months later, she confided to Rauser that she didn't get what they were doing before. Now, she understood.

"You do it a little bit differently," she told Rauser, "but the product speaks for itself."

The experience was a validating one for Rauser, who smiled as he recounted it. He's similarly excited at the prospect of expanding.

"We're pretty proud with this location," Rauser said. "We'd like to see it grow."

For complete Highland Park news and updates, sign up for our free newsletter, "like" us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Gov. Pat Quinn today signed legislation that will reduce property tax bills for seniors across Illinois. Senate Bill 1894 raises the senior homestead exemption from $4,000 to $5,000 – potentially saving seniors up to more than $200 annually. This new exemption for seniors takes effect for Cook County this year.

All other counties will benefit from the increase beginning next year.

“The new law will reduce property tax bills for seniors across Illinois,” Gov. Quinn said. “This boost in savings will relieve some of the financial burden faced by seniors and working families, and help ensure no one struggles to stay in their home.”

Sponsored by Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Olympia Fields) and Rep. John Bradley (D-Marion), SB 1894 increases the Senior Homestead Exemption – property tax breaks for Illinois residents age 65 and older – from $4,000 to $5,000.

This bill raises the general homestead exemption for Cook County starting next year. Originally phased-in over three years, Cook County’s Alternative General Homestead Exemption was designed to limit yearly increases and assessments on residential property. Cook County currently has a 7 percent exemption cap, while the rest of the state maintains a flat exemption rate of $6,000. The new law moves Cook County to a flat exemption rate of $7,000 beginning taxable year 2012.

Northern Cook County will begin benefiting from the increase in 2014 when the cap expires in that region, and Southern Cook County will begin benefiting in 2015.

“Property owners throughout Cook County have seen their taxes increase year after year,” Sen. Hutchinson said. “This will go a long way for many families who continue to struggle to make ends meet.”

“This is good public policy that will help take some of the sting away as the 7 percent provision expires,” Assessor Berrios said. “Due to the quick action of the state legislature and the governor, the additional exemption savings will be seen on second-installment bills Cook County homeowners will receive this summer.”

The law is effective immediately.

Did your property receive any damage from the recent storms or flooding? You may be eligible for a property tax break.

Governor Quinn declared Lake County a disaster area on April 18. This allows property owners to request a reassessment of any taxable property which was substantially damaged by the disaster.  This can also allow a reduction when a property is uninhabitable for a period of time as a result of this disaster event.

If a property has received damage, the taxpayer must contact their township assessor and complete the PTAX- 245, Disaster Area Reassessment application

It has been a long winter and for many Moms now that their kids' Spring sports season is starting, their free time is quickly disappearing. So, don't wait for Mother's Day for your day of rest. I say it's time to plan a Mom's Night Out!

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I firmly believe that Moms need a break every now and then to relax, cut loose, and connect with fellow Moms. (Dads need a night out too, but they can write their own article.) It keeps us sane and more importantly it keeps us happy. My kids surely know that a "Happy Mom means a Happy Home." A night where I don't have to wash dishes, cut someone's meat, wash gym clothes, or clean up spills is heaven. A night where I can laugh at my situation, find sympathy, or get advice from fellow Moms is almost better than chocolate. I love my family greatly but the sheer fact that I can go out and talk ABOUT my family with friends makes me a healthier, happier Mom. So go pick up the phone and get some much deserved time out on the calendar today. 

To inspire you, here are 3 of my favorite Mom's Night Out ideas. 

1. Cooking Class – You're talking, laughing, learning something, and eating great food. Sounds like a perfect night to me. If you don’t already have a favorite place for cooking classes, ask your friends what they recommend or look online. Some Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table stores have cooking classes. You can even have a private chef come to your house and teach the class in a more comfortable setting. 

2. Wine Tasting – Do you have a local winery or gourmet wine shop in your area? Call and see if they will give you a tour or a mini wine tasting class. You can even plan your own wine tasting party at home. Have everyone bring their favorite bottle of wine to keep the cost down. 

3. Tea Party– A Mom’s Night Out doesn’t have to be a night time activity. If your evening schedules are booked then meet your friends for brunch, lunch or an afternoon tea party. One of my favorite Holiday traditions is a "Mom's Night Out" Holiday Tea with friends. I look forward to it every year. But you don’t need to wait until the Holiday Season. Dust off your tea pots and host a Spring Tea Party. Here’s a article with easy ideas to plan your own.

For more fun ideas, check out my Mom’s Night Out Ideas board on Pinterest.

How often do you get a Mom's Night Out and what are some of your favorite ideas?

************

Sue Kirchner is a family fun coach, blogger, kids party planner, and weekly contributor to Patch.com. Sue and her family fun ideas have been featured on TV, newspapers, magazines, blogs, as well as her own family fun site ChocolateCakeMoments.com.

For more news and updates, "like" us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Lake Cook Road construction between Ellendale and Deerlake Roads has been underway 11 days and already some merchants are talking about a business slowdown while the Village does what it can to soften the blow.

With parts of the pavement completely torn up and removed, traffic is down to one lane in each direction plus space for left turns. Deerfield Tire Co. owner Garrett Garofolo was delayed getting to his business April 15, the project’s first day.

Earlier: Lake Cook Road Project Shows Flexibility

“Street traffic is down and calls are down,” Garofolo said of the affect on his business. “It took me 30 minutes on the first day to drive to work from Skokie Valley Road to Waukegan Road. I timed it.”

After significant problems arose during the first half of the project two years ago, the Village of Deerfield and the Deerfield Bannockburn Riverwoods Chamber of Commerce got involved winning a year reprieve last summer from the Cook County Department of Transportation to give local business a breather.

While the Village cannot open lanes of traffic, it is doing what it can to ease the burden on the businesses located in the vicinity of Lake Cook and Waukegan Roads and encourage residents to support commerce in the south part of town.

“We’re currently looking for creative ways to promote commerce in this area,” Deerfield Project Manager John Guccione said. He is the Village’s liaison to the project devoting all his time to it until complete. “We’re doing our best to encourage residents to go there so they can still enjoy (the businesses) when then project is done.

Garofolo is not alone in his feelings. Vera Fazlich, who works at the Shell Gas Station at the corner of Lake Cook and Waukegan Roads, has noticed less traffic.

Alan Adkins, the general manager of Panera Bread just to the north of the construction zone, has not sensed a change. His company gave out more than 200 cups of free coffee Monday to customers as a way of thanking them for 15 years of support in Deerfield.

Garofolo was also unhappy Half Day, Deerfield and Willow Roads were under construction at the same time. “You can’t drive from east to west. Traffic is like water,” he said. “It will flow where it can.” He mentioned it is going to Dundee Road. “It’s slow there (now).”

Residents commenting on Patch’s Facebook page are trying to stay away from the area. “I avoid it. I take Deerfield Road to 41 to get to Northbrook Court,” Harry Steindler wrote on the page. “I go through the Corporate 500 complex south to cross Lake-Cook to go to the Sachs Center.”

Another Facebook commenter, Christine Koch, is taking the situation in stride. “If you're not trying to get somewhere within a specific time frame... no problem,” she writes. “(Sirius Radio Rocks) If you are, guarantee you'll be late (and frustrated).”

For complete up to date information on the project, check the Village’s dedicated website. Guccione indicates there are ways for businesses to promite themselves through the website.

If driving 65 mph on Illinois’ highways just isn’t fast enough for you, don’t worry. The maximum speed limit in the state may soon be increased.

State Sen. Jim Oberweis (R-Sugar Grove) is sponsoring a bill that already has made its way through the state Senate that would increase the speed limit to 70 mph on state highways, according to the Chicago Tribune. 

The measure is a "business friendly" bill that would allow companies to move commerce in a faster way, Oberweis said. 

“This is a bipartisan, good-government bill, which would allow the maximum speed limit on tollways and interstate highways to increase to 70 mph to bring Illinois in line with most of the rest of the country,” Oberweis said. “The interstates were designed for a higher rate of speed, and currently, there are 34 states with speed limits of 70 mph or higher. All of Illinois’ neighboring states, except Wisconsin, have speed limits of 70 mph. Fifteen states have speed limits of 75 mph and one state has a speed limit of 85 mph.”

The bill allows Cook County, suburban collar counties, Madison County and St. Clair County to opt out of the higher speed, according to a release from Oberweis’ office. 

The bill also calls for stricter penalties for those speeding in excess of 70 mph.

Currently, its considered a Class B misdemeanor to speed between 30 to 40 mph over the speed limit but that would change to 26 to 35 mph under the new law, according to Oberweis’ office. Its a Class A misdemeanor to speed in excess of 40 mph and that would be changed to 35 mph under the new law. 

The bill recently passed the Senate by a vote of 41-6 Tuesday, and has been moved to the House for a vote, according to the Chicago Tribune. 

What do you think? Is this a good idea, or is 65 mph plenty fast? 

Tell us in the comments section. 

We think (hope) the weather will be on the upside soon so we can get out of the house!

The website MapMyRide is a great tool for scouting out your new favorite route through Highland Park whether you're into walking, running or biking it.

Do you have a favorite path? Unless it's a secret, share it with your neighbors in the comments!

If you're looking for a way to make a difference in your schools and community, check out the Volunteer Pool of Highland Park, which matches residents with service opportunities.

With this week being National Volunteer Week, the organization would like to recognize Southeast Lake County Faith in Action Volunteers, based in Highland Park, which performs everyday tasks for seniors to help them maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.

Currently, Faith in Action is looking for friendly people to drive seniors to doctor visits. Contact Executive Director Robbie Boudreau at (847) 433-9411  or e-mailfaithinaction.boudreau@gmail.com.

Honor your favorite volunteer or volunteer organization with a donation to the Volunteer Pool, and the organization will send them a tribute card in your name.

Send donations to the Volunteer Pool of Highland Park with the name and address of the volunteer you wish to honor to P.O. Box 192 Highland Park, IL 60035.

The Volunteer Pool of Highland Park is located at Indian Trail School, 2075 St. Johns Ave.

Do you know a volunteer or organization you think should be recognized on Patch? Share it in the comments.

A Lake Villa man is in jail on $1 million bond after he was arrested Wednesday by the Lake County Sheriff's Department for attempting to abduct four little girls in Beach Park.

Henry Wright, 29, of the 25000 block of Arcade Dr. in Lake Villa, is charged with four counts of Attempted Aggravated Kidnapping and four counts of Child Abduction.

The Lake County Sheriff's Department reported that Wright attempted to abduct the four girls, ranging in age from 4 to 8, at about 5 p.m. Wednesday in the 39100 block of Welsh Lane in Beach Park.

Chased the girls

Wright reportedly approached the girls while driving a black 2010 Toyota Camry and asked them if they wanted a ride. The children told him no then ran from him. Wright then gave chase, according to a sheriff's press release.

The girls were able to run away unharmed. One of the girls told her mother who provideed Wright’s license plate to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Hit and run

During the search for Wright, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a hit and run accident at Wadsworth and Delany roads involving Wright's vehicle.

The Waukegan Police Department located the vehicle at Yorkhouse and Delany roads. Wright was then turned over to Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies.

As a result of the hit and run, Wright was also issued traffic citations for failure to reduce to avoid an accident, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, failure to give aid or information and not having insurance.

Wright’s jail bond is set at $1 million. He is scheduled to appear in court on May 3.

Sheriff Mark C. Curran Jr. commends the quick thinking of the children.

"I think the lessons of stranger danger are worth repeating," he said.

The information below comes from the City of Highland Park.

The City of Highland Park is pleased to announce the line-up for Highland Park’s Summer Concert Series on Thursday nights in Port Clinton Square.

Concerts will start at 7:00 p.m. in the Square, located on Central Avenue between First and Second Streets. These family-oriented performances highlight the diversity of Highland Park musical arts. Some seating will be provided. The following concerts are scheduled for the 2013 season: 

June 6 Check With Lucy (up-tempo new folk) 

June 13 Maxwell Street Klezmer Band (Jewish folk) 

June 20 Robbie Gold (acoustic alternative) 

June 27 Local Favorite (classic and country rock) 

July 11 Los Perros Cubanos (1940s Cuban) 

July 18 Great Divide (indie rock) 

August 1 Friends of Israeli Scouts – Tzofim Friendship Caravan (Israeli teen group) 

August 8 Highland Park Pops (jazz and big band) 

August 10 Dr. Mark & the Sutures (classic rock) 

August 15 The Chauffeurs (rock of the 50s, 60s and 70s) 

This year, the City of Highland Park is offering local businesses and organizations to sponsor the series. Sponsors will gain exclusive advertising rights to one of nine Thursday night concerts that draw hundreds of attendees every summer. 

For more information, please visit www.cityhpil.com/specialevents or contact Luke Banaszak or Karen Berardi at the City Manager’s Office, (847) 926-1030 and (847) 926-1043 respectively. 

Something in the Air

This week, the American Lung Association released its 2013 "State of the Air" report card and Lake County received an "F."

Cook County also received an "F" but the other Chicago area collar counties (McHenry, Kane, DuPage and Will) all received B's.

Incinerator-Free Lake County has been trying to raise awareness with citizens and elected officials in Lake County that "our air quality is very poor and much worse than any of the other collar counties," said Barbara Klipp, the organization's co-founder and spokesperson.

On Monday, Incinerator-Free Lake County will be speaking to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at a hearing in Chicago on behalf of Lake County residents, who are invited to attend.

Incinerator-Free Lake County, along with the Sierra Club and a coalition of other organizations, will be at the hearing to support the EPA's proposed "Tier 3" tailpipe standards to reduce the amount of sulfur in gasoline.

"These standards are reported to raise the cost of gas by 1 cent per gallon, but we are already paying much more than that by virtue of the fact that health care costs, health insurance and life insurance all cost us more because we live in Lake County and the air quality is so poor," said Klipp.

"This is especially poignant after Midwest Generation, our largest source of air pollution in the county (by far), was recently granted a variance to have a two-year extension before installing their sulfur dioxide pollution control equipment they agreed to install a number of years ago."

Public comment

The public hearing will be held at 10 a.m. in LaSalle Ballroom 2 of the Doubletree Magnificent Mile, in Chicago. There will be a pre-event rally and group photo at 9:30 a.m.

Residents can also submit comment to the EPA through June 13. Go to www.regulations.gov or e-mail A-and-R-Docket@epa.gov.

All comments should be identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2011-0135.

Mail comments to:

Environmental Protection Agency
Air and Radiation Docket and Information Center (6102T)
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20460

Information provided by Incinerator-Free Lake County and the American Lung Association.

At last, a welcome addition to Lake County roads—the Raging Kitchen food truck, and it may be coming to a curb near you!

Unleashed last fall, Raging Kitchen is a restaurant on wheels offering private catering and bookings for school and corporate events, as well as curbside service in different communities including Deerfield, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Mundelein, Northbrook and Vernon Hills.

If you're lucky, you too can feel the rage by checking their website to find out where the truck will be during your next lunch break.

Menu offerings include pork tacos, barbecue, beef brisket, lobster roles, chili lime turkey, veggie wraps, cheesy mac, "Chicago" fries and more.

Raging Kitchen is operated by Mundelein-based Ruprecht Company, which sells meats to national stores like Costco and Trader Joe’s, according to a recent story in Pioneer Press.

"There are not a lot of restaurants near the vital parts of Lake County,” food truck manager and cook Christi Dallam told the Mundelein Review. “People either spend a lot of money at nearby places or spend most of their lunch breaks driving somewhere. We offer a more fun, better quality alternative that’s still affordable."

Get your rage on! Learn more at www.ragingkitchen.com. Check them out on Facebook, too.

In fact, here is a sampling of what customers have been saying:

"First time finding the truck today. Amazing food!!!!"

"I'm a huge fan of the pork tacos, sooooo good, and thank you for using boxes made from paper instead of styrofoam."

"Fantastic breakfast! Home fries were AMAZING!"

"A golden find today..."

"Delicious lunch and fresh donuts!"

"Fantastic fish tacos and spicy chicken wings today!"

Read more:

Should Food Trucks Be Allowed Statewide?

Highland Park Considering Food Trucks

What’s the best job in the United States in 2013? Actuaries, according to a survey by CareerCast.com, followed by biomedical engineer and software engineer, Wall Street Journal reported.

Where does your job rank and what do you like or dislike about your job? Tell us in the comment section below.  

If you're looking for a night out this weekend, the movie theater is always a good option. Check out the Moviefone tool above to find local times of showings.

Area movie theaters:

Highland Park Theatre at 445 Central Ave., Highland Park

AMC Northbrook Court 14 at 1525 Lake Cook Road, Northbrook

Regal Lincolnshire Stadium 20 & IMAX at 300 Parkway Dr., Lincolnshire

Showplace Eight at 555 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills

Golden Age Cinemas at 708 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville

Find more area theaters here.

What movie are you planning to see this weekend?

Fear No Art

For 15 years, the College of Lake County’s"Fear No Art" production has showcased a variety of arts, including dance, music and visual art, by CLC students and faculty and community members.

This year, the event will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Mainstage Theatre of the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St., in Grayslake.

More than 50 students are involved in the production, which is directed by Valerie Alpert of the CLC dance faculty.

Fear No Art will feature the creativity of CLC’s vibrant performing arts community. The dance portion of the program will include exciting original choreography by CLC students and faculty, in modern, hip hop and Bollywood/ballet fusion style.

There will also be original music performed by Stephen Boi and Conor Girard. Boi, a CLC student, has studied classical piano literature with his private teacher, Donald Miller, for the past 10 years, and intends to transfer to a four-year college and major in music composition.

Tickets

Tickets: Regular $10; CLC/Senior/Teen/JLC subscribers $8, includes a $1 JLC facility fee.

Box Office opens 90 minutes before each show, but arrive at least 15 minutes early to avoid the lines.

For tickets or more information, call (847) 543-2300 or visit www.clcillinois.edu/tickets.

Submitted by the College of Lake County

Des Plaines

Man Rescued from Des Plaines River After Kayak Capsizes

Des Plaines firefighters rescued a man from the Des Plaines River after the kayak he was paddling capsized on Friday, according to a report from Fire Chief Alan Wax. A witness reported the man in the river shortly after 11 a.m. on April 19, Wax stated, and he was found clinging to a tree trunk in the river. The man was not injured, Wax stated.

“It was our understanding that he was previously helping folks with his boat prior to traveling toward the main river via Campground Road,” Wax stated.

It was not a good idea for anyone to enter the Des Plaines River, Wax stated.

“The safety lesson is that the river’s current is extremely fast and dangerous,” Wax stated.

The fire department was busy during the storm and responded to a few accidents, but none were fatal or serious, Wax stated. Several people were rescued from cars with no reported injuries, Wax stated, and firefighters rescued people from 60 Des Plaines dwellings.

Lake in the Hills

Men Arrested, Accused of Selling Heroin, Crack Cocaine

McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren announced today the arrest of two Lake in the Hills men accused of selling heroin and crack cocaine.

William Harris, 33, and Michael Thomas, 32, both of 104 Quail Run, were arrested Wednesday by a joint team of law enforcement investigators and police, according to McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren.

During a search of Harris and Thomas' residence, deputies seized about 3 grams of crack cocaine, 24 grams cannabis, 9 grams heroin, two digital scales, packaging materials, drug paraphernalia, a 2004 Chevrolet Impala and $1,400 in cash, a press release stated.

Evanston

Retired City Worker Dies After House Fire

Fred Davis, 65, died after a fire broke out at his home at 1937 Hartrey Ave. in Evanston Wednesday night, according to Division Chief Dwight Hohl.

Davis was a retired city sanitation worker, according to neighbor Kelly Young. He also volunteered for years delivering food from the pantry at nearby Friendship Baptist Church to several food pantries in the area, Young said.

"He was a nice person," she said. "He'd help you if he could."

Lake Villa

Lake County Man Tries to Abduct Four Girls

A Lake Villa man is in jail on $1 million bond after he was arrested Wednesday by the Lake County Sheriff's Department for attempting to abduct four little girls in Beach Park.

Henry Wright, 29, of the 25000 block of Arcade Dr. in Lake Villa, is charged with four counts of Attempted Aggravated Kidnapping and four counts of Child Abduction.

The Lake County Sheriff's Department reported that Wright attempted to abduct the four girls, ranging in age from 4 to 8, at about 5 p.m. Wednesday in the 39100 block of Welsh Lane in Beach Park.

Wright reportedly approached the girls while driving a black 2010 Toyota Camry and asked them if they wanted a ride. The children told him no then ran from him. Wright then gave chase, according to a sheriff's press release.

The girls were able to run away unharmed.

Crystal Lake

Man in Dirt Bike Accident Dies

The Crystal Lake man involved in a dirt bike accident, Kyle R. Pratt, 23, of 995 Whitehall Way, passed away Saturday, April 20.

Read the obituary for Kyle R. Pratt here.

Pratt was injured on Saturday, April 13, while riding a 2002 Suzuki RM Motocross at about 5:21 p.m. near Nunda Trail and Terra Cotta Road just outside the Crystal Lake city limits.

According to police reports, Pratt was riding the dirt bike on ComEd property under the high voltage power lines. He lost control of the bike for unknown reasons and was ejected.