SUMMER STAGES
performing arts festivals
As summer returns, most of the Valley performance venues have gone dark. Given that residents may be in need of a cool getaway, why not try a new destination this year that will also appeal to your love of the arts. You’ll find suggestions in this article that cover seven select festivals running now through August. Please consult the websites for scheduled performers, dates, times and pricing.
RAVINIA FESTIVAL

The Ravinia Festival offers a series of outdoor concerts and performances held every summer.
The oldest outdoor music festival in the United States, the Ravinia Festival offers a series of outdoor concerts and performances held every summer. Located on the outskirts of Chicago, many headliners travel to this festival each summer. The mind-boggling list of performers will make your heart beat faster with the likes of multi-talented singer, actor, author and humorist Alan Cumming, the Queen of hip-hop Mary J. Blige, the hilarious duo of Steve Martin and Martin Short, the iconic Beach Boys and social commentator Whoopi Goldberg. As always, The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, now in its 83rd year of residency, offers a diverse program including Sunday in the Park with Audra McDonald, Grieg Piano Concerto, the music from Raiders of the Lost Ark, the legendary Tony Bennett and Italian opera favorites. www.ravinia.org/
JACOB’S PILLOW

The Hubbard Street Dance/ Chicago will perform at Jacob’s Pillow.
SANTA FE OPERA

Santa Fe Opera’s Summer Festival will be held in its state-of-the-art open-air theater.
STRINGS MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Strings Music Festival combines major names across numerous genres.
CENTRAL CITY OPERA

Central City Opera presents two main stage productions this summer: The Magic Flute and Il trovatore.
MUSIC ACADEMY OF THE WEST

The Music Academy of the West presents 200 concerts, recitals and masterclasses this summer.
UTAH SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Actors perform Othello on the outdoor stage at the Utah Shakespeare Festival.