Ravinia’s Jazz Day puts Chicago at center of global celebration

Music lovers, mark your calendars - Ravinia Festival is turning up the volume on spring with a soulful, citywide celebration of International Jazz Day (April 30) that promises rhythm, history, and serious star power.

As International Jazz Day marks its 15th anniversary on April 30, Chicago takes center stage as the global host city, a fitting honor for a place where jazz has long thrived. Spearheaded by the legendary Herbie Hancock - a Chicago native and driving force behind the international movement - the celebration highlights jazz as a unifying force for peace, culture and creativity.

At the heart of the festivities is Ravinia’s “jazzy day” programming, part of a month-long series of performances and community events that bring together acclaimed musicians, rising stars and devoted fans.

The celebration kicks off in style on April 26 at Bennett Gordon Hall with a standout concert featuring bassist John Clayton and saxophonist Steve Wilson, alongside an impressive roster of alumni from Ravinia’s prestigious Steans Institute Jazz Program. Expect a dynamic blend of classic and contemporary sounds from artists like Marquis Hill and Alexis Lombre - proof that Chicago’s jazz legacy is in very good hands.

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But this isn’t just about the pros. Ravinia’s commitment to nurturing the next generation shines through with a special community performance on April 28, featuring the Ravinia Jazz Scholars and Uniting Voices Chicago. Held at the Kehrein Center for the Arts, this event spotlights emerging talent and reinforces jazz’s enduring role as an educational and cultural bridge.

The grand finale? A spectacular All-Star Global Concert on April 30 at the iconic Lyric Opera of Chicago. With artistic direction by Herbie Hancock and Chicago’s own Kurt Elling, the evening will feature an unprecedented lineup of international jazz luminaries, making it the crown jewel of this milestone celebration.

Even better, many of these events are free and open to the public, reinforcing the spirit of accessibility and community that defines both Ravinia and jazz itself.

The 15th anniversary of International Jazz Day will be April 30, with events taking place in over 190 countries and all 50 U.S. states, this year’s Global Host City is Chicago, Illinois. 

For full event details and ticket information, click here.