Macy Gray, Demi Lovato and More Join Ravinia Festival Lineup

Ravinia Festival today announces newly added artists to the festival's 2012 season line-up including debuts by Andy Grammer on June 29; Macy Gray on July 22; Demi Lovato on Aug. 4; Mat Kearney on Aug. 11 and 12; Anita Baker on Aug. 25; and Steve Earle on Aug. 26. Returning favorites include Huey Lewis and The News and Joe Cocker on Aug. 10; Lyle Lovett and His Large Band on Aug. 24; John Hiatt & Combo on Aug. 26; and Daryl Hall & John Oates on Sept. 1. Tickets are available now with a Ravinia donation; see Ravinia.org for more details. Public ticket online sales begin on April 26. 

Talented singer/songwriters join the line-up, including the debut of Andy Grammer who opens the June 29 double bill of Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw. Grammer is the first male pop star since 2003 to reach the top 5 at Adult Pop Radio on his first single and certified gold record, "Keep Your Head Up." With hits "Hey Mama," "Nothing Left to Lose," and "Closer to Love," Mat Kearney has garnered a spot on the Billboard Top 40 chart. He makes his festival debut on Aug. 11, opening for Train, and returns the next night Aug. 12 for a second show.

Ravinia grooves with hit-making artists including Grammy^® Award-winning rock-and-roll group Huey Lewis and The News known for their hits "Hip To Be Square," "Heart of Rock & Roll" and "The Power of Love," in a double bill with Joe Cocker, known for his distinctive, gritty voice that has created hits as "You Are So Beautiful," "Up Where We Belong" and "With a Little Help From My Friends," on Aug. 10. Teenage superstar Demi Lovato, known for both her acting roles on the Disney Channel as well as her solo music career and Billboard-topping hits, makes her festival debut on Aug. 4. Texas-based singer /composer and four-time Grammy-winner Lyle Lovett returns to Ravinia with His Large Band on Aug. 24. With a career spanning more than 30 years and songs covered by such artists as Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt and Iggy Pop, John Hiatt returns with his combo on Aug. 26. Grammy^® award-winning singer/songwriter Steve Earleopens this concert in his Ravinia debut. Known as one of the most successful duos in rock history, selling more than 60 million albums,Daryl Hall & John Oates have written eight number-one-singles, including "She's Gone," "Rich Girl" and "Kiss on My List." They come back to the festival stage on Sept. 1.

Ravinia echoes with rhythm and blues including the debut of soul singer Macy Gray who opens for the July 22 Seal concert. Grammy award-winner, Gray's top-charting hits include "Request Line" and "I Try." R&B and soul legend Anita Baker makes her long-awaited festival debut on Aug. 25.Baker, who has been performing for over three decades, has won eight Grammy awards throughout her career and created hits as "Rapture," "Sweet Love" and "Giving You the Best That I Got."

More Articles by This Author...