About the Performance
Ravinia is grateful for media support from
The Symphonic Blues Experience bridges the soul-stirring music of the blues with the vibrant sound of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Accompanying this performance is a multimedia narration by Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman, who provides a transformative journey through the music, culture, and legacy of the Mississippi Delta—the birthplace of the blues. Freeman’s captivating voice guides the audience through a rich exploration of the Delta’s profound impact on global music, telling the story of how this unique region shaped not only the blues but also rock, gospel, and other popular genres.
The performance blends the energy of blues music seamlessly with symphonic arrangements performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. It will be conducted by Martin Gellner and accompanied by blues artists from Ground Zero Blues Club, one of the top blues clubs in the world, located in the heart of the Mississippi Delta.
Performers
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Martin Gellner, conductor
Morgan Freeman, Symphonic Blues Ambassador, narrator, and executive producer
Anthony “Big A” Sherrod, guitar and vocals
Jacqueline “Jaxx” Nassar, guitar and vocals
Keith Johnson, guitar, harmonica, and vocals
Adrienne “Lady Adrena” Ervin, vocals
Mark Yacovone, keyboard
Adrian “Rev Slim” Forrest, bass
Lee Williams, percussion
Program
“Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground” from Blind Willie Johnson’s Columbia Records recording
(1927; orch. Martin Gellner)
“Crossroads” from Robert Johnson’s Cross Road Blues EP
(1937; orch. David O’Rourke, Martin Gellner)
“You Gotta Move” from Mississippi Fred McDowell’s You Gotta Move
(1965; orch. Martin Gellner)
“Death Letter Blues” from Son House’s Father of Folk Blues
(1965; orch. Martin Gellner)
“Dust My Broom” from Elmore James’s Trumpet Records recording
(1951; orch. David O’Rourke, Martin Gellner)
“Thrill Is Gone” from B.B. King’s Completely Well
(1969; orch. David O’Rourke, Martin Gellner)
“Cadillac Assembly Line” from Albert King’s Cadillac Assembly Line
(1976; orch. Martin Gellner)
“Born Under a Bad Sign” from Albert King’s Born Under a Bad Sign
(1967; orch. David O’Rourke, Martin Gellner)
“Hard Times” from Ray Charles’s The Genius Sings the Blues
(1954; orch. David O’Rourke, Martin Gellner)
“Somebody Knockin’ On My Door” from Eric Clapton’s Slowhand at 70
(2015; orch. Martin Gellner)
“Travelling Riverside Blues” from Led Zeppelin’s Coda
(1982; orch. Martin Gellner)
“I’ll Take You There” from The Staple Singers’ Be Altitude: Respect Yourself
(1972; orch. Martin Gellner)
“Tried and Tried” from Anthony “Big A” Sherrod’s Right On Time
(2016; orch. David O’Rourke, Martin Gellner)
“Someday” from Anthony “Big A” Sherrod’s Right On Time
(2016; orch. David O’Rourke, Martin Gellner)
“I Lied to You” from Sinners original soundtrack
(2025; orch. Martin Gellner)
“Bring It On Home to Me” from Sam Cooke’s The Best of Sam Cooke
(1962; orch. Martin Gellner)
–No Intermission–
Eric Meier, executive producer
Howard Stovall, production manager and executive producer
Nick Talbott & Alina Scalora, producers
Martin Gellner, music director
Tameal Edwards, tour manager
Devi Reddy & Joe Brauner, Park Avenue Artists, booking managers
Related Events
