Music Matters 2026: Music Grows Here

Supporting Ravinia and our Reach Teach Play® education and community programs

Saturday, May 9, 2026
at Ravinia Festival

Hosted by the Ravinia Associates Board

Featuring

Cocktails Auction Dinner Live Music

Black Tie Optional

Purchase TicketsMake a Donation

Ticket prices increase by $50 after March 30.

Early pricing ended on March 31.

Standard tickets ($350 per person) include:

  • Cocktail reception with open bar and passed hors d’oeuvres
  • Exclusive program, including live auction and entertainment
  • Culinary food stations with reserved seating

Upgrade to VIP tickets ($450 per person) for:

  • Exclusive access to premium VIP bar
  • Priority program and dinner seating
  • Elevated plated dinner selections
  • Champagne toast at table
  • Recognition in event program book
  • Sold out!Contact us at associates@ravinia.org or 847‑266‑5021 with any questions.

New! After‑Party in The Audrey

Featuring a nightcap of dessert and drinks with more dancing to a live band in the Sandra K. Crown Theater

Online Auction

Did you know you can participate in Music Matters’ silent auction online from anywhere? You don’t need to be a guest to bid!

Sign up to receive an email notification when the auction goes live.

Receive Auction Notification
Music Matters at Ravinia

Supporting Music Education

All proceeds benefit Ravinia and our Reach Teach Play programs, which serve over 20,000 students annually in Lake and Cook Counties year-round. Ravinia opens doors to the positive impact of music through Reach Teach Play, providing children and families in underserved schools and communities with live performances and music education programs where they learn and live, as well as at Ravinia.

Make a Donation

Please email us at associates@ravinia.org with any questions.

Lead Reach Teach Play Sponsor: Allstate_2022_RGB-K.svg


Honoring Music Education’s Leaders

In addition to raising money and awareness for Ravinia’s music education programs, Music Matters annually recognizes inspirational philanthropic and educational leaders. In 2026, the Associates honor Ravinia Trustee Robert W. Crawford Jr. for his enthusiastic support of non-profit organizations throughout the Chicago area, including many facets of Ravinia—from unforgettable performances during the summer Ravinia Festival season and enhancements of experiences in the park to the Reach Teach Play music education and community engagement programs.

2026 Honoree Robert W. Crawford Jr.

As a longtime Lake Forest resident, Bob Crawford is dedicated to serving the Chicagoland community through active participation in local philanthropies. He is especially focused on supporting new generations, both in business—leading Bob to create the influential Neighborhood Entrepreneurship Lab—and children’s programming, through the Field Museum and Ravinia. Bob and his wife, Winnie, believe that education—especially music education—is a powerful foundation that uplifts communities, and they have been proud supporters of Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play for many years. Since joining Ravinia’s Board of Trustees, Bob has become a passionate member of the Executive Committee. We are so grateful for his tireless support of Ravinia and music education.


2026 Music Matters Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor:

Evergreen Real Estate Group

Challenge Sponsor:

The Negaunee Foundation

Program Benefactor:

Illinois Tool Works

Community Benefactors:

Baker Tilly Celebree School of Northbrook The Chicago Community Trust Goldman Sachs AYCO AYCO Charitable Foundation Miller Cooper & Co. Shure US Bank

School Benefactors:

Clark Baird Smith LLP

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Liventus, Inc.

Mid-America Real Estate Corporation

PwC

In-Kind Support:

Gold Coast Events Terlato

Media Support:

WBBM News Radio


If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact associates@ravinia.org or 847‑266‑5021.