• Read a message from Tracy Stanciel, Chair, AAN Advisory Board
• Mark your calendar for Sarabande Africaine: Angélique Kidjo & Yo-Yo Ma 
• View recent photo highlights
• Check out an offer from our friends at Ravinia
• Stay connected!

This past season has been a milestone one for the African American Network.

We welcomed 630 new members, bringing the AAN’s membership to more than 1,500 recent or active member households. Over the course of the season, the AAN hosted seven pre- or postconcert events and offered special AAN ticket pricing for more than 130 concerts.

Even more impressive was over 1,000 tickets were purchased through AAN promo code offers — the highest total in the Network’s nine-year history.

And of those tickets purchased through AAN promotions, 37% were purchased by first-time concertgoers — an inspiring reflection of how the AAN continues to welcome new audiences and connect Chicago’s culturally rich African American community to the timeless beauty of music here at Symphony Center.

Wishing you a safe and happy Fourth of July,

Tracy Stanciel
Chair, African American Network Advisory Board

This concert is free and open to the public. For those who wish to enhance their evening, reservations for VIP experiences for supporters of this event will be available beginning on July 15. The VIP experience includes a number of reserved seats in the pavilion seating bowl and is the only way to guarantee admission to this special concert.

Presented by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association in partnership with the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE).

On June 13, AAN members and friends met the artists of the evening at the postconcert event AAN’s Tribute to Africa

Sunday, August 24, 7:30 PM | 201 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park

Multi-platinum, 12-time Grammy Award-winning artist John Legend brings his signature soul and storytelling to Ravinia for a special night honoring the 20th anniversary of his debut album, Get Lifted.

Since its release in 2004, Get Lifted has cemented its place as a modern R&B classic, introducing the world to Legend’s velvety vocals, timeless melodies and heartfelt lyricism. Now, two decades later, he’s revisiting the album with a special anniversary edition, featuring 11 bonus tracks, including eight brand-new remixes and rare B-sides.

As part of this landmark celebration, Legend takes the stage to deliver an evening of soulful crooning, melodic introspection and musical nostalgia, bringing fresh energy to the songs that launched his legendary career. Reflecting on the album’s legacy, Legend shares, “I’m so thrilled to be celebrating 20 years of the album that introduced me to the world. Get Lifted has always meant so much to me and to so many of my fans and supporters. I’m so grateful for the career that this album launched. These last 20 years have taken me far beyond my wildest dreams.”

Legend continues, “Revisiting the original album and some of the unreleased songs from that era has been such a meaningful experience. Reinvigorating the music with fresh remixes and collaborations featuring some of my favorite artists makes this celebration even more special.”

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime concert experience, as John Legend takes Ravinia audiences on a journey through the music that started it all — a night of nostalgia and soul under the stars.

Receive 10% off tickets using promo code CSOFRIENDS25 when ordering reserved seats.

While supplies last. Orders are subject to a transaction fee. Offer may not be applied to previously purchased tickets or combined with other offers and does not include Discover Reserved Lawn seating. Onsite parking, food, beverages and chair rentals are sold separately.

For more information on upcoming AAN events or to find out how to get involved, email Alyssa Greenberg, audience engagement manager, at greenberga@cso.org.

Forward this newsletter to someone who might be interested in joining the African American Network! Membership is free and members enjoy access to exclusive special events and ticket offers.