The Roots members Black Thought and Questlove and Al Green (Photos Courtesy of Ravinia.org).
Two music powerhouses are set to light up the Ravinia stage this weekend, offering fans a double shot of soul, the Hip-hop and classic kind. On Friday, June 27, The Roots bring their smooth, propulsive fusion of hip-hop, jazz, funk and, yes, soul to the Pavilion. The following night, June 28, Al Green—joined by The O’Jays featuring Walter Williams—looks to dazzle audiences by delivering a soul-stirring performance in keeping with his legendary status.
The Roots: Hip-Hop’s Living Instrument
The Roots are a movement, an entity that has become more than a band. Known for their live instrumentation, sharp lyricism and genre-bending sound, the Philadelphia-born collective has been redefining hip-hop since the late 1980s. Now, with three Grammys, 14 albums, and a reputation as one of the best live acts in any genre, they’re bringing that legacy to Ravinia.
Led by Questlove and Black Thought, The Roots’ set is a masterclass in musicianship and endurance. Their ability to blend hip-hop with jazz, funk, rock and soul makes every show a fresh experience. As Rolling Stone once put it, “They are not merely the world’s best hip-hop band, but one of the great musical outfits of our time.”
Friday night’s performance features special guest, Nai Palm of Hiatus Kaiyote, adding even more soul and spontaneity to an already dynamic lineup. Tickets range from $49 to $115, with the show starting at 7 p.m.
Al Green: The Soul Man Returns
If The Roots represent innovation, Al Green represents timelessness. The soul icon’s voice—equal parts silk and grit—has captivated listeners for decades. From slow-burning ballads to gospel-infused anthems, Green’s music sits at the crossroads of sensuality and spirit.
His unique sound—a collaboration with legendary producer Willie Mitchell—helped define the Hi Records era, giving Green a string of classic hits that still echo today. He bridged Memphis grit with Philly smoothness, setting a gold standard for soul music in the early ’70s.
Critic Robert Christgau once called him the “finest vocalist rock & roll has ever known,” describing his style as “a shifting amalgam of cream and grit, fluff and guts, feathery strings and power-packed beats, wayward promises and passionate truths.” Upon Green’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Natalie Cole summed it up: “Al’s voice—it bobs, it weaves … it gets you.”
Sharing the stage Saturday night are The O’Jays, featuring Walter Williams. With this being the group’s final tour, the performance marks a rare opportunity to witness two soul giants in one night.
Tickets for Al Green’s show range from $57 to $175. Showtime is also at 7 p.m.
This weekend at Ravinia isn’t just about music. It’s about history, legacy, and two generations of Black excellence in sound—each with a story to tell and a stage to command.
For More Information
Visit www.ravinia.org for tickets, parking details, and venue guidelines.
Follow @RaviniaFestival on Instagram, Facebook, and X for live updates and behind-the-scenes content.
