Kohl Children’s Museum Announces First-Ever Music at the Museum Series in Conjunction with Ravinia Festival Summer 2009

GLENVIEW, IL – Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago Children is thrilled to present Music at the Museum, an innovative outdoor concert series in partnership with the Ravinia Festival, July – August 2009. The three-concert series will be held in Habitat Park, the Museum’s newly-renovated two-acre nature park and landscaped children’s exhibit area.

The Music at the Museum series features three intimate, open-air classical and pop music concerts designed with the entire family in mind. Each Music at the Museum evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with one full hour of open-ended play in the exhibits. Then, at 6:30 p.m., families can spread their blankets out on the Habitat Park lawn to enjoy family-friendly performances from Ravinia Festival favorites in the warm summer air.

Lincoln Trio – July 10

One of Chicago’s most celebrated ensembles, the Lincoln Trio is acclaimed for their clarity of sound, honesty of expression and captivating stage presence. The ensemble – Desirée Ruhstrat (violin); David Cunliffe (cello); and Marta Aznavoorian (piano) takes its name from their home, the heartland of the United States, the land of Lincoln. The Trio's polished presentations of well-known chamber works and their ability to forge new paths with contemporary repertoire will make for the perfect evening in Kohl Children’s Museum’s Habitat Park.

Brit Beat – America’s #1 British Tribute band – July 30

Museum attendees will take a trip back to 1964 with BritBeat’s tribute to the Beatles! Their mop tops, English accents, retro costumes and musical talents combine for one of the closest re-creations of a Beatles concert that you will find. BritBeat is unmatched in bringing the vintage 60s Beatles concert experience to the ultimate level. It is the perfect opportunity to expose kids to the timeless sounds of the historic bands and parents will enjoy a trip down memory lane.

Emily Bear, 7-year old piano prodigy – August 21

Pianist Emily Bear has only been playing piano for two years, but at just seven years old, her accomplishments are inspiring and her talent is breathtaking. Classical, jazz and boogie come naturally to her. She performs a large list of classics and standards, and also composes her own magical songs. Emily Bear was the youngest solo performer in the history of the Ravinia Festival, has performed with many well known musicians, appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" in Oct and Nov. 2007 and Jan. 2008, and recently performed a 30-minute concert at the White House.

Tickets for Music at the Museum are $5 for individual concerts, and a reduced-cost series package to all three concerts is available for $10. Members also enjoy a 20% discount on all ticket purchases. To purchase tickets, visit www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org/music or call (847) 832-6600.