The Roots are coming to Chicago on Aug. 24, 2024. They will perform at the Ravinia Festival with special guests Digable Planets and Arrested Development. 

The Roots have been producing and releasing music since 1995. However, this proclaimed hip-hop rap band was formed in 1987 by Rapper Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter and Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson in Philadelphia. There have been over 10 band members since its formation in the 80s.  

The band is critically acclaimed in the music industry. They have 14 albums, 17 singles, one EP, and two compilation albums. They have received numerous accolades including 14 nominations and three Grammy wins as well as being the band that accompanies Jimmy Fallon which started on “The Late Show” and is currently on “The Tonight Show”. 

They have worked with a large amount of artists including Erykah Badu on the song “You Got Me” on their 1999 album, Things Fall Apart. They have also worked with the likes of Elvis Costello, John Legend, Betty Wright and so many more. 

The current members include Black Thought on vocals, Questlove on drums, backing rap vocals and beatboxing, Kamal Gray on keyboard and backing rap vocals, Captain Kirk Douglas on guitar and singing vocals, Tuba Gooding Jr., on Sausaphone and tube, James Poyser on keyboards, Raymond Angry on Keybroads, Mark Kelley on bass, synthesizer bass and Moog, Ian Hendrickson-Smith on flutes, and saxophones, Dave Guy on trumpet, Stro Elliot on beatbox, percussion, sampling, tambourine, Ableton, HandSonic, SPD-SX, finger drumming, and keyboards, and last but certainly not least, Jeremy Ellis on beatbox, sampling, Maschine, Arcade machine sampler, midi fighter and finger drumming. 

With all of those members, their instruments, and their long and prolific history, this show is going to make for one unforgettable performance. The Roots are gracing the Ravinia stage on Aug. 24, 2024. It is not a show to miss. Tickets can be purchased directly through the Ravinia website ravinia.com or Ticketmaster ticketmaster.com. 

Location: Ravinia Pavillion

Address: 200 Ravinia Park Rd

Show Time: 7:30 p.m. 

Donor Gates Open: 4:30 p.m. 

Gates Open: 5:00 p.m.

All Ages