Ravinia 2026 Issue 4

AMESSAGE FROMFIFTH THIRD At Fi h ird, our commitment to strengthening communities is grounded in the belief that thriving neighborhoods depend on access, opportunity, and shared experiences that bring people together. rough our community investments and partnerships, we support organizations that expand economic mobility while enriching the cultural fabric of the regions we serve. e performing arts play a vital role in this mission. ey inspire creativity, foster connection, and create spaces where communities can gather and grow. at is why we are proud to support Ravinia, a landmark institution dedicated to advancing music, education, and access to world-class performances. Ravinia’s reach—welcoming audiences of all backgrounds and providing meaningful educational programs—re ects our own focus on inclusion and long-term impact. Our partnership underscores Fi h ird’s broader commitment to investing in what matters most: people. By supporting arts organizations alongside initiatives in a ordable housing, small business growth, and nancial empowerment, we help build vibrant, resilient communities. Together with partners like Ravinia, we are creating opportunities for connection, inspiration, and progress—ensuring the communities we serve continue to ourish for generations to come. CARIBE PROJECT Established in , Caribe Project has capti- vated audiences in mass with their harmonious fusion of Latin tropical musical renditions from Puerto Rico, Cuba, Colombia, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic. Caribe Project epito- mizes the culmination of the vision of founder Carlos Santiago and band director Richie San- tiago, both acclaimed Latin percussionists who together bring forth more than four decades of unparalleled performance and entertain- ment expertise. is uncle and nephew duo’s seamless integration of timeless and modern elements is achieved by interweaving Carlos’s reverence of the classics and Richie’s a nity for contemporary salsa and merengue music. With a roster showcasing distinguished art- ists hailing from Chicago, the orchestra boasts a rich instrumentation comprising bass, bongo, conga, piano, timbal, trombones, and trum- pets. eir resounding talent has a orded them the esteemed opportunity to accompany lu- minaries of Latin music, including India, Jer- ry Rivera, Jose Alberto “El Canario,” Michael Stuart, Rey Ruiz, Tito Nieves, and Tony Vega. Notably, Caribe Project’s musical prowess and innovative spirit have earned them a coveted place in the orchestra for the former o -Broad- way sensation Celia , a musical based on the life of Celia Cruz that was orchestrated and con- ductred by Grammy Award-winning maestro Isidro Infante. With a deep-rooted commit- ment to fostering and enriching the tapestry of Latin music in the vibrant city of Chicago and beyond, Caribe Project takes immense pride in their role as cultural ambassadors. Caribe Project previously appeared at Ravinia backing singer Choco Orta in . HUNTERPAVILION 7:30 PM FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 , 2026 ALABAMA SHAKES † with special guest LIAM KAZAR † Liam Kazar – – Alabama Shakes † Ravinia debut RAVINIA.ORG • RAVINIAMAGAZINE 67