Ravinia 2026 Issue 4

p e r f o r m a n c e BY TRICIADESPRES RICKY MARTIN has “done it all”—but he hasn’t experienced Ravinia Festival yet. “What excites me about performing at Ravinia is that it’s the oldest outdoor music festival [in North America], and I’m so excited to be a part of it,” the Puerto Rican superstar tells Ravinia from his home in Los Angeles. “A er so many years on the road, having the opportunity to experience a venue with so much history feels very special.” Indeed, a er more than four decades in entertainment and one of the most successful crossover careers in pop mu- sic history, there aren’t many ‘ rsts’ le for the now -year-old artist. Yet, his August concert at Ravinia Festival— the intergenerational summer oasis just north of the city that has long embraced him—promises to remain one of those ‘ rsts’ he will forever remember. “Chicago has always been a city that I try to make part of my tours,” says Martin, who has performed everywhere from the Allstate Arena to e Chicago eatre throughout his career. “I’ve been coming here for many years, and I’ve always felt the love and support of the Windy City. It’s a beautiful city as well, so I’m happy to come back as o en as I can.” Certainly, the cities and the fans that ll them always seem to keep Martin coming back for more—no matter how many years go by. “Chicago has such a vibrant Latino community,” he says. “I love being here with them.” But perhaps the biggest draw for Martin professionally continues to be the feeling he still gets each and every time he walks onto a stage—a feeling that he once could only dream about as a kid growing up in San Juan, Puerto Rico. “I live for the stage,” he says. “It still excites me the most, and if I can, I will keep performing well into my s, just like [Mick] Jagger.” Considering the energy Martin continues to bring to each and every one of his performances, that lo y goal to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Rolling Stones frontman doesn’t seem entirely out of reach. Because, even to this day, Martin remains a vital piece within the ongoing culture of music. Just six months ago, Martin went viral when he appeared with Bad Bunny as part of the Super Bowl hal ime show. “I’m at a point in my life where I ap- preciate and enjoy every moment much more,” he says. “When I was younger, everything moved so fast. Today, I allow myself to be present and really absorb what is happening.” ‘Fast’ just might be an understate- ment, as the trek from someone no one knew to a world-class superstar happened at a warp speed—a ride that blasted o when Martin nally success- fully auditioned for the wildly popular Puerto Rican band Menudo. Almost overnight, Martin found himself travelling the world, propelled by the deafening screams of fans who simply could not get enough of him and his Menudo bandmates. e group remains one of the most successful Latin pop acts of all time, selling millions of records worldwide while topping charts throughout Latin America and beyond with songs such as “Claridad,” “Súbete a Mi Moto, ” and “Hold Me.” RAVINIAMAGAZINE • AUGUST 17 – AUGUST 23 , 2026 6 FERNANDO SIPPEL