King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard with the Chicago Philharmonic

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
Sarah Hicks, Guest Conductor & Music Director
Chicago Philharmonic

Tickets on sale April 24 only at ravinia.org.

About the Performance

One of the most inventive and versatile rock bands to come out of Australia–possibly the world–King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard brings their wild, exploratory music to Ravinia for the first time this summer!

With a colorful career that spans psych, krautrock, thrash, prog, folk, experimental synth, and jam rock, the “most audacious band in rock” (GQ) rocks a sound that is “explosively ambitious” (NPR). AllMusic’s Tim Sendra claims their album Nonagon Infinity “may be the best psych-metal-jazz-prog album ever!”

With 26 albums to date, 13 of them charting the Top 20 in Australia, KGLW’s experimental style and psychedelic flair has created a fervent worldwide fanbase who share endless memes, mixes, videos, graphics, theories and discussions, all through which they explore and expand what they have termed “The Gizzverse.” The “most interesting and boundless rock band in the world right now” (GQ), KGLW is comprised of Stu Mackenzie (vocals/guitar), Ambrose Kenny-Smith (harmonica/vocals/keyboards), Cook Craig (guitar/vocals), Joey Walker (guitar/vocals), Lucas Harwood (bass) and Michael Cavanagh (drums).

This summer, KGLW will collaborate with conductor Sarah Hicks and the Chicago Philharmonic to perform music from their latest album, Phantom Island. A dynamic and versatile musician, Hicks has worked with artists across genres, including Hilary Hahn, Jennifer Hudson, Dessa, and Sting. She is Principal Conductor of the Minnesota Orchestra’s Live at Orchestra Hall series and an Emmy Award-winning artist whose live concert recordings are featured on Disney+ and ABC.

DJ Crenshaw opens the set with an electrifying mix of beats, blending hip-hop, electronic, and classic funk, setting the tone for an unforgettable entry into the “The Gizzverse.”

About Chicago Philharmonic

Founded in 1989 by musicians of the Lyric Opera Orchestra, the Chicago Philharmonic Society is dedicated to reimagining the orchestra concert experience. With nearly 200 musician members and a unique system of musician governance, Chicago Philharmonic is recognized as one of the most versatile, innovative, and ambitious orchestras in the country.

Chicago Philharmonic proudly collaborates with the world’s greatest artists across multiple genres. Past partnerships include Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Joshua Bell, Kishi Bashi, The Joffrey Ballet, English National Ballet, Tank and the Bangas, William Basinski, American Ballet Theatre, Ryan Speedo Green, and more.

Since Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40 honoree Terell Johnson became Executive Director in 2021, the orchestra has continued to expand its artistic reach and push the boundaries of symphonic performance. Notable recent milestones include a history-making debut at Lollapalooza as the first orchestra to perform at the festival, a sold-out Carnegie Hall debut with Sleeping At Last, and a world premiere tribute to Whitney Houston at Ravinia Festival. From groundbreaking live film concerts to dynamic collaborations with today’s most exciting artists, Chicago Philharmonic remains at the forefront of innovation and inclusion in the city’s performing arts landscape.

Have a listen!