Ragdale, the artists’ retreat in Lake Forest, kicks off the fifth annual Ragdale Ring Performance Series on Thursday, June 15 at 7pm with a multidisciplinary program, Visual Scores/Sonic Landscapes. The performance interweaves music, film and poetry and features the internationally renowned Chicago Modern Orchestra Project Chamber Ensemble known for merging classical tradition and jazz improvisation. This program is inspired by artists Cy Twombly and Jean Dubuffet, the poetry of Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou, and curated by composer and musician Renée Baker. Ms. Baker is founding music director and conductor of the Chicago Modern Orchestra Project (CMOP). She is also artistic director of the Chicago Sinfonietta Chamber Ensemble and has been its principal violinist since 1987. Renée has premiered original compositions with the Chicago Sinfonietta, The Joffrey Ballet Chamber Series, and as part of the Umbria Jazz Festival (Italy), among others. The Ragdale Ring summer performance series continues on Thursdays July 13 and August 10 at 7pm and on Saturday, September 16 at 4pm featuring storytelling, music, dance and an interactive pageant curated by Ragdale resident artists in cooperation with their creative colleagues. All events take place in the Ragdale Ring, the open-air performance venue, whose “Living Picture” design by T+E+A+M was recently chosen in an international competition for outstanding, young architects. Guests are encouraged to bring their family, a lawn chair, or picnic for these arts-filled outdoor performances. Ragdale is located at 1230 N. Green Bay Road in Lake Forest. Off-site parking is available at city lots in downtown Lake Forest, a 15 minute walk to Ragdale. Drop off at Ragdale is also possible. Admission is $20/person; $15 Students and seniors, 12 and under free. Tickets are available through the website at ragdale.org and also at the door. For questions, call 847/234-1063 or email: info@ragdale.org