By Darlene Brace
Last year, Chautauqua Institution celebrated its 150th year anniversary. Throughout the year, attendees enjoyed many special programs and events that took place, which featured a rich array of cultural, educational, and artistic experiences. Now, they are preparing for the upcoming 2025 season, including a captivating lineup of programs and events that will be featured at Chautauqua this summer.
When you’re looking to explore the events planned for the 2025 season, visit chq.org. Here, you will find a comprehensive schedule, with tickets already available for some events. This season offers an exciting array of events ranging from the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, guest lecturers, concerts, and much more. Additional events will be announced in the coming weeks. Each week’s lectures revolve around a theme, which can be found at 2025.chq.org.
Let’s take a peek at a few highlights of the events that are scheduled for the 2025 season. The 2025 season kicks off with award-winning jazz singer Diana Krall, who will be performing on June 28th at 8:15pm in the Amphitheater. Krall is known for her sultry voice and unique jazz style. She will be performing tunes that will likely include songs from her most recent album This Dream of You. Her performance will certainly give the audience an unforgettable evening that keeps fans returning for more. Tickets for this concert are already available.
The theme for week two (June 28-July 5) will be Comedy Now: A Week Curated with Lewis Black,” in partnership with the National Comedy Center. Lewis Black will be the headliner. He is known as the “King of Rants,” as his routines often escalate into rants about controversial topics. He will be joined on Monday, June 30th, at 10:45am by Peter Docter and Kelsey Mann, who are the directors he worked with when he did voices for the animated Inside Out movies. The three of them will be having a lively and candid conversation about the art of comedy and its various forms.
Later in the week, Lewis will treat the audience to an interactive audience comedy rant titled “The Rant is Due,” which will take place on July 2nd at 8:15pm in the Amphitheater. Tickets are already available for both Lewis Black events as well.
Also, during week two, the Fourth of July celebration at Chautauqua Institution will feature the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra’s Annual Independence Day Concert. This patriotic concert will be conducted by Principal Pops Conductor Stuart Chafetz and features vocalist Capathia Jenkins. Bring your family and friends to enjoy this holiday tradition that will begin at 8pm in the Amphitheater.
During week seven (August 2-9), the Institution welcomes award-winning author and poet Kwame Alexander, who is currently Chautauqua Institution’s Director of Literacy in Arts and Writer in Residence. On August 4, at 10:45am, Alexander will be joining world-renowned LaVar Burton on the Amphitheater stage. Burton is best known for hosting and producing Reading Rainbow, which featured storytelling for children. Together, they will explore conversations about the power of storytelling and the importance of literacy.
These highlights are a glimpse of the fantastic lineup of events that the 2025 Chautauqua Institution season has to offer. The season will include a variety of concerts, lectures, and summer programs, that promise to have something for everyone. There will be more events added between now and the beginning of the season. Visit chq.org to explore updates on the many events that will be included for this season, and to purchase tickets, go to tickets.chq.org.
Chautauqua Institution has been thriving for over 150 years and continues to bring quality entertainment and cultural events. Beyond seasonal programming, the Institution continues to grow through the Boundless Campaign. This campaign seeks to raise funds for necessary renovations, enables the continuation of quality programs, and hopes to ensure sustainability for many years to come. Those interested in supporting this campaign can contribute at giving.chq.org/boundless or call 716-357-6404.
As Chautauqua Institution embarks on the 2025 season, you can be sure that there will be quality programs that foster education, culture, and entertainment for the community. Keep an eye on the website for events that you will be interested in, so you don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the entertaining and dynamic 2025 season at Chautauqua Institution.
Caption: The 2025 season kicks off with award-winning jazz singer Diana Krall, who will be performing on June 28th at 8:15pm in the Amphitheater. Krall is known for her sultry voice and unique jazz style.
The theme for week two (June 28-July 5) will be Comedy Now: A Week Curated with Lewis Black,” in partnership with the National Comedy Center. Lewis Black will be the headliner. He is known as the “King of Rants,” as his routines often escalate into rants about controversial topics.
During week seven (August 2-9), the Institution welcomes award-winning author and poet Kwame Alexander, who is currently Chautauqua Institution’s Director of Literacy in Arts and Writer in Residence. On August 4, at 10:45am, Alexander will be joining world-renowned LaVar Burton on the Amphitheater stage. Burton is best known for hosting and producing Reading Rainbow, which featured storytelling for children. Together, they will explore conversations about the power of storytelling and the importance of literacy.