Indianapolis Zoo Summer Concert Series Begins June 20

Indianapolis Zoo. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2013, all rights reserved.

By Melanie Laurendine
Indianapolis Zoo
http://indyzoo.com/

There will be more than birds singing this summer at the Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. That’s because the Zoo’s two annual concert series, Zoolapalooza and Animals and All That Jazz, are back to offer music, food and fun for family members of all ages.

Start the weekend off right with entertainment from some of the area’s top musical acts during Zoolapalooza. Now in its fourth year, this musical experience will have guests rockin’ the night away for five consecutive Friday nights from June 20 to July 18. This year’s Zoolapalooza lineup features:

• June 20: Impalas — A wildly entertaining group that combines soul, R&B and rock with a touch of swing.

• June 27: Jennie DeVoe — An original singer and song-writer whose music is inspired by blues, soul, hippie, funk, roots and acoustic genres.

• July 4: 8 Miles High — This classic rock band will be belting out hits from the 1970s, ‘80s, ‘90s and today.

• July 11: Bahama Llama —Guests will be swaying to the beat of island-inspired rhythms from this high-energy band.

• July 18: West Central Quartet — This band performs anything from jazz classics to contemporary music from every genre.

As the summer heats up, guests can keep it cool with Animals and All That Jazz presented by Indiana Members Credit Union. For 26 years, this great summer series has showcased distinctive artists, acts and musical stylings, and that spectacular tradition continues for 2014! This series kicks off July 10 and continues every Thursday through Aug. 14. This year’s Animals and All That Jazz lineup features:

• July 10: Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra — Indy’s premier and nationally recognized big-band is composed of the leading instrumentalists and terrific vocalists.

• July 17: Cynthia Layne — One of the city’s most beloved vocalists will take the audience on a musical adventure with her versatile vocals and unique style of soul, R&B, funk and pop.

• July 24: Janiece Jaffe and DaVida with special guest Mark Buselli — This talented, subtle and sweet vocalist take on jazz and pop songs with special guest, and gifted writer, arranger and performer, Mark Buselli.

• July 31: Direct Contact — A high-energy Latin jazz band guests will never forget.

• Aug. 7: Blair Clark — This band offers a blend of pop, R&B, soul and a touch of jazz inspired by the Great American Song Book.

• Aug. 14: Red Hot Whisky Slippers — Take a trip down to New Orleans with this entertaining Bayou-based ensemble.

This season both concert series will take place in the middle of Zoo grounds, with the new Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center serving as the backdrop. In the event of inclement weather, the festivities will simply move under the Party Pavilion near the front of the Zoo.

Live music runs from 5:30 to 8:30pm, with animals and rides available until 7pm. Zoo members have access to a different free ride each night. With plenty of animal exhibits nearby, as well as the Kroger Splash Park, concert goers can enjoy the full Zoo experience without missing a beat.

In addition to regular Zoo fare and drink specials, each concert features specialty food options with tastes to tempt everyone. Plus, adults can also enjoy sampling each night from Sun King Brewery.

Concerts are included with regular Zoo admission and free to Zoo members. Guests are encouraged to save time and money on their Zoo visit by purchasing tickets online at IndianapolisZoo.com. For Animals and All That Jazz, discount tickets are available at Indianapolis-area Indiana Members Credit Union locations. Guests can also save $2 at the gate by bringing in a Dean’s milk jug to be recycled. For more information, call 317-630-2001.