Racine Zoo Announces 2008 Animal Crackers Concert Series Performers; Season Tickets on Sale Now!

Racine – The Racine Zoo proudly announces the entertainment line-up for the 2008 Animal Crackers Concert Series.  This year’s series hosts four shows on Wednesday nights in July and August at the Kiwanis Memorial Amphitheatre on the Racine Zoo campus at 2131 North Main Street.  The 22nd Animal Crackers Season presents the most diverse group of jazz performers including Mindi Abair, Brubeck Brothers Quartet, Poncho Sanchez and, back by popular demand, John Pizzarelli.

“The 22nd season of Animal Crackers Concerts covers artists from all areas of jazz music. I think the diversity will appeal to all music lovers -- not just jazz fans -- and ,of course, the setting at the Zoo and the community spirit of the concerts appeal to even non-music lovers,” said Jay Christie, President and CEO, Racine Zoo.

For a limited time only, season tickets can be purchased for just $50.00. Season tickets are currently on sale at www.racinezoo.org, at the Racine Zoo Gift Shop and at the Zoo’s administrative office at 200 Goold Street.  Starting June 1st, season tickets will return to their regular price of $60.00 and mini-packs will go on sale for $50.00.  Mini packs allow the flexibility of purchasing three tickets that can be used in any combination at any of the four concerts. Single concert tickets will be available starting June 22 at a cost of $20.00 each.

“We thought offering a nice discount for season tickets would be a great way to kick-off the 2008 season,” said Megan Frazer, Marketing and Special Events Manager, Racine Zoo. “We’ve rolled back all of our ticket prices but increased the appeal of our collection of performers. We are really excited about the upcoming season.”

Opening the series on July 9 is Mindi Abair. Minid is a singer, songwriter and saxophonist.  Abair adds a refreshingly unique voice to an exciting new generation of crossover artists.  A groundbreaking star in the contemporary jazz world, she has three number one singles and her last CD debuted at number one on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz chart. She has established herself as a major presence in the pop world touring with Duran Duran, Josh Groban and the Backstreet Boys.  Mindi also hosts the popular weekly syndicated radio show “Chill with Mindi Abair” featuring cutting edge music combined with remixes of classic jazz.

The second performance, hosted on July 23 features the Brubeck Brothers Quartet. The quartet is an exciting jazz group featuring two members of one of America’s most accomplished and recognized musical families. Daniel Brubeck handles drums while Chris Brubeck handles bass and trombone.  Guitarist, Mike DeMicco and pianist Chuck Lamb complete the dynamic group.  Although the quartet’s style is rooted in “straight-ahead” jazz, their concerts reveal an inherent ability to explore and play odd time signatures while naturally integrating the influences of funk, blues and world music.

August kicks off with Poncho Sanchez, the most acclaimed of the 2008 line-up, on August 6.  He is a Grammy-winning percussionist and bandleader, with a patented blend of Latin jazz, funk, classic R & B and more.  More than anything else, Sanchez is a storyteller.  And as leader of the most popular Latin jazz group in the world today, it’s his congas and seasoned ensemble that do the talking with classic songs that put the emphasis on fiery grooves and smooth jams.

Finally, the series concludes with John Pizzarelli.  Scheduled to perform for the season finale in 2007, weather scared away a large crowd, but not his style and talent.  Due to the popularity and high-demand for tickets in the previous year, he is returning on August 20.  He has had a mult-faceted career as a jazz guitarist, vocalist and bandleader.

Internationally known for classic standards, late night ballads and  the cool jazz flavor he brings to his performances and recordings, bringing to mind a cross between Harry Connick, Jr. and Frank Sinatra.  His has established himself as the consummate entertainer and radio program host as well.

For more information regarding the artists and even samples of their works or to order tickets, visit www.racinezoo.org, and click on “News and Events” to take you to the Animal Crackers Concert Series section.

All proceeds from the Animal Crackers concerts benefit the Racine Zoo. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. with the concerts beginning at 7:00 p.m. City ordinance prohibits any person from bringing in any alcoholic beverages into any city park including the Racine Zoo.  The Racine Zoo reserves the right to search any bag being brought into the Zoo for the concert. Food and beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic can be purchased at the concerts, with a portion of all purchases benefiting the Zoo.

The Racine Zoo is open daily.  Hours between Labor Day and Memorial Day are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The mission of the Racine Zoological Society is to foster an enlightening and affordable wildlife experience that improves the bond between people and nature. The Society will provide for the recreation and education of the people, the conservation of wildlife and wild places, and the advancement of science.

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