Animal Crackers lists 22nd season schedule

The line-up for the 2008 Animal Crackers Concert Series includes Mindi Abair, Brubeck Brothers Quartet, Poncho Sanchez and John Pizzarelli.

This year’s 22nd season features four shows, on Wednesday nights in July and August at the Kiwanis Memorial Amphitheatre at the Racine Zoo, 2131 North Main St.

The concerts feature "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 even to non-music lovers,” said Jay Christie, Zoo president and CEO.

For a limited time, season tickets can be purchased for $50 from the zoo's website, gift shop and at the Zoo’s administrative office at 200 Goold Street. Starting June 1, season tickets will cost $60 and mini-packs of three tickets will be $50. Single concert tickets will be available starting June 22 for $20.

“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. “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.”

Mindi Abair, a singer, songwriter and saxophonist, will open the series on July 9. Abair adds a refreshingly unique voice. She has three number one singles and her last CD debuted at number one on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz chart. She has toured with Duran Duran, Josh Groban and the Backstreet Boys, and hosts the syndicated radio show “Chill with Mindi Abair.”

The July 23 concert features the Brubeck Brothers Quartet. The quartet features two members of one of America’s most recognized musical families. Daniel Brubeck plays drums while Chris Brubeck handles bass and trombone. Guitarist, Mike DeMicco and pianist Chuck Lamb complete the group. Although the quartet’s style is rooted in “straight-ahead” jazz, their concerts integrate the influences of funk, blues and world music.

Poncho Sanchez, on Aug. 6, is a Grammy-winning percussionist and bandleader, with a patented blend of Latin jazz, funk, classic R & B, and a storyteller. As leader of the most popular Latin jazz group in the world, his congas and ensemble do the talking with fiery grooves and smooth jams.

The series concludes with John Pizzarelli. Scheduled to perform the season finale in 2007, bad weather scared away a large crowd, so he is returning on Aug. 20. A jazz guitarist, vocalist and bandleader, he is known for classic standards, late night ballads and a cool jazz flavor, a cross between Harry Connick Jr. and Frank Sinatra.

For more information regarding the artists, samples of their music, and 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 Animal Crackers concerts benefit the Racine Zoo. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. with the concerts beginning at 7 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.