Mindi Abair opens Animal Crackers series

Mindi Abair kicks off the 22nd Annual Animal Crackers concert series Wednesday night, July 9, at the Racine Zoo. Tickets are $20 and still available for this singer, songwriter and saxophonist. Gates open at 5:30 pm with the concert beginning at 7 p.m.

Abair adds a unique voice to an exciting new generation of crossover artists. Of all the artists in this year’s concert series, Mindi Abair is probably known best outside the jazz world as well as inside of it. She has toured with the Backstreet Boys, Duran Duran and Josh Groban. "It’s a testament to her mass-appeal,” said David Maack, President of the Animal Crackers Committee.

Season tickets to all four concerts are $60; $54 for Zoo members. Mini-Season tickets to any three of the four concerts are $50. Tickets can be purchased at the Racine Zoo by calling 262-636-9189 or going to their website. For they are also available at all Johnson Bank locations in Racine and The Journal Times.

Animal Crackers Concert Series features four performances in 2008. The Brubeck Brothers Quartet on July 23; Poncho Sanchez on Aug. 6; and John Pizzarelli on Aug. 20. All concerts are rain or shine. Food and beverages are available for purchase. City ordinance forbids any person from bringing any alcoholic beverage into any City park including the Racine Zoo.