The zoo is introducing a new generation of Wednesday concerts for members at the Plus level or above. Wednesday concerts are being expanded into Sunset at the Zoo events, a series of four summer evenings providing a festival atmosphere for friends and family, with live music from local artists, regional food, beer and wine, and programming for adults and kids focused on the animals that are particularly active at dusk.
Each night will feature live bird shows on the stage, storytelling, face-painting, crafts and games for kids, as well as self-guided night hikes, animal talks and a bat house building station. Get to know some of those animals that may be sleeping during your daytime visits!
Here is the rundown for the August 8th Sunset at the Zoo concert:
5 to 6:30 p.m. Mr. Ben and Friends in Pacific Shores Plaza
Mr. Ben plays live music for kids and families in and around Portland, OR. His shows are the perfect blend of entertainment and education. Your child can participate as much or as little as they choose — they are free to explore new musical ideas and concepts at their own pace and in their own way. So when you come to a Mr. Ben show, you can feel good about the fact that you are taking an active role in your child’s cognitive development, laying the foundation for their musical education, and helping to dispel the myth that only some people have musical potential.
5:30 p.m. Dragon Theatre Arabian Nights stories by the sun bear habitat
Founded in 1994 by Jason Ropp, Dragon Theater Puppets has a strong following and a reputation for being the life of the party. With show themes catering to environmental, fantasy, animals, Sci-Fi, cultural, holiday and historical genres, Dragon Theater offers something for everyone. Their unique shows keep people talking for years to come.
6 p.m. Wild Life Live! on the main stage
This summer’s show, Wild About Oregon, is a free-flight bird show that focuses on Pacific Northwest species. Experience birds such as eagles, red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures soaring directly overhead.
6:30 to 8 p.m. Luzelena Mendoza, of Y La Bamba, on the main stage
With their new album, Court the Storm, Portland OR’s Y La Bamba return with a haunting second full-length of delicately crafted art folk. “The voice is most effective when it’s indistinguishable from the emotion of the lyric as well as the drama of the rhythm and chords” says NPR’s Felix Contreras when discussing Y La Bamba’s stunning front-woman, adding “… Luz Elena Mendoza stands very near the front of this pack.” Luzelena Mendoza’s songs draw from her strict Catholic upbringing as an only daughter of a Mexican immigrant and the vocal harmonies of the Latin music she grew up around. Mendoza quickly captivated the attention of a group of musicians, including current Y La Bamba members Michael Kitson (percussion), Eric Schrepel (accordion), and Ben Meyercord (bass). Impressed by Y La Bamba, Chris Funk of The Decemberists offered his production skills pro bono for the band’s proper debut album, Lupon.
Sunset at the Zoo is held every other Wednesday evening in July and August. Everyone is invited to join in the fun of Sunset at the Zoo. However, as a special thank you to Oregon Zoo members, Sunset events are free for zoo members at the Plus level and above. If you are a member at the Plus level or higher, show your membership card at the gate to receive complimentary tickets for yourself and all named members on the membership account. Non-members, or members at the basic level, receive entry with regular gate admission fees.
We are excited to be giving away a family four pack of tickets to this fun concert event! Enter below.
