For three decades, the smooth sounds of jazz have been a summertime tradition at the Indianapolis Zoo.
One of the Zoo’s longest-running events, Animals and All That Jazz returns July 6 and continues every Thursday night through Aug. 3. The 2017 season will showcase a range of distinctive artists, from longtime favorites to acts new to the Zoo stage.
And for its 30th season, the beloved concert series will have a brand new home inside the beautiful Bicentennial Pavilion. The shaded, airy structure combines the best of indoor and outdoor venues to provide a perfect place for concertgoers to relax for an evening of fun and music. With its convenient location near the front of the Zoo, with plenty of animal exhibits nearby, guests can enjoy a full day at the Zoo along with the free evening performance.
This year’s Animals and All That Jazz 2017 series includes:
July 6: Rob Dixon
The series starts on a high note with a performance from a nationally recognized saxophonist and Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame member.
• Menu: “Opa!” with gyros, salad bar and apple or cherry turnovers.
July 13: Appalatin
Bridging the musical traditions of Latin and American folk, this band’s foot-stomping, hip-swinging sounds have been in the spotlight on festival stages around the Midwest.
• Menu: “Southern Comfort” with Louisiana po’boys, salad bar and warm bread pudding.
July 20: Cowbell Jazz featuring Yvonne Allu
With musical influences from the jazz, funk and pop genres, Cowbell Jazz featuring the soulful and rich vocals of Yvonne Allu will offer something for everyone in the audience.
• Menu: “Tex-Mex” with build-your-own burrito or burrito bowl, salad bar and churros.
July 27: West Central Quartet
From classic to contemporary, this high-energy foursome showcases an eclectic mix of music that reaches across multiple jazz genres. Their unique approach to entertaining is sure to get crowds up on their feet.
• Menu: “Taste of Italy” with pasta bar, salad bar and cheesecake.
Aug. 3: Mark Buselli’s BSU Gatos
The concert series finale will offer a one-of-a-kind combination of big band and Latin jazz music, blended beautifully by an accomplished composer, arranger and educator.
• Menu: “Sizzling Fajitas” with fajitas, salad bar and sopapillas.
In addition to regular Zoo fare, each concert will feature a different menu of specialty food options. Adults can also enjoy samples of craft beers from a rotating list of local breweries, including Metazoa Brewing Co., Sun King Brewery and TwoDEEP Brewing, as well as a cash bar.
Concerts will go on rain or shine. Tables and seating inside the Pavilion are available to guests on a first-come, first-served basis.
Animals and All That Jazz concerts are free to Zoo members and included with regular admission. Guests can purchase discount tickets at Indiana Members Credit Union locations and enjoy the full day at the Zoo. Advance tickets are also available at IndianapolisZoo.com.
About the Indianapolis Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo empowers people and communities, both locally and globally, to advance animal conservation. Located in White River State Park downtown, the Indianapolis Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Alliance of Museums as a zoo, aquarium and botanical garden. Visit IndianapolisZoo.com
