Summer Concert Series 2010 | Oregon Zoo

What you need to know

LOOKING FOR THE 2011 SCHEDULE? DOWNLOAD ONE HERE.

What better way to enjoy live music than in a park-like setting? Blanket, glass of wine, a snack or two, and behind you, elephant trunks swinging gently to the music. That’s just one of the perks. Your concert ticket will allow you into the Zoo at 4 p.m. at the day of the concert so you can actually get in a bit of sight-seeing.

RESERVATION PACKAGES | Sign up early. Another little-known, but supremely awesome way to make a special night of it is to opt for a “Reservation Package”. The concerts are such a great deal (only $11-$40) that adding this special touch isn’t as painful as it might be at other venues. For more info and pricing, click on “Reservation Packages” on the Oregon Zoo’s Concert page.

Blanket Packages
All blanket packages include a reserved spot on the concert lawn and a souvenir blanket. The Premium Blanket Package also includes a special dinner experience, reserved parking and access to a private beer and wine cash bar plus concert glassware souvenirs. All blanket packages are for 2 people (ages 3+) on a single blanket. The blanket is large enough to fit 2 people comfortably.

Café Kalahari Package
Reserved café-style seating for 2 (chairs at bistro tables) on the Kalahari Patio, access to a full dinner buffet with dessert and drinks and a private beer & wine cash bar. The Kalahari Patio is located near the base of the stage adjacent to the concert lawn.

Private Terrace
Gather up some friends for a really special experience. The Private Terrace is the perfect spot for your group of 10 to 20. It offers a unique vantage point overlooking the concert stage, giving you (arguably) the best view of the show. In addition to your own private terrace to watch the show, you’ll enjoy a dinner that lets you ‘eat like the band’: your own buffet with the same spread that the performers enjoy. If that’s not enough, then imagine not having to wait in line at the beer & wine trailers because your terrace also includes a private beer & wine cash bar.

The concerts all start at 7 p.m., but it’s a good idea to get there early for good seats.

Friday, June 25
JEWEL WITH RADNEY FOSTER | Three-time Grammy nominee Jewel performs hits from throughout her multiplatinum career as well as songs from her new country album, “Sweet and Wild,” which comes out June 8. Her first country album, “Perfectly Clear,” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s country charts in 2008. The show is part of Jewel’s Star Light Café Tour presented by Country Financial. Opening is heart-on-his-sleeve country crooner Radney Foster. $24.50

Wednesday, July 7
CAROLINA CHOCOLATE DROPS AND KONONO N°1 | The Carolina Chocolate Drops bring old-time American string-band music up to date, using banjo, fiddle, jugs, and the like to produce a sound brimming with history and smarts. Sharing the bill is Konono N°1, a group from the Congo that amplifies its traditional Bazombo trance music with homemade electronics. $14.50

Wednesday, July 14
CARAVAN PALACE | They’re platinum-selling stars in their native France, but Caravan Palace remain relatively unknown on these shores. That could change soon. With high-profile appearances at this year’s Bonnaroo and Coachella festivals, this exciting electro gypsy-swing band won’t stay a secret for long. $12.00

Wednesday, July 21
BASSEKOU KOUYATE | What’s Bassekou Kouyate, a West African ngoni virtuoso, doing on Sub Pop, the Seattle record label that brought you Nirvana and Soundgarden? Who knows, but we’re glad he’ll be spending some time here in the Northwest. Kouyate’s been playing the ngoni, a lute-like ancestor of the banjo, since he was a kid in his native Mali. His dazzling musicianship has won him fans the world over — including the likes of Eric Clapton, Taj Mahal, Bonnie Raitt and Bono. $11.50

Friday, July 23
JIMMY CLIFF WITH TREVOR HALL | Recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, reggae superstar Jimmy Cliff is playing his biggest North American tour in two decades. Over a career that spans half a century, Cliff has charted the course of Jamaican music and sold more than 20 million records. His appearance in the 1972 film “The Harder They Come,” and his songs from that film’s landmark soundtrack album, helped popularize reggae the world over. Opening the show is acoustic folk-rocker Trevor Hall, whose affinity for reggae has led to previous tours with the Wailers and Steel Pulse. $24.00

Sunday July 25
JAMIE CULLUM | Jamie Cullum has been wowing U.K. fans with his mix of standards, originals and jazzy covers of modern hits ever since his breakout album, “Twentysomething,” shot up the British charts in 2003. Though Cullum recently joined the ranks of thirtysomethings, his youthful exuberance hasn’t diminished. He remains the U.K.’s biggest-selling jazz artist and is quickly becoming a U.S. favorite too, drawing comparisons to Billy Joel and Harry Connick Jr. $22.00

Wednesday, July 28
GREAT BIG SEA | Newfoundland’s Great Big Sea combine the traditional Celtic folk melodies of their homeland with hard-driving rock to create a sound The New York Times has called “as evocative of Newfoundland as were the Beach Boys of California.” $12.50

Wednesday, August 4
STEVE RILEY & THE MAMOU PLAYBOYS | Accordion master Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys will transport you straight to the Louisiana bayous with their traditional Cajun music (sung in French). The band has earned three Grammy nominations and a reputation as one of the best bands around. Laissez les bon temps rouler! $11.00

Sunday, August 8
THE LEVON HELM BAND WITH JOE PUG | A bona fide rock ‘n’ roll legend, Levon Helm is best known for his work with the Band, where he played drums and sang lead on such classics as “The Weight” and “Up on Cripple Creek.” His distinctively soulful, country-tinged voice has earned legions of fans as well as a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. Opening for Helm is Joe Pug, an up-and-coming Chicago singer-songwriter with literate lyrics and a sound that recalls vintage John Prine. $24.00

Wednesday, August 11
CROSS CANADIAN RAGWEED WITH MICKY AND THE MOTORCARS | Cross Canadian Ragweed are leading lights of the “red dirt” musical genre, named for the colorful iron-rich soil found in the Stillwater region of their native Oklahoma. Now partly based in Austin, Texas, this CCR plays a raucous mix of country and Southern rock. They’ll be joined by Micky and the Motorcars, a like-minded band of alt-country “red dirt” rockers. $11.00

Friday, August 13
THE B-52s | Since putting Athens, Ga., on the map in the late ’70s, the B-52s have gone on to inspire whole new generations with their cheeky new-wave party rock. The band’s first single, “Rock Lobster,” became an underground sensation in 1978 and was a highlight on their debut LP the following year. Several hit albums later, the B-52s earned their biggest commercial success on 1989′s “Cosmic Thing,” with hits like “Love Shack” and “Roam.” Last year’s zoo concert was a sold-out classic, so get your tickets early! $27.00

Saturday, August 14
CHRIS ISAAK |  After devoting much of the past decade to acting, Chris Isaak returned to music in a big way last spring. “Mr. Lucky” was the singer’s first studio release in seven years, and it’s apparent that he hasn’t missed a beat since “Wicked Game,” his gorgeous Top 10 hit from 1990. Isaak’s rich voice and soulful style constantly draw comparisons to Elvis and Roy Orbison, and rightly so — it’s hard to name another singer who can croon like that. $37.50

Wednesday, August 18
THE QUEBE SISTERS BAND | The Quebe (pronounced KWAY-be) Sisters take you on a time-warp trip back to the heyday of the Andrews Sisters and Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. Sophia, Hulda and Grace Quebe lend their fiddling skills and pure three-part harmonies to a mix of classic cowboy music, western swing, country and jazz. $10.50

Friday, August 20
THE SWELL SEASON WITH BLACK FRANCIS | You know that couple from the movie “Once” whose song “Falling Slowly” took top honors at the 2007 Oscars? In real life, they are Irish singer-guitarist Glen Hansard and Czech singer-pianist Markéta Irglová, and together they comprise the folk-rock duo known as the Swell Season. Though no longer a couple, the pair remain an amazing musical team. Their latest record, “Strict Joy,” came out last fall to rave reviews. Opening this show is legendary Pixies frontman Black Francis (aka Frank Black). $24.00

Thursday and Friday, August 26 -27
PINK MARTINI | Does anything say summer in Portland quite like a Pink Martini concert at the Oregon Zoo? What better way to hear songs from their latest release — the lush, breezy “Splendor in the Grass” — than on the zoo’s lush, breezy concert lawn? Our hometown heroes are international stars, but despite a busy European touring schedule, Pink Martini will put away its passports for two special performances at the zoo — their only Portland appearances this summer. $32.00

Saturday, August 28
A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION | Garrison Keillor brings his much beloved, long-running live variety show to the zoo. Comedy sketches, sound effects, music and Keillor’s signature “News From Lake Wobegon.” Just like listening to the radio, only better. $39.50