GLAZA's Two Evenings of MUSIC IN THE ZOO Set for Tonight, 7/13 & 7/27

The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) presents a rare opportunity for after-hours visits on two evenings of "MUSIC IN THE ZOO" under the stars, including BEST OF MUSIC IN THE L.A. ZOO NIGHT tonight, July 13, 2012, and GLOBAL FUSION NIGHT on Friday, July 27, 2012. Performances take place throughout the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens while guests view more than a few animals staying up past their bedtimes. Picnics are permitted, and a tempting array of food and beverages offerings are available. Both evenings are 6 to 9 p.m., with animals seen until 8 p.m.

An eclectic program of classic rock, blues, and pop featured at BEST OF MUSIC IN THE L.A. ZOO NIGHT includes Cubensis (Grateful Dead cover band), Long Beach Caravan Trio (jazz), Masanga Marimba (Zimbabwean marimabas), Caravana (Latin reggae), Patrolled by Radar (alt-country), Wayward Sons (arena rock cover band), David Vito Gregoli and Primordial Sonics (ambient aboriginal fusion), and The Heist (classic rock cover band).

GLOBAL FUSION NIGHT offers world music bands, among them Rocky Neck Bluegrass Band, Marieve Herington Band (French), Paddy’s Pig (Irish), Wicked Tinkers (tribal Celtic), AK and Her Kalashnikovs (Slavic), Bandidos de Amor (California rumba), Tropical Punch (Calypso), Shaya and Rafi (Mediterranean), and Kenny Hudson and World Beat (African).

"Music in the Zoo" is among many programs presented by the private, non-profit Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA), founded in 1963. For nearly five decades, GLAZA has funded exhibits, plant and animal species conservation, capital projects, and education and community outreach programs at the Los Angeles Zoo, an international leader in the preservation of endangered species and a conservation center for the care and study of wildlife. GLAZA also builds and invests endowment funds and operates five essential departments on behalf of the Zoo, including development, publications, membership, volunteers and oversight of the Zoo's food/retail concessions. There are currently 73,000 GLAZA member households representing more than 300,000 adults and children, the largest membership base of a cultural organization in Los Angeles, and a volunteer corps of over 700.

Food stations set up around the Zoo both nights offer an array of dining options, including Street Tacos with Pickled Slaw and Zoo Chili Sauce; Banh Mi Pork Belly Sandwiches on Ficelle Roll; Chicken Andouille Sausage, Maersenbier German Bratwursts; Dry Aged Angus Beef Burger; and BBQ Pulled Pork Slider with Bacon Coleslaw and "Sassy and Spicy" BBQ. Also served at Zoo dining areas are specialty burgers and sandwiches, summer salads, Southern fried chicken tenders, Jodi Maroni mild Italian sausage, hand- carved sandwiches, ice creams, popcorn, Lindie’s Almonds, kettle corn, and filled fancy churros (chocolate, caramel and raspberry sauces). Local micro brewery Golden Road and Eagle Rock beers are available as well.

Admission to "Music in the Zoo" for GLAZA members is $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 2-12; general public prices are $20 for adults and $15 for children ages 2-12. Children under age 2 are free.

The Los Angeles Zoo is located in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. Tickets for "Music in the Zoo" may be purchased at the Zoo or in advance by phone at (323) 644-6042 or online at http://www.lazoo.org.

Photo credit: Hugh Stegman