July of 2004
July 29 - Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali Performs at the zoo.
July 28 - Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown Performs at the zoo.
July 21 - Rhonda Vincent and Youssou N'Dour Perform at Oregon Zoo.
July 14 - The Iguanas and It's A Beautiful Day perform at the zoo.
July 10- Oregon Zoo introduces new Two-Buck Tuesday admission policy.
July 6 - Zoo Achieves Third Best Attendance in 117-Year History.
July 2 - The Oregon Zoo Foundation's summer gala, Zoolala: Whiskers A-Go-Go, is slated for Saturday, July 17.
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CLARENCE "GATEMOUTH" BROWN AND RIZWAN-MUAZZAM QAWWALI PERFORM AT THE ZOO
Blues legend Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown and Pakistani spiritual music group Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali will rock the reptiles as they take to the zoo's concert lawn for two separate nights of memorable music. These two bands will be performing as part of the zoo's Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series.
On Wednesday, July 28 at 7 p.m., Grammy winner "Gatemouth" Brown will bring his smooth and spirited Bayou sounds to reptiles and humans alike on the zoo's concert stage. "Gatemouth" Brown is a multi-instrumentalist who dishes up a unique musical gumbo of Cajun, country, blues and R&B. His talent, energy and more than 50 years of stage experience on the guitar, violin, harmonica, mandolin and viola have made him a legend. Brown, recently inducted into the prestigious Blues Foundation Hall of Fame, has toured Europe, Africa and the former Soviet Union as the musical ambassador for the U.S. Department of State. He will highlight tunes from his latest 
release Back to Bogalusa for the zoo's multi-species audience.
On Thursday, July 29 at 7 p.m., Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali will please the polar bears as they play their unique Sufi devotional music on the concert stage. Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali will perform traditional Qawwali music, a style that originated centuries ago in Pakistan and India. This group of young Pakistani musicians uses their music as a vehicle of enlightenment, creating an art form rich in poetic imagery and cultural history. Qawwali music is truly music of the world, including Farsi, Punjabi, Braj Bhasha, Urdu and Arabic languages to create enchanting melodies. Powerful vocals, handclaps, harmoniums and a tabla create a mesmerizing musical presence that will have the sea otters swimming in delight.
Packy and his pals have been partying to zoo summer concerts since 1979. This year the zoo is celebrating its 25th anniversary of the summer concert series. Upcoming performers include Congo dance band Kekele (August 4), Brazilian Grammy winner Daude (August 5) and swingsters Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (August 11).
" The concerts have long been a tradition in Portland," said Krista Swan, event coordinator. "Whether it's a romantic evening or a family night out, concertgoers enjoy great music, the festive atmosphere, and, of course, visiting all the animals."
To celebrate the 25th anniversary, the zoo is making performances even more memorable; concertgoers can pre-order gourmet picnics and reserve top blanket spots on the tiered concert lawn, and chair rentals are available for the first time this year.
" We're making it really easy to enjoy the concerts and have a relaxing dinner on the lawn," said Swan. "People can just come to the zoo and find their delicious, gourmet picnic waiting."
Tickets for these midweek "Plus" level concerts are available for $9 after 4 p.m. the day of the performance, include zoo admission, and are subject to availability. Zoo membership at the "Plus" level includes free admission to all "Plus" concerts, daily visits to the zoo, and the Zoolights holiday festival in the winter. Please visit www.oregonzoo.org for more information about concerts and membership.
Concerts at the zoo help support the California condor conservation program. Concertgoers can do even more to save these endangered birds by adding $1 to their ticket price, which will go directly to condor conservation.
The zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission to inspire the community to create a better future for wildlife. Committed to conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Oregon silverspot butterflies, western pond turtles, Washington pygmy rabbits, and Kincaid's lupine. Other projects include studies on black rhinos, Asian elephants, polar bears and bats.
The zoo opens at 9 a.m. daily and is located five minutes from downtown Portland, just off Highway 26. The zoo is also accessible by MAX light rail line. Zoo visitors are encouraged to ride MAX or take TriMet bus #63 to the Oregon Zoo. Call TriMet Customer Service, 503-238-RIDE (7433), or visit www.trimet.org for fare and route information.
General admission is $9 (12-64), seniors $7.50 (65+), children $6 (3-11), and children under 3 are free. Additional information is available on the zoo's Web site at www.oregonzoo.org or by calling 503-226-1561.
25th Anniversary of Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series
Oregon Zoo Plus Concerts:
Wednesday, July 28……………..……………Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown
Thursday, July 29……………………………..Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali
Wednesday, August 4…………………………Kekele
Thursday, August 5……………………………Daude
Wednesday, August 11………………………..Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Thursday, August 12……..……………………Dave Alvin with Ellis Hooks
Thursday, August 19…………………………..Jaojoby
Wednesday, August 25………………………...White Bird Dance Series
Tickets for midweek "Plus" level concerts are available for $9 after 4 p.m. the day of the performance and are subject to availability. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. Ticket price includes zoo admission.
Oregon Zoo Premium Concerts:
Sunday, July 25……….Bela Fleck and the Flecktones……………………………$20
Friday, August 6……..Greg Brown w/ Todd Snider……………………………..$17
Sunday, August 15……Robert Cray & Buddy Guy……………………………….$22
Friday, August 20……David Byrne featuring the Tosca Strings………….. ……$18
Saturday, August 21……Shawn Colvin & Cowboy Junkies………………………. $22
Tuesday, August 31……Emmylou Harris w/ Patty Griffin & Buddy Miller………$27
All concerts begin at 7 p.m. Tickets for premium concerts can be purchased in person at the zoo box office with no service charge. Tickets are also available through TicketsWest. For phone orders, call TicketsWest at 503-224-8499 (outside Portland call 1-800-992-TIXX) or visit any convenient TicketsWest Ticket Centers at participating Safeway grocery stores.
Ticket is valid after 4 p.m., Amphitheater opens at 5 p.m., concerts begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
RHONDA VINCENT AND YOUSSOU N'DOUR PERFORM AT OREGON ZOO
Four-time female bluegrass vocalist of the year Rhonda Vincent and internationally renowned Youssou N'Dour sing to the sea lions and Oregon Zoo concertgoers when they take the stage for two separate nights of memorable music. These two bands will be performing as part of the zoo's Wells Fargo Concert Series.
On Wednesday, July 21 at 7 p.m., mandolinist and fiddler Rhonda Vincent takes the stage, bringing her notable mix of original lyrics, reworked honky-tonk, gospel and classic bluegrass to zoo concertgoers. Vincent and her band The Rage have been honored with several prestigious awards throughout their career. In addition to her four-year run as female bluegrass vocalist of the year, Vincent has won accolades this year from the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of the Americas Society, including "best entertainer," "best bluegrass band," and "album of the year" for her latest release One Step Ahead. Vincent's soulful voice and powerful arrangements have put her at the forefront of the current revival of roots inspired music.
On Thursday, July 22, 7 p.m., Youssou N'Dour, perhaps the most celebrated African musician in history, sings to the elephants from the zoo's concert stage. Dubbed "African Artist of the Century," N'Dour is an incomparable singer, songwriter, and composer. His mix of traditional Senegalese mbalax with eclectic sounds ranging from Cuban samba to hip hop, jazz, and soul have won him an international fan base of millions. N'Dour is a powerful cultural icon actively involved in social issues. In addition to being an ambassador to the United Nations, he acts as a spokesman for UNICEF, performing concerts benefiting the children of AIDS victims. Rolling Stone writes, "if any Third World performer has a real shot at the sort of universal popularity last enjoyed by Bob Marley, it's Youssou, a singer with a voice so extraordinary that the history of Africa seems locked inside it."
Packy and his pals have been partying to zoo summer concerts since 1979. This year the zoo is celebrating its 25th anniversary of the summer concert series. Upcoming performers include blues great Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown (July 28), Congo dance band Kekele (August 4), Brazilian Grammy winner Daude (August 5) and swingsters Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (August 11).
" The concerts have long been a tradition in Portland," said Krista Swan, event coordinator. "Whether it's a romantic evening or a family night out, concertgoers enjoy great music, the festive atmosphere, and, of course, visiting all the animals."
To celebrate the 25th anniversary, the zoo is making performances even more memorable; concertgoers can pre-order gourmet picnics and reserve top blanket spots on the tiered concert lawn, and chair rentals are available for the first time this year.
" We're making it really easy to enjoy the concerts and have a relaxing dinner on the lawn," said Swan. "People can just come to the zoo and find their delicious, gourmet picnic waiting."
Tickets for these midweek "Plus" level concerts are available for $9 after 4 p.m. the day of the performance, include zoo admission, and are subject to availability. Zoo membership at the "Plus" level includes free admission to all "Plus" concerts, daily visits to the zoo and the Zoolights holiday festival in the winter. Please visit www.oregonzoo.org for more information about concerts and membership.
Concerts at the zoo help support the California condor conservation program. Concertgoers can do even more to save these endangered birds by adding $1 to their ticket price, which will go directly to condor conservation.
The zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission to inspire the community to create a better future for wildlife. Committed to conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Oregon silverspot butterflies, western pond turtles, Washington pygmy rabbits, and Kincaid's lupine. Other projects include studies on black rhinos, Asian elephants, polar bears and bats.
OREGON ZOO INTRODUCES NEW TWO-BUCK TUESDAY ADMISSION POLICY
The Oregon Zoo will begin offering discounted zoo admission on the second Tuesday of every month beginning August 10, 2004. Guests can tour the zoo during regular zoo hours for the discounted price of $2 per person. Children under three years of age will, as always be admitted free of charge.
The discounted admission is a shift from the “Free Tuesday” policy, which allowed visitors to tour the zoo without charge on the second Tuesday of every month, but only from 1 p.m. until closing. Due to safety concerns and poor visitor experiences, zoo management chose to charge a nominal fee and extend the discount for the entire day.
“Problems were developing with the free policy,” said Oregon Zoo Director, Tony Vecchio. “Cars were lining up in both directions on Highway 26 by noon, causing traffic problems for several hours. Even if everyone took advantage of light rail, the logistical problem of getting the large volume of visitors through the gate created a less than positive experience for staff and visitors. We received numerous complaints from visitors stating that they were not able to get close to exhibits due to the crowds.”
The zoo expects visitors to take advantage of the discount over the course of the day, decreasing the problems.
“I love to see huge attendance numbers,” continued Vecchio. “But if visitors leave the gate without learning something about the extraordinary animals that reside here, numbers don’t mean a thing.
Besides “Two-Buck Tuesdays,” the zoo also offers a 20 percent discount on admission and train rates for any group of 20 or more paying visitors, when one payment is made for the entire purchase. School group rates, with advance reservations are available for $3 per student. Zoo memberships rates begin at $39.
ZOO ACHIEVES THIRD BEST ATTENDANCE IN 117-YEAR HISTORY
Attendance at Oregon Zoo bucks national downward trend
Popular spring break events, summer camps and the new Eagle Canyon exhibit have helped boost the Oregon Zoo's fiscal year (July 1-June 30) attendance to 1,318,458, making it the third best year in the zoo's 117-year history.
The zoo's strong attendance is especially striking when compared with amusement parks around the country. Attendance at amusement parks in North America fell two percent in 2003, according to the annual survey by Amusement Business, a trade publication.
Zoo Director Tony Vecchio is pleased by the strong community support.
" This has been one of our best years," says Vecchio. "The zoo achieved record attendance in the months of February, March and April, and strong visitation in June."
Vecchio attributes the zoo's exemplary attendance record to the popularity of the zoo's many special programs and the Memorial Day weekend opening of the new Eagle Canyon exhibit.
" Eagle Canyon has been a great addition to the zoo," says Vecchio. "It's the first zoo exhibit in the world to feature free-flying bald eagles living with salmon; it's a beautiful habitat for these impressive birds."
Vecchio adds that other special exhibits and events such as the Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series, Howloween, Rabbit Romp, World Animal Festival and ZooLights not only bring in more visitors, they also help fund the zoo's many conservation and education programs.
Another new program that proved popular was the Zoo's Gone Wild spring break celebration, a promotion that led to near record attendance for the holiday week.
The zoo's summer camps have also reached all-time high enrollment numbers, already surpassing last summer's total. The number of zoo memberships has increased, hitting a record 38,700. The zoo's Conservation Circle, an exclusive group for donors who give $1,000 or more, achieved record membership as well, growing to more than 100.
" We continue to attract large audiences because of our commitment to always offer new exhibits and new things to do and see at the zoo," says Vecchio.
The first time the zoo's attendance topped one million was during the 1962-63 fiscal year, when Packy was born. The pachyderm's birth brought in 1,010,964 spectators from all over the Northwest eager to see the first baby elephant born in the United States in 44 years. It wasn't until 1989 that the zoo broke the one million mark again. Since then, the zoo has welcomed more than a million guests in 11 of the last 13 years.
The Oregon Zoo continues to have the highest attendance of any fee-based tourist attraction in Oregon. Only Multnomah Falls and Timberline Lodge, which do not charge an admission fee, have more annual visitors.
THE IGUANAS AND IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY PERFORM AT THE ZOO
New Orleans-based band The Iguanas and 60s rock band It's A Beautiful Day will have the black howler monkeys howling as they take to the zoo's concert lawn for two separate nights of memorable music. These two nationally renowned rock bands will be performing as part of the zoo's Wells Fargo Concert Series.
On Wednesday, July 14 at 7 p.m., Zydeco rockers The Iguanas will bring their unique sounds to monkeys and humans alike at the zoo. Hailing from the Big Easy, The Iguanas have built a reputation as one of the most popular bands in one of the world's most musical cities. Their musical style blends R&B, Latin, Caribbean, and Americana rock. Their most recent album, Plastic Silver 9 Volt Heart, is considered their best work yet, combining a party attitude with potent lyrics to create a complex, layered sound. The Iguanas skillfully combine a variety of instruments, including saxophone, bajo sexto (a Mexican string instrument), guitar, drums and bass.
On Thursday, July 15 at 7 p.m., influential San Francisco rock band It's A Beautiful Day will take to the stage. It's A Beautiful Day, led by internationally recognized violinist David LeFlemme, will share timeless classics of the 1960s with the tigers and the audience. LaFlemme took the band to icon status during the 60s. They broke the top-ten ranks with their hit, "White Bird," in 1969. It's A Beautiful Day has matured over the years - their new sound echoes old-style rock but showcases the band's improvements as well.
Packy and his pals have been partying to zoo summer concerts since 1979. This year the zoo is celebrating its 25th anniversary of the summer concert series.
"The concerts have long been a tradition in Portland," said Krista Swan, event coordinator.
"Whether it's a romantic evening or a family night out, concertgoers enjoy great music, the festive atmosphere, and, of course, visiting all the animals."
To celebrate the 25th anniversary, the zoo is making performances even more memorable; concertgoers can pre-order gourmet picnics and reserve top blanket spots on the tiered concert lawn, and chair rentals are available for the first time this year.
" We're making it really easy to enjoy the concerts and have a relaxing dinner on the lawn," said Swan. "People can just come to the zoo and find their delicious, gourmet picnic waiting."
Tickets for these midweek "Plus" level concerts are available for $9 after 4 p.m. the day of the performance, include zoo admission and are subject to availability. Zoo membership at the "Plus" level includes free admission to all "Plus" concerts, daily visits to the zoo and the Zoolights holiday festival in the winter. Please visit www.oregonzoo.org for more information about concerts and membership.
Concerts at the zoo help support the California condor conservation program. Concertgoers can do even more to save these endangered birds by adding $1 to their ticket price, which will go directly to condor conservation.
The zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission to inspire the community to create a better future for wildlife. Committed to conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Oregon silverspot butterflies, western pond turtles, Washington pygmy rabbits, and Kincaid's lupine. Other projects include studies on black rhinos, Asian elephants, polar bears and bats.
The zoo opens at 9 a.m. daily and is located five minutes from downtown Portland, just off Highway 26. The zoo is also accessible by MAX light rail line. Zoo visitors are encouraged to ride MAX or take TriMet bus #63 to the Oregon Zoo. Call TriMet Customer Service, 503-238-RIDE (7433), or visit www.trimet.org for fare and route information.
General admission is $9 (12-64), seniors $7.50 (65+), children $6 (3-11), and children under 3 are free. Additional information is available on the zoo's Web site at www.oregonzoo.org or by calling 503-226-1561.
Oregon Zoo Plus Concerts:
Thursday, July 8……………………………...Riders in the Sky
Wednesday, July 14………………………….The Iguanas
Thursday, July 15……………………………..It's A Beautiful Day
Wednesday, July 21…………….…………….Rhonda Vincent
Thursday, July 22…….………………………Youssou N'Dour
Wednesday, July 28……………..……………Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown
Thursday, July 29……………………………..Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali
Wednesday, August 4…………………………Kekele
Thursday, August 5……………………………Daude
Wednesday, August 11………………………..Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Thursday, August 12……..……………………Dave Alvin with Ellis Hooks
Thursday, August 19…………………………..Jaojoby
Wednesday, August 25………………………...White Bird Dance Series
Tickets for midweek "Plus" level concerts are available for $9 after 4 p.m. the day of the performance and are subject to availability. Ticket price includes zoo admission.
THE OREGON ZOO FOUNDATION'S SUMMER GALA, ZOOLALA: WHISKERS A-GO-GO, IS SLATED FOR SATURDAY, JULY 17.
The Oregon Zoo Foundation's summer gala, Zoolala: Whiskers A-Go-Go, is slated for Saturday, July 17, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The fifth annual Zoolala, presented by AT&T Wireless and co-sponsored by Spirit Mountain Casino, features culinary delights from more than 30 of Portland's premier restaurants, bakeries, breweries, wineries and coffee hosts, and live music from The Beatniks. Proceeds from Whiskers A-Go-Go will help bring cougar and bobcat to the Cascade Canyon portion of the Great Northwest exhibit complex at the zoo.
Several restaurants renewed their commitment to Zoolala 2004, including Ringside Steakhouse, Timberline Lodge, Salty's on the Columbia, and Paragon Restaurant and Bar, while Hubers: Portland's Oldest Restaurant, The Old Spaghetti Factory, Beaverton Bakery and Morton's, The Steakhouse are entering their fifth year of participation. Zoolala will also feature newcomers Mint, be Zinful Catering, Mother's Bistro and Bar, Queen of Sheba, Tucci Restaurant, and La Calaca Comelona. For a complete list, please visit the zoo's Web site at www.oregonzoo.org.
" One of the reasons Zoolala is the zoo's most successful fundraiser is because of these superb restaurants," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "Each year, I am amazed by the creativity and quality of the food that is served. It continues to attract new guests and makes the evening a true culinary experience."
The signature Zoolala Chardonnay, labeled specially for Zoolala by Willamette Valley Vineyards, will accompany the food along with wines from Stone Wolf Vineyards and Black Swan Vineyards. Finely crafted brews will also be featured, with Full Sail Brewing, Portland Brewing Company and Widmer Brothers Brewing Company on site.
A pre-gala Cool Cat Patron party starts at 6 p.m. for Patron ticket holders, who can enter at Oregon Zoo's former main entrance (Gate E) and walk or ride the train to the pre-event Patron party in front of the stage. Guests of the Patron party will get the rare opportunity to meet a bobcat and a Siberian lynx. Additionally, the Patron party will feature a full hosted bar, door prizes, special entertainers and the eclectic sounds of musical quintet 3 Leg Torso.
The gala starts at 7 p.m., as Gate E opens to all ticket holders. Then, the restaurants open their booths, the wine is uncorked, the kegs are tapped and the party begins! The main music act starts at 8 p.m. with The Beatniks.
While making their way down to the festivities, guests can see Zoolala proceeds at work as they walk through the newly constructed Trillium Creek Family Farm exhibit. Proceeds from Zoolala 2001 and 2002 helped fund the Great Northwest exhibit, which includes the Family Farm as well as Cascade Crest, Steller Cove and the recently opened Eagle Canyon.
Zoolala guests will also enjoy the opportunity to see some of the zoo's animals at night. In the front viewing area, adjacent to the main stage, the females (or cows) of the zoo's elephant herd will be munching on timothy hay and swaying to the feel-good tunes of The Beatniks.
" The zoo is a lively place during the day, but it can be almost magical at night," says Vecchio. "With the sights and sounds of our animals-many of whom are much more active at dusk-Zoolala promises to be the social event of the summer."
Zoolala is presented by AT&T Wireless and co-sponsored by Spirit Mountain Casino, with K103FM as media sponsor. Tickets are now available online at www.oregonzoo.org.
The zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission to inspire the community to create a better future for wildlife. Committed to conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Oregon silverspot butterflies, western pond turtles, Washington pygmy rabbits and Kincaid's lupine. Other projects include studies on black rhinos, Asian elephants, polar bears and bats.
The Oregon Zoo Foundation coordinates all private fund-raising efforts on behalf of the Oregon Zoo, including a membership program, animal sponsorships, corporate and foundation support and major gifts. The Foundation shares the Oregon Zoo's mission: "Inspiring our community to create a better future for wildlife."
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