2007 Zoo Music Performers

Beginning June 15, the Rio Grande Zoo celebrates summer with its annual outdoor concert series. Advance tickets may be purchased starting May 15, from any Zoo cashier.

• More information on Zoo Music concerts

June 15    Balfa Toujours - Traditional Cajun

The Balfa name conjures up memories of the famous Balfa Brothers, who took their soulful music from the prairies of Mamou to the far corners of the earth.  Balfa Toujours (Balfa Always) is making sure the name will maintain its place for generations to come.  Led by Christine Balfa, daughter of the legendary Cajun fiddle ambassador Dewey Balfa, the group has taken generations of inspiration and created a vibrant sound all their own. 

www.balfatoujours.com

 

June 22    The Greencards - New Bluegrass

Four short years ago, a green card was an immigration document.  Now The Greencards are an acoustic music phenomenon that’s played around the world, headlined major festivals, won awards and toured with Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson.  With a whirling dervish attack, a respect for tradition and a zest for innovation, the Greencards are one of the hottest newgrass groups out there.

www.thegreencards.com

Opening the show:

Jake Shimabukuro - Ukulele Master

Though many still have trouble pronouncing his last name and the instrument he plays, Jake Shimabukuro (she-ma-BOO-koo-row) is unquestionably regarded as one of the world’s top ukulele musicians.  Renowned for lightning-fast fingers and revolutionary playing techniques, Jake views the ukulele as an “untapped source of music with unlimited potential.”

www.jakeshimabukuro.com

June 29    Gaelic Storm - Celtic

They’re back for their 3rd concert at the Rio Grande Zoo, where they’re sure to be a crowd favorite again.  This group creates a sound that remains true to traditional Celtic music while adding an original twist of dizzying whirlwind live energy – hence the name “Gaelic Storm.”  Their dynamic stage show features rousing, upbeat vocals, wild energetic dance tunes, haunting ballads and infectious madcap humor.

http://gaelicstorm.musiccitynetworks.com

 

July 6

NO CONCERT JULY 6

 

July 13     Houston Jones - Acoustic Americana

Houston Jones is a California based high-octane Americana quintet.  Formed in 2001, the band performs a mostly original repertoire that ranges from bluegrass and folk to blues and gospel.  Houston Jones offers a stellar blend of acoustic guitar-driven country-Western paeans to the open plains, jailhouse blues, gospel-inflected done-me-wrongs, and irresistible Celtic string instrumentals in a pastiche of sound and emotion.

www.houstonjones.com

July 20    Eddie from Ohio - Original Folk/Pop

Too energetic to be labeled just “folk,” and not angry enough to be pegged “alternative,” Eddie from Ohio continues to defy description with their unique blend of vocals and acoustic instrumentation.  A bedrock foundation of 'hand & stick' percussion and a textural flavoring of acoustic guitar/bass/harmonica support the four-part harmonies and lyrically-driven original music. 

www.efohio.com

July 27    Aoife Clancy - Irish Ballads      

Aoife (pronounced Ee-fa) brings a refreshing new voice to folk music, one that ranges from traditional Irish songs to ballads to the best work of contemporary songwriters. Her father, Bobby Clancy, of the renowned Clancy Brothers, put a guitar in her hands at the age of ten and by fourteen she was out playing and singing with him in nearby pubs.  Aoife toured extensively with the highly acclaimed group Cherish the Ladies for over four years.

www.aoifeclancy.com