Indianapolis Prize Outreach Events seltzer provider; Official wine sponsor of Indianapolis Zoo Special Events
One of the Zoo’s longest-running events, this series will showcase a diverse lineup of musicians from across the Midwest, covering jazz genres from classic to contemporary, smooth soul to blues, and even blending in the sounds of pop and R&B.
All performances will take place under the Bicentennial Pavilion. Located near the Zoo’s entrance, this stunning space offers an open-air atmosphere as well as weather protection — a perfect place for attendees to relax for an evening of music, rain or shine.
Best of all, concerts are included with Zoo admission. Come early and enjoy a full day of Zoo fun, then stay late for a night of live jazz music! And, enjoy the ambiance of the Zoo after-hours along with:
*Looking to bring a group? Tables of ten are available for reservation during each night of the concert series. Contact Group Sales or call (317) 630-2051 to get more information.
*Members receive buy two, get two free ride tickets (limit of 20 tickets) from 5-7pm every night of the concert series.
Enjoy every summer concert performance for FREE with your Zoo membership! Plus, you'll get 12 months of unlimited Zoo parking and admission, including ZooBoo and Christmas at the Zoo, discounts throughout the Zoo and much more.
The Cohen-Rutkowski Project focuses on sophisticated but high-energy acoustic jazz with a strong component of originals. The Cohen-Rutkowski Mix is a hard-grooving R&B based ensemble and The Mix is an events band that can equally satisfy the cultured listener and rock the dance floor!
Avenue Indy is a jazz quintet presenting creative versions of great melodies in a jazz vibe. The band plays original arrangements bringing fresh licks to familiar tunes ranging from the Great American Songbook, jazz standards and popular tunes from many decades.
The Phelps Connection is a collection of some of Indy’s finest musicians, featuring legendary drummer Kenny Phelps and lead vocalist Valerie Phelps, brought together to perform classic compositions of jazz, songwriter and soul, rolled into an inspirational assortment of music.
Wendy’s background in musical theater has helped make her the consummate entertainer: both an amazing singer and energetic party host. The six-piece Wendy Reed Band, comprised of seasoned musicians from Indianapolis, is developing a fast following in the regional wedding and corporate market.
“Befitting a guitarist from America’s heartland, Chris Ballantine mixes jazz, folk-rock, surf/instro, blues, pop and country into a simmering pot of guitar sound and style.” – Vintage Guitar Magazine
This Latin jazz and salsa ensemble brings a high energy sound. Pavel & Direct Contact is led by pianist Pavel Polanco-Safadit and backed by an outstanding band of musicians.
The Tucker Brothers Group was founded by brother Joel and Nick Tucker in 2015 with the mission of creating thoughtful and positive instrumental music.
A staple in the Midwest Arts Community for over 20 years as a performer, producer, composer, educator and recording artist, Cathy Morris combines contemporary jazz melodies and chords with Latin rhythms, funk grooves, fusion, rock, blues, Celtic and even Cajun fun creating her own distinctive sounds she calls “party jazz.”
Dinner: Paella – Spanish-style chicken and sausage dish with spring peas, fire-roasted bell peppers, and saffron rice. (gluten-free**, vegetarian upon request)
Dessert: Lemon Berry Cream Cake (vegetarian)
Dinner: Taco Party – Choice of marinated chicken or beef with tortilla chips. Served street taco style with diced cucumbers, onions, cilantro, lime wedges, cotija cheese, and pico de gallo. (Gluten-Free with Corn tortilla) (Vegetarian option with meatless chorizo).
Dessert: All natural Frozen Fruit Popsicles (Vegan/Vegetarian)
Dinner: Ultimate Bowl – Grilled chicken with quinoa, summer slaw, avocado, edamame beans, fire roasted beets, hardboiled egg, lime chipotle vinaigrette and Queso Fresco. (Vegetarian Option has substituted the grilled chicken for vegan achiote marinated grilled cauliflower, Vegan option is no cheese.)
Dessert: Funnel Cake Fries with raspberry sauce & powder sugar (Vegan)
Dinner: Burgers & Brats – 8oz grilled burgers with lettuce, tomato, onion, and American cheese on a sesame seed bun, or the classic Bratwurst with caramelized onions on a brat bun, both served with Fries. (Vegan/Vegetarian option is IMPOSSIBLE BURGER.)
Dessert: Chocolate Drumstick Ice Cream Cone
Dinner: Alabama BBQ Chicken Drummies – Smoked chicken drumsticks with Alabama’s infamous white BBQ sauce, sweet summer slaw, and buttered corn. (Gluten Free)
Dessert: Hummingbird cake three layers of banana cake with pineapple are baked and iced with a cream cheese icing covered with roasted pecans and coconut. (vegetarian)
Dinner: Asian Take-Out – Stir-fry chicken with wok-&-roll sauce, steamed white rice, and vegetables. (Gluten-Free, and vegetarian upon request) (Vegetarian option is fried tofu)
Dessert: New York Cheesecake with strawberry coulis and cream. (vegetarian)
Dinner: Indiana Pork Tenderloin Sandwich – Crispy fried locally made pork fritter with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, on a Kaiser roll with waffle fries and mustard on the side.
Dessert: Sugar Cream Pie with rhubarb compote & Chantilly cream.
Dinner: Hatch Green Chili Carnitas – Chef’s south Texas pork carnitas served with Hatch Chili sauce, avocado, cabbage, cilantro, red radish, and cilantro on white corn or flour tortillas. (Gluten-Free with corn tortilla upon request)
Dessert: Lemon Berry Cream Cake (vegetarian)
Mozzarella Salad Mozzarella Cheese, Romaine Lettuce, grape tomatoes, kalamata olives and sliced red onion with a balsamic dressing. (vegetarian)
Grilled Chicken Caesar Marinated and grilled chicken, Romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing.
Chef’s Salad Ham, Turkey, Cheddar, Hard-boiled egg, tomatoes, cucumber with ranch dressing.
Chicken Caesar Wrap Grilled chicken, creamy Caesar dressing, parmesan cheese, romaine lettuce, garlic pesto tortilla.
Veggie Hummus Wrap Orzo, quinoa, roasted vegetables & red pepper hummus in a spinach tortilla. (vegetarian)
Italian Grinder Ham, Salami, Provolone cheese on a hoagie with lettuce, tomato, onion, and Italian dressing.
FRUITERIA
We will have our own FRUITERIA, which will offer fresh cut fruit & veggies, watermelon slices, agua frescas, special non-alcoholic drinks, and fun Latin inspired options.
** While some of the meals are gluten free, our kitchen does have nuts, flour, and shellfish, exposing our food to potential crossover contamination of these allergens.
**All items subject to change based on availability.
