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 and is joined by renowned vocalist Sandy Lomax, “Queen of Scat” of Indianapolis, to create a new and exciting texture and chapter in the group’s life.
The Hickey-Shanafelt 9ollective is a contemporary jazz nonet dedicated to the performance and development of the modern jazz repertoire. Based in Indianapolis, the group is composed of established local professionals and young, up-and-coming musicians who share a passion for bringing this music to our community.
Gene Markiewicz is one of Indianapolis most established drummers, having performed with many of the areas finest musicians and organizations. He performs with his ensemble The Gene Markiewicz Band! and is a part of an exciting trio featuring pianist Gary Walters, and bassist Peter Hansen.
Premium Blend is a modern jazz quartet that combines elements of bebop, hard bop, R&B and groove in its original compositions. This ensemble is led by saxophonist Jared Thompson and backed by guitarist-songwriter Ryan Taylor and keyboardist-songwriter Steven Jones.
The Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra is Indiana’s premier professional repertory big band jazz ensemble. Featuring outstanding professional musicians and vocalists from Central Indiana, the IJO was created to preserve and advance the rich and dynamic history of the big band.
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.”
Sean Imboden is an American saxophonist and composer. Sean’s music pioneers forward-thinking, original compositions, with cutting-edge live performances.
Monika Herzig is one of Indiana’s best-known and most acclaimed jazz musicians. As a touring jazz pianist, Herzig has performed at prestigious jazz clubs and festivals around the world.
Learn more about the Monika Herzig Acoustic Project
DINNER: Paella (gluten free, vegetarian upon request)
DESSERT: Lemon Berry Cream Cake (vegetarian)
DINNER: Midwest BBQ Bash! (Gluten Free)
DESSERT: Push Pops!
DINNER: Churrasco Carnival
DESSERT: Funnel Cake Fries (Vegan)
DINNER: Burgers & Brats
DESSERT: Chocolate Drumstick Ice Cream Cone
DINNER: Alabama BBQ Chicken Drummys (Gluten Free)
DESSERT: Hummingbird cake (vegetarian)
DINNER: Yakitori (Gluten Free, and vegetarian upon request)
DESSERT: MOCHI! (vegetarian)
DINNER: JAMBALAYA!
DESSERT: Sugar Cream Pie with rhubarb compote & Chantilly cream.
DINNER: Hatch Green Chili Carnitas (Gluten Free with corn tortilla upon request)
DESSERT: Tres Leches Cake (vegetarian)
Mozzarella Salad (vegetarian) – Mozzarella Cheese, Romaine Lettuce, grape tomatoes, kalamata olives and sliced red onion with a balsamic dressing.
Grilled Chicken Caesar – Marinated and grilled chicken, Romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing.
Cobb Salad – Grilled chicken, jack cheese, shredded carrot, hard-boiled egg, tomatoes, bacon, cucumber with ranch dressing.
Chicken Caesar Wrap – Grilled chicken, creamy Caesar dressing, parmesan cheese, romaine lettuce, garlic pesto tortilla.
Veggie Hummus Wrap (vegetarian) – roasted vegetables, red pepper hummus, spinach, tzatziki sauce, whole wheat wrap.
Italian Sub – Ham, Salami, capicola, provolone cheese, banana peppers on a hoagie with lettuce, tomato, onion.
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.