Jazz at the Zoo Begins Monday, June 4

Jazz at the Zoo!  Nothing better on a summer evening, and the West Michigan Jazz Society's "Jazz at the Zoo" kicks off Monday evening, June 4th at John Ball Park, at the Zoo.

The weekly concerts are free, and typically draw upwards of 1,000 people each Monday night.

All ages and ethnic groups come out to listen to some good jazz and have a good time for the 10 weeks of weekly concerts.

The summer series that’s built a following with its format of free concerts and top-notch local musicians includes vocalist Edye Evans Hyde, Mary Rademacher and the Midtown Horns and Tom Hagen Quartet with Rick Reuther over the summer.

Pianist Mark Kahny, WMJS's 2012 Musician of the Year, joins "The Boogie Woogie Babies" for a special all-American tribute on July 2.

Evidence and Orquesta Tradicion team up for some hot Latin jazz on July 30.

The concert series is free, but donations are sought to cover costs. Several vendors sell food at the shows, which take place during the dinner hour.

Here's the summer lineup:

Upcoming shows:

June 4 - The East Kentwood High School Jazz Bands
June 11 - The Beltline Big Band
June 18 - Groupo Aye
June 25 - The Tom Hagen Quartet featuring Rick Reuther
July 2 - Mark Kahny with "The Boogie Woogie Babies"
July 9 - Petra Van Nuis Quartet featuring guitarist Andy Brown
July 16 - Mary Rademacher Reed with The Midtown Horns
July 23 - Edye Evans Hyde
July 30 - Evidence and Orquesta Tradicion
Aug. 6 -"The Family" led by Nick Ayoub
Aug. 13 - The Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra

More info: Call 616-735-4744 or go to wmichjazz.org