Sue McLean announced the lineup for her most excellent Music in the Zoo series this morning and I’m pretty excited in that both Los Lobos and Bela Fleck and the Flecktones are included. Season packages get revealed on Monday 11 April and go on sale Friday 22 April. Individual shows go on sale for FlexPerks members three days earlier, on Tuesday 19 April through Ticketmaster.
Liking all kinds of music, there’s nothing on the entire season’s bill that I wouldn’t be interested in seeing except for the two Monkees shows. So, from top to botton, here are my notes for winnowing the shows I’m considering down to those you can expect to find Karen and me at this year.
The first show on the lineup that catches my eye is James Cotton and Charlie Musselwhite. I’d really like to see this one, and if it’s in a package, I’ll bite, but probably can’t afford it on its own.
Next up is Nanci Griffith on Saturday, 25 June (US$38). I’m wishing this was an “Evening with…” show (multiple sets), but I’ll take what I can get. Griffith is a wonderful songwriter with an, um, unmistakable voice.
I’d like to see Dark Star Orchestra—but I’d like to know which Grateful Dead show they’d be recreating beforehand. While every Dead show was better than no Dead show, some (and some eras) were distinctly better than others. It’s on Monday, 27 June (US$29), and I wouldn’t be able to make it on time for the opener because of dialysis, but if it’s in a package, I’m in.
Next up is Taj Mahal on Wednesday, 29 June (US$47). The last couple of Taj Mahal shows I’ve seen were phoned in, but he’s pushing 70, still up there, and still has it. Add Mavis Staples to the mix and this one could be a standout.
Thursday, 30 June brings Matisyahu and the Dickinson brothers of the North Mississippi Allstars (US$40). I’ve never seen Matisyahu, and not sure what to think. This one’s on the bubble; add it to an attractive package and it’s a go. If the Dickinson brothers were on the bill alone, it’d be a must-see.
Toots and the Maytals make their way to the Zoo on Saturday, 9 July (US$38). Solid Jamaican music on what will almost certainly be a stellar summer night in Minnesota. Or not (the weather, not the music; Hibbert and his crew are showmen).
Little Feat on Sunday, 10 July (US$33). If Lowell George were still alive, this would be the centerpiece of the series. Without George, eh. Unless it’s part of a really good package.
Wednesday, 3 August brings Bela Fleck and the Flecktones (US$40), the first of two absolutely-can’t-miss shows to the Zoo. The Flecktones’ live shows are sometimes hit-or-miss, but always worth the chance and Bela Fleck is a master. This lineup is the original Flecktones lineup, including Howard Levy, so it should be something pretty special. I’ll have to reschedule dialysis or come late.
George Duke, Marcus Miller, and David Sanborn, Friday, 5 August (US$39) mark one of the lamentably few jazz shows in the series. It conflicts with dialysis, so it’s likely a no-go.
Next up is Wanda Jackson and Justin Townes Earle on Saturday, 6 August (US$33). Wanda Jackson has been kicking rockabilly ass and taking names for more than 50 years, but Justin Townes Earle should have got sole billing for this show. Maybe if it’s in a good package. Steve Earle has booked a show at the Bayfield Chautauqua on 22 July and I was really hoping for a split bill.
Tuesday, 9 August brings the jewel of McClean’s season: Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys (US$52). While I was hoping for back-to-back Los Lobos shows like last year, this one’s going to be a scorcher. It should have been separate shows, but I’ll never pass up a Los Lobos show. Ever. Add in Los Lonely Boys and this is sure to be one of the best shows of the year, here or anywhere.
Railroad Earth rolls in Tuesday, 16 August (US$30). OK, so it’s not String Cheese Incident or Yonder Mountain String Band, but it’ll do in a pinch.
Too much; must whittle. Start with the must-sees: That’d be Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys, and Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. Then Nanci Griffith and either Taj Mahal (but probably only because of Mavis Staples) or Toots and the Maytals. I’ll let Karen pick the last one, as I bemoan the shows I won’t get to see.
Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys, Tuesday, 9 August, US$104
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Wednesday, 3 August, US$80
Nanci Griffith, Saturday, 25 June, US$76
Taj Mahal and Mavis Staples, Wednesday, 29 June, US$94 (Karen punted)
Pending the package offers, of course.
And no conflicts with the Rickie Lee Jones and Greg Brown shows at the Bayfield Chautauqua. Whew.
0 responses. Comments closed for this article.