Blues For The Zoo Break out the beach chairs and blankets, it’s time for the 4th annual Blues for the Zoo, a fundraiser for the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, promoters of the concert, is a nonprofit organization supporting the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. The facility is a fully licensed care and rehabilitation sanctuary for injured and confiscated animals. The majority of the rehabilitated animals are successfully released into the wild. A “Home For Life” is also provided to over 180 animals representing 85 species.

Northwoods Resort (909-866-3121) is proud to be the host lodge for the event. (Be sure to mention Blues For the Zoo and get a special event rate. Other lodging/ticket packages are available at 800-4BIG BEAR.)

The fresh pine trees and lakeside setting provide a scenic backdrop for a day of internationally recognized musicians plus a selection of local arts and crafts with food and beverage menu. Four restaurants will be offering fresh fare from barbecued chicken quarters and grilled hamburgers, gourmet hot dogs to salads, hot pastrami and a selection of dessert items. No coolers or pets allowed.

Headlining the day of music will be the Windy City Harmonica Breakdown, bringing together two generations of Chicago blues-harp greats, including a rare West Coast appearance by pre-eminent harmonica ace Billy Branch, a charismatic stage performer and respected music educator. Branch hand-picked fellow harpists Russ Green and Omar Coleman to showcase the top line of Chicago blues for this event.

Popular Southern California group Cafe R&B is also on the bill. As New Times describes the band’s single-named lead singer, “Roach has a voice like a velvet-covered freight train, sliding down honey-coated tracks. She shimmies and shakes, vibrates and vamps, titters and taps like a country preacher with two fists full of snakes.”

Opening the festival will be the boogie-woogie grooves of pianist Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, considered one of the missing links between the past and modern-day blues piano players. Music runs 3 to 7 p.m. with gates opening at 1. Beach chairs and blankets are welcome for lawn seating. The Swim Beach will be open to concert attendees.

Event Details:

Venue: Swim Beach Outdoor Amphitheater at Meadow Park in Big Bear Lake, CA
Tickets: $30 in advance; $35 day of event at the door; Discounted packages available
Children 10 and Under: FREE
Concert Starts: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Gates Open: 1 p.m.
Parking: $3/vehicle
Call: 800-424-4232 for more info.