Enjoy music at the L.A. Zoo in July

The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) presents a rare opportunity to visit the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens after hours at two evenings of "Music in the Zoo" under the stars, including LATIN AND JAZZ NIGHT on Tuesday, July 8, 6 to 9 p.m. and WORLD MUSIC NIGHT on Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 6 to 9 p.m. An international array of musicians perform throughout the Zoo both nights, and guests can view more than a few animals staying up past their bedtimes (until 8 p.m.) to enjoy the music. Picnics are permitted, and the Zoo's many food and beverages offerings are available as well.

LATIN AND JAZZ NIGHT on Tuesday, July 8, sponsored by Que Buena 105.5/ 94.3 FM and Protective, features Susie Hansen's Latin Band, Grupo Acertijo (Baladas Ritmicas), Grupo La Mirada (Norteño), Incendio (salsa/nuevo flamenco), Espino (Latin jazz), Sentimiento Andino (Peruvian), Melena Iyamile Quartet (Latin jazz), the Elliott Caine Quintet (jazz), LPJ Quartet (jazz) and David Gregoli & Organic Nylon (Latin guitar), plus strolling entertainment from Deon the Juggler and Terrell & Takako.

WORLD MUSIC NIGHT on Tuesday, July 22, sponsored by 104.3 MyFM and Protective, includes the Masanga Marimba Ensemble playing traditional marimbas from Zimbabwe, Caribbean music from Tropical Punch, Peruvian music from Inca Peruvian, Scottish music from the Wicked Tinkers, African drummers and dancers from Kenny Hudson & World Beat, world music from Primordial Sonics, Russian music from the Balalaika Rascals, Skip Waring's German Band, Mala Ganguly (Northern Indian) and Klezmer music from OyStars!, plus strolling entertainment from Deon the Juggler and Terrell & Takako.

"Music in the Zoo" is one of many programs presented by the private, non-profit Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association, founded in 1963. The year 2008 marks more than four decades of GLAZA's success in supporting the Los Angeles Zoo's work as an educational resource for the citizens of Los Angeles, and as an international center for the conservation of endangered wildlife. GLAZA provides support for Los Angeles Zoo exhibits, conservation, capital projects, education programs, community outreach, research, and more through fund-raising and an endowment, membership, special events and more.

GLAZA currently has 65,000 member households, the second largest non-profit organization membership in Los Angeles. Many of its nearly 300,000 individual members have sustained their GLAZA support for more than 20 years. The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is an international leader in the conservation of endangered species and one of the city's major cultural and entertainment resources..

Admission to "Music in the Zoo" for GLAZA members is $12:50 for adults and $7.50 for children ages 6 to 15. Admission for non-members is $16.50 for adults and $10.50 for children ages 6 to 15. Children 5 and under are free. The Los Angeles Zoo is located in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. Tickets for "Music in the Zoo" may be purchased at the Zoo or in advance by phone at (323) 644-6042 or online at www.LAZoo.org.