Blues for the Zoo benefit in Big Bear Aug. 7

The Moonridge Animal Park, one of Big Bear’s most popular attractions, turns 50 this year. To help celebrate the zoo’s golden anniversary of providing sanctuary and rehabilitation for orphaned and injured alpine wildlife is a special benefit concert called Blues for the Zoo.

Internationally recognized blues artists take the stage lakeside at Big Bear Lake’s Swim Beach Outdoor Amphitheater Saturday, August 7 from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Blues for the Zoo headliner is The Delta Guitar Slingers, an all-star group featuring three heralded guitarists from the blues current generation of virtuosos, which includes Lucky Peterson, Michael Burks and Sherman Robertson. Guy Davis, guitarist and singer-songwriter, opens the concert with his blend of east coast acoustic folk blues and renditions of delta blues favorites. Café R & B performs second on the bill with a mix of originals and Chicago Blues classics. All proceeds from the concert go to Moonridge Animal Park’s rehabilitation programs and relocation project.

Moonridge Animal Park is home to 160 orphaned and injured wildlife representing over 90 species. The main purpose of the zoo since its inception in 1960 is to rehabilitate and release animals back into the wild. Not all rehabilitated animals can be released however, which is why the zoo continues to exist. This year the zoo’s 50-year lease on the present site of 2.5 acres came to an end. The good news is the zoo is optimistic to relocate from its existing location on the north end of Bear Mountain Golf Course to a larger 10.5 acres parcel at the south end of the golf course.

“Without a doubt the purchase of ten and a half acres just down the road will give our animals the much-needed room they deserve. It’s the absolute best gift we could have received for our 50th anniversary.” said Moonridge Animal Park Curator Debbie Richardson. “We’re now looking forward to putting on a rocking blues concert to commemorate the zoo’s 50 years of sanctuary.”

Blues for the Zoo is Saturday, August 7 at Swim Beach Outdoor Amphitheater, located at 41220 Park Ave. in Big Bear Lake. Gates open at 2 p.m. The concert is from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $30 in advance or $35 at the gate. Children 10 and under are free with a paying adult. Parking is $3. Beach chairs are welcome for festival-style lawn seating. No coolers allowed. To purchase tickets in advance log onto www.bigbear.com or call 800-424-4232. You may also purchase tickets at the Big Bear Visitor Center, 630 Bartlett Road or Moonridge Animal Park, 43285 Goldmine Dr. in Big Bear Lake.