Flora, fauna and funk: ABQ BioPark music series hits the right notes

There’s more to the ABQ BioPark than adorable penguins at the zoo and blooming flowers at the botanic garden.

During the summer, both become a venue for musicians to perform their latest hits.

Bree Ortiz, the city’s community events manager, said the summer music series gives families a reason to get out and enjoy live music performances outdoors.

“It’s a really great opportunity for the community to see somebody that they wouldn’t normally see in a really special and unique setting,” she said.

This year, the Zoo Music schedule includes bluegrass guitarist Johnny Mullenax on Friday, June 6; blues and Americana music on Friday, June 20, with Jesse Roper; indie rock jams on Friday, July 11, from Zach Person; and classic rock tunes on Friday, July 25, by The Mother Hips.

Beginning Thursday, May 29, the botanic garden will be filled with swinging sounds from Entourage Jazz. The Thursday night lineup includes funk group Chris Dracup: Funk of the West on June 12; classic covers from ABBAquerque on June 26; Cuban salsa music with Son Como Son on July 17; and Southwestern Folk music from Damian Wyldes on July 31.

“We want to make sure there is enough of a variety that there is something for everyone,” Ortiz said. “You get a completely different feeling and experience with different performers, so it appeals to everybody.”

All regular stands at the zoo and botanic garden will be open for food and drink. Free face painting will be available.

Guests are invited to bring chairs, blankets or a picnic, and the city will provide some seating near the gazebo area. All zoo habitats are open until 8 p.m, except the penguin habitat, which will be closed. Attendance is capped at 2,000 people.

“People set up their little camps and have a home base where they go walk around the zoo and come back to the park before and during the concert,” Ortiz said. “The entire zoo is open for the evening and the animals aren’t so hot, so they’re out and a little more active.”

Flora, fauna and funk: ABQ BioPark music series hit all the right notes