Special to 1808Delaware
Take the heat off summer and enjoy some cool jazz as Artistic Director and trumpet virtuoso Byron Stripling and the hard-swinging 16-piece Columbus Jazz Orchestra return to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (4850 W. Powell Rd.) for the JazZoo 2023 concert series.
The series will take place on four Friday evenings and will kick off on July 14, 2023 with additional concerts on July 21 and August 4 and 11. Guests will enjoy music under the stars at the Zoo’s Water’s Edge Events Park, a beautiful waterfront setting along the O’Shaughnessy Reservoir. Gates open at 6:15 p.m., with each concert beginning at 8 p.m.
This year’s JazZoo performances feature favorites from the Great American Songbook as well as classic pop, soul, and tunes performed by both nationally recognized guest artists and treasured local performers with an exciting lineup:
Swingin’ the Blues | Miche Braden | July 14
Get ready to swing under the stars with “Swingin’ the Blues” featuring the phenomenal Miche Braden and your Columbus Jazz Orchestra at JazZoo! Featuring classic swing tunes, soulful blues, and the mesmerizing voice of Miche Braden, this concert promises to be an unforgettable experience for all!
Sisters of Swing | Azbell, Delaveris, McSweeney | July 21
Join us at the Columbus Zoo as we celebrate the timeless era of swing featuring your Columbus Jazz Orchestra and sensational Columbus vocalists Rachel Azbell, Kelly Delaveris, and Sydney McSweeney. With the legacies of Gershwin, Porter, and so many more, you are guaranteed to swing the night away!
The Great American Songbook | Powers, Floyd | August 4
Be enchanted with Your Columbus Jazz Orchestra as we explore the melodies of the Great American Songbook featuring the exceptional musical talents of Dave Powers and Bobby Floyd. Join us for an unforgettable evening of classic American tunes that have stood the test of time, performed by two Columbus virtuosos who are renowned for their mastery of jazz and blues.
Jazz Meets Tap | Clark, Manzari | August 11
Experience a fusion of rhythm and soul like never before as “Jazz Meets Tap” brings together the extraordinary talents of vocalist Phil Clark and dancer Leo Manzari alongside your Columbus Jazz Orchestra in an electrifying concert that will leave you in awe. Get ready to witness the dynamic collaboration of two artistic powerhouses as they ignite the stage with their unparalleled skills and undeniable charisma at the Columbus Zoo!
“After a four-year hiatus, JazZoo returns this summer with four great concerts at the Columbus Zoo’s Water’s Edge Park on the banks of the Scioto River. We are thrilled to bring this summer tradition back with Byron Stripling and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra once again filling the air with great jazz music,” said Press Southworth III, CEO, Jazz Arts Group.
“We are proud to partner with the Columbus Jazz Arts Group to bring back the popular JazZoo series and offer a unique venue that combines nature and incredible music for our community to experience,” said Columbus Zoo and Aquarium President and CEO Tom Schmid.
Prices vary depending on ticket levels. Single tickets and full tables can be purchased for individual concerts or all four concerts in the series by visiting the Columbus Zoo’s website.
Guests who purchase a table will enjoy reserved seating for eight, providing the perfect opportunity for entertaining business associates or catching up with friends.
The purchase of any concert ticket also includes free Zoo admission for the entire day. So, come early, enjoy the sights at the Columbus Zoo, and then experience the swinging sounds of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra in the evening!
Food and beverage will be available for purchase. No outside food or drink is permitted in the concert venue. Additional information regarding weather policies, additional amenities, and prohibited items can be found on the Zoo’s Events page.
For more information about JazZoo 2023, please call The Jazz Arts Group at (614) 294-5200 or go online to www.jazzartsgroup.org., or contact the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium at (614) 645-3400 or visit www.ColumbusZoo.org.
