Racine –  The Racine Zoo proudly announces the entertainment line-up for the 2010 Animal Crackers Concert Series. This year’s series hosts four shows on Wednesday nights in July and August at the Kiwanis Memorial Amphitheatre on the Racine Zoo campus at 2131 North Main Street.  The 24th Animal Crackers Season presents a diverse collection of artists including: Keiko Matsui, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Kurt Elling and the David Sanborn Trio featuring Joey DeFrancesco.

“The 24th season of Animal Crackers Concerts is incredibly exciting.  Traditionalists are going to very much enjoy Preservation Hall Jazz Band.  Keiko Matsui has been on our wishlist for the last few years; finally, the schedule worked in our favor. And, of course, David Sanborn was such a huge hit last summer, we brought him back! Concert-goers shouldn’t expect the same show, though, because he has Joey DeFrancesco with him, who is a headliner in his own right,” said Jay Christie, President and CEO, Racine Zoo.

For a limited time only, season tickets can be purchased for $50.00. Season tickets are currently on sale at www.racinezoo.org, and at the Zootique gift shop at the Racine Zoo. Later this month, season tickets will also be available for purchase at Johnson Bank, as well.  Starting June 1, season tickets will return to their regular price of $60.00 and mini-packs go on sale for $50.00. Mini-packs allow the flexibility of purchasing three tickets that can be used in any combination at any of the four concerts. Single concert tickets will also go on sale on June 1 at a cost of $20.00 each.

“With Animal Crackers celebrating a record attendance in 2009, we are thrilled to go into the 2010 season with strong momentum.  And our line-up is -- according to some music enthusiasts -- even stronger than last year,” said Megan Frazer, Marketing and Special Events Manager, Racine Zoo.

Opening the series on July 7 is Keiko Matsui. An icon of contemporary jazz with over 1.2 million units sold in the U.S. alone and sold-out appearances at concert halls across the world, she is one of the most recognized artists in the genre. Her elegant piano melodies and gentle jazz grooves have enormous appeal and never disappoint the loyal fan base which she has cultivated with over a dozen albums and hundreds of stunning live shows.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band headlines the July 21 show. For nearly fifty years, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band has been traveling the globe, bringing the joy of traditional New Orleans Jazz to music fans around the world. Whether performing at prestigious centers like Symphony Hall in Boston, contemporary music festivals like Austin City Limits, or private engagements for presidents and kings, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band of New Orleans never fails to bring their audiences dancing into the aisles.

Grammy award winning vocalist Kurt Elling, who takes the stage on August 4, has attained elite status in the jazz world before reaching the age of 40. Riding to international prominence on the strength of his critically acclaimed performances, as well as a string of stellar recordings for the Blue Note label, the perennial poll-winner has become the voice of a new generation of jazz fans. Combining thought-provoking lyrics with clever arrangements, surprising choices of material and an infinite capacity to swing, Elling has forged a potent body of work that is marked by quality, consistency and an audacious sense of risk-taking.

The summer finale, August 18,  features a contemporary jazz legend. Few musicians are so closely identified with their instrument that they overshadow their peers, but the iconic David Sanborn truly merits his singular position as a saxophonist, unrivaled as a player who straddles the pop and jazz worlds while commanding respect in both. This concert featuring organist Joey DeFrancesco is sure to impress.

“In addition to the fantastic talent, we are confident the crowds will also enjoy the two fireworks shows presented by Knight-Barry Title Group.  The shows are scheduled to follow the first concert in July and the final concert in August,” said David Maack, Animal Crackers Committee Chairperson, “This is one of our strongest line-ups yet.”

For more information regarding the artists and even samples of their works, or to order tickets, explore www.racinezoo.org and click on Special Events and choose Animal Crackers Concert Series.

All proceeds from the Animal Crackers concerts benefit the Racine Zoo. Gates open at 5:30 pm with concerts beginning at 7:00 pm. Per city ordinance, no alcohol beverage carry-ins permitted to be brought into concerts. Any bags or coolers brought into the Zoo will be searched. Food and beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic can be purchased at the concerts, with a portion of all purchases benefiting the Zoo.

Animal Crackers presenting sponsors include: Johnson Bank, SC Johnson, Wisconsin Energies Foundation, Design Partners, Incorporated, Time Warner Cable and The Journal Times.

The Racine Zoo is open daily.  Current hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission fees are: Members and children under 3: FREE, children 3 – 15: $4.00, seniors $5.00 and adults $6.00. For more information about Zoo events and programming explore www.racinezoo.org.

The mission of the Racine Zoological Society is to foster an enlightening and affordable wildlife experience that improves the bond between people and nature. The Society will provide for the recreation and education of the people, the conservation of wildlife and wild places, and the advancement of science.