Cheer up and get down with zoo blues (August 6, 2011)

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Cheer up and get down with zoo blues
July 20, 2011
Big Bear Grizzly.net

Blue sky, sunshine, a sparkling lake and blues music combine for an afternoon of festivity for a good cause.

On Aug. 6, the Big Bear Lake Swim Beach Outdoor Amphitheater comes to life with a group of musicians singing and playing the blues at Blues for the Zoo. The fundraiser benefits Moonridge Animal Park.

The lakeside setting provides a scenic backdrop for the music plus a selection of local arts and crafts vendors and a full food and beverage menu. Four local restaurants offer fresh fare such as Chinese chicken salads and veggie wraps along with traditional items such as grilled sausages, specialty hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, hot pastrami and a selection of dessert items.

Area artisans have a variety of handmade products for sale including pottery, gourd art, jewelry, photography, original paintings, crystals and custom handbags.

Headlining on stage is the Chicago Blues Guitar Shootout, an all-star group featuring three leading lights from the next generation of blues virtuosos: Ronnie Baker Brooks, Lurrie Bell and Larry McCray.

Maria Muldaur and her Red Hot Bluesiana Band share the bill. Born and raised in Greenwich Village, Muldaur was surrounded by bluegrass, jazz and blues during her early years. Muldaur went on to pop stardom with her hit “Midnight at the Oasis,” but she never left behind her love for American roots music.

Rounding out the day is Brother Yusef, an acoustic singer-songwriter from Southern California. Emulating historic Mississippi Delta blues artists such as Bukka White and Fred McDowell, Yusef forges new ground with self-penned songs he describes as organic deep-fried fattback blues.

The concert is from 3 to 7 p.m. Gates open at Swim Beach at 1 p.m. Bring beach chairs and blankets for festival-style lawn seating. Swim Beach is open to concert attendees who want to swim.

Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 the day of the show. Children 10 and under are admitted free. Parking is $3. Tickets are available at the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce, 630 Bartlett Road, Big Bear Lake, and at the Moonridge Animal Park gift shop, 43285 Goldmine Drive, Big Bear Lake. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 909-866-4607 or online at www.moonridgezoo.org/concert.

Swim Beach is at Meadow Park, 41220 Park Ave., Big Bear Lake.