Fans of blues and rootsy folk music will have plenty to enjoy during this winter’s Music Under Glass series at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.
Concerts run from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. most Wednesdays and Sundays between Jan. 12 and Feb. 12, 2025, in the Sunken Garden at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory.
The garden, which first opened about a century ago, has been temporarily closed since mid-November for the installation of new ramps, a major accessibility upgrade. The first Music Under Glass event of the 2025 season will mark the reopening of the garden.
Although the zoo closes at 4 p.m. during winter months, the conservatory will remain open later on concert nights. Traditional row-style seating will not be set up in the garden for Music Under Glass shows due to fire codes, park officials said in a statement, but the music will be “simulcast into other areas of the gardens where additional seating is available.” Beer and wine will also be available for purchase.
Here’s the lineup:
Sunday, Jan. 12 >> Curt Obeda, a member of the Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame, and Brian Z perform New Orleans blues.
Wednesday, Jan. 15 >> As Duo CORDA, cellist Jacqueline Ultan and guitarist Pavel Jany blend jazz, classical and world music sounds.
Sunday, Jan. 19 >> Accordionist Dan “Daddy Squeeze” Newton performs with renowned fingerpicking guitarist Pat Donohue and mandolinist Richard Kriehn of the Guy’s All-Star Shoe Band of “Prairie Home Companion” fame.
Wednesday, Jan. 22 >> Singer Kashimana blends soul, R&B and spoken-word for fun, funky music alongside percussionist Brad Draper.
Wednesday, Jan. 29 >> Blues slide guitar innovator Jeff Ray performs with Mikkel Beckmen, billed as “a one-man rhythm section.”
Sunday, Feb. 2 >> Bluegrass quartet Switchgrass will perform.
Wednesday, Feb. 5 >> Local singer-songwriters Sarah Morris and Matthew French are teaming up for a night of acoustic folk and storytelling.
Wednesday, Feb. 12 >> Roots-rocker Mary Cutrufello has toured for three decades and will close out the Music Under Glass series with a mix of original songs and classic Americana.
All Music Under Glass concerts are free to attend. No tickets required.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory >> 1225 Estabrook Drive; 651-487-8201; comozooconservatory.org/como/winter-music-series