WHAT: Woodland Park Zoo ushers in its 16^th summer concert series, Washington Mutual ZooTunes, with a special Centennial Celebration concert with one of America’s most beloved singer-songwriters, Dan Fogelberg, on July 18. The series continues Wednesdays with Chuck Mangione on July 21; Suzanne Vega on July 28; Jim Brickman on August 4; Roberta Flack on August 11; Marc Cohn on August 18; and Judy Collins on August 25.

The popular concerts are held outdoors in the zoo’s North Meadow with festival seating. Concert-goers are welcome to bring blankets, low-backed patio chairs and picnic baskets. Food and non-alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase. Law prohibits alcoholic beverages on zoo grounds. Washington Mutual ZooTunes benefits the zoo’s various conservation projects and general fund.

WHEN: Wednesdays, July 21 to August 25
Centennial Celebration concert: Sunday, July 18

     Zoo gates open 5:30 p.m.
     Concerts begin 6:00 p.m. and end shortly after sundown

WHERE: Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave. N. The North Meadow is near the North Gate off N. 59^th St. & Phinney Ave. N. Other entries are through the South Gate at N. 50^th St. & Fremont Ave. N. and the West Gate at N. 55^th St. & Phinney Ave. N.

Parking is free, but limited. Parking is also available at lower Woodland Park. Call Metro at (206) 553-3000 for bus service to the zoo.

COST: Concert prices are still the best bargain in the Pacific Northwest, ranging from $10 to $18 per person; 12 and under are free. Tickets go on sale beginning Friday, June 4 at all seven PCC Natural Markets: Fremont, Greenlake, Kirkland, Ravenna, Seward Park, View Ridge and West Seattle. A $2 service charge is added to tickets purchased at PCC stores. Additionally, a limited number of tickets will be available at Woodland Park Zoo gates, but tickets will sell out fast, so purchase early! If available, tickets will be for sale at the zoo only on the day of each concert.

INFO: Zoo concert line: (206) 615-0076

WHO:
July 18   Dan Fogelberg * As his fans know well, Fogelberg is more than a balladeer. He can also rock out with the best, and is an exceptionally gifted guitarist who has played burning electric guitar solos on his albums since his start. His latest release, "Dan Fogelberg - Portrait: The Music of Dan Fogelberg From 1972 - 1997," is a four-CD boxed-set retrospective collection featuring 62 songs and five previously unreleased tracks. It includes beloved hits such as "Longer," "Part of the Plan," "Power of Gold," "Leader of the Band," "Same Old Lang Syne" and more. Opening act: Loni Rose. Tickets: $18.

July 21   Chuck Mangione * Flugelhornist/composer/conductor Mangione reached new heights with his megahit, "Feels So Good," in 1977, a milestone in "smooth jazz" that went on to be a double Platinum-plus seller. Recording since 1960, the multiple Grammy award winner earned him millions of loyal fans with his world-famous Olympic Games theme songs. Opening act: Michael Powers. Tickets: $10.

July 28   Suzanne Vega * It was the "Suzanne Vega" album and classic early singles like "Marlene On the Wall," "Left Of Centre" and "Small Blue Thing" that truly broke new ground and whose influence could later be traced in the work of singers like Tracey Chapman and Alanis Morissette. Performing on the live circuit, Vega continues to comfortably fill large arenas. Her worldwide number one "Luka" and "Tom’s Diner" consolidated Vega’s reputation as a singer-songwriter with few peers and a legion of devoted followers. Opening act to be announced. Tickets: $10.

August 4   Jim Brickman * A solo piano player, Brickman has found his way to stardom and is one of the most remarkable success stories of the ‘90s. His fifth album, "Destiny," follows its predecessors with signature piano solos, as well as collaborations with guest performers such as Carly Simon, Michael W. Smith, Pam Tillis, Michelle Wright and the new duo, Jordan Hill and Billy Porter. In 1997, his albums, "By Heart," "Picture This," and "The Gift," all became Gold records. Brickman’s songs "Valentine" and "The Gift" have been adopted as new holiday favorites. No opening act. Tickets: $12.

August 11   Roberta Flack * The multi-talented vocal stylist and pianist returns to the zoo for her second performance in two years. Flack’s striking songs * full of heart, emotion, intelligence and dedication * have made the sultry singer into the internationally-acclaimed artist she is today. "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Killing Me Softly" have both gone Platinum; her numerous Gold albums include "Roberta Flack featuring Donny Hathaway," "Feel Like Makin’ Love" and "Oasis." Flack remains very much in demand * performing to packed audiences at every venue and continually accruing accolades for her recorded music. Opening act: Sam Smith. Tickets: $16.

August 18   Marc Cohn * Cohnheads will be thrilled to see Cohn back at the zoo for a second consecutive performance. Winning a Grammy for "Best New Artist" in 1991, enjoying a mammoth hit single for "Walking In Memphis," and seeing his debut album go Platinum, Cohn is one of the most personal, introspective lyricists of his generation. One account described Cohn’s debut album as "a collection of well-observed meditations on dislocation, commitment, the quest for love, and the belief that tomorrow will be a better day." His third album, "Burning Daze," represents Cohn’s most optimistic, uplifting work. Opening act: Kevin Jones. Tickets: $12.

August 25   Judy Collins * Approaching 40 illustrious years in the music industry, 30 albums, top 10 hits, Grammy nominations, and Gold and Platinum-selling albums, Collins is a living legend. During her concerts, Collins takes the audience through her own personal journey into our nation’s social and musical conscience. With her memorable interpretations of the music of Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger, as well as the spiritual and folk traditions and her own biography compositions, Collins promises her zoo audience an intimate picture of the artist, humanitarian, songwriter and performer that she is. Opening act: Marna Larsen. Tickets: $14.