WHAT: Coca-Cola ZooTunes, Jr. introduces its children’s concerts with a July 26 performance by the Toucans. The second concert on August 2 features two different acts by Tia and The Coats.

The 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.

WHEN: Mondays, July 26, August 2
Zoo gates open 5:30 p.m.
Concerts begin 6:30 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-goers will be delighted with the bargain price of $6 per person; 2 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 26 Toucans * Always a popular act at the zoo, the Toucans was the first steel drum band to originate in the Pacific Northwest! For more than 10 years, their great music and inspired performances have made the Toucans a top draw at festivals and celebrations of all kinds. Dedicated to promoting the music of the Caribbean, the steel drum band plays calypso, reggae, soca, samba and more.

August 2 Tia * Tia has been performing and touring for 14 years. A prolific songwriter and lyricist, the energetic artist has produced award-winning recordings including five audio tapes and two CDs. Tia’s "Dino-stew Zoo" garnered her a Gold Parents’ Choice Award. Tia’s original music from her recordings include "Tia’s Quacker Tunes," "Tia’s O’la de Dahddy" and "Smile."

The Coats * Formerly known as The Trenchcoats, the a cappella singing group formed more than 10 years ago on the campus of University of Washington. A spirited four-part vocal ensemble, the young men were drawn together by their commitment to spread messages of love, harmony and acceptance through music. In 1994, The Coats made their national breakthrough after sweeping the National Harmony Sweepstakes, becoming the U.S. National Grand Champions. In response to the tragic high school shooting in Colorado, the group changed their name and vowed they would never again wear their trademark trenchcoats on stage.