Como Park Zoo and Conservatory Music Under the Glass

It’s almost that time for free music concerts at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory with Music Under Glass on Sundays and Wednesdays in January and February.

Do you need to beat the winter blues? I really enjoy a warm stroll through the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. The warm temps, the beautiful plants, the cute animals- it is a great way to get out of the house while staying warm in the coldest days of the year.

Back again is Music Under Glass at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Local musicians will play blues, bluegrass and ballads from 4:30-6:30pm on select Sundays and Wednesdays.

The concerts are free and beer and wine will be available to purchase. No reservations are required. Please note these concerts are standing room only. Because of fire code regulations, there are no chairs set-up.

Here is the full line-up with dates and musician info:

Sunday, January 12 – Curt Obeda with Brian Z – The Butanes leader and Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame member Curt Obeda teams up with Brian Z for downhome NOLA Blues.

Wednesday, January 15 – Duo CORDA – Cellist Jacqueline Ultan and guitarist Pavel Jany blend together elements of jazz, classical music and a variety of international music styles. 

Sunday, January 19 – Dan “Daddy Squeeze” Newton teams up with Pat Donohue and Richard Kriehn (from A Prairie Home Companion’s Guy’s All-Star Shoe Band) – The ace on the accordion, Dan “Daddy Squeeze” Newton, has rounded up two of the best musicians around! Grammy winning fingerpicker, Pat Donohue, and master of the mandolin, Richard Kriehn.

Wednesday, January 22 – Kashimana – Join us for an evening of soulful music with healing grooves featuring Kashimana, accompanied by percussionist Brad Draper. Kashimana’s sound is a unique blend of folk, blues, and R&B, enriched with spoken word. Their inspirations include the powerful vocals of Sweet Honey in the Rock, Bobby McFerrin, and the funky sounds of Tune-Yards, India.Arie, and Lauryn Hill. Come ready to sing, dance, and vibe to songs that evoke a vibrant rainbow of emotions!

Wednesday, January 29 – Jeff Ray with Mikkel Beckmen – Jeff Ray, an innovative slide guitarist and songwriter, blends acoustic blues with world music influences. He’ll be joined by Mikkel Beckmen, a one-man rhythm section.

Sunday, February 2 – Switchgrass – Their sound has been described as porch music, caffeinated sweet tea, and backwoods bluegrass. All accompanied by the sweet sounds of an accordion.

Wednesday, February 5 – Sarah Morris + Matthew French performing a blend of rootsy folk and Americana tunes. More than just collaborators, Sarah and Matthew are friends and mutual fans, always eager to share songs, stories, and harmonize whenever they play together.

Wednesday, February 12 – Roots-rock singer-songwriter Mary Cutrufello has been a mainstay in the Americana scene in Minnesota and in Texas for thirty years. She’s performed on The Tonight Show and Austin City Limits, and toured in all 50 states and several European countries. Hailed by USA Today as “a fierce guitarist with with a blistered-throat voice,” Cutrufello mixes original songs and classics of American music (think Willie Nelson and Steve Earle) into a captivating, heartland-proud musical stew at once timeless and immediate.