The record flooding on June 20 ravaged the Lake Superior Zoo. The people of Duluth and surrounding areas have been stepping up and lending a helping hand, from cleaning up the grounds to lemonade stands, to now organizing and hosting benefit concerts.
The Centerville All Stars, Don't Panic, Virgil Caine and other musicians are performing a marathon '70s revival at the Duluth Heights Community Club to raise money for zoo restoration efforts Saturday, August 11. It starts at noon and continues until 8 p.m.
Mike Olson is organizing the event and footing the tab for expenses, so 100 percent of donations can go to the zoo.
Then, on Wednesday, August 15, the zoo will be hosting ZooAID, a fundraising concert and event, at Clyde Iron Works in Duluth. The goal is to raise funds to assist the zoo in its recovery efforts, while also helping educate the public about the role of the zoo, its future direction and its revitalization process.
The Clyde serves as the host venue with a special family area in the northeast courtyard lot from 3 to 6 p.m. Family Day will feature family-friendly activities, and zoo animals in the courtyard hosted by the zoo and the Duluth Children's Museum. In addition, a special family dance hosted by Terrence Smith and friends will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. in the mezzanine of the Clyde. There is no admission charge for the family-oriented events taking place from 3 to 6 p.m.
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The evening's concert and festivities will take place at the Clyde Iron Works' event center at 7 p.m. with a lineup of performances featuring Duluth's own Celtic band, McInnis' Kitchen, Mary Lou Williams, the Lake Superior Youth Chorus, the Duluth Scottish Heritage Society Pipes and Drums, and "Minnesota's favorite Irish pub band," Ninety to the Dozen. The zoo's CEO, Sam Maida, will open the concert with a special welcome introduction.
Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for kids and students, and $40 for families. Gates open to the public at 6:30 p.m. at Clyde Iron Works, located at 2920 W. Michigan Street.
This event offers several opportunities to help support the zoo's recovery in addition to concert revenues. 100 percent of the proceeds of the concert will go directly to aid the zoo's recovery efforts. Advance online ticket sales are available for special VIP express check-in via www.lszoo.org .
