Music Under Glass offers a unique experience of wandering through the tropical gardens at dusk, providing a warm escape from the winter cold while enjoying live performances by local musicians. These free concerts take place in the Sunken Garden, where, due to fire code regulations, seating is not provided. However, the music is simulcast into other areas of the gardens where additional seating is available. While the zoo closes at 4:00 p.m., the Conservatory remains open for guests to enjoy the concert. Beer and wine are available for purchase to enhance the evening experience.
2025 DATES:
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.
