Evenings at Brookfield Zoo will be a little wilder with the kickoff of the zoo’s 4th annual Summer Nights, presented by Meijer. From 4pm to 9pm., on Fridays and Saturdays from June 16 through August 12, guests of all ages can enjoy a variety of live music and roaming kids’ entertainment, as well as enhanced dining experiences, a beer and wine garden, animal encounters, and a spectacular laser light show closing out each evening. Summer Nights will have something for everyone, whether it’s families, friends, or couples on a date night. Zoogoers can bring lawn chairs or blankets and relax on the East Mall while taking in the sounds of some of the following bands:

• Friday, June 16 – The namesake of the Gina Glocksen Band is best known as the 9th place finalist of the 6th season of the megahit television show American Idol. Although Gina was often referred to as the “rocker chick,’” her musical influences and abilities range far beyond the realm of rock.
• Saturday, June 17 – In the Valley Below is an adventurous indie rock duo that melds art rock, squelchy synth pop, and woozy blues into something you won’t want to miss.
• Friday, June 23 – Ear Candy specializes in performing favorite dance hits from the past 40 years and is one of Chicago’s hottest dance band sensations. Like a great radio station, Ear Candy effortlessly shifts between dance floor smashes by artists such as Usher, Rihanna, Prince, Pink, Michael Jackson, Enrique Iglesias, Justin Timberlake, the Bee Gees, Taio Cruz, INXS, Earth, Wind & Fire, KC and the Sunshine Band, the Commodores, and the Black Eyed Peas without missing a beat. The result is a continuous mix of high-energy songs that are as danceable as they are instantly recognizable.

Summer Nights is included with the purchase of general admission: $19.85 for adults and $14.50 for children ages 3 to 11 and seniors 65 and over. Parking is $12. For additional information about Summer Nights, visit CZS.org/SummerNights or call (708) 688-8000.