Groovy ZooTunes music among the wild things - and some animals, too

They run, they prowl, they jump, they screech. And you should see them devour food!

We're talking about the wild animals at Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo. And we're talking about the kids, too — the kind you see running around at ZooTunes, the annual summertime series of outdoor shows there. Its 25th season kicks off next week, with two nights of bluesmen Keb' Mo' and Taj Mahal, Tuesday and Wednesday.

The kid-friendly ZooTunes concerts are fun for grown-ups, as well. The shows are held on the expansive green of the North Meadow, where there's plenty of room around the edges for kids to work out their energy while those intent on seeing the show and hearing the music can gather close to the stage, on blankets or in low-back chairs, with their picnic food close at hand.

Make a day of it, and you may even be able to get the kids tired enough to sit and enjoy the music with you. Go early and see not only the giraffes and lions and rhinos (check for feeding times) but also the new pink flamingos exhibit. Hand-feed the birds at Willawong Station (feeding sticks cost $1), ride the 1918 vintage Carousel ($2) or watch butterflies emerge from their cocoons at the Butterflies and Blooms exhibit.

While the running, screaming kids can test your patience — especially if you're trying to enjoy the show — one of the best things about ZooTunes is watching children dance to the music. Even toddlers will bounce when the beat gets to them. And seeing little kids dance with their dad or mom — priceless.

Besides playing, there are other things to occupy the little ones at ZooTunes. Docents man portable information tables, with bones, feathers, pelts, snakeskins and other hands-on experiences, and they can answer all your animal questions (with reference books at the ready).

Concession stands have ice cream and cookies, hamburgers and hotdogs, pizza and pasta, and vegetarian offerings. You can bring your own food or pre-order a picnic lunch (via www.zoo.org). And there's a beer and wine garden with excellent choices (profits benefit the zoo).

ZooTunes does it right. They start the series in late June and end it in late August — usually skipping our traditional early-June rains and early-fall chill. The ticket prices are reasonable (always under $30). The shows start at 6 p.m. and end by 8:30, and they're always on time. The venue is not oversold, so there's plenty of room. The sound is good, not deafening. ZooTunes parking is free.

The acts are well-matched to the setting — they're mostly mellow, and varied. This year's lineup runs from the folk-influenced melodies of the Indigo Girls to the funky blues of Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, from the smooth pop of Boz Scaggs to the lively traditional country of the Avett Brothers. The biggest name is Emmylou Harrris, the great country/folk singer-guitarist. Her show is sold out, as are some of the others. All the shows will probably sell out, so get tickets while you can.

Patrick MacDonald: 206-464-2312

or pmacdonald@seattletimes.com