The Louisville Zoo and the Louisville Orchestra present ROARchestra: Summer Breeze with Yacht Rock classics

Press Release Louisville Orchestra

Mayor Craig Greenberg announces that The Louisville Zoo and the Louisville Orchestra are teaming up once again to bring back ROARchestra for another unforgettable summer night under the stars. ROARchestra returns Saturday, July 11 with SUMMER BREEZE: YACHT ROCK CLASSICS, a nostalgic evening packed with smooth hits, summer vibes and live music at the Louisville Zoo.

Led by beloved ROARchestra conductor Bob Bernhardt, the concert will feature iconic Yacht Rock favorites including Margaritaville, Africa, Escape (The Piña Colada Song), Sailing, What a Fool Believes and many more performed live by the Louisville Orchestra.

Guests are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy a relaxing summer evening at the Zoo. Food, drinks and adult beverages will be available for purchase during the event.

“ROARchestra has quickly become one of Louisville’s favorite summer traditions,” said Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney. “There’s something magical about spending a summer night outdoors at the Zoo with great music, friends and family. This year’s Yacht Rock theme is going to make for an incredibly fun and memorable evening.”

“ROARchestra combines two of Louisville’s most beloved organizations to create a one-of-a-kind community experience,” said Nathaniel Koch, Louisville Orchestra Executive Director. “SUMMER BREEZE brings together timeless music, a beautiful outdoor setting and the incredible musicians of the Louisville Orchestra for a concert audiences won’t want to miss.”

The Zoo gates will open at 7 p.m. with the concert beginning at 8:30 p.m. Guests may enjoy select Zoo areas prior to the performance before settling in on the Oasis Field for the concert.

Tickets go on sale Friday, May 29 at noon at LouisvilleZoo.org/roar.

Advance tickets start at $30 for adults (ages 12+) and $15 for kids (ages 3-11) and include parking. Tickets for adults increase to $35 beginning July 1.

ROARchestra: SUMMER BREEZE — YACHT ROCK CLASSICS is expected to be one of the highlights of Louisville’s summer entertainment season. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets early.

Rain date for the performance is Sunday, July 12.

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About the Louisville Orchestra 

The Louisville Orchestra was created in 1937 and sprung up in a time of need, just after the great flood and in the wake of the depression. Robert Whitney was invited to conduct the newly established orchestra, known then as the Louisville Philharmonic, and arrived from Chicago that same year. In its formation, the goal was to create a new model for the American symphony orchestra, as it was conceived through an ambitious effort that emphasized innovation through the commissioning, performance, and recording of new works by contemporary composers. The Louisville Orchestra garnered international critical acclaim, became the first orchestra to establish a record label, and cemented a place in history for its contribution to contemporary classical music. In its first two decades, the Louisville Orchestra commissioned/recorded up to 52 new works annually and ultimately created 150 vinyl recordings (LPs) of more than 450 works. The Louisville Orchestra continues to be recognized as a cornerstone of the Louisville performing arts community. Music Director Teddy Abrams has helmed the Louisville Orchestra since 2014, and the Louisville Orchestra has returned to its origins of commissioning new music and recording, having released two albums under the prestigious Decca Gold label. A wide variety of immersive and innovative concert performances and educational programming continue to receive national attention. Recent press coverage includes articles and mentions in The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and CBS Sunday Morning. Accolades include three invitations to perform at Carnegie Hall; the Leonard Bernstein Award for Excellence in Educational Programming; the League of American Orchestras 2019 Ford Musician Awards for Excellence in Community Service; and 19 American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) awards for adventurous programming in use of contemporary music. 

About the Louisville Zoo

The Louisville Zoo, the State Zoo of Kentucky, is the top, non-profit, paid attraction in the state. The Zoo is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), a global alliance of zoos and aquariums.