Music in the Zoo - A Beautiful Night with Guster

Last updated on August 10th, 2019 at 12:10 am

Living just minutes from the Weesner Family Amphitheater at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, and being an avid music lover, I always try to get to a few shows there every summer. Getting as lucky as we did to have such an absolutely beautiful and cool evening for outdoor music in July, in Minnesota, was a huge bonus!

Guster – Photo credit: Chris Schorn, Christine Photography

I’ve been photographing enough shows in the past few years to have some buddies in security now, so I checked in with the regulars and found my seats. We were center stage, great location, but really anywhere in there is pretty great. It was a packed house! Sold out show for the second year in a row. Guster clearly has their loyal followers.

Mikaela Davis – Photo credit: Chris Schorn, Christine Photography

The opening act, Mikaela Davis had a voice that reminded me a lot of Jewel, although I realize I’m aging myself by even correlating that way. She played this beautiful harp, but talk about a difficult photo to get!

A well-framed, horizontal shot of someone playing the harp is not easy to get while still showing the beauty of the instrument.

When Guster took the stage, the lead singer, Ryan Miller, was wearing what can best be described as a fruit suit.

The night proceeded in true Guster fashion. Light and upbeat happy music filled the 1,500-seat, intimate amphitheater, where the bird shows are also held.

When a few songs I didn’t recognize would pass, Guster would pull out one of the good old ones everyone recognizes, and cleary loves like “Satellite” or “Barrel of a Gun.” People were singing along and the vibe was easy and pleasant.

The crowd was definitely older. I guess I’m older now too. I mean, even Ryan Miller of Guster said that being in his mid-40’s himself, he too is not likely to stand for an entire show anymore either. Off the hook!

Weesner Family Amphitheater – Photo credit: Chris Schorn, Christine Photography

Many fans still chose to stay on their feet, but this venue definitely warrants sitting, if you desire. I just wish I had one of those seat cushions with a back on it…like all the other ‘older folks’ had.

For anyone who hasn’t been to Music in the Zoo, the iconic summer concert series that features 20+ outdoor concerts from June – August, it’s time to change that. Check the schedule, and if not this summer, find a show next summer, and go. I’ll cross my fingers that you too can get a perfect weather night for some outdoor music in Minnesota.