Karla Bonoff Kicks Off Zootunes

------------------------------- Concert preview

Karla Bonoff 6 p.m. Wednesday, ZooTunes at the Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle; $8, FREE for children 12 and under; 206-615-0076. -------------------------------

ZooTunes shows are some of the nicest concert experiences families can have in the summertime.

The mellow, acoustic shows are held in a big, grassy meadow at the north end of the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, in a picnic-like atmosphere. Most concertgoers spread a blanket on the ground (or bring low-slung chairs) and enjoy the music while snacking on treats they brought with them, or got from one of the exceptional food booths (offering beverages, snacks and whole dinners.)

Children are welcome at the concerts - those 12 and under are admitted free - and most seem to enjoy the generally light, melodic music. But when they get restless, there's plenty of room for them to run around, including a play area far enough from the stage that their squeals and laughter don't impede on the music. And they can visit the zoo's riding ponies, whose pen is at the back of the concert site. Some of the ponies seem fascinated by the music and the people and spend the evening watching the excitement. Others seem content to turn their backs on the action and munch on hay.

This year's ZooTunes season opens Wednesday with gifted singer-songwriter-guitarist Karla Bonoff, best known for her hit, "Personally."

Bonoff has written many songs for other artists, most notably Linda Ronstadt, who had a big hit with "Someone to Lay Down Beside Me." Bonoff also wrote "Tell Me Why," a No. 1 country hit for Wynonna, and the title tune to her multi-platinum album.

Bonoff is a fun, engaging performer who brings a lot of wit to her show. A few years ago, at the encore of her ZooTunes performance, she used her cellular phone to call her boyfriend, J.D. Souther (also a noted songwriter). "I think I woke him," she confessed.

Among crowd favorites at previous Bonoff shows here were "Daddy's Little Girl," "Hope" and "Baby Don't Go."

You can park right next to the concert site in the zoo lot just off North 59th Street and Phinney Avenue North. There are a limited number of free parking spaces. More free parking is available near the south entrance to the zoo, and in Woodland Park.

Following is the rest of the ZooTunes lineup. All shows are at 6 p.m. on Wednesday nights. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., local artists open the show at 6 p.m., followed by the headliner at 7 p.m. The shows end before sundown. For tickets and further information, call 206-615-0076, or visit the Zoo's Web site at www.zoo.org

July 22: Keb' Mo', young, traditionalist blues singer-guitarist ($10).

July 29: Michael McDonald, romantic singer-songwriter formerly of the Doobie Brothers ($10).

Aug. 5: Christopher Cross, the singer known for dreamy ballads like "Sailing" ($10).

Aug. 12: David Wilcox, the thoughtful, entertaining folk singer known for his exquisite guitar technique ($8).

Aug. 19: Lee Ritenour, the pop/jazz guitarist, and the R. Carlos Nakai Quartet, the Native American band featuring the great flutist ($10).

Aug. 26: Art Garfunkel, the sweeter-voiced half of Simon & Garfunkel ($10).