Birds in Concert 2015: Guest Artists Fowl Play

The World Bird Sanctuary “Birds in Concert 2015” presented by Ameren Missouri, will launch the third in the series on August 20th with performances by The Raptor Project followed by guest artists Fowl Play.

The World Bird Sanctuary’s in-house band, “The Raptor Project” takes to the stage to perform songs from their popular children’s environmental education CDs.  Learn fun and exciting facts about the animals we share our planet with as they share the stage with the Raptor Project!  Audience participation is encouraged! 

Be entertained by Fowl Play following the Raptor Project

Enjoy Fowl Play as they cover popular rock and pop songs from the classics to recent hits!  Started by St. Louis musician Jon Hutsler, Fowl Play is an “all-star” mash-up of local musicians that formed the band exclusively for performances at Birds in Concert.  From “Rockin’ Robin” to “Fly Like an Eagle”, there will surely be a bird-themed song for everyone at this fun-filled, danceable performance!

Raptor Project performances are followed by an intermission, where visitors can visit event sponsors Whole Foods Market and Reneway by Andeersen, and stand the chance to win great prizes.  After intermission, settle down for more exciting and fun family friendly music with Fowl Play,

Join us for another talent and fun-filled performance in our 2015 concert series.

WHEN:  August 20th

TIME:              7:00pm – 8:30 pm

ADMISSION:  FREE

PARKING:  FREE

Enjoy our amphitheater seating—or bring your lawn chairs and picnics

For the safety of our animals and our other guests, please no pets.

Special Events At The World Bird Sanctuary

The World Bird Sanctuary’s staff, interns and volunteers wear many hats during the year in addition to their everyday duties—not the least of which are the unexpected talents they display at our special events.

JoHanna Burton with a batch of owl cookies for Birds in Concert (photo: Mike Zieloski)

Look at what JoHanna Burton (WBS Staff Person) made for the Birds In Concert Event for the night of August 28, 2014.  She made Peanut Butter Cookies into the shape of Owls. She used chocolate for the eyes.  These treats were for sale to help raise money for the birds.  At the concert the week before she made Blueberry Bars which were delicious.  Matt Levin, volunteer extraordinaire made Chocolate chip cookie pies, which were sold as treats.  Thanks JoHanna and Matt.

At World Eagle Day, I, Michael Zeloski had my face painted by WBS Staff person Dawn Kernich.  My face became a wonderfully large Eagle head.  Face Painting is just one of the activities at World Eagle Day in March and at Open House in October.  Other popular activities are the photo op with one of our amazing birds, and the kids’ craft project.

The Raptor Project performing at one of our special events (photo: Gay Schroer)

The World Bird Sanctuary band, The Raptor Project, is composed of unbelievably talented staff and volunteers, and never fails to entertain at our special events.

One of our most popular activities at special events--the photo op (photo: Gay Schroer)

You will want to be a part of our next special event, our 2-day Open House—always held the third weekend of October.  Until then, the World Bird Sanctuary has a number of other special programs to fill your outdoor interests.

•            Our guided hikes program, Hey, There’s Nature In My Woods, has only two more sign up days left for this year – 9/27 and 10/25.  Call 636-225-4390 x101 to make your reservations.

•            Owl Prowls will be starting 11/8 and will continue through the Owl mating and breeding season.  Owl Prowl slots are already beginning to fill.  For more information and specific dates click here  and check out the Owl Prowl dates on our events calendar.  Don’t delay, as these Owl Prowls fill up quickly.  Call 636-225-4390 x101 to make your reservations

WBS Special Events are made special by our staff, volunteers and interns.  The work our crew puts in, plus amazing birds and the community spirit and energy generated by our staff and volunteers is contagious.

 Click here  for information on Special Events now and throughout the year--or call 636-225-4390 x101 for more detailed information.

Submitted by Michael Zieloski, World Bird Sanctuary Director of Education

Wolves Of The Sky

If ever there was a bird that’s all business, it’s Tequila! 

As I was leaving the World Bird Sanctuary Nature Center after a day of volunteering in the office, I happened to venture into the amphitheater as two of our naturalists were giving one of our Harris’ Hawk fliers its daily exercise.  At the end of every day two of our naturalist/trainers exercise our flying performers by taking them out on stage and flying them between the two staff members.  Of course, the bird knows that there is a treat of tasty rat meat at the end of each flight. 

Even though there are treats involved, some of the birds aren’t as quick to respond to the trainer’s cue as this one was.  I wasn’t sure which bird this was (since to me all Harris’ Hawks look pretty much alike), but I was mesmerized by its concentration and intensity.  No sooner would she land on the trainer’s glove and devour the treat than she would be ready for the return trip.  The bird sat on the trainer’s glove like a coiled spring, anticipating the next cue from the other trainer.  After the flying session was over I discovered that this spot-on performer was Tequila, one of our veteran fliers.

Harris’ Hawks are unusual in the raptor world in that they are not lone hunters.  Due to scarcity of day-active prey in their desert environment a family will work together cooperatively (somewhat like a wolf pack) to hunt and capture prey. 

One bird will land on the very top of a Saguaro cactus, and then another will land on top of that bird and another on top of that one until they are stacked as much as three or four high.  Hence, the name for this behavior—stacking! 

From this vantage point, and with many sets of eyes scanning the desert, any movement on the desert floor could signal the presence of a prey animal. Watching Tequila’s intensity I could only imagine what it must feel like to be a prey animal (mouse, rat, rabbit, etc.) when these wolves of the sky are on the hunt. 

Over the years I have attempted to photograph many of our Harris’ Hawks in flight, but in my opinion they are one of the most difficult to capture—digitally or on film.  Their speed in flight is amazing.  However, this particular day some of Tequila’s concentration must have rubbed off on me as I did manage to get several acceptable photos of this brown dynamo. 

If you would like to see Tequila in action join us for Birds in Concert any Thursday night in August.  Tequila and a number of our other performing animals will light up our stage, along with our in-house band, The Raptor Project.  In addition to our birds and The Raptor Project, each Birds in Concert features a different guest performer. 

Where else can you find entertainment featuring live music, guest artists, and flying birds--and all for FREE!

Birds in Concert Information

When:              Every Thursday in August

Time:              7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Where:              The World Bird Sanctuary amphitheater

                        125 Bald Eagle Ridge Road

                        Valley Park, MO 63088

Bring your family, friends and picnics.  Food will also be available from our snack table.

For the safety of our animals and other guests, no pets please.

Submitted by Gay Schroer, World Bird Sanctuary Volunteer/Photographer

Javier Mendoza & Jim Peters This Thursday

Javier Mendoza and Jim Peters with The Reserve at Birds in Concert this Thursday!

Javier Mendoza returns to our stage this Thursday along with Jim Peters for a rocking good time

The folk-rock collective The Reserve was formed in 2013 by longtime collaborators Javier Mendoza and Jim Peters.  The Reserve combines elements of laid-back storytelling with moments of white-knuckle guitar acrobatics, filtering all of this through a pop sensibility with just a touch of twang.

Mendoza and Peters have played music together since 2001, touring both the United States and Europe.  They have opened for such artists as Willie Nelson, Los Lobos, Ben Folds, and Chuck Berry.  Vocalist/guitarist Javier Mendoza has released several acclaimed records as a solo artist.  Guitarist/vocalist Peters was a member of the alt-rock group The Uptight Animals when not appearing with Mendoza.

Important Information

Date: Thursday, August 15th, 2013

Time: 7.00 - 8.30pm

Admission: Parking: FREE!

Sponsored by:

Join us for the Raptor Project, followed by The Reserve.  

Spin the Whole Foods Market Wheel during intermission for fun prizes, 

PLUS the chance to win a Kindle tablet from Nationwide Hendrixson Agency!

Bring your blankets, picnics and friends and join us for a fun evening of music!

Food will be available from our snack table.

For the safety of our animals and other guests, no pets please.

The Rebounds at Birds in Concert this Thursday!

Join us this Thursday for our final Birds in Concert for 2012!  Enjoy music by World Bird Sanctuary's in-house band, The Raptor Project, followed by The Rebounds!

Their selection of music spans several decades with a solid representation of the 70's and 80's.  The Rebounds play danceable classic rock and audience members find it hard to stay put in their seats.  

If you were to ask where The Rebounds are from, you'll get a varied answer.  The four members hail from Robertsville, Eureka, Webster Groves, and St. Charles.  The musicians, Chris Johnson, Gary Allgood, Kyle Walz, and Matt Sokeland, have several decades of musical experience and are known for creating a medley of songs that gives older tunes a fresh sound.  Artists you will hear are Poison, Billy Joel, John Mellencamp, Van Morrison, The Romantics, Wilson Pickett, Black Crowes, and more.

Date: Thursday, August 27^th, 2012

Time: 7.00 – 8.30pm

Admission & Parking: FREE!

See The Raptor Project, followed by The Rebounds!  

Play the Whole Foods Market prize wheel before the concert, and during intermission, for fun prizes!

Birds in Concert is Sponsored by Ameren Missouri.

Bring your blankets and picnics and join us for a fun evening of music with friends!

Babaloo at Birds in Concert this Thursday!

Join us this Thursday for our fourth Birds in Concert for 2012!  Enjoy music by World Bird Sanctuary's in-house band, The Raptor Project, followed by family-favorite, Babaloo!

Babaloo is not your everyday crooner

Ready for something different?  Babaloo is a high-energy musical comedy act for kids (and parents) of all ages.  Be warned -- this is no run-of-the-mill kids’ crooner.  Babaloo’s show is a fast-paced, totally interactive experience full of fun props, hilarious tunes, and wacky stunts.  Everbody participates in the fun, whether they’re singing and dancing, tossing bean bags, or beating on five-gallon buckets.

This prize-winning pied piper packs more fun than seems possible into every show.  And he performs over 300 shows per year.  The Children’s Music Web Awards named him “Best Entertainer,” and he placed 1st and 2nd in the world’s largest songwriting contest.  St. Louis Magazine voted him “The region’s best family entertainer,” and he’s a selected touring performer for the Missouri Arts Council and the Mid-America Arts Alliance.

Date: Thursday, August 23^rd, 2012

Time: 7.00 – 8.30pm

Admission & Parking: FREE!

See The Raptor Project, followed by Babaloo! 

Play the Whole Foods Market prize wheel before the concert, and during intermission, for fun prizes!

Birds in Concert is Sponsored by Ameren Missouri.

Bring your blankets and picnics and join us for a fun evening of music with friends!

CHUDAN

Thursday Night, folk rock band Chudan plays at Birds in Concert!

Join us on Thursday, August 25^th, from 7pm – 8:30pm to enjoy Raptor Project music, followed by the folk rock band, Chudan.

CHUDAN (Japanese term for balance or centeredness) draws on a variety of musical traditions including blues, rock, folk, bluegrass and Americana as well as its own works.  The band includes Caelin Graber, Rocky Santhuff and Bob Warbin, musicians and singer/songwriters who select music that appeals to every member of the band -  songs and tunes that always seem fresh and enjoyable.  Band members play fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin and a variety of percussion instruments to entertain its audience.  

Admission and parking is FREE.  No reservations required.  Just bring yourself and your picnic.  Concessions will be on sale.

Sponsored by Ameren Missouri

Onstage 8/18 - Nashville Country Artist Shelly Rann

Thursday Night, new country artist Shelly Rann plays at Birds in Concert!

Join us on Thursday, August 18^th, from 7pm – 8:30pm to enjoy Raptor Project music, followed by the new Nashville-signed country artist, Shelly Rann.

Shelly Rann is a charismatic performer with natural beauty, genuine charm and a sense of humor that immediately endears her to audiences everywhere.  In her young career, Shelly has had her songs featured on the NBC network award-winning prime time shows The West Wing and Third Watch. In addition, Shelly has shared the stage with Vince Gill, Trace Adkins, and Alabama, and has performed on the Capital Lawn for the President of the United States and 20,000 others to honor fallen officers at the National Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Service.

  

Shelly is a singer/songwriter born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky.  Following in the footsteps of many legendary performers from the Bluegrass state, she moved to Nashville to pursue her musical career. Her songwriting talent and uniquely gifted voice quickly caught the attention of the Nashville songwriting community and she has collaborated with some of the very best writers including Gary Burr (Christina Aguilera), Kent Blazy (Garth Brooks), Larry Cordle (Alison Krauss), and Mark Nesler (Tim McGraw). Her songs are introspective, and reflect her life experiences casting her as a true artist. As one of Nashville’s first call session singers she possesses one of the most beautiful, passionate, and expressive voices in music today.

Shelly has recently finished “Afterwords”, her first major studio album produced by Henry Paul of the multi-platinum country group BlackHawk and Dale Oliver (Bucky Covington), writing 9 of the 11 songs. This highly anticipated album is now available at Amazon.com and on iTunes.

Admission and parking is FREE.  No reservations required.  Just bring yourself and your picnic.  Concessions will be on sale.

Sponsored by Ameren Missouri

Javier Mendoza On Our Stage 8/11

Thursday Night, Javier Mendoza returns to play at Birds in Concert!

Join us on Thursday, August 11^th, from 7pm – 8:30pm to enjoy Raptor Project music, followed by the ever-popular Javier Mendoza.

Javier has received many honors throughout his career. He is currently nominated for Best Solo Artist at The 2010-2011 Riverfront Time’s Music Awards. He was voted Best Male Vocalist by the Reader’s Poll at the 2009 Riverfront Time’s Music Awards, and also in 2009 KDHX Radio voted Javier Best Latin Artist.

 Javier Mendoza

With 11 albums spanning 11 years Javier demonstrates that he knows where he comes from and where he is going.  On each CD he combines new influences, new musical inspirations and life experiences with the common thread of hope for the future.  His dedication to creating new and different material and his passion for live performance keeps bringing the fans back again and again.  Whether he’s playing for 10 people or a crowd of 10,000, Javier makes each show unforgettable.  The physical and emotional energy he delivers is truly amazing and must be experienced to be believed.

Rather than focusing primarily on the future he is focusing on “Now” and how incredible the journey of life can be if you let it.  For Javier living in the “Now” is about personal growth, working with great musicians, new fans, long time fans, and welcoming all that life has to offer without hesitation.  When the big record labels come knocking Javier will be ready but until then, he plans to make the most of every second. 

Admission and parking is FREE.  No reservations required.  Just bring yourself and your picnic.  Concessions will be on sale.

Sponsored by Ameren Missouri

Birds In Concert: The Raptor Project - 8/4

Thursday Night The Raptor Project Plays at Birds in Concert!

Join us on Thursday, August 4^th, from 7pm – 8:30pm while World Bird Sanctuary’s in-house band, “The Raptor Project” performs songs from their popular children’s environmental education CDs.  Fan favorites from the "Save the Future" and "All Along the Watershed" albums include "Turkey Named Fred", "Roadkill Shiver," "What's the Matter," "The Greatest Possum,"  "Animal Noises," and "Don't Be A Do Do."

Kids from the audience join our dancing Do Do onstage

Learn fun and exciting facts about the animals we share our planet with as they share the stage with The Raptor Project!

Admission and parking is FREE.  No reservations required.  Just bring yourself and your picnic.  Concessions will be on sale.

Sponsored by Ameren Missouri

Birds in Concert 2011

Birds in Concert is back!  Meet the new bands!

  Our own Raptor Project

It's almost time for Birds in Concert 2011!  World Bird Sanctuary’s in-house band, “The Raptor Project” performs songs from their popular children’s environmental education CDs "Save the Future" and "All Along the Watershed" while birds fly just inches over your heads.  Fun songs include “Turkey Named Fred”, “Roadkill Shiver”, “What’s the Matter”, “Animal Noises” and others.

The phenomenal Javier Mendoza will be returning to our stage

“Raptor Project” performances are followed by performances by local artists, including Javier Mendoza and two new artists this year.

Join us from 7.00 – 8.30pm, every Thursday evening in August

August 4^th – The Raptor Project

August 11^th – The Raptor Project, followed by Javier Mendoza

August 18^{th –} The Raptor Project, followed by new Nashville country artist Shelly Rann.

August 25^th – The Raptor Project, followed by folk rock band, Chudan.

New Nashville country artist, Shelly Rann

Admission and parking is FREE.  No reservations required.  Just bring yourself and your picnic.  Concessions will be on sale.


Sponsored by Ameren Missouri

Birds In Concert Closes With a Bang!

Our last Birds in Concert performance closed with a bang on Thursday night with the rock and roll rhythms of The Rebounds.

Our sincere thanks to all those faithful fans who showed up to support WBS, and our Raptor Project and guest performers, despite hundred degree temperatures and threatening weather.  Also, a huge, heartfelt "Thank You" to Javier Mendoza, A Little Rhythm, and The Rebounds--the generous entertainers who have donated their time and talents to make this event a success.  All proceeds from the Birds in Concert series support our Wildlife Hospital and help to treat the more than 350 patients admitted every year.

We couldn't do what we do without you, our loyal supporters, and we hope our concert series has made this a memorable summer for you and your family members.   Hopefully, in the years to come, when your children and grandchildren are gathered  at a family event their reminiscences will begin...."Do you remember when we were little, and mom and dad (or grandma and grandpa) took us to those WBS concerts where they flew the birds?  I think that's where I first learned to appreciate wildlife...."

If you hear a comment like that, then we will have done our jobs--environmental education.  And, you will have done your jobs--making family memories.

A Little Rhythm

Third “Birds In Concert” scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, August 12.

Our own in-house band, The Raptor Project 

Despite the blistering temperatures and an early evening thunderstorm that blew through the St. Louis area last Thursday, our second “Birds In Concert” was a huge success!

Last week’s featured performer, Javier Mendoza, never fails to draw a crowd, and a great time was had by all.  To find out where you can see and hear more of this great performer Click Here.

The fabulous Javier Mendoza

This week’s featured artist is A Little Rhythm, and is completely new to our stage.  According to the weather service, temperatures will range in the mid-eighties for our next performance, and skies will be clear.

Rifle, the Harris' Hawk, swooping over the audience

So plan to join us this Thursday, August 19, for our third Birds in Concert performance and help us welcome A Little Rhythm to our stage.

Children in the audience help to tell the story of the DoDo

Of course, as our veteran spectators will tell you, you can expect the unexpected from our own in-house band’s Raptor Project performance. The Raptor Project performances may be accompanied by anything from our talented birds swooping low overhead, to a snake parade, to a dancing DoDo, or a performing Pelican.  Children are often invited to become part of the act as our dancing DoDo and the Raptor Project's "Don't Be A DoDo" tell the story of what happened to the DoDo bird.

All ages enjoy our concerts

Mark your calendars for a rocking good time:

Thursday, August 19

7:00 p.m.

Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets to spread on the lawn seating area if they like.  Seating is bleacher style.  For directions to our site Click Here.

Food and beverages such as hot dogs, nachos, snacks and soda will be available for purchase.

ADMISSION AND PARKING ARE FREE!

For the safety of our other guests and our animals, please no pets.

Birds In Concert is sponsored by Ameren UE