Twilight at Taronga Concerts

I was fortunate to attend the last Renault Twilight at Taronga concert series for 2014 last night, as at the time of writing this.

This annual event runs every February and March at Sydney's Taronga Zoo. This is where jazz, families, friends and picnics all blend in nicely together. After attending this event recently, I have my brother who lives overseas to thank for giving this event to me as a Christmas gift.

The gates open at 5pm. As you'll be inspired and want to have a picnic amongst spectacular views of Sydney Harbour with great company and terrific jazz musical performances; it is easier to take the car and park at the zoo. All day parking is available for a flat rate of $17.

The gates opened at 5pm. You are not allowed to BYO alcohol, yet all other treats from outside can be brought into the zoo. If you're lucky, you'll get to see some of the animals in their enclosure upon entering the zoo in the twilight hours. It was cool to see a couple of amazing elephants. Nearly all of the other animals were asleep.



There is a bit of walking to the grassed area among the main stage. The signage is pretty clear. Security will check your bags to ensure you're not bringing any alcohol along.

Myself, my mother and sister arrived at Taronga Zoo for this concert at around 5:30pm. We found a seat, only to find a better spot near the bar. We were all fine sitting on towels, blankets and picnic rugs. Naturally my family bring enough food to last us for a week to such events.

It was great to soak in the ambience with many other happy people in the mood for a picnic. Bite sized chocolate treats, as well as biscuits and dips with a glass of bubbles or wine was the vibe. Alcohol and ice cream, as well as other foods can also be purchased at the zoo.

We were fortunate to get a spectacular back view of the Harbour Bridge, and watch the cruise ships go past at dark. Love those bright lights. The stage was filled with bright lights too.

The main event started at 7:30pm, with a 10-15 minute interlude after an hour. There were a few thousand people in attendance. James Morrison and his band entertained us. Some of it was quite funny. Even if you're not a jazz lover, you will love this night out inside the zoo in the company of friends and/or family.



One of the tracks involved some audience participation, and the music was just fabulous. We all had to write the word love, and after that, James Morrison turned off the lights for Earth Hour (I attended the last performance on the 29 March 2014) and performed one track in darkness. It was all lovely, and everyone was sad for the concert series to end...even the child in front of us.

More Rhino sculptures entertained, and the show came to an end at around 10pm. There was a special ferry service to send people back to Circular Quay at 10:30pm.

It was a challenge for some people carting their chairs back uphill to the zoo's main entrance at the end. Brighter lighting would have helped.

Again, I thoroughly enjoyed this night. If I am gifted this concert series again I would return. I don't know if I would want to pay to attend something like this. I am extremely grateful for my brother for gifting this to myself, to my sister, and to my mum.

Rating: 6/10

Where: Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head Road Mosman NSW.
Why: Jazz concert series under the stars at Taronga Zoo with awesome harbour views.
Cost: Adults $69-79 per person, unreserved picnic style. Further details: http://taronga.org.au/twilight-at-taronga/ticket-prices.
When: Every February to March, usually held on Saturday nights.

Good for kids: Yes. There were quite a few kids in attendance. They enjoy discounted tickets.

PS. Wonderful subscribers and readers, would love to have included more images for you, however, my system chose not to play with me on that one. Thanks in advance for your understanding - Editor.

Categories:

#_mosman
#_north_shore
#_annual_festivals
#_entertainment
#_music
#_live_performances
#_music_festivals
#_taronga_zoo_twilight

%sydneyfun