Zao Island was movin’ and groovin’ Friday night as Breezy Rodio took the stage on August 16. The bluesy performance was part of the lineup for its Summer Concert Series, which invites live performers to showcase their talent at the fun center for all to enjoy during weekends throughout the warmer months of the year.
“It's always so fun to watch everyone having a good time. That's one reason why we started doing events like these, and it’s definitely a passion of mine. I like seeing people happy and having fun,” said Zao Operating Partner Ryan Wright. “Our goal is to try to be somewhere in between a typical entertainment center and an amusement park. We’re really trying to hit that sweet spot in between feeling like you just took a trip around the corner, but it also feels like you went far away.”
As an island packed with family entertainment, the music chosen each week takes listeners to a tropical oasis. Live music at Zao typically follows a tropical, island-esque theme, allowing attendees to sit back, relax, and enjoy the sounds of a vacation getaway while making quality memories with friends and family.
“It's really important to create a well-rounded feel for the whole family,” Wright said. “We’re taking all the strengths of all the people who are really big in our operation, as well as myself, to make the park extra special and feel like you're on vacation. We play the steel drums and such with the live music, and that's really to help boost more of a relaxing atmosphere than other places where it can be more geared towards just the kids with bright colors, and loud sounds. We want to make it feel like a mix between a family and amusement center and a nice spot where people want to vacation, like a nice vacation hotel.”
Music has been a part of Wright’s family for as long as he can remember. His mother was a music therapist for autistic children, and he has fond childhood memories of her playing the piano at home. Implementing music at Zao has been Wright's way of keeping that momentum going - he knows just how much music can positively impact all family dynamics, and wants to continue to share that joy with people of all ages in the Northwest Indiana community.
“We’re very much a family venue. Parents can have fun with their kids while enjoying the music, or vice versa,” Wright said. "Music is something that's important to us, and kids are going to have fun no matter what with the things we have, so we're trying to make a nice space for the entire family and the moms and dads as well.”
Getting the community in on the fun has also been a favorite aspect for Wright when putting the series together. Having live music at Zao has allowed Wright to reconnect with old friends, such as his previous guitar teacher, while becoming familiar with up and coming acts hot on the Region's music scene. It’s all done to help the community connect through music.
“The lineup changes every year, but there's always a lot of blues music and rock,” Wright said. “We also have Reggae Express, which has a really cool reggae vibe, as well as steel drum acts who have played here before. There are some really talented people who have played with us, and it's not something that we're trying to make money on. It's just something we're trying to provide for free so that people enjoy the atmosphere. You could literally go watch the music and not buy anything, and we don't mind.”
Wright and the Zao team are always hard at work creating a fun atmosphere for Northwest Indiana residents. Whether it’s music, rides, arcade games, and more, there’s always something for everyone at Zao, and Zao wants everyone to know they’re always welcome to stop by for a great time.
“We really strive to provide high quality live music that's free to make it a well rounded package,” Wright said. “We have great food and other great entertainment options, and just want to make a special night for all who come by. Our goal is to make families and people in general smile and have a great time.”
There are still two more shows in the live Summer Concert Series to check out before it all ends! Stop on by Friday, August 23, featuring Return 2 Soul, and Dead to Rights wraps everything up on Friday, August 30 to close out the summer fun. For more information, visit zaoisland.net.
