This winter, Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) will present Wild Side Stage, a new performance series for children. Families are invited for shows by acclaimed, award-winning musicians, dancers, storytellers and puppeteers from around the country.

Wild Side Stage performances will take place in the National Zoo's Visitor Center Auditorium on Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Before or after each performance, (10 a.m.–3 p.m.), guests can visit certain animal exhibits for the chance to meet animal keepers as well as the "real" animals featured in the performances! Tickets are $5 for FONZ members, $7 for nonmembers. Adults and children ages two and older require tickets. Children under two will be admitted free with a parent. Tickets may be purchased beginning Dec. 1 at fonz.org/wildsidestage, through Ticketmaster (202-397-SEAT), at the Zoo's gift shops (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or day of the event (if not sold out).

Sunday Performance Schedule:

January 10 – Brady Rymer (Ages 2 and up)
Brady Rymer is a 2009 Grammy®-nominated singer and songwriter whose hits include "Eatin' Animal Crackers" and "Jump Up (It's a Good Day)." Then rock and roll to the Zoo’s Amazonia rainforest.

January 24 – CityDance Ensemble (Ages 3 and up)
CityDance is DC's leading modern dance company, and a winner of the DC Mayor's Arts Award. CityDance will present "Jungle Books," a fantastic adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's classic. Accompanying activities in the Reptile Discovery Center are sure to charm you. Snake, rattle, and roll!

February 7 – DinoRock (Ages 4 and up)
Grammy® nominee DinoRock's fantastic "Dinosaur Babies" interactive musical puppet theater performance hatches up some fun. In addition, let your imagination take flight at the Bird House on an avian adventure that looks at some present-day raptors.

February 21 – Lucas Miller (Ages 4 and up)
Lucas Miller has been recognized as an "American Masterpiece" by the National Endowment for the Arts. Get ready to do "The Anaconda La Bamba" along with the Singing Zoologist. Also, boogie on down to the Zoo's no-bone-zone—the Invertebrate Exhibit.

February 28 – Antonio Rocha (Ages 4 and up)
Small and furry friends will come to life right before your eyes through sound effects, music, and movement. Storyteller Antonia Rocha, winner of the Parents' Choice Gold Award in 2007, will draw you into his colorful world. After the tale, check out the tails at the Small Mammal House!

March 7 – Smithsonian's Discovery Theater (Ages 4 and up)
"What's for Lunch?" In this interactive play, meet Chef FONZ who will show you how animals eat on Asia Trail. Go see what's cookin' for yourself when you visit our giant pandas, red pandas, clouded leopards, and more!

Wild Side Stage is supported by a generous donation from Whole Foods Market.