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CINCINNATI— A collection of Cincinnati’s finest and most-respected music veterans will rock the garden during Zoo Blooms at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. The 2011 Tunes & Blooms concert series, FREE after 5 p.m., will feature great local artists every Thursday, beginning April 7 from 6-8:30 p.m. in the Zoo’s beautiful gardens.

On April 7, the series will kick-off with a performance by Magnolia Mountain. This group has been one of Cincinnati’s finest – receiving nominations in 2008, 2009, and 2010 for Cincinnati’s Entertainment Awards. Magnolia Mountain crafts their own original songs by finding a common thread within genres and blending together. Also on April 7 is Rubber Knife Gang, a mix of a self-taught guitar toting country boy, a fiery personality with a five string banjo, and a wildcard. This blend of musical talent creates a soulful blend of vocals and rhythmic mandolin that give their tunes an earthly celebration of roots.

April 14 will feature No No Knots and Walk the Moon. No No Knots are a unique sound acquired from conservatory training which has captivated audiences with the eccentric arrangement, glitch synths and turbulent rhythms. Last year this band was nominated by Cincinnati Entertainment Awards for New Artist of the Year and Best Electronic Artist. Walk the Moon is a Cincinnati native group that recently traveled to London, UK for the London City Showcase. They were the only North American band to perform over the week long performances. Their love for creative pop songs and exuberant live performances is what brought this group together and what keeps them performing.

How fitting to have band names like The Tillers and The Seedy Seeds for the Earth Day concert on April 21. The Tillers originated from a group of friends thumping together with a couple of banjos, guitars, and a big wooden bass. Since they joined forces in 2007, they have been winning over the Cincinnati bar and festival scene. In 2009 they were awarded for Best Folk and American Act by Cincinnati Entertainment Award. The Seedy Seeds are back for another Tunes & Blooms bringing their infectious harmonies, amazing live performances and unforgettable pop hooks.

The final concert of the season on Thursday April 28 features Jake Speed and the Freddies and The Turkeys. Jake Speed and the Freddies have forged together American Folk, Bluegrass and Ragtime. Their original and traditional songs take the audience on a journey from the Depression Era to the Steamboats of the Ohio. The unique stage show style and quick-witted charisma keeps audience captivated and wanting more. The Turkeys are a Folk-Rock band from Covington, KY featuring Simon and Garfunkelsque harmonies.

Tunes & Blooms concerts are FREE after 5 p.m. Parking is not included. For more information, call (513) 281-4700 or visit www.cincinnatizoo.org. WNKU, 89.7 FM is the 2011 media sponsor for the Tunes & Blooms concert series at the Cincinnati Zoo.