Have you ever been to the zoo and all the animals are sleepy and sluggish from the heat?

Well, the Oregon Zoo is offering numerous opportunities this summer to see its animals in a new light: at sunset.

Located in Portland, the zoo kicks off its summer concert series June 22 with The B-52s. Along with sweet tunes, the series allows patrons to observe animals at dusk, when some are more active.

Since 1979, the Oregon Zoo has hosted bands from every genre during the summer months. This year’s highlights include Jimmy Cliff, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Pink Martini, Rosanne Cash and Chicago. See the full lineup at left.

“We’re making an Oregon summer tradition even better this year,” said Kim Smith, zoo director, in a news release. “Warm evenings in Portland are meant to be spent outside with good food and friends — and if you’re listening to amazing music on the zoo concert lawn, that’s a perfect recipe for summer fun.”

Tickets for the summer concerts are currently on sale. Shows begin at 7 p.m. Ticket holders can enter the zoo at 4 p.m., allowing time to explore the zoo grounds. During concerts, there will be more options for food and beverages.

The zoo is also presenting a new “Sunsets at the Zoo” series. Happening every other Wednesday in July and August, the event features live music by local bands, activities and regional food, beer and wine. “Sunsets at the Zoo” are free with zoo admission.

For more information, visit www.oregonzoo.org or call 503-226-1561.

Summer lineup

June 22 — The B-52s; $33-$53

June 24 — Jimmy Cliff; $28-$48

June 29 — Leo Kottke/Jake Shimabukuro; $24-$44

July 1 — k.d. lang and the Siss Boom Bang; $38.50-$58.50

July 19 — Grace Potter and the Nocturnals; $22-$42

July 20 — The Head and The Heart; $20-$40

July 22 — Ziggy Marley; $28-$48

Aug. 4 — Johny Clegg Band/Ladysmith Black Mambazo; $28-$48

Aug. 10 — Supertramp’s Roger Hodgson; $28-$48

Aug. 11 — Melissa Etheridge; $39.50-$59.50

Aug. 17 — Buddy Guy/Jonny Lang; $34-$54

Aug. 18-19 — Pink Martini; $34-$54

Aug. 24 — Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue/Robert Randolph and the Family Band; $24-$44

Aug. 26 — Rosanne Cash/Madeleine Peyroux; $26-$46

Sept. 14 — Chicago; $38-$58

‘Sunsets at the Zoo’

July 11 — Laura Veirs

July 25 — Portland Cello Project

Aug. 8 — Y La Bamba

Aug. 22 — Thomas Mapfumo