Minnesota Zoo

Overview:

From DJ Matt R in 2012:

The MN Zoo creates an amazing backdrop for wedding receptions and boasts three different areas that a bride and groom can choose from.

Call of the Wild is the cafe area for the zoo during normal business hours, but is transformed quickly by the Lancer Catering staff to host a reception.  From a DJ’s perspective, the Call of the Wild has the fewest restrictions, in fact, it has none.  It is like most other venues that you would play in allowing you a normal sound and lighting set up.  Music has to end at 12:00 just like all the other areas of the zoo, and 12:00 actually means 11:45.

If you are playing in the Tropics Trail, you will actually be set up just outside the doors of the Tropics Trail, in the hallway that leads to the theater.  You can find yourself doing a ceremony actually in the Tropics Trail, but you need to be VERY aware of music volumes.  You also won’t use a full set up for that – a single speaker set up only.  Watch your mic closely to avoid any feedback issues.  You may also do a cocktail hour in the Tropics, same type of set-up as for a ceremony, minus the mic.  If you set up outside the Tropics Trail you can do a typical sound and light set up, but again, volumes need to be watched closely due to all the animals.

Lastly, there is Discovery Bay.  One of my favorite places to play in the Twin Cities, you are DJ’ing amongst sharks, dolphins, eels and all kinds of other salt water species.  But because the animals are VERY sensitive to sound, especially the dolphins, you need to be very mindful to keep your bass levels down on your music and mic, and keep the overall volume lower than any other place you’ll play.  The clients are made aware of this when they reserve the space, so it shouldn’t be an issue.  You also only set up your par cans for this area.  No other lights are allowed, which makes for an easier set up.

All DJ’s must call the Manager On Duty upon arrival at the zoo @ 612-578-8263 to check in and be shown where they are playing and how to get there.  NO EXCEPTIONS!  Regardless of whether you have played there before or not.  Those are the rules.

I have also attached a map of the grounds with an arrow indicating where to go and load it.

Good luck and enjoy the shows at the MN Zoo!  They truly are unique.

Load-In:

This load-in can suck. Ask before where they want you to load-in from because there are many different ways to go about it. You will need a cart and they should have one for you, but be sure to ask. If you have to load-in from the front door, it will be a long walk to where it is you're playing. Give yourself some time.

Challenges:

There are three places you could potentially play, so be sure you know exactly which one you're supposed to be in. 

This is a zoo so there are animals at the zoo. This means you'll have to keep the volume down lower than you would at most venues. The clients are aware of this, so it won't come as a shock to them. Be sure to follow the venue's rules regarding sound and if they ask you to turn it down, turn it down and don't turn it back up. Low volume is always a little more difficult to get people to dance, but bring some energy and swagger to your sets and you'll be good.

Extra Venue Call Questions:

Which area is the reception occuring at?

Is there a decibel limit at this area? 

Where do you want me to load in at?

Do you have a cart I can use?

Website:

http://mnzoo.org/rent-the-zoo/weddings/

The Knot:

https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/minnesota-zoo-apple-valley-mn-363481