Andy Palacio is a national superstar, cultural ambassador and Fatboy Slim collaborator. One of the hardest working and most in-demand people in Belize, he has a busy schedule. However, Palacio will find time to perform at the Oregon Zoo at 7 p.m., Aug. 8, as part of the Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series presented by Fred Meyer.

Palacio has become Belize's most popular musician and performing artist. He was the first musical artist from Belize to have a video on international television and was named best new artist by the Caribbean Music Awards. His international audience continues to grow as he performs in the Caribbean, Europe and the United States.

"Palacio's music is a fusion of the past and present," says Krista Swan, event coordinator. "It combines the traditional rhythms of Garifuna with R&B, jazz and rock."

"Watina," released earlier this year, is Palacio's first album to showcase the traditional chants and rhythms of the Garifuna -- descendants of Amerindian and African people. The album is an upbeat, danceable mix of Garifuna music.

Internationally known DJ Fatboy Slim traveled to Belize this spring to record tracks for his upcoming album with Palacio. The recording sessions, which took place in a simple thatched-roof hut, combine the sounds of Europe's clubs with the soulful melodies and rhythms of Garifuna.

This year, the zoo is once again selling 1,000 tickets for each of its World Music Wednesday concerts in advance. Advance tickets for the Andy Palacio concert are available online or at the zoo for $9.75. Once 1,000 tickets have been sold, concertgoers can only purchase tickets at the zoo after 4 p.m. on the day of the performance. Ticket price includes zoo admission.

Zoo membership at the Plus level includes free admission to all Wednesday concerts (subject to maximum capacity) and daily visits to the zoo.

Wells Fargo has sponsored the series since 1996. This is Fred Meyer's second year as a presenting sponsor of the series. This year's concert series is also co-sponsored by KINK fm 102 and Willamette Week.

Tickets are available online at www.oregonzoo.org, at all TicketsWest ticket outlets, or by calling TicketsWest at 503-224-8499. They may also be purchased at the zoo with no service charge.

The Oregon Zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission to inspire the community to create a better future for wildlife. The zoo opens at 9 a.m. daily. General admission is $9.75 (12-64), seniors $8.25 (65over), and children $6.75 (3-11). A parking fee of $1 per car is also required.

Additional concert information is available at www.oregonzoo.org.