PORTLAND, Ore. – Acclaimed artist Amos Lee will be performing at the Oregon Zoo, Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m., as part of the zoo's summer concert series.

Oregon Zoo

Amos Lee promotional photo

"Amos Lee's beautiful voice and tender lyrics complement a unique style that draws from soul, folk and R&B," said Krista Swan, zoo events coordinator.

A Philadelphia native, Lee drew some Southern inspiration from his time in South Carolina, where he attended college. Upon graduation, Lee moved back to Philadelphia, where his self-released five-song EP caught the attention of Norah Jones. Jones offered Lee an opening slot on her 2004 tour, and his full-fledged debut album came out on Blue Note the following year.

The album, an acclaimed effort that made it to No. 2 on Billboard's Top Heatseekers chart in 2005, articulates the woes of a world-weary young man on tracks like "Seen It All Before" and "Arms of a Woman." Lee's second album, "Supply and Demand" (2006), conveys a sense of blue-collar ennui, while the recently released "Last Days at the Lodge" showcases his knack for soul.

"The guitar work on Lee's latest album is stunning," said Swan. "His shows are a marriage of fine musicianship and profound messages."

Tickets for the concert can be purchased at the Oregon Zoo for $10 each. Or they can also be purchased (with service charge) online or at Ticketmaster locations at area Fred Meyer stores. For more information on the concert schedule, to read artists' biographies or purchase tickets, please visit www.oregonzoo.org.

Here is the schedule for the entire concert series:

July 30 Habib Koité $10

Aug. 1 Matisyahu $19

Aug. 3 Tower of Power with the Crusaders $22

Aug. 6 Oliver Mtukudzi $10

Aug. 13 Riders in the Sky $10

Aug. 17 Boz Scaggs with David Jacobs-Strain $24

Aug. 20 Amos Lee with Lucy Wainwright Roche $10

Aug. 22 Brandi Carlile with special guest $19

Aug. 24 Avett Brothers with Shawn Mullins $17