CitySurfing Orlando

May 2012 is a busy month for musical artists bringing their tours through Orlando. Here’s our picks for shows to check out:

May 3 – The Fray – Hard Rock Live – $41.50-$76.50
This American band is often compared to England’s Coldplay due to the use of the piano as the lead instrument in their sound. They are currently touring for their third CD, Scars andStories.

..|: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

May 3 – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – Amway Center – $35-$85
Hailing from nearby Gainesville, Florida, Petty and his band have spent the last several decades helping to shape the sound of American rock’n'roll. In 2002, they were inducted into the Rock’n'Roll Hall of Fame for doing so. They don’t tour very often anymore, so this is a rare chance to catch them live.

May 4 – All American Rejects – The Beacham – $25/$40
This pop punk band behind hits like “Gives You Hell” is back together and touring. Opening forthem is A Rocket To The Moon.

May 4 – Nickelback – Amway Center – $44-$88.50
Everyone claims to hate them, but their songs still dominate the charts and radio airplay, so they are laughing all the way to the bank. Also on this tour are Bush, Seether and My Darkest Days.

May 4 – Rusted Root – Plaza Live – $20 advance/$25 day of
One of the biggest jam bands to come out of the 90s, Rusted Root just celebrated their 20th anniversary together. They’re still going strong, with a new CD called Fortunate Freaks, due in stores this summer.

May 6 – Megadeth – Hard Rock Live – $30-$60
Forming Megadeth after a short stint with Metallica, frontman Dave Mustaine elevated his band to the top ranks of the metal genre. Don’t miss your chance to rock out to one of the original masters of the mosh pit. Lacuna Coil opens

May 7 – Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators – Hard Rock Live – $30-$45
He rose to fame as lead guitarist of bands like Guns ‘n’ Roses and Velvet Revolver, but even on hisown, Slash has command of the six-string that makes others weep in envy. He has a brand new CD due in stores later this month.
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Universal Orlando has announced the first three acts of their annual concert series for the summer of 2012.

...|: Cast of Victorious

The cast of Nickelodeon’s popular series “Victorious,” including star Victoria Justice, will kick things off on June 9. Guests will also be able to take part in a Q&A with the cast earlier in the day, as well.

ZZ Top will take the stage the following weekon June 16 and the third week will see 3 Doors Down rocking the theme park. More acts will be revealed at a later date for the series, which runs through July 14, 2012.

All performances take place inside of the Universal Studios theme park on the Music Plaza stage.

Summer Concert Series performances are included in regular Universal Studios admission.

Every month, except November and December, the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando hosts a live concert called Velvet Sessions. It’s a 21 and over event that features classic rock and pop artists performing in an intimate club-like atmosphere.

For April 2012, the band tapped to play is Lit, which has had a string of hit singles including “My Own Worst Enemy” and “Miserable.”

This month’s Velvet Sessions takes place on April 26, 2012.

Tickets are $29 in advance online or $35 at the door. This not only gets you in the door, but free specialty drinks, finger foods and warm-up tunes from 6:30 pm until show time. Complimentary valet parking is also included.

For $50, you can upgrade to VIP, which in addition to the above perks, gives you access to a special viewing area with a private bar serving those free specialty drinks all night.

Every Saturday from April 14 through May 5, SeaWorld Orlando will hold their Viva la Musica event.

This Latin festival features food and fun for the entire family, bringing together live salsa, merengue and reggaeton performances from award-winning Latin artists, authentic arts and crafts, and more.

Each Saturday at 3pm, there will be a headliner concert. Here is the line-up:

• April 14 – Elvis Crespo
• April 21 – Grupo Niche
• April 28 – RKM & Ken-Y
• May 5 – Gilberto Santa Rosa

Viva La Musica events are included with all park admission. For more information, visit the SeaWorld Orlando website.

Here’s some of our picks for shows not to miss at neighboring venues The Social and The Beacham for April 2012:

...|: Drive By Truckers

April 6 – Andrew W.K. – $20/$35
Andrew brings his high energy level rock show to The Beacham on this year’s tenth anniversary tour. Expect lots of headbanging.

April 13 – Drive By Truckers – $20/$25
The jam-band rock of Drive By Truckers rolls their country-soul-blues sound into The Beacham for a show on Friday the 13th.

April 14 – Los Amigos Invisibles – $20/$25
This Grammy-nominated band blends salsa, funk and acid-jazz into a wild blend that has gotten people dancing in over 60 countries. Their show at The Social should be no different.

April 19-22 – Florida Music Festival – $25
Held across several downtown venues, this year’s installment includes the llikes of Filter, Candlebox, The Dirty Heads, Seven Nations and more. Each night’s wristband grants you clubhopping access to all 10 venues participating. For more info check out the floridamusicfestival.com website.

For more information on these and other upcoming shows, visit thesocial.org. The Social is located at 54 North Orange Ave in Orlando.The Beacham is located right next door.