CitySurfing Orlando

For those who’ve never been there, the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando has an almost monthly concert series called Velvet Sessions. They bring in classic pop and rock bands to play for the evening and have a pre-show with free cocktails and such.

Well, if you’ve always wanted to check out a Velvet Sessions show, but weren’t sure if you wanted to pay the $30 or so for a ticket, you might want to check out this special Valentine’s show.

It’s a bit off a twist called “Acoustic Sessions” and instead of a full band, it will feature Carl Dixon (formerly of the Guess Who) in an unplugged-style concert.

In addition to being a stripped down version of the normal Velvet Session concert (but no less fun), this show differs because it’s completely free.

Of course, because it’s free, drinks won’t be, but there will be cash bars and cocktail service for the evening, and $5 self-parking at the hotel. You can also reserve a table for two for $30 or a table for four for $50. Reserved tables get the first round of drinks complimentary, as well as parking (self or valet).

This “Acoustic Sessions” show with Carl Dixon takes place Tuesday, February 14, and starts at 8pm.

One of the major annual events hosted by SeaWorld Orlando and its sister park Busch Gardens in Tampa is the spring Bands, Brew & BBQ weekends.

During this event, each park hosts weekend concerts by big name headliners. SeaWorld Orlando’s include both classic rock and country, and run on both Saturday and Sunday.

Here is the list of headliners:

• Saturday, February 11: Foreigner
• Sunday, February 12: Gary Allan
• Saturday, February 18: Trace Adkins
• Sunday, February 19: Kenny Rogers
• Saturday, February 25: Doobie Brothers
• Sunday, February 26: Ronnie Dunn
• Saturday, March 3: Sara Evans
• Sunday, March 4: Scotty McCreery

Over at Busch Gardens, the concerts are Sundays only. Here is their line-up:

• Sunday, February 12: Lynyrd Skynyrd
• Sunday, February 19: Bret Michaels (of Poison)
• Sunday, February 26: .38 Special
• Sunday, March 4: REO Speedwagon

All concerts are included in regular park admission, from single tickets to Fun Cards to annual passes, as long as they are valid at that park.

Each park will also be offering BBQ for sale, as well as host a beer garden area with at least 50 different brews for purchase.

It’s just about time for the annual Florida Strawberry Festival and in addition to the yummy food and family fun, they have concerts during the afternoon and evenings.

Here is the current list of headliner concerts for the 2012 festival:

March 01

• 10:30am – Jimmy Sturr (Free)
• 3:30pm – The Oak Ridge Boys ($15/$20)
• 7:30pm – Gretchen Wilson ($15/$20)

March 02

• 3:30pm – The Gatlin Brothers with Crystal Gayle ($15/$20)
• 7:30pm – Demi Lovato ($30/$35)

March 03

• 3:30pm – The JaneDear Girls ($15/$20)
• 7:30pm – Air Supply ($15/$20)

March 04

• 3:30pm – Jake Owen ($15/$20)
• 7:30pm – Hank Williams, Jr ($50)

March 05

• 3:30pm – Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals ($15/$20)
• 7:30pm – Josh Turner ($25/$30)

March 06

• 3:30pm – Brenda Lee ($15/$20)
• 7:30pm – Vince Gill ($35)

Read the rest of this entry »

Every year, one of the biggest events in Orlando is the Mardi Gras celebration at Universal Orlando, and part of that is due to the concerts that take place.

This week, the theme park revealed the concert line-up for its 2012 festivities. They take place every Saturday, with the occcasional Friday and Sunday, and start out with a huge Mardi Gras parade followed by a concert from a big name headliner.

Here is the just released list of shows:

• Feb. 11 – The B-52′s
• Feb. 18 – Kelly Clarkson
• Feb. 19 – Boyz II Men
• Feb. 25 – Diana Ross
• March 3 – Goo Goo Dolls
• March 10 – Big Time Rush
• March 16 – J Cole
• March 17 – Sugar Ray
• March 23 – Hot Chelle Rae
• March 24 – B.o.B.
• March 30 – Plain White T’s
• March 31 – Prince Royce
• April 7 – Cyndi Lauper
• April 14 – KC & The Sunshine Band

I am disappointed that there aren’t any classic rock or country acts this year. There are plenty of contemporary acts this year, so I expect to see a younger crowd at most of the shows.

Admission is included in regular park admission for the day, and there is also an “After 5″ discounted pass for those who just want to do Mardi Gras (though if you want to do any of the rides, you really do get a better deal paying for the whole day and doing the rides during the day and the Mardi Gras celebrations at night).

Following each night’s Mardi Gras festivities, you can use your park admission as a complimentary CityWalk Party Pass to access the clubs.

So you do you see any headliners that you’re excited about on this list? Let us know in comments.

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 January 2012, the band tapped to play is The Fixx, which had a string of hit singles in the 1980s including “Saved By Zero,” “One Thing Leads to Another,” and “Red Skies.”

This month’s Velvet Sessions takes place on January 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.

Here’s a video of one of their hit tunes to prepare you for the show: