SeaWorld’s Bands, Brew & BBQ kicks off with headline performances from Gladys Knight and Smash Mouth
SeaWorld Orlando’s annual Bands, Brew & BBQ kicked off this past weekend with headline performances by Gladys Knight and Smash Mouth.
We took the opportunity to wander along yesterday to see Gladys Knight (pictured above) and we were so glad we did. We previously saw her perform at the AARP Orlando event where B.B. King also played and as usual Ms. Knight was truly superb. In today’s times we are accustomed to the latest girl or boy band who have been put together more so for their looks than their singing quality so it was nice to go back to a time where real talent was the order of the day.
Ms. Knight walked out to a great reception and by the time she was done, around 75 minutes later, SeaWorld was rocking after having seen one of the greatest performances you’ll ever see at this venue. Knight regaled her audience with some of her greatest hits such as “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me”, “The Way We Were”, and of course, “Midnight Train To Georgia” as well as bringing out one or two newer tunes. Given everything SeaWorld has been through in the last three years, it was a refreshing change to see Ms. Knight on the stage and offering her support to a corporation that does so much to protect the world’s animal species as well as educate human beings. Well done SeaWorld on bringing such a world renowned talent to Central Florida!
SeaWorld has also announced the talent for the next two weekends as country music star Scotty McCreery (pictured above) and founding member of Styx, Dennis DeYoung will play next week on 20th and 21st respectively. Following that, on 27th February Alabama will play followed by Foreigner on 28th.
The festival this year also sees SeaWorld step up to the plate as Executive Chef, Hector Colon, has opened the recipe book for a sizzling selection of new festival favorites such as the new Corn Chip Chili Pie. Other food booths also offer everything smoky, spicy, tangy or sweet to satisfy every craving as Colon influences the festival with his profound culinary philosophy of being all about the flavors and finding the balance between bold and unique food.
Craft brews also feature heavily with over 30 local and craft brews available around the theme park. The best way to savor all of this is by purchasing a Tasting and Craft Brew Sampler available in different packages. For $20 you can choose 5 food items from the sampler selections while the $30 craft brew sampler enables you to try out 10 different brew samples. The $35 dollar package offers the best of both worlds allowing guests to choose 5 food items as well as sampling 5 brew samples.
For a VIP experience, packages with reserved seating for concerts are also available with a VIP Front Row Seating and BBQ package where for just $40 guests can reserve a front row seat just inches from the artists as well enjoy a delicious BBQ Tasting Sampler, and one Quick Queue unlimited. Guests also have the option of reserving a floor seat right in front of the band for just $24.
The whole Bands, Brew & BBQ event honors America’s Heroes and event festivities begin at 12 p.m. each weekend, with concerts starting at 4 p.m.
In addition to the signature acts and festivities, the event also features a secondary stage to showcase local bands as well as a DJ spinning music for guests to show off their line dancing and boot scootin’ skills.
Beyond the stage, guests can enjoy a Harley-Davidson Orlando display of motorcycles specifically for Bands, Brew and BBQ along with a collection of classic cars and returning this year, the patriotic-themed USO Family Garden offers animal encounters, Explore Zones and a kid-friendly interactive host making this the perfect place to play for families with young guests. Kids of all ages are invited to enjoy this family-friendly area while they learn to line dance, meet animals and have fun all afternoon.
Tickets are available at www.FloridaLeisure.com and more photos from the Gladys Knight concert are at www.FloridaLeisurePhotography.com
