There's too much snow around here to believe this is actually on the way. But here it comes...
Epcot hosts live performances from artists popular in the 1960s, 70s and 80s on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. The concerts are held at the America Gardens Theatre.
I’m a music snob, so I’ll describe the lineup as incredibly non-threatening and rather bland. I don’t exactly expect Motorhead, but something with a little relevance or bite would be nice.
Anyway, here’s a look at this year’s performers, via the Disney Parks Blog:
3/4-6 Jose Feliciano (Light My Fire) - I am not responsible for connecting the iconic Doors’ tune to Jose Feliciano. It’s just how he was identified in the Disney Parks Blog. And I know his cover was popular. I just think it’s weird to connect anyone but the Doors to that song. I think of Jose more as “the Feliz Navidad guy.” Still, the guy can absolutely rip it up on guitar.
3/11-13 The Guess Who (American Woman) – I once interviewed the drummer from the Guess Who when they were playing a very small venue in our town. I was struck by his love of playing music, and how thankful he was to be able to do it for a living – even if it was a bar above a bowling alley.
3/18-20 Chubby Checker and the Wildcats (The Twist) – I really don’t have an opinion on Chubby. If I was having a funnel cake and he happened to be playing this song, I might stop by for a few minutes.
3/25-27 Melissa Manchester (Don’t Cry Out Loud) – Not a fan. I’d keep on my way to Germany to take part in the eternal Oktoberfest.
4/1-3 Starship starring Mickey Thomas (We Built this City) – Oh no. Oh no, no, no. Although I will admit to liking some of his earlier stuff with the Jefferson Starship, like “Jane.”
4/8-10 Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. (You Don’t Have to be a Star (to be in My Show) – Yeah, I got nothing. No clever quips or advice about this particular show. This was not written or meant for me in any way. I think I was listening to Kiss when this was popular.
4/15-17 Juice Newton (Queen of Hearts) – This is getting ponderous. I’m not a kid. I’m 43. But I just don’t think they’re targeting me with this lineup.
4/22-24 Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring The Nelsons (Poor Little Fool) – I met Matthew and Gunnar Nelson when I was working at a club in the early 90s. They were really good guys and they put on a great show. I’m happy to see them paying tribute to their dad. I’d drop-in on this one.
4/29-5/1 Paul Revere & The Raiders (Good Thing) – I suppose it’s a Good Thing they can continue to book gigs.
5/6-8 Davy Jones (I’m a Believer) – I loved the Monkees’ TV show when I was a kid.
5/13-15 Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone (I’m Henry VIII, I Am) – You think they’ll hit the Rose and Crown?
Anyone excited about any of these acts? (And I mean that in a totally non-judgmental way. I’m just curious if anyone has seen any of these artists, and what you thought of the show.)
Discussion
zzzzzzz………wake me when it is over! Bland, blah and boring!!
Those were the good old days! If you don’t like the music, you’re probably too young to remember these groups when they were popular. Elvis Presley, anyone?
I’d like more information on the f&gf but it’s nowhere to be found. It’s like 5 weeks away Disney, lets go! I’m going in may and I want to know what the deal is.
If you knew what Disney spent on these acts (very little & in these economic times these particular acts are lucky to be working at all) then you would understand why they return to Epcot year after year. I don’t think any modern day recording act would agree to Disney’s terms: very little pay, 3 shows a day, and no travel/hotel support. Years ago there were live acts almost every day of the Flower & Garden Festival, now it’s just weekends.
TJ, that’s disappointing to hear. I figured the budget was low, given the consistently irrelevant artists they give us, but it’s surprising to hear how little support they provide.
Ah well. It’s not like Billy Ocean (who performed when I was there in December) makes me want to throw up. He just makes me want to go get a Sam Adams and sit down in front of the American Adventure.
Eat to the Beat seems to get a more varied line-up. I’ve wandered by for Boyz II Men, Spyro Gyra, and Davy Jones. But the key to the line up is in the name: Flower Power. It’s not for young punks like you, Bill. It’s for the aging hippie in all of us!
The current Guess Who consists of the original drummer and bass player and 3 relatively untalented others. Lead singer Burton Cummings WAS the Guess Who and he fills auditoriums on his own now. This lineup is a joke.
Yeah, I’ve been notified of this by Burton Cummings’ lawyer. Thus the absence of videos. I honestly just don’t need the headache. I’m not getting in the middle of it.
I was just putting up the schedule – no malice intended – when I was inundated by Guess Who enthusiasts’ saying pretty much the same thing you are. I guess the Guess Who/Burton Cummings has a pretty active fan base.
It is good to know though.
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