It’s Mardi Gras At Universal Orlando As Gretchen Wilson, L.L.
Cool J And More Rock The Stage Beginning February 2
Orlando, Fla. (January 9, 2008)
– Universal Studios Florida becomes the “Big Easy” this Mardi
Gras season, throwing America’s biggest street party this side
of New Orleans and featuring a lineup of hit musical acts with a
collective 260 million albums sold. Topping the list of fabulous
hit-makers are country star Gretchen Wilson, rockers Third Eye
Blind and Heart; rap impresario L.L. Cool J and old-school
crooners Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Smokey Robinson and
Kool & The Gang.
Mardi Gras 2008 at Universal Orlando begins February 2 and runs
for twelve Saturday nights through April 19. Each Saturday night
features some of America’s most popular musical talent with a
diverse mix of awards and achievements. One performer has the
second-highest rated show in VH1 history. One performer has
received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. And one
performer’s music is the inspiration for a current, multi-Tony
Award-winning Broadway musical.
Party-goers of all ages will enjoy the biggest Mardi Gras
celebration outside of New Orleans featuring an elaborate
parade, hundreds of costumed characters, tons of souvenir beads,
Cajun cuisine, and live performances by top-name talent. In
addition, New Orleans-style bands will showcase their hottest
music in the “French Quarter.”
“Mardi Gras at Universal Studios is about providing our guests
with a street party that captures the spirit of the “Big Easy,”
said Jim Timon, senior vice president of entertainment,
Universal Orlando Resort. “This year’s concert series features
incredible musicians who appeal to a wide audience. Their music
paired with our authentic parade and, of course, tons of beads
will create an unbeatable party atmosphere in the streets of
Universal Studios.”
The centerpiece of Mardi Gras is the parade featuring 13 vibrant
floats winding around the “French Quarter Courtyard,” a replica
of New Orleans’ French quarter – the heart of Mardi Gras. These
authentic floats are designed by “Mr. Mardi Gras,” Blaine Kern,
whose company, Blaine Kern Artists, Inc., has built Mardi Gras
floats since 1932. New this year, the parade will bring exotic
places to life with floats and performers designed to emulate
Babylon, Atlantis, Camelot and more.
The celebration would not be complete without the taste of
traditional Cajun and Creole cuisine such as jambalaya, gumbo
and beignets, which are sure to tempt the palate of Mardi Gras
revelers. Along with mouth-watering food, guests can sip on
flavorful drinks made famous in New Orleans.
After the parade, guests will be entertained by some of today’s
hottest internationally-known musicians during the Mardi Gras
Concert Series.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS MARDI GRAS 2008 CONCERT SERIES
February
February 2 – Bret Michaels of Poison
February 9 – Go-Go’s
February 16 – Sara Evans
February 23 – Third Eye Blind
March
March 1 – Gretchen Wilson
March 8 – Smokey Robinson
March 15 – Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
March 22 – Kool & The Gang
March 29 – Heart
April
April 5 – TBA
April 12 – LL Cool J
April 19– TBA
The Mardi Gras ticket, valid after 5 p.m. at Universal Studios,
is applicable any one Saturday night from February 2 through
April 19 and can be purchased for $46.95 plus tax. Florida and
Georgia residents can save $10 off a Mardi Gras valid after 5
p.m. ticket with a specially-marked Coca-Cola product or cup
from participating Wendy’s locations.
Florida residents can also save $30 off a 2-Park Annual Power
Pass (regularly-priced $129.95 plus tax). The Power Pass offers
admission to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s
Islands of Adventure for one year with minimal blackout dates
and includes admission to all 12 nights of Mardi Gras.
Universal CityWalk will host the official after-party of the
Mardi Gras celebration, with guests receiving free admission
into select clubs until 2 a.m. by presenting their Mardi Gras
tickets. For an additional $15, guests can purchase a VIP
upgrade ticket to the official Mardi Gras after-party which
includes complimentary appetizers, drink specials and souvenir
beads. For more information on the event or to purchase tickets,
please visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.
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