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Saturday, April 20, 2013

Live Music at the World - Top 5

Today, I will discuss my top 5 live music acts at Walt Disney World. This topic came as a request for great live music at the Parks and Resorts. Disney has so much live musical entertainment it's impossible to hear everyone during one vacation. Just click this link to get an idea of what is offered. In this post I will highlight my favorite acts and few other popular groups. (I am leaving out stage shows like Finding Nemo, Beauty and the Beast, the Little Mermaid, etc. and focusing on bands and street performances.)

     1. Off Kilter - Epcot
         You will find his Celtic rock group just outside of Canada on a stage overlooking the World Showcase Lagoon. These guys are high energy can really play some great music both classic Celtic and modern rock. Did I mention they play electric bagpipes and wear kilts? Grab a Moosehead lager and a popcorn from the beer cart beside the entrance to the Canadian rose garden and make your way to the stage. Check out Off Kilter in the video below for a unique sound you won't hear just anywhere. You won't be disappointed!


     2. Mulch, Sweat, and Shears - Hollywood Studios
         Known as Los Lawn Boys outside of Hollywood Studios this band plays classic rock and pop while taking a break from their family lawn business. Mulch, Sweat, and Shears rock out on a portable stage usually in the Streets of America section of Hollywood Studios. Their lawn truck and trailer transform to reveal a sound board, drum set, and stage in a matter of minutes. Be prepared for great tunes and audience participation because these guys love what they do. They play 30 minute sets several times a day. Throughout the year the band also plays full concerts when the main stage in front the Sorcerer Mickey hat is set up.  

Hardcore Rake n Roll from Mulch, Sweat, and Shears
image courtesy of http://www.onlywdworld.com
     3. Voices of Liberty - Epcot
         While not a traditional band, this acapella ensemble can really be entertaining. The Voices of Liberty perform patriotic songs inside the rotunda of the American Adventure. Their amazing harmonies and range give me goosebumps every time I here them. Be sure to set on the floor at the edge of the circle to get the best acoustics from the dome above. Watch the video below to see them perform the National Anthem.


     4. British Revolution - Epcot
         If your a fan of 60's and 70's Eurorock, you need to check out British Revolution. These guys rock out songs from Led Zeppelin  The Who, the Beatles, and more! You will find them performing inside the UK Pavilion in the garden. Stop by the Yorkshire County Fish Shop for some Fish and Chips and a pint of Bass Ale and grab a front row seat for the show. Also, this is a great place to bring the kids. They can run around the garden hedge maze while you enjoy the concert.

British Revolution ready to rock
image courtesy of disneyworld.disney.go.com
     5. Main Street Philharmonic - Magic Kingdom
         Who doesn't love a brass band? Catch the Main Street Philharmonic on Main Street or Liberty Square for some great entertainment. Playing turn of the century tunes like "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," and "76 Trombones," they are sure to put you in the spirit of the period they represent. You also might be able to catch their comedy act for some good laughs.

There are so many groups to hear while at WDW I threw in several honorable mentions.
  • Jammitors - Epcot - This trash can playing group of "janitors" clean up Future World daily.
  • Dapper Dans - Magic Kingdom - A traditional barbershop quartet on Main Street.
  • Tam Tam Drummers - Animal Kingdom - An African drum group found in Harambe Village.
  • Mo'Rockin - Epcot - Traditional Moroccan instruments blended with modern pop music. Plus, they have a belly dancer in front of the stage.
  • Ocktoberfest Musikanten - Epcot - This group plays traditional German music complete with dancing, yodeling, and lederhosen. 
See the Lederhosen?
image courtesy of disneyworld.disney.go.com
This article only included acts within the Parks. There are many more options for live music at Downtown Disney and the Resorts. I'd recommend Jelly Rolls, Raglan Road, and House of Blues. 

I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know your favorite music act at Walt Disney World or send me your top 5 to compare in the comments below. Rock on!

Monday, April 15, 2013

We're Back!

Sorry for the long hiatus. We were inundated with sickness, sports games, and general busyness. I'm happy to see we are still getting many visitors checking out the blog. We have several new posts in the works so expect to see them soon. Also, we are looking to our readers for post suggestions. So, if you have any requests for a particular topic please post it in the comments below or send us an email. Thanks!