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Vote of the week: Big names headline Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras

By Domenik Jost
Published: January 15, 2009 at 11:23 PM
[Editor's note: Domenik submitted this story, and I'm hijacking it for a vote of the week. Keep reading - Robert]

It's that time of year again to scream the loudest you can to get as many beads as humanly possible at Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras celebration.

Beginning on February 7, the celebration kicks off with it's traditional parade through the streets of Universal Studios Florida.

This year's theme is for the parade is "The Wonderful World of Literature" and includes Western (Wild West), Mythology (Greek/Roman), Horror (Gargoyle), Fantasy (Lord of the Rings), Children's (Toy Trains, Nursery Rhymes), and Adventure (Pirates) floats followed by the traditional Mardi Gras floats.

Parade Times:
February 7 - March 28 at 8:00 p.m.
April 4, 11 & 18 9:00 p.m.

This year's Mardi Gras concert line up looks to be one of Universal Orlando's most promising yet:

February 7 - KC & The Sunshine Band
February 14 - Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
February 15 - Village People
February 21 - Ne-Yo
February 28 - Pat Benatar featuring Neil Giraldo on guitar
March 7 - Barenaked Ladies
March 14 - Montgomery Gentry
March 21 - Collective Soul
March 27 - Boys Like Girls
March 28 - Kelly Clarkson
April 4 - MC Hammer
April 11 - Trace Adkins
April 18 - Nelly

So here is our vote of the week. Gush, or complain, in the comments.

poll by twiigs.com

Readers' Opinions

From Domenik Jost on January 15, 2009 at 11:40 PM
Haha thanks for hijacking it, never even thought of that or would know how to do it.
Personally I think MC Hammer will be a fun one to go to. I mean come on, "Can't touch this" how much fun will that be.

And how can we not go see the classic "KC and The Sunshine Band". Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras would not be the same without them putting on a fun good show.

Besides that I really like that Universal Orlando finally stepped up to the plate again, it's been like four or five years since they've had a lineup that was close to being as good as this years. (In my opinion)

By the way, go to UniversalOrlando.com/MardiGras for more information on the event.
(So forgot to put that in)

From Tony Duda on January 16, 2009 at 12:36 AM
I agree that this is a good year for talent. I'll be there for KC & the Sunshine Band because I'm doubling up with a pass holders American Idol preview earlier in the day at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Then I plan to see Pat Benatar while also doubling up with ESPN the Weekend at DHS again. I may try for one more visit for either Collective Soul or Kelly Clarkson. I may have tried for MC Hammer or Trace Adkins except that they are the Saturdays before Palm Sunday and Easter.
From Joseph Staconis on January 16, 2009 at 2:00 AM
I have to ask why USF does Mardi Gras' and USH does not it sounds like a cool idea

I'm not saying get the same singers as the one in FL has but USH does have a record label I think so why not get some singers on there Label to show up at USH

From Derek Potter on January 16, 2009 at 6:21 AM
It would be an interesting...but paying to see any of those acts would be a bit of a stretch for me.
From Amy Tupper on January 16, 2009 at 7:35 AM
Awesome! My favorite band - Barenaked Ladies - are coming to me instead of me having to travel to see them! Yay!!!
From Chris Wilkes on January 16, 2009 at 7:49 AM
Slim pickins this year (for my tastes) though I will probably narrow it down to either Pat Benatar or Kelly Clarkson.
I scored three nights at the Sheraton Safari for only $33 a night (just had to pay upfront last time I was there) and I need to use them this spring anyway.
From Andy Guinigundo on January 16, 2009 at 8:44 AM
Yes, a lot of big names - I like Barenaked Ladies. This is a group that has really matured and their music evolved. Take a listen to their iTunes exclusive recording. Great stuff.
From Domenik Jost on January 16, 2009 at 9:37 AM
For those that want to see more than one concert but thing it would be kind of expensive, just get the seasonal pass for $99, you can see all the concerts with it and go for most of the year until December 23. Its a pretty good deal, still the best deal is the preferred pass which gives you no blackout days for the entire year of fun at both parks and you get free parking (no more paying $12 a visit) but it's $199 for the first year and $109 to renew each year after that.
From Joshua Counsil on January 16, 2009 at 12:43 PM
Barenaked for sure. Gotta represent the home soil. KC would be my second choice.
From steve lee on January 16, 2009 at 3:19 PM
BNL, without a doubt. I'm still a little sore that Counting Crows never rescheduled their night (they had to cancel their Mardi Gras booking a few years back)
From Tim W on January 19, 2009 at 10:37 AM
I love country music so obviously trace adkins and montgomery gentry. two others i like are kelly clarkson and bnl.
From Pyra Dong on January 20, 2009 at 7:59 PM
Hey... anyone else enjoy the hip-hop scene?
I will definitely be taking my butt over to Orlando to see Ne-yo. OooOO I want him to serenade me personally. As for Nelly, I bet there'll be a lot of young-uns dancing in the street for that one.
MC also sounds fun. Hopefully everything will still be kept old-school and we'll see his famous dance moves and his dressy style.

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