The Streets of Universal Studios Come Alive for Mardi Gras 2008
Let the good times roll at Mardi Gras 2008! Universal Studios boasts the largest Mardi Gras celebration outside of New Orleans – complete with a live concert series that features a diversity of musical stars, colorful parades full of floats (plenty of beads will also be thrown around!), elaborately costumed characters and delectable “Big Easy” cuisine such as jambalaya and shrimp gumbo. Mardi Gras 2008 at Universal Studios will begin on Saturday, February 2, 2008, and run for 12 Saturday nights through April 19, 2008.
Topping the entertainment list for Mardi Gras 2008 are such musical superstars as country singer Gretchen Wilson, rockers Third Eye Blind and Heart, rap impresario L.L. Cool J and old-school crooners such as Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Smokey Robinson and Kool & The Gang. Collectively, the musical lineup for Mardi Gras 2008 has sold 260 million albums worldwide.
In addition, Mardi Gras 2008 at Universal Studios features live performances from some of the French Quarter’s most talented musicians through the “Celebrate the Music of New Orleans” program. Enjoy some of the hottest Big Easy musicians and bands in the areas of Blues, Jazz and Zydeco such as J.J. Caillier and the Zydeco Knockouts, The Kevin O'Day Band and Bryan Lee and the Blues Power Band (see concert schedule below).
The centerpiece of Mardi Gras 2008 will be the parade featuring 13 colorful floats that wind around the "French Quarter Courtyard" - a replica of New Orleans' legendary French Quarter - the heart of Mardi Gras. These authentic floats are designed by "Mr. Mardi Gras" himself, Blain Kern, whose company, Blaine Kern Artists, Inc., has built Mardi Gras floats since 1932. New for 2008, the Mardi Gras parade will bring exotic place to life with floats and performers designed to emulate Babylon, Atlantis, Camelot and more.
The Mardi Gras 2008 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 delicious New Orleans-style cuisine, guests can enjoy flavorful drinks made famous in New Orleans.
Admission to Mardi Gras at Universal Studios is $46.95 plus tax. Mardi Gras ticket is valid at Universal Studios after 5 PM. Live concerts in the Universal Studios Mardi Gras Concert Series begin at 8:30 PM.
“This yearly event is a wonderful addition to the dynamic rides and shows at Universal Studios Florida," said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing at HotelsCorp.com. "Both locals and visitors alike enjoy the nationally recognized musical acts that headline the Mardi Gras events. In addition, Universal CityWalk hosts an official Mardi Gras after-party that includes free admission to select nightclubs until 2 AM such as Pat O’Brien’s, the official Mardi Gras Headquarters of CityWalk.”
2008 Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Concert Schedule
FEBRUARY Bret Michaels of Poison - February 2, 2008 Go-Go's - February 9, 2008 Sara Evans - February 16, 2008 Third Eye Blind - February 23, 2008
MARCH Gretchen Wilson - March 1, 2008 Smokey Robinson - March 8, 2008 Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons - March 15, 2008 Kool & The Gang - March 22, 2008 Heart - March 29, 2008
APRIL TBA - April 5, 2008 LL Cool J - April 12, 2008 TBA - April 19, 2008
2008 Celebrate the Music of New Orleans Concert Schedule
FEBRUARY J.J. Caillier and the Zydeco Knockouts- February 2, 2008 Lil Malcolm and the House Rockers - February 9, 2008 The Daddy Mack Blues Band - February 16, 2008 Big Red & the Zydeco Playmakers - February 23, 2008
MARCH Chris Klein and the Boulevards - March 1, 2008 Bryan Lee and the Blues Power Band - March 8, 2008 Rockin Jake - March 15, 2008 Soul Project - March 22, 2008 The Kevin O'Day Band - March 29, 2008
APRIL Jumpin Johnny Sansone - April 5, 2008 Mem Shannon and the Membership - April 12, 2008 Lil Brian and the Zydeco Travelers - April 19, 2008
Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Video
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