Natalia Jiménez conquista a Tampa en su primer concierto

Que noche tan hermosa y personal se vivió en Tampa, Florida con la presencia de la española más mexicana Natalia Jiménez.

Fue su primera emotiva presentación en el Straz Center de la Bahía de Tampa, un centro muy íntimo y perfecto para un concierto de lujo.

Cabe mencionar que antes de su concierto, Natalia se fue de paseo por Tampa con su familia y acudió a las redes pidiendo recomendaciones en donde ir a comer porque estaban muertos de hambre. Aunque no supimos adónde comieron, ojalas le hayan gustado donde hayan ido para matar la hambre. 

Ya llegando la noche y en camino al local, Natalia se le acercó a cuatro fans que se paseabon por el Straz Center con esperanzas de ver a la cantante. La suerte era para ellos que no solo la vieron pero también ella les regaló cuatro entradas para su presentación en sólo minutos.

Mientras Natalia se arreglaba en su camerino, su bella hija se asomó al escenario. Ya estábamos listos y ansiosos que saliera Natalia a iluminar el Straz Center con su belleza y su incomparable voz.

 

Sus seguidores, fans, publico como sea que se llamen de todas las edades y diferente nacionalidades la hemos seguido, escuchado sus canciones, la hemos visto por la televisión y o visto cantar en vivo una o dos canciones pero ya eso cambió. Ahora podemos decir finalmente vimos a Natalia Jiménez en un espectacular concierto en nuestra casa.

Un poco de promoción de la gira y de las redes sociales de Natalia iluminó el escenario antes que empezará el video de sus comienzos en el ambiente artístico. La bulla incrementó en desesperación por verla. Al fin se vio caminando entre la niebla en el escenario hasta que fue visible y Straz se alboroto aún más. Vestida de rosado con diseños brillosos y su cabello en una cola de caballo, Natalia Jiménez comenzó a deleitar a todos presentes con "Dónde Iran."

  

Cantamos, brincamos, bailamos, gritamos, aplaudimos sin parar a un repertorio único de 23 canciones más o menos por casi dos horas. Temas interpretados desde sus comienzos con La Quinta Estación hacen ya 20 años, duetos que ha tenido el placer de grabar y o cantar junto otros artistas como de la talla del puertorriqueño Ricky Martin, el inigualable Juan Gabriel entre otros. Hasta cantó con mariachi luciendo un bello vestido ranchero azul claro que cambiaba de colores según las luces del escenario representando orgullosamente su segunda casa. Y claro incluyó su recién temas como solista.

Natalia Jiménez es una maravillosa vocalista. Suena increíble en vivo y con su sentido del humor, autenticidad, humildad y interacción con su publico se robó su propio espectáculo y se ganó el corazón de Tampa. 

Muy agradecida al apoyo y de estar por primera vez en Tampa, expresó su gratitud muy emocionada al terminar su tema popular "Creo en Mi." Hasta regaló rosas roja y se tomó un video selfie con su publico, "Hola yo soy Natalia Jiménez y esta es Tampaaaa" dijo con tanta alegría. Y de que manera en cerrar su concierto con el tema "El Rey" del inolvidable José Alfredo Jiménez antes de irse del escenario acompañada de su hija.

  

                                 Video crédito a Natalia Jiménez

Natalia Jiménez es única, incomparable, sencilla, humilde, graciosa y podemos seguir con sus infinito atributos. Gracias por una noche inolvidable y espectacular. Deseamos que tu deseo de regresar se cumpla una y otra vez. Tampa es tu nueva casa. Te esperamos con las brazos y los corazones abiertos. Hasta pronto Natalia.

Su gira de más de 80 presentaciones la ha llevado alrededor del mundo - a México, Estados Unidos, Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Panamá, Chile, República Dominicana, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, y España; el 80% de estas presentaciones han sido agotadas.

No se pierdan a Natalia Jiménez en concierto. Si no la han visto en vivo, se lo recomiendo. Se le ha añadido más fechas a su gira Antología 20 Años en los Estados Unidos en colaboración con la compañía promotora de conciertos Loud & Live. Hasta ahora las ciudades son Boston el 10 de mayo, New York el 11 de mayo, New Jersey el 12 de mayo, Dallas el 30 de mayo,  Houston el 31 de mayo, Los Angeles el 2 de junio, Washington el 7 de junio, y Atlanta el 9 de junio. Para comprar los boletos de las presentaciones en los Estados Unidos, oprima aquí.

También se presentará en El Salvador el 6 de marzo, San José el 8 de marzo, Guatemala el 10 de marzo, y la Ciudad de México el 18 de mayo. 

Créditos a Doris Irizarry

©️ El Mundo de Dori * Dori's World 2024

Tampa Bay Latin concert 2023 schedule - updated 11/1/23

Here are a few concerts announced so far for this year to be held in the Tampa Bay area in Florida. Be sure to check your venue website for the latest updates and guidelines as entry requirements are subject to change.

Christian Nodal at Amalie Arena Friday, October 6 at 8:00 p.m. Purchase your tickets here.

Benise at Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater in St Petersburg Friday, October 13 at 7:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, click here.

Willie Chirino at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center  Sunday, October 15 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets available for purchase here.

Maluma at Amalie Arena Saturday, October 28 at 8:00 p.m. Purchase your tickets here.

Ednita Nazario at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center Sunday, Nov 5 at 8:00 p.m. Get your tickets here.

Luis Miguel at Amalie Arena Tuesday, November 7 at 7:00 p.m. Get your tickets here. Rescheduled to June 19, 2024 at 7 p.m. 

Romeo Santos at Amalie Arena Wednesday, November 15 at 8:00 p.m. To purchase tickets, click here.

Fonseca at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center Thursday, Nov 30 at 8:00 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets.

Special moment for Marc Anthony and a Tampa resident

Who would have known that history would repeat itself, well sort of, for a Tampa resident, my mom. Twenty seven years ago Brunilda Irizarry had a special bonding with Marc Anthony.

Since the first time we met Marc Anthony in December 1995, we had a special connection with him. My family and I assisted Imagen Latina Productions with an end of year dance in which Marc was the performer. I was his chauffer and mom accompanied me, my Dad may he RIP chauffeured the band.  Marc’s itinerary after picking him up at Tampa International Airport included an autograph session then dinner just before his performance. Marc was more than an artist, he was like ‘family.’

Our last family photo in 1996 at Marlboro Music Festival Raices in Orlando, FL (another beautiful story behind it too)

The evening of the dance, we wished Marc Anthony luck just before his performance. It was his second performance in Tampa since his Spanish music crossover in the 1990s. His first performance was in 1994 for a local Latin magazine event in which I voluntarily contributed to its entertainment column. The farewell the next day was bittersweet not only with Marc but also with his band and Mikey Jimenez. We wished him well and like a mother, mom also gave him a ‘motherly’ pep talk along with her blessings.

Marc Anthony's longest band member Erben Perez and Mikey Jimenez

Mom and Dad blessed him a few times after up until Marc became well known, making it impossible to have that close interaction. We have followed his growth in his profession since our first encounter and have voluntarily contributed and supported him in our own way. We are extremely proud of his success and of all his accomplishments.

Volunteers for Marc's foundation - Maestro Cares (2013)

Little did we know what was going to transpire on Marc's return to Tampa 20 years later to perform at Amalie Arena that was formerly called Ice Palace Arena and where Marc had performed in 2002. We were already downtown to meet up with friends from MAC La Familia/Marc Anthony Fan Club (fan clubs from back in the days) that came to Tampa to attend the concert. It was a spur of the moment decision for me to try to purchase tickets about three hours before the concert. Luckily we scored an affordable and irresistible price for floor tickets, three rows from the stage. It was the only way Marc could see the small sign I made for mom, well try to see it at least. 

Mom and I had attended Marc’s concert at the same venue 20 years ago, although we’ve seen him perform in Orlando, St. Petersburgh, and Miami, it was great to have him perform in our hometown again. Mom had told me I should make a welcome back sign. She had no idea I had made a sign that read, “¿Marc te puedo dar mi bendición como la primera vez en 1995?” (Marc can I give you my blessing like the first time in 1995?). We didn’t know if Marc would see the 8x10 sign from our third row seats.

For my family and I to have been part of his beginnings here in Tampa in 1994 and 1995 gives me so much nostalgia, happiness, and more so to watch mom sing, dance, and feel so proud of Marc and the band... I am forever grateful and blessed to share so many beautiful Marc memories with mom. There were many times I envisioned this but had no idea why, how, when and where. It is finally sinking in and each time I remember I get choked up. May we have many more Marc memories together.

Thanks to Marc, his band, his crew, Joey Vega, and Luis Figueroa for an unforgettable evening in Tampa. And of course to those that were around us that were trying to get Marc's attention to notice mom with the sign and to Marc's crew that spotted her and moved us to the front of the stage... Mom had a slight sore shoulder for a few days but it was all worth it.

“Que me imaginaba yo que me iba encontrar con Marc otra vez después de tantos años... Si me acordó, no sé. Son tantos años ya. Que Dios me lo siga bendiciendo, a todos. Gracias hija.” (I didn't imagine I was going to meet Marc again after so many years... If he remembered me, I don't know. It's been so many years now. God keep blessing him, all of them. Thanks daughter).

Read Marc Anthony's Tampa concert review here and additional reviews here.

Missed Marc Anthony this time around, well his Viviendo tour continues, check it out here for information of where he'll be performing this year and in 2023.

Photo and video credits Doris Irizarry

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(We normally don't write in first person but it was easier and more meaningful to write in first person this time).

Marc Anthony and his band continue where they left off 20 years ago in Tampa

What an honor to have one of the top salsa music artists there is today return to Tampa for an exclusive concert 20 years later. It was December 15, 2002 that Marc Anthony and his band had last stepped foot at the Amalie Arena which back then was the Ice Palace Arena. 

On Friday, November 4, 2022 the biggest and best salsa dance party was set for downtown Tampa. The excitement was felt all around, ladies and gents all decked out, traffic was a hustle bustle since early Friday morning. Marc Anthony (Marco Antonio Muñiz), el flaco (skinny) as he’s referred to by many, his band (da baddest band as they’ve been baptized by their fans), the hilarious comedian Joey Vega (he’s been Marc Anthony’s opening act for 20+ years), and special guest performer Luis Figueroa, the latest salsa sensation were going to light up Tampa. And indeed they did!

Joey Vega was all set promptly at 8 p.m. to entertain the early arrivals. It was 20 years he had performed at the very same venue with Marc. He took us back to the pandemic days and how ladies need to look to attend a Marc Anthony concert. By the time Luis Figueroa started singing, the venue was three fourths full. He took us back in time with oldies but goodies among them one of my all-time favorites “Hasta el sol de Hoy.”

Yes, Latinos show up late or arrive early to hang out around the venue mingling, drinking, eating, waiting for the most acclaimed artist to start. As the lights start to dim, Marc’s baddest band take their places on stage. The band plays a medley of Marc Anthony songs just before he appears on stage sporting his signature shades as usual that don't last long on him, black jeans, black blazer, a white button down dress shirt, and of course he wore shoes too.

Osvaldo Figueruelo with his wife and mother - photo courtesy Osvaldo Figueruelo

The audience ranged from families with their children, sons and daughters with their mom or dad or both, couples, groups, and fans that came from far and near all ready to sing and dance their hearts out. Osvaldo Figueruelo was happy to see Marc Anthony for the first time with his wife and his mother.

“Que sentimiento de felicidad, sabor, orgullo es haber sido parte de ese público anoche. Y que bendición presenciar a una de nuestras mas grandes estrellas. Solo queda tomar las palabras de Marc Anthony anoche y decir: ¡Viva la raza latina!” (What a feeling of happiness, taste, pride to have been a part of that audience last night. And what a blessing to have witnessed one of our greatest artists. It only leaves me to take Marc Anthony's words last night and say: long live the Latin race) posted Osvaldo on Facebook.

Santi Socorro attended the concert with his family, They had seen Marc perform 20 years ago also at the same venue. It left them wanting for Marc to continue singing. “His voice is one of a kind. All of his songs are also hits. If he comes back to Tampa Bay we will be there,” said Santi.

Santi Socorro and his family - photo credit Alisha Estevez

The welcoming was surreal, the sold out venue went into hysteria as soon as Marc was spotted and belted out the first lyrics to his recent hit “Pa’lla Voy.” Marc Anthony is a showman within himself. He doesn’t need dancers, props, laser lighting, boom and bangs… It’s his voice and band that completes him for an extraordinary evening of singing and dancing. 

The communication between Marc and his people was indescribable. The Latin pride was visible throughout the night with flags from Venezuela, Cuba, and of course Puerto Rico being waved as Marc repetitively yelled “Dios los bendiga y que viva la raza latina” and at one point almost slipped into the ending "puñe...” (God bless and long live the Latin race).

Marc never disappoints as the fan followers know. He keeps holding out notes, dances all over the stage making sure to cover every angle so everyone could see him. Of course he blew kisses, gave eye contact, blessings, bowing respectfully as he did to Brunilda Irizarry when he spotted her with an 8x10 sign stating “¿Marc te puedo dar mi bendición como la primera vez en 1995?” (Marc can I give you my blessing like the first time in 1995?), he even said jokingly, “Why you all sitting.” Marc wants everyone to have a great time, he wants you to sing and dance as is the message in his hit “Vivir mi Vida.” 

Many times the fans out powered Marc in singing and he just let them sing. He does encourage his fans to sing with him if they know the song, “Si la saben, cántenla” and of course dance too. They knew all his songs from the first one to the last one. 

The band outshined too, each in their own way and a few doing solos – Mario Sebastian strumming his guitar and Jessie Caraballo with his drum solo until Marc joined him on a set of drums. Let’s call out the additional phenomenal band members Alexandra Taveras and Franklin Torres vocalists, Ozzie Melendez trombonist and Erben Perez bassist, the four also formed their own group, A Tempo Band, during the pandemic. In addition, Curtis Rodriguez plays the bongos, Eric Velez the congas; Angel Fernandez is the musical director, guitarist and trumpeter; Bayron Ramos and Dan Reagan trombonist, Gerardo Rodriguez trumpeter, Marc Lopez percussionist, and last but not least Juan Carlos Sierra pianist.

Marc’s repertoire consisted of oldies but goodies of his endless all time hits and of course his recent hits. The setlist included “Valio la Pena,” “Y Hubo Alguien,” “Hasta Ayer,” “Flor Pálida,” “Contra la Corriente,” “Palabras del Alma,” “Si te Vas,” “Que precio tiene el Cielo,” “Mala,” “Te conozco Bien,” and after Marc sang “Parecen Viernes” he said, “buenas noches, que Dios me los bendiga,” as he waved and walked towards the back of the stage until he disappeared. 

Although the arena lights were off, the arena was lit with cellphones as chants for more of Marc got louder and louder. Some started to leave but regular concert attendees and fans know a Marc Anthony concert isn’t over until Marc sings his closing theme song. For those that stayed until the end, they had an extra song to enjoy “Tu amor me hace Bien,” before ending a great and unforgettable night with “Vivir mi Vida.” Just what we all did Friday night, vivir mi vida (live my life). Indeed we did.

Vive tu vida que la vida es una, baila y canta, gózala (live your live, life is only one, dance and sing, enjoy it).

What an incredible evening it was in Tampa with the return of the salsa sensation and his band after 20 years of absence. Hopefully it’s not the last Marc Anthony concert in Tampa or a long wait for one.

To Marc Anthony, his band, his crew, and staff thanks for an awesome evening.  Please come back soon!!

As the Marc Anthony duo with Carlos Vives goes, “hasta que nos volvamos a encontrar” (until we find each other again).

Missed Marc Anthony this time around, well his Viviendo tour continues, check it out here for information of where he'll be performing this year and in 2023.

Check out a few Marc Anthony reviews and what happened with Brunilda Irizarry's sign here.

Photo and video credits Doris Irizarry

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Marc Anthony returns to Tampa after 20 years

Marc Anthony performing at the former Ice Palace Arena in 2002

Photo and video credits Doris Irizarry

Content is not to be reproduced without consent 

It has been 20 years since the worldwide salsa artist Marc Anthony performed in Tampa, FL. His last performance was September 15, 2002 at the Ice Palace Arena which today is the Amalie Arena and exactly where Marc is returning to perform in November.

As we look back at Marc's local performances, he definitely has come a long way. A few years ago Marc Anthony was not so well known or good looking to everyone, well actually 28 years. He first appeared in Tampa as a special guest performer for an event for Victor Matos' la Revista Ovación at the Club Civico Cubano (Cuban Civic Center), a small venue, February 1994. 

It had only been a year or so since Marc’s crossover from singing in English to singing in Spanish commenced. The singer with long hair and funky glasses along with a local band and two of his own band members, Erben Perez and Angel Fernandez who are still an integral part of Marc's trajectory, to accompany him belted out a few songs to a small crowd. It was an intimate show. You could easily extend your hand to touch him, talk to him, get his autograph and even a photo or two.

Marc Anthony performing for the first time at Tampa's Club Civico Cubano February 1994

Then Marc returned in December 1995 to an upgraded venue, the former A La Carte Event Pavilion, for an end of the year dance by Imagen Latina Production. This time his hair was short and more handsome. He had his own band and the crowd multiplied. His popularity increased as the crowd joined him in singing and there was room to dance. 

End of the year dance at the former A La Carte Event Pavilion December 1995

Marc’s songs were being heard more and more on the radio, winning countless awards, hitting the top of the music charts, penning and recording songs, videos... Marc was a singer to be spoken about. His first concert at a bigger venue in Tampa was in 2002 at the Ice Palace Arena as his popularity exploded. Although not an intimate show and no room to dance similar to the beginning of his crossover career, he had a bigger crowd, more songs under his belt to perform and had fans following him.

A special bond since December 1995, encouragement and blessings from a long time special admirer, Brunilda Irizarry of 81 years of youth

Two years later he was to perform once again at the Ice Palace but the concert was cancelled. Also worth mentioning, on November 19, 2011 Marc was invited to perform across the bay at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg. Then there was another lapse in his performances in Tampa Bay.

Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg November 2011

Marc's unconditional fans, salsa music lovers, and followers have driven to Orlando and or Miami throughout the years. This time around, his unconditional fans, salsa music lovers and followers are more than welcome to join us in Tampa for a concert for the books.

Marc just wrapped up his Pa'lla Voy tour named after his successful recent album and single that included concerts in the United States, Europe and Latin America. And within no time, Anthony kicked off his Viviendo tour in the United States in Las Vegas. This tour is titled after his third song "Viviendo" from his fifth studio album Libre released in 2001.

Finally, Friday November 4 Marc Anthony, his 'baddest' band, and the famed Latino comedian Joey Vega will be on our stomping grounds. Hopefully a sold out concert too. Don't miss your chance to see the most acclaimed salsa artist. Haven't purchased your ticket yet, well what are you waiting for, click here. Like we say in Spanish, para que no te cuenten - so you won't be told.

Not convinced or sure to attend, what we know, well at least I know it will be one unforgettable concert in Tampa, like Marc Anthony says, "check it out."

There's tons to know about Marc Anthony from his astonishing singing profession, his acting, entrepreneur, philanthropist... check out his website Marc Anthony by clicking here. And of course he has videos, even duos with other artists and mostly in every music genre there is today on his YouTube channel Marc Anthony. In addition, his music is on every online music outlet there is today, therefore check those out too.

Marc Anthony sang for the first time "Preciosa" at Amway Center in Orlando, FL November 19, 2017, the year Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico

Therefore, Tampa we have a date with Marc Anthony and his crew. See you November 4, 2022 at the Amalie Arena, in Tampa, FL at 8 p.m. "Esto sigue."

Let's interact, have you seen Marc Anthony perform live? If you have where and when? Did you enjoy the concert? If you didn't enjoy it, tell me too. Share any special moments you've had during Marc's concert, your most memorable moment.

How about his music, do you prefer Marc just singing salsa and or singing in other genres and with other artists? What is/are your favorite song(s)/album(s)? 

And you do know, Marc is an actor too? Well, what movie(s) did you like?

Make sure to come back if you attend the concert and let us know how it was too.

And last but not least read a few Marc Anthony reviews here.

Photo and video credits Doris Irizarry

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Tampa Bay Latin concert 2022 schedule

Ricardo Arjona at Yuengling Center Thursday, June 2 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are available here.

Karol G at Amalie Arena Monday, September 26 at 8:00 p.m. To purchase tickets, click here.

El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center Sunday, October 2 at 6:00 p.m. Purchase tickets here.

Benise at Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater in St Petersburg Friday, October 7 at 8:00 p.m. To purchase tickets, click here.

Romeo Santos private concert at Amalie Arena Saturday, October 29 at 8:00 p.m. For information, click here.

Marc Anthony at Amalie Arena Friday, November 4  at 8:00 p.m. To purchase tickets, click here.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's Food & Wine Festival 2022 entertainment line up

Olga Tañon

A world of taste awaits at the annual Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival with a delicious menu and drinks as dynamic and unique as the park's thrilling roller coaster collection. Guests can sip & savor their way through flavorful eats and mouthwatering treats before finding their new favorite brew or cocktail. 

With more than 20 new delicious dishes to pair with wines, craft brews and cocktails, park guests can explore a variety of flavors while enjoying a diverse concert lineup of the best in pop, rock, Latin, country, contemporary and classic music on select dates during the event. Concerts are free with park admission.

The Food & Wine Festival runs Fridays through Sundays from March 11 to May 22 and is included with admission to the park.

Food & Wine Festival entertainment schedule:

• Sean Paul - Friday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m.
• American Authors - Saturday, March 12 at 7:00 p.m.
• Boyce Avenue - Sunday, March 13 at 6:00 p.m.
• Scott Stapp: Voice of Creed - Saturday, March 26 at 7:00 p.m.
• The Purple Xperience: Prince Tribute - Sunday, March 27 at 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
• Rodney Atkins - Saturday, April 2 at 7:00 p.m.
• Air Supply - Sunday, April 3 at 6:00 p.m.
• TBA - Saturday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m.
• Chris Janson - Sunday, April 10 at 6:00 p.m.
• Fleetwood Max: Fleetwood Mac Tribute - Saturday, April 16 at 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
• Hotel California (Eagles Tribute) - Sunday, April 17 at 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
• Kansas - Saturday, April 23 at 7:00 p.m.
• Clint Black - Sunday, April 24 at 6:00 p.m.
• 3 Doors Down - Saturday, April 30 at 7:00 p.m.
• Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute - Sunday, May 1 at 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
• Latin Explosion: Selena, Santana & Estefan Tribute - Friday, May 6 at 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
• Jenny and the Mexicats - Saturday, May 7 at 7:00 p.m.
• Grupo Cañaveral De Humberto Pabón - Sunday, May 8 at 6:00 p.m.
• Jerry Rivera - Saturday, May 14 at 7:00 p.m.
• Gente de Zona - Sunday, May 15 at 6:00 p.m.
• Olga Tañon - Saturday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m.
• Tito Nieves - Sunday, May 22 at 6:00 p.m.

Go VIP with reserved seating on the concert field, plus receive a 5-item sampler lanyard valid at any Food & Wine Festival location. To purchase reserved seating, click here.

Check out the food and wine menu here. Don't have a pass or tickets, then buy them here.

Busch Gardens Tampa Food & Wine Festival - ride, eat, drink and dance

Photo and video credits Doris Irizarry (photo & video reproductions prohibited)

Ride, eat, drink, and dance until dusk. It's kindo of what we did and you can too at Busch Gardens Tampa fourth annual Food & Wine Festival. The event kicks off yearly the first weekend in March and runs through to the end of April.

The weather has been splendid, believe it or not Tampa has had some cold weather lately. If you want to get more than your moneys worth of all that Busch Gardens has to offer from rides, animals, and shows, get to the park as soon as it opens. Parking is $20 at the park, Busch Gardens Tampa online parking is a few dollars cheaper. Even cheaper if you find an offsite parking within walking distance. I park at the same off site place for $5. Of course the all year pass members are all set when it comes to parking.

At noon the Food & Wine Festival opens up for guests to sample the select cuisine, wines, beers and cocktails of course at a cost. The best deal is to purchase a lanyard or pay per samples.

Photo credit Busch Gardens Tampa

These are the samples I tried:

Fried plantain cups filled with stewed chicken (tostones rellenos de pollo). A Hispanic myself that loves plantains I went for it. In addition, the plantain cup filled with chicken caught my eye but not my taste buds. The sauce just didn't blend well with the chicken.

Photo credit Busch Gardens Tampa

Gochujang Ribs in Korean barbecue sauce - the ribs smelled and looked delicious but I prefer my ribs well done so I took them home and cooked them a little more.

Lobster Tart with leeks & swiss cheese - did anyone say lobster? Yum, yum!

Bison Slider on a poppy seed roll with bacon and Sriracha Ketchup and blue lemonade - my favorite hands down! 

Photo and video credits Doris Irizarry (photo & video reproductions prohibited)

After a few samples, I was ready for live entertainment. Every year the line up is great. It is diverse - country, pop, soul, rock, Latin... I opted in for the latter. I was ready to sing and dance my heart away to one of the best female merengue music artists.

From the island of enchantment Puerto Rico, living in Orlando, Olga Tañon took the Food & Wine Festival stage located at Gwazi promptly at 7 p.m. An hour announced concert that turned into nearly two hours at the grace of Olga Tañon. 

 

A sensational show gal that offered her best past hits to her current chart toppers that includes reggaeton. Her phenomenal interaction with fans lead to inviting a fan to join her onstage, a fan that became popular all of a sudden. Pascuala, not only saw the show from the stage but was also gifted Olga's jacket that she wore for a portion of her performance.

 

What an amazing way to spend a weekend at Busch Gardens Tampa Food & Wine Festival. Check out the line up and additional information here.

   

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's Food & Wine Festival entertainment line up

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's most delicious event returns this March with tastes for every palate and diverse entertainment at the fourth annual Food & Wine Festival. Guests can sample delectable cuisines paired with a selection of more than 65 wines, more than 50 craft brews and specialty cocktails, while enjoying some of the biggest names in entertainment. The Food & Wine Festival runs Saturdays and Sundays starting March 3 through April 29. 

The Festival features all-new twists on cuisine at 13 culinary cabins, along with favorites like mango shrimp ceviche and beef brisket on a spiced corn waffle. Experience bold new eats at the Savory Tavern with fried frog legs, bacon corn fritters, or indulge in flavorful treats at Artisan Eats with duck fat truffle fries and then spice it up with tostones rellenos de pollo at Comfort Kitchen. Opt for lobster tart with leeks and Swiss cheese or mushroom vol-au-vent at the Light Fare Canteen, or relish in the robust flavors at Chef’s Plantation with salmon cake with lemon aioli, Korean-style ribs and the all-new short rib and brie grilled cheese. Guests can elevate the Food and Wine Festival experience even more by sipping a carefully curated selection of fine bourbons and new tequila tastings.

But that's not all. Check out the headlining entertainment to enjoy as you savor the delectable menu or simply sing and dance along with the select performers. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. on Saturdays and 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Food & Wine entertainment:

• Saturday, March 3 - Edwin McCain & Sister Hazel
• Sunday, March 4 - Grupo Niche
• Saturday, March 10 - The Fray
• Sunday, March 11 - Southern Uprising Tour: A Southern Rock Revival with Travis Tritt, The Charlie Daniels Band, The Marshall Tucker Band, The Outlaws
• Saturday, March 17 - Olga Tañón
• Sunday, March 18 - Goo Goo Dolls
• Saturday, March 24 - Better Than Ezra & Tonic
• Sunday, March 25 - Michael Bolton
• Saturday, March 31 - Boyz II Men
• Sunday, April 1 - Natalie Grant
• Saturday, April 7 - Hank Williams, Jr.
• Sunday, April 8 - TLC
• Saturday, April 14 - Bret Michaels
• Sunday, April 15 - Coming Soon!
• Saturday, April 21 - The All-American Rejects
• Sunday, April 22 - Cole Swindell
• Saturday, April 28 - Flo Rida
• Sunday, April 29 - Kaleo & Bleachers

Admission to the Food & Wine Festival is included with any Annual Pass, Fun Card or daily admission to the park. Guests can choose from two exclusive VIP concert upgrades at the festival which include priority seating and a 5-item sampler lanyard for even more access to great times and great tastes. Additionally, guests can purchase 5, 10 and 12-item sampler lanyards to tailor the experience to any taste bud. Although food and beverage is not included with park admission, they are available for an additional fee. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages.

If you are a Florida resident, for a limited time, buy a Busch Gardens Fun Card and get an Adventure Island Fun Card free allowing you to experience both parks through 2018 for the price of one. For those wishing for more VIP offerings, the Annual Pass includes unlimited admission for 12 months, free parking, no blackout dates, in-park discounts and other benefits, valued at more than $350. With EZ-pay, annual passes start at just $14 per month for one park, and $16 per month for both Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. Tickets and passes can be purchased at the park or online here.

Be the first to know about new events, special deals and future announcements by joining the conversation using #corksandcoasters on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

Source - Busch Gardens Tampa

'On Your Feet!' wows Tampa Bay

Photo credit "On Your Feet!"

Well, its here, in our very own backyard (literally speaking), the Broadway musical “On Your Feet!” that is traveling throughout the United States after 780 smash hit performances at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway in New York since its inception in 2015. The opener, Tuesday evening, October 24; is one of seven shows scheduled for the Straz Center in downtown Tampa. Tampa is the fourth city to witness the musical since the national tour kicked off this year on September 22 in Buffalo, New York.

Photo credit "On Your Feet!"

“On Your Feet!” is a well-written and thought out Broadway musical that takes us through the ups and downs encountered by Gloria and Emilio Estefan in their homeland Cuba and their newly adopted home in the United States - inclusive of family and record labels just to name a few - in their lives from youngsters to adulthood. An evening that combined humor, music, joy, sadness, triumphs, and disappointments all in one - reminiscence on life struggles to obtain personal and professional goals and happiness.

Photo credit "On Your Feet!"

A total of 26 songs are marvelously incorporated into the 2.5-hour musical that ranges from solemn to festive moods. The flashbacks from the startup of the Miami Latin Boys that transpired into the Miami Sound Machine to what it is now the solo titled Gloria Estefan band. The musical even included four original Miami Sound Machine musicians, and a varied age group cast who all carried out superb singing, acting, and dancing. You just couldn't refrain from dancing in your own seat until the end when you’re enticed to get up ‘on your feet’ to join the 28 cast members and the 10 piece orchestra in the medley finale of some of the Estefan’s greatest hits.

The youngest of the cast that performed the first show in Tampa - Jordan Vergara played Nayib, Young Emilio, and Jeremy and Amaris Sanchez played Little Gloria, photo credit Doris Irizarry

Don’t miss out on this stupendous Broadway musical, my review falls short of what you’ll truly experience from it live, plus I don't want to reveal too much detail. “On Your Feet!” will be in Tampa until Sunday, October 29, tickets range from $45 to $120 not including applicable fees/charges. Tickets can be purchased at Straz Center online here. Additional information about “On Your Feet” and tour dates can be obtained at “On Your Feet!” website here.

Jordan from NY and Amaris from Chicago take turns with two other young cast members