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.

   

Romeo Santos reigns without his throne

The renowned American Dominican artist Romeo Santos returned to Amway Center in Orlando, FL for his Golden tour that kicked off February 13 in Mashantucket, CT. Although the concert was scheduled for 8 p.m. with additional acts before the bachata 'king', he still managed to start late his almost 2 hour PG performance. For those that live close to the venue have no worries versus those that live more than an hour away and have to work the next day. Maybe they wouldn't have mind if he brought along some popular artists or if the artists would have showed up unexpectedly but we are not as lucky as Miami.

 

Photo and video credits Doris Irizarry

It was a different stage set up. Santos actually walked out onto the stage. What happened to his throne? We have no idea but probably a majority didn't miss it as they were immediately mesmerized by his presence, his music, charisma, and interaction. Of course, there was lots of screaming especially during the bachateros sensual scenes. Not leaving anyone out, Santos flirted with the females but also the gents had their time as well during his singing battle of the males.

 

Photos and videos not to be used without consent

Oh, the spectacular lighting gave the concert an entire different feel. And to mention the second stage set up midway in the venue giving everyone a fair share view of Romeo Santos. He even invited a birthday gal on stage and another to join him during his usual sensual scene but this time without a bed.

 

He amazed his fans with a singing journey from his role as a lead singer with Aventura to his present hits.

Check out a few clips and photos from his Golden concert in Florida. In addition, don't miss his concert as he's on tour in the U.S. until April 16. For Romeo Santos tour schedule, click here. 

La gira Golden de Romeo Santo's comienza con exitos

El rey de la bachata, Romeo Santos, arrasa con su gira Golden en los Estados Unidos. Desde su comienzo en el Madison Square Garden en la ciudad de New York en febrero todos sus conciertos agotaron boletos. Este pasado martes se presentó ante miles de  personas en la primera fecha de dos en la arena Agganis de Boston donde, desde el momento que se anunció la venta de boletos, a días agotó dos fechas en dicha arena.

Romeo quien es  finalista  a los Premios Billboard de la Música Latina 2018 fruto del éxito de su más reciente producción Golden, también ocupa la posición #2 en los vídeos más vistos del mes de febrero con su vídeo “Sobredosis” canción donde colabora junto a Ozuna. Las cuatros categorías en las que es finalista son: Mejor Álbum Latino Artista del Año, Hombre; Artista Tropical del Año, Solista; Álbum Tropical del Año, Golden; y dos de sus canciones a Canción Tropical del Año, “Imitadora” y “Héroe Favorito”.

La gira Golden continuará por los Estados Unidos para luego continuar con una extensa gira por Europa y Latino América. Vean sus próximas presentaciones y compren sus boletos en Ticketmaster aquí.

Chayanne announces his 2018 Desde El Alma tour

After more than two years out of the spotlight, renowned  international singer, Chayanne, returns to the stage with his new tour, Desde El Alma. Produced by Cardenas Marketing Network, Inc. (CMN), the tour debuts in the United States kicking off on August 23 in San Jose, CA and will visit 15 cities. Chayanne returns to Orlando’s Amway Center on Thursday, October 11. 

“I really enjoy the production phase of the tour because there are so many elements that I want to include in my new show. I want a tour where the people go to have a fun time and sing with me,” said Chayanne.

Past tours have been well received with sold out venues and his 2015 En Todo Estaré tour earned Billboard’s second highest grossing Latin tour ranking. Chayanne’s unique blend of powerful, romantic ballads and pop tracks with his sensual rhythmic style has allowed him to conquer the hearts of his fans. His stage success has contributed to his illustrious career and is revered by music lovers around the world.

Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, March 9 at 10 a.m. including a presale that starts Thursday, March 8 also at 10 a.m. ET with prices ranging from $71 to $151 for the Amway Center concert (prices subject to change). Tickets can be purchased at amwaycenter.com, Amway Center box office, Ticketmaster retail locations, charge-by-phone at 800-745-3000 or at Ticketmaster.com. 

Check out other tour dates and for additional information click here:

Source: Amway Center

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

Highlights of some of the best in 'Premio Lo Nuestro's' 30 years celebration

The 30th edition of Univision’s “Premio Lo Nuestro a la Música Latina” (PLN30) celebrated the best of Latin music this past Thursday at the American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami, Florida in a spectacle of color and sound that gathered the best artists of all time. Unlike previous galas, PLN30 focused on commemoration rather than competition and featured an extraordinary array of talent onstage of the longest-running Latin award's show.

Highlighting the role of women and sending a message of empowerment, “Premio Lo Nuestro” made history this year by featuring more women than ever. For the first time, three women, Lili Estefan, Alejandra Espinoza and Laura Pausini, hosted the epic night, while Giselle Blondet, Chiquinquirá Delgado and Myrka Dellanos recalled the best PLN moments of the last 30 years as hosts of the magenta carpet. In addition, the female singer with the most PLN awards, Olga Tañón, joined Natalia Jiménez, Victoria “La Mala” and Natti Natasha to salute Latinas everywhere.

Other memorable moments included:

A musical number by award-winning producer Sergio George kicked off the live three-hour transmission with chart-toppers Daddy Yankee, Jhonny Ventura, Laura Pausini, Milly Quezada, Pepe Aguilar, Pitbull, Víctor Manuelle, and Bad Bunny on stage together for the first time.

The evening included a special recognition to the International icons Emilio and Gloria Estefan for their pioneering work as Latin music ambassadors and inspiration for new generations of artists. Leslie Grace, Il Volo and Victor Manuelle took the stage for a medley of the Estefan’s greatest hits.

Banda MS paid an emotional tribute to Mexican singer-songwriter Joan Sebastian and David Bisbal gave an impassioned rendition of José José’s “El Triste,” while Silvestre Dangond sang Lalo Rodríguez’s “Ven Devórame Otra Vez,” the first winning song of the inaugural PLN in 1989.

After almost five years, Wisin & Yandel hit the stage of PLN to sing together again. The dynamic duo was recognized for their musical career by Alejandro Fernandez and Olga Tañon.

Son by Four vocalist Angel Lopez returned to the stage alongside Piso 21, and Laura Pausini presented her new single “Nadie Ha Dicho” with Sergio George on piano.

Celebrated singer-songwriter Ricardo Montaner delighted the audience singing his popular romantic ballads with his daughter Evaluna Montaner and sons Mau y Ricky.

PLN30 had the most television premieres in its history, including “Dura” by Daddy Yankee, who participated in three musical numbers this year.

J Balvin teamed up with Brazilian singer Anitta and Aruban newcomer Jeon for a spectacular performance of his latest hit “Machika.” Maluma and Brazil’s Nego do Borel performed for the first time on TV their new hit “Corazón.” Other surprise first-time collaborations included Alejandro Fernández with Los Tigres del Norte; Bad Bunny and J Balvin, and Ozuna with Romeo Santos.

Olga Tañon ended the night on a high note alongside Chyno Miranda, got the audience dancing to her new hit “Como en Las Vegas.”

Source: Univision

Luis Miguel anuncia gira por los E.E.U.U y Canada

El cantante mexicano, icono, y uno de los artistas más exitosos en la historia de Latino América, Luis Miguel, anunció las fechas para su gira Norte Americana ¡México Por Siempre! La gira de 22 fechas comenzará el 4 de mayo en San Diego, CA, seguido por su primer concierto en el famoso Hollywood Bowl en Los Ángeles, CA el 6 de mayo. Producido por Live Nation, la sumamente anticipada gira también tendrá paradas en otras ciudades importantes de los E.E.U.U. y Canada, incluyendo Chicago, Houston, Miami, Toronto, Nueva York y otros.
  
Entradas estarán a la venta para el público comenzando el viernes 16 de febrero a las 10 a.m, hora local en LiveNation.com y Ticketmaster.com. Citi será la tarjeta de crédito oficial de preventa para la gira ¡México Por Siempre! Miembros de Citi tendrán acceso para comprar las entradas de preventa comenzando el 13 de febrero a las 10 a.m. hora local vía el programa Private Pass de Citi. Para más información, visite www.citiprivatepass.com.

¡México Por Siempre!, el disco más reciente de Luis Miguel, fue certificado doble platino en México.

Las fechas para la gira ¡México Por Siempre! son: 

Para las fechas de su gira por México vayan aquí.

Fuente: Seitrack US