[Park Hopper]

Once again this summer WDW will present the Sounds Like Summer concert series at the America Gardens Theater in Epcot. The acts are "tribute bands," bands and singers that look and sound like the performers they're paying tribute to. The show schedules are similar to the Flower Power and Eat to the Beat concerts during the Flower & Garden and Food & Wine festivals: three shows a night at 5:45, 7 and 8 p.m.

I'm sure people on tight schedules who are trying to fit in everything on their vacations understandably bypass the Epcot concerts. But for locals and area residents who frequent the parks, the concerts are a nice change from the attractions that we've seen too many times to count.

Here's the schedule of performers:

• June 11-17, Slippery When Wet: The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute
• June 18-24, Stayin' Alive: A Tribute to the Bee Gees
• June 25-July 1, Kevin White: A Tribute to Garth Brooks
• July 2-8, Respect: A Tribute to the Queen of Soul – Aretha Franklin
• July 9-17, Bjorn Again: A Tribute to ABBA
• July 18-24, Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles
• July 25-29, 52nd Street: A Tribute to Billy Joel
• July 30-Aug. 5, Captain Fantastic: A Salute to the Magic of Elton John
• Aug. 6-12, Transit Authority: A Tribute to Chicago

If you have the time to spare, give 'em a try.

[MissDisney]

Wow, I can't decide between the Eagles, Elton John or Bon Jovi... this is a really good line up! PH, will you be going to a lot of these?

[Park Hopper]

Originally Posted by MissDisney

Wow, I can't decide between the Eagles, Elton John or Bon Jovi... this is a really good line up! PH, will you be going to a lot of these?

Hi, Miss D. The concerts are big favorites with DW and me. We'll go to see as many of the different performers as my work schedule allows.

[MissDisney]

I'll be thinking about you both, sitting at EC and having a lovely evening! Wish I could be there to join you...

[Soundgod]

Epcot features the
"Attack of the Clones" Summer Concert Series.
What next? Move it to Disney MGM Studios during May and June during Star Wars Weekends? There's a concept!
I'm sorry, I think Disney can and should set the bar higher than tribute acts. And I'm an entertainment snob.

[Dana]

Originally Posted by Soundgod

Epcot features the
"Attack of the Clones" Summer Concert Series.
What next? Move it to Disney MGM Studios during May and June during Star Wars Weekends? There's a concept!
I'm sorry, I think Disney can and should set the bar higher than tribute acts. But I'm an entertainment snob.

I have to agree with you. I thought they normally did have the actual people there and not just a tribute band. I love live music, but would think that disney would be able to book the actual people...hmm interesting.

Parkhopper -don't they normally have the actual bands or what is left to them at these concerts or I am I losing my mind again? I could sware they did all the other years. I know you and DW go to many of them, so you are the man to ask about this. Have you two hit the F&G show yet? You usually post the most beautiful pictures of that and I was kinds hoping you would again...if you have time to of course. No pressure. WElcome home to mousebuzz btw...missed you tons on here.

[Soundgod]

If you'll recall I made similar noises last spring when the summer concert series was announced. I recall hearing the sounds of the ABBA and Billy Joel clones drifting in the soggy breeze while waiting for Illuminations, especially the nights I was in and around Japan. (Waterloo!!!!)

[zefyr]

These concerts were alot of fun. Last year I went when they were doing an Aerosmith cover. The band that was playing did an excellent job and their lead sounded so much like Steven Tyler it was scary!

[Dana]

Originally Posted by Soundgod

If you'll recall I made similar noises last spring when the summer concert series was announced. I recall hearing the sounds of the ABBA and Billy Joel clones drifting in the soggy breeze while waiting for Illuminations, especially the nights I was in and around Japan. (Waterloo!!!!)

ahh yes, now I remember. I have no idea why I thought it was the actual people in years past. Guess my memory is going now ..

[Soundgod]

Summertime = clones
Food and Wine = B team headliners and remnents of chart toppers.

Give me the budget and booking authority, I'll show you a concert series!

[Dana]

Originally Posted by Soundgod

Summertime = clones
Food and Wine = B team headliners and remnents of chart toppers.

Give me the budget and booking authority, I'll show you a concert series!

ahhh ok. I am thinking of the eat to the beat concerts then. Glad I am not totally nuts...just a tad.

[Soundgod]

I'm sorry gang. The Walt Disney World Company isn't doing this for me. Unless it's something really special (and I do stop for Off Kilter), it's just background music for me. I fully understand that the vast majority of guests love having any kind of competently performed live music. I just want more.

[Dopey]

Picky, picky...You don't like clone band music? No cover bands for you, hmmm?

[Soundgod]

Here's a cover group I'd like to see booked:
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes
They do twisted punk covers of pop songs. You haven't lived until you've heard Sloop John B to the tune of the Ramones Teenage Lobotomy or The Turtles Elenore to the tune of the Clash's London Calling.

[mickaholic4077]

I would love to see back The Best of Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance and Blast and Blast II. Those years that they had them,I would come 5-6 times that summer just to watch them. The year they had bands from around the world was abominable. The summer entertainment has gone down so much in quality in the past 3 years.