Business & Tech

Big Names to Rock Busch Gardens in 2013

Singing, dancing, animals and more are on tap at the amusement park next year.

In 2012, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay introduced its biggest ice show, Iceploration, and brought animals close up with the Animal Care Center.

Now, 2013 is bringing some of the biggest names in Latin and rock to Busch Gardens, according to a press release from the amusement park.

“It’s our best lineup yet, including music’s most memorable acts at Real Music, rock artists at Bands, Brew & BBQ, and Viva La Música’s hottest Latin performers,” the release states.

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According to Busch Gardens, here’s what you can expect in 2013.

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Let’s Dance Featuring Burn The Floor: Jan. 16-April 7

Sixteen dancers from around the world will heat up the Desert Grill stage when Busch Gardens Tampa Bay presents Let’s Dance featuring Burn the Floor, opening Jan. 16. Set against a fast-paced soundtrack of familiar favorites, the international dance troupe offers a new twist on the Foxtrot, Tango, Rumba, Cha cha, Jive, Swing, Mambo and more.

The Real Music Concert Series: Jan. 16-March 2

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s longest running concert series, returns to Busch Gardens Wednesdays through Saturdays from Jan. 16 to March 2 with live music spanning the 1930s to 1970s, including swing, blues, pop, jazz, disco, and rock ‘n roll.

  • Jan. 16-19, The Terry Myers Orchestra with the Swing Sisters
  • Jan. 23-26, The World-Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra
  • Jan. 30-Feb. 2, Frank Sinatra Jr. 
  • Feb. 6-9, Paul Revere & The Raiders
  • Feb. 13-16, Sha Na Na
  • Feb. 20-23, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.
  • Feb. 27-March 2, Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone

In 2013, guests can buy a Real Music Early Entry Ticket to enter the Stanleyville Theater and hour prior to the show to choose their seats. The Real Music Early Entry Tickets cost $10 and are available in advance at BuschGardens.com, by calling 800-888-5447 or at the park. Only a limited number of tickets will be available for each show and the tickets will be available soon.

Bands, Brew & BBQ: Sundays, Feb. 10-March 3

Sundays at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will rock during Bands, Brew & BBQ, Feb. 10 through March 3. Enjoy sizzling live performances from award-winning rock artists, the smokin’ hot flavor of blazing barbeque, and more than 80 craft beers samples, in addition to all of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s thrilling attractions, rides and shows.

  • Feb. 10, John Kay and Steppenwolf
  • Feb. 17, Barenaked Ladies
  • Feb. 24, The Doobie Brothers
  • March 3, The Goo Goo Dolls

Viva La Música: Sundays, April 15-May 6

Join the fiesta at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay every Sunday, April 14 through May 5. Viva la Música features food, drink, music and fun for the entire family, bringing together the hottest Latin artists live, authentic arts and crafts, and regional Latin cuisine.

  • April 14, Ednita Nazario
  • April 21, Oscar D’Leon
  • April 28, Milly Quesada
  • May 5, El Gran Combo

Jack Hanna: May 18 and 19

Join “Jungle Jack” Hanna for two days of wild animal shows, autograph signings and special meet and greets when he visits Busch Gardens on May 18 and 19. The internationally-known animal expert will share animal facts and his travel tales during animal shows.

Summer Nights: June 8-Aug. 11

Finale fireworks are back each night of Summer Nights at Busch Gardens, along with an end-of-night show packed with energizing live musicians, singers, dancers and artists from around the world. Their thrilling performance—along with modern music and fire effects—will pump up the crowd every night in Gwazi Park. Adding to the amazing coasters-after-dark lineup, guests will launch into the night on Busch Gardens’ newest roller coaster, Cheetah Hunt.

Event dates, times and artists are subject to change. Performances are included with any daily admission or annual pass.

For information about a 2013 Fun Card, visit BuschGardens.com or call 888-800-5447.


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