New Orleans' Bands Take the Stage in the French Quarter at Universal Orlando's 2008 Mardi Gras Celebration

New Orleans' Bands Take the Stage in the French Quarter at Universal Orlando's 2008 Mardi Gras Celebration

The Tradition Continues at Universal Orlando With Performances From New Orleans's Most Celebrated Talent

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Mardi Gras 2008 pays tribute to New Orleans' musicians with must see performances from the hottest bands in Blues, Jazz and Zydeco music. Inspired by traditional Creole music, these bands are known to deliver soulful sounds with a Cajun flare and this year's talent promises not to disappoint. The talent will perform in the "French Quarter" as part of an authentic annual celebration of New Orleans' music, culture and cuisine.

Mardi Gras kicks off tomorrow and runs for twelve Saturday nights through April 19. During each week of the celebration, Universal Orlando will showcase musicians that evoke the spirit of New Orleans' special musical heritage. The twelve New Orleans-style performers include J.J. Caillier and the Zydeco Knockouts, The Kevin O'Day Band and Bryan Lee and the Blues Power Band.

After Hurricane Katrina, many performers were displaced and out of work during the rebuilding of New Orleans. In 2006, Universal Orlando "partnered" with the Tipitina's Foundation, a well-known foundation created to support musicians and their unique musical styles, to introduce a new program, "Celebrate the music of New Orleans." The program provided an opportunity for the city's celebrated performers to share their musical passion with audiences during Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras celebration. The concept proved popular with guests and since 2006, Universal has continued to boast a line-up of authentic New Orleans music.

"This is my third year performing at Universal's Mardi Gras and I have to say that all that stuff about it being the biggest party this side of New Orleans is absolutely true. The French Quarter in New Orleans is not what it used to be after Katrina so getting to perform here is pretty exciting," said Bryan Lee of the Blues Power Band.

Mardi Gras 2008 performers have opened for the likes of Dave Matthews, Hootie and the Blowfish and George Clinton and have also appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Bands like Soul Project were forced to relocate after the Hurricane and have created an enormous "old school soul" following on the east coast. Rockin' Jake was named "Best Blues Har-monica" at the "Best of the Beat" New Orleans music awards.

"This year's musical performances feature incredible musicians from New Orleans, making our Mardi Gras celebration truly authentic. The music, Cajun food and of course, the parade will deliver a 'Big Easy' street party atmosphere in Universal Studios that no one this side of New Orleans can top," said Jim Timon, senior vice president of entertainment, Universal Orlando Resort.

MARDI GRAS 2008 BAND LINE-UP

February
February 2 -- J.J. Caillier and The Zydeco Knockouts
February 9 -- Lil Malcolm and the House Rockers
February 16 - The Daddy Mack Blues Band
Febrary 23 -- Big Red & the Zydeco Playmakers

March
March 1 -- Chris Klein and the Boulevards
March 8 -- Bryan Lee and The Blues Power Band
March 15 -- Rockin Jake
March 22 -- Soul Project
March 29 -- The Kevin O'Day Band

April
April 5 -- Jumpin Johnny Sansone
April 12 -- Mem Shannon and the Membership
April 19 -- Lil Brian and the Zydeco Travelers

The Mardi Gras ticket, valid after 5 p.m. at Universal Studios, is applicable any one Saturday night from February 2 through April 19 and can be purchased for $46.95 plus tax. Florida and Georgia residents can save $10 off a Mardi Gras valid after 5 p.m. ticket with a specially-marked Coca-Cola product or cup from participating Wendy's locations.

Florida residents can also save $30 off a 2-Park Annual Power Pass (regularly-priced $129.95 plus tax). The Power Pass offers admission to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure for one year with minimal blackout dates and includes admission to all 12 nights of Mardi Gras.

Universal CityWalk will host the official after-party of the Mardi Gras celebration, with guests receiving free admission into select clubs until 2 a.m. by presenting their Mardi Gras tickets. For an additional $15, guests can purchase a VIP upgrade ticket to the official Mardi Gras after-party which includes complimentary appetizers, drink specials and souvenir beads. For more information on the event or to purchase tickets, please visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.

High-resolution images are available on our media website at media.universalorlando.com

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Source: Universal Orlando Resort

CONTACT: Universal Orlando Public Relations, +1-407-363-8220

Web site: http://www.universalorlando.com/mardigras

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