Just minutes before taking the stage at Busch Gardens’ Bands, Brew & BBQ festival on Sunday, Feb. 19, former Poison frontman and reality TV star Bret Michaels met the most popular – and hairiest – of Busch Gardens’ Animal Ambassadors team, Harry the sloth.

Thanks to its thick, shaggy hair, the sloth has an unusual, symbiotic relationship with algae, which grows on its coat and aids in camouflaging the sloth as it hangs from tree branches.

The Busch Gardens’ zoo educators also brought a young southern ground hornbill named Tufts and a Burmese python to meet Michaels and his band backstage.

Michaels’ 2010 album, Custom Built, rose to the top of Billboard’s Hard Rock list at #1 and his current “Get Your Rock On” tour is selling out venues across the country. He also took the reality television world by storm in the past few years on VH1’s “Rock of Love,” the 2010 docu-series “Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It” and as the winning contestant on the third season of Donald Trump’s NBC hit, “Celebrity Apprentice.”

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay combines world-class thrill rides, live entertainment and one of North America’s largest zoos in an unforgettable adventure for the whole family. This year, the park’s smokin’ hot Bands, Brew & BBQ festival fills every weekend, February 11 – March 4, with unlimited sampling of more than 80 specialty and craft beers, saucy barbeque from some of the bay area’s most popular restaurants and live concerts with the biggest names in classic rock, including 38 Special on Feb. 26 and REO Speedwagon on March 4.

Bands, Brew & BBQ offers weekends full of smokin’ hot fun now through March 4 – now on Saturdays AND Sundays! Outback Steakhouse is bringing some of their menu favorites.  What’s cooking?

Baby Back Ribs

Each succulent rack is smoked, wood-fire grilled and brushed with a tangy BBQ sauce.

Grilled Chicken on the Barbie

Seasoned, wood-fire grilled chicken breast with Outback’s signature BBQ sauce

Also  being served this year: the Outback Burger and Outback’s signature Mac n’ Cheese.

New this year, you have two days to sample dozens of craft and international beers and fire up your taste buds with food from your favorite local restaurants as well as our own famous, blazing barbecue.

Every Sunday, enjoy sizzling live performances from award-winning country and classic rock artists like Bret Michaels, 38 Special and REO Speedwagon.

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This week we have a very special Craig Duncan soul show lasting an extended one and half hours looking at the live, love, music and films of Whitney Houston.

Join Craig as he shares some of your requested songs and some of his favourites as he takes you through her life.

Have your tissues ready as its sad but moving celebration of her life as we remember the magic of  Whitney Houston

Orlando City kicks off the home leg of the 2012 preseason today when they welcome Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union to the Florida Citrus Bowl for a friendly match at 7:30 P.M.  The match is Orlando City’s first official friendly of the 2012 preseason.

Last year, Orlando City opened the annals of club history against the Union, and came away with a surprise 1-0 victory.  After already drawing against another MLS side, 1-1 on Monday versus Seattle Sounders FC, in a preseason scrimmage, the Lions are well aware they can compete, and expect to.

For Head Coach Adrian Heath, the focus is not only on winning, but looking at the bigger picture and preparing for the USL PRO regular season, beginning in April.

“Even though it’s preseason, we want to play well and win for the home crowd,” said Heath.  “Still, we’ve got to get the new four or five new players integrated into the system. It’s all about getting our players fit and ready for the regular season start in April.”

One of the players already on form this preseason is Forward and local product Dennis Chin.  It was Chin’s superb goal against Seattle that gave the Lions the lead after the first of three 30 minute periods.  Chin has continued that form in training, and looks to have earned the start.

Orlando City will be without two players on Saturday night.  Matt Luzunaris has a leg injury and will miss the next couple of weeks of training camp.  More details will be available next week.  Jamie Watson is day-to-day with a knee injury, and is expected to be held out for precautionary reasons.

The Lions will also be without midfield tandem Yordany Alvarez and Lawrence Olum.  Both players moved on to MLS clubs in the offseason, joining Real Salt Lake and Sporting Kansas City respectively.  They are replaced by a trio of new signings from England: James O’Connor, Anthony Pulis, and John Rooney.

City’s opponent, the Philadelphia Union, is also dealing with roster turnover.  Star players Sebastien Le Toux and Faryd Mondragón are no longer with the club, as the Union and Head Coach Piotr Nowak are focusing on building the club through youth.  Leading the charge for the Union is St. Petersburg, FL, native Zac MacMath.  The 20-year old steps into the starting goalkeeper spot for Philadelphia.  Though MacMath saw a few starts in his rookie year, he was filling in for Mondragón.  Orlando City will be the first pro test for MacMath since taking on the mantle of starting keeper.

Tickets are still available for the match and start at just $15.  Call 855-ORL-CITY by 2 P.M, or visit the Citrus Bowl Box Office, opening at 4:30 P.M. on Saturday.  Gates open at 6:30 P.M.  For more information, visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com today.

Match Facts:
Date:        Feb. 18, 2012
Time:        7:30 P.M.
Location:    Florida Citrus Bowl

Expected Orlando City Line-Up (unofficial):
GK:     Miguel Gallardo
DEF:    Jerome Mechack, Rob Valentino, Logan Emory (trialist), Luke Boden
MID:    Kevin Molino, James O’Connor, Anthony Pulis, John Rooney, Charlie Campbell
FWD:    Dennis Chin

Subs will not be listed as the entire roster is available under friendly match rules.

Direct download: EOO-Feb–10-2012.mp3

After a break of 8 weeks !!!!!!! EOO is back;  it will be fortnightly for the next few epsiodes but then back weekly again….

Tonight we cover:

• Last Chance for Observatory Viewing at Science Center
• SeaWorld Orlando’s Bands, Brew & BBQ festival
• All-New Epic Ice Show Debuts
• Science Center Offers Valentine’s Workshop
• Orlando Sity 2012 Season Fixtures are Released
• Universal Orlando’s brand-new nighttime show
• Universal’s Hollywood Drive-In Golf
• Baldwin Park Orlando Chili Cook-Off

As well as getting side tracked about coffins and gravestones !!!

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Reagan has been paired up with his radio partner, Dave, for over 27 years…on-air together they’ve brought the regular listeners of Central Florida’s “Smith & Riley” show more than the “typical” dry weekend public affairs program. These two broadcast veterans pride themselves on exposing listeners to a wide variety of community leaders, events and artists of all types. In other words, they make reflecting their area and its tastes fun to listen to.

Both keep the interviews moving along with a warm, friendly bantering and a quippy style that informs, as well as, entertains. Dave has been known to throw in the occasional humorous comment…but, Reagan manages to keep the show on track despite him.

Try ‘em…We know you’ll love ‘em as much as we do here at Orlando Sky Radio.

Universal Orlando’s Blue Man Group show is taking its unique and captivating brand of live entertainment to another level – complete with a new show environment, new music, new technology and new experiences.

Opening to the public on Friday, February 24, the show will take guests on an incredible journey where they’ll join the Blue Men as they discover, engage and explore the world’s obsession with cutting-edge technology.  New sections include Blue Men interacting with “GiPads” (think Gigantic iPads), a funny and perceptive look at contemporary modes of communication; and a pulsating new finale featuring an original Blue Man Group music score that will have guests jumping to their feet.

“The heart of our show is, and always has been, the Blue Man, and his inquisitive, wide-eyed take on the world,” said Chris Wink, who co-founded Blue Man Group with Phil Stanton and Matt Goldman. “Our team of artists at Blue Man Productions has created fun, even astounding new visual aspects of the show, and our music team has given us a great new sound. We are really excited to incorporate these elements into the show at Universal Orlando Resort “

“This show will take one of Universal Orlando’s most popular experiences to a whole new level,” said Alice Norsworthy, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Universal Orlando Resort.  “It’s the perfect complement to the incredible entertainment we offer at our destination.”

Several of the signature moments that have made Blue Man Group one of today’s best-loved theatrical productions will remain in the show, although in most cases, they have also been updated.  And as always, the production will fuse innovative theatrical spectacle with improvisation and vaudeville-inspired comedy, art, science and irresistible music performed by the Blue Man Group live band.

“Many of our audience’s favorite pieces, including ‘Paint Drumming’ and ‘Gum Balls/Marshmallows’ will continue to be a part of the production – and yes, the first few rows will still need to wear ponchos,” added Phil Stanton, Blue Man Group co-founder. “But we have developed some brand new elements of the show that provide a larger-than-life, rousing, interactive experience that I hope will really speak to all cultures and give some of our most devoted fans a new reason to check us out again.”

For more information about Blue Man Group at Universal Orlando Resort – or to purchase tickets – visit www.universalorlando.com/blueman.

]]> http://www.orlandoskyradio.com/2012/02/newly-enhanced-blue-man-group-show-opens-february-24/feed/ 3 http://www.orlandoskyradio.com/2012/02/disney-characters-make-rounds-special-dose-magic/ http://www.orlandoskyradio.com/2012/02/disney-characters-make-rounds-special-dose-magic/#comments Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:52:08 +0000 NickL http://www.orlandoskyradio.com/?p=4462 Drawing wisdom from Mary Poppins, a dedicated team of Disney Cast Members is using a dose of Disney magic much like “a spoonful of sugar” to help the medicine go down. Throughout the year, Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team ventures into local hospitals to spread cheer at the Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital [...]]]>

Drawing wisdom from Mary Poppins, a dedicated team of Disney Cast Members is using a dose of Disney magic much like “a spoonful of sugar” to help the medicine go down.

Throughout the year, Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team ventures into local hospitals to spread cheer at the Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children and Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.

Accompanied by all sorts of exotic animals on these special visits, Disney animal keepers and education instructors bring the joy and wonder of wildlife to young patients who get a therapeutic benefit from being able to focus on the fun at hand.
Special visitors make the rounds as well; Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Donald Duck and Chip ‘n’ Dale have all been known to appear toward the end of the program.

“When Mickey Mouse walks into the room, you don’t feel like you’re in a hospital anymore,” says Gabriel Burns, a Cast Member who travels along on many of these journeys. “It’s really incredible. Pluto, Chip ‘n Dale and other Disney characters have the unique ability to help the kids forget what’s ailing them.”

“I’ve seen Pluto lay on the floor next to a 4-year-old cancer patient during his chemotherapy because the young boy typically holds his Pluto plush doll on the floor during his treatments,” Burns says. “The child was smiling, and his mom was crying because her son was happy.”

Disney has a rich heritage of compassionate support of children that can be traced back to the early days of the company. Walt Disney frequently visited children in hospitals and guided company giving toward supporting children in need.

This tradition continues today through fulfilling wish trips and accommodating children who are affected by life-threatening medical conditions. While granting Disney-related wish requests remains a key initiative at Disney Parks, many Disney wishes are fulfilled in hospitals when illness prevents a child from leaving.

From sending a child’s favorite Disney character to visit at their bedside, to hand-delivering a Disney movie to enjoy with the family, opportunities that extend the magic of Disney to children in hospitals are as abundant as a child’s imagination.

Fogo de Chão (pronounced fo-go dèe shoun), an authentic Southern Brazilian steakhouse that’s been named one of Zagat’s top U.S. restaurants, will open in Orlando Thursday, March 15 on International Drive, the heart of the city’s renowned visitor corridor.

The restaurant’s dining experience is based on the centuries-old gaucho tradition known as churrasco, the art of roasting meats over an open charcoal fire.  A prix fixe menu features freshly grilled meats carved tableside, as well as an extensive salad bar and authentic Brazilian sides.

“Orlando is both a dynamic travel destination and a robust restaurant market, so it’s been on the top of our list for some time,” said Fogo de Chão CEO Larry Johnson.  The Orlando announcement comes on the heels of restaurant openings in 2011 in Rio de Janiero and Las Vegas.

“Our attention to service and quality – and our focus on delivering an authentic Southern Brazilian experience – has helped make us a critics’ choice in both U.S. and Brazilian markets.  We have very high hopes of repeating that experience in Central Florida.  We’re excited to be here.”

Fogo de Chão specializes in espeto corrido, or “continuous service,” in which a team of Brazilian-trained gaucho chefs prepare and serve 15 different cuts of beef, lamb, chicken and pork.  Guests dictate both the pace and the portions of their dining experience by using a small, double-sided disc that signals to the gaucho chefs that they are ready for additional service.

Although meats are the primary focus, the restaurant also features a gourmet salad and sides bar with more than 30 selections, including smoked salmon, sun-dried tomatoes, hearts of palm, tabbouleh salad, jumbo asparagus, cured meats, artisan breads and imported cheeses.

The restaurant offers a 200-label wine list, for which it has received Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for the past eight years.  Guests may also sample the Caipirinha, made from Brazilian liquor cachaça, as well as Guarana Brazilian soda and zesty Brazilian lemonade.  Desserts include the restaurant’s signature Papaya Cream, made with fresh papaya, vanilla ice cream and Crème de Cassis liqueur, as well as South American Flan, Crème Brule, Turtle Cheesecake, Molten Chocolate Cake and Key Lime Pie.

While the menu and service are traditional, the architectural elements are strikingly contemporary, with a rich color palette of terracotta, oxblood red, tan and cream.   Red clay tile roof accents and crisp, black awnings frame the restaurant’s centerpiece: a multi-storied, cobalt-blue tile tower entrance with a glass-enclosed open flame rotisserie at its foundation.

Interiors are defined by starched, white linens, warm woods, amber-hued chandeliers and colorful wall murals depicting the gaucho culture and lifestyle.  The 12,000 square-foot restaurant has seating for 400 guests and offers five private and semi-private dining rooms for group events, meetings and wedding celebrations.  An outdoor patio – a first for the restaurant company – features stone floors, exposed wood beams and teak planters.

“Orlando is vibrant and fun, and our restaurant design reflects that energy and excitement,” said Johnson.

Fogo do Chão Orlando is located at 8282 International Drive, a quarter mile south of Sand Lake Road and about a mile north of the Orange County Convention Center.

Operation hours and prices are as follows:

Lunch
$26.50 (Salad Bar Only – $19.50)
Monday – Thursday:  12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Friday: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

$35.50 (Salad Bar Only – $19.50)
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Dinner
$42.50 (Salad Bar Only – $19.50)
Monday – Thursday: 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Sunday: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Children five years of age and under enjoy complimentary dining. Children six to 10 years of age dine at half the prices listed above.  Beverages, desserts, taxes and gratuity are additional.

Known as the premiere Brazilian steakhouse, Fogo de Chão was founded in 1979 in Porto Alegre, Brazil and expanded into the United States in 1997.  Orlando is the 18^th U.S. location; there are seven restaurants in Brazil.  For more information, visit www.fogo.com.

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Love is in the air, even at LEGOLAND® Florida! Nearly 100 Minilanders have found love throughout Las Vegas, Washington DC, Florida, New York City, California and Pirates in Miniland USA. From weddings to first dates, the 48, four inch tall Valentine couples inhabit the ultimate artistic expression of LEGO®.
Central Florida’s newest family theme park is home to 15,000 Minilanders. These citizens of Miniland USA are made of just 60 bricks and come in all shapes and sizes – just like their human counterparts!

Miniland USA Fun Facts:

• 20 million LEGO bricks comprise Miniland USA at LEGOLAND Florida
• The models are created in 1:20 scale
• The smallest model is a pigeon made from 6 bricks
• Famous faces in Miniland USA include Elvis, Darth Vader, the cast from the Jersey Shore & actor Atticus Shaffer

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