Universal's Mardi Gras

From an article in the Orlando Sentinel:

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Universal Studios%26#39; Mardi Gras celebration begins its 11-week run Saturday with an expanded schedule, a literary theme for the parade and -- eventually -- a new stage for the headlining musical acts.

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Two non-Saturday dates were added to this year%26#39;s lineup: Sunday, Feb. 15, with the Village People, and Friday, March 27, with Boys Like Girls.

Established acts are counterbalanced with contemporary artists, such as Ne-Yo and Kelly Clarkson.

The concerts immediately follow the heaving-bead-heavy parade, which this year has a literary theme titled ';Stories.'; Think genres, not Harry Potter.

The floats are constructed at Universal Orlando in partnership with New Orleans designers Kern Studios.

The parade route will be the same as in previous years, including a stretch along the site of Universal%26#39;s under-construction permanent stage. That area, where Mardi Gras concerts took place in the past, is being rehabbed and won%26#39;t be ready for this Saturday%26#39;s performance by KC and the Sunshine Band. Universal has set up a temporary stage near Mel%26#39;s Drive-In restaurant.

The upcoming stage, still hidden behind a wall, features archways that reflect the architecture near the entrance of the theme park. Timon anticipates positive reactions after the facility%26#39;s debut, expected to be in the early part of this Mardi Gras season.

When: Saturdays through April 18, plus Feb. 15 and March 27.

Universal's Mardi Gras

Hi Kat Cubs Fan

This is from an e-mail I received, from about.com

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras

Universal Orlando is promising the biggest Mardi Gras celebration this side of the bayou with the most powerful and diverse concert series in the

event%26#39;s history, featuring 13 of the most popular names in pop, rock,R%26amp;B, country, hip-hop and more. So, mark your calendar for every Saturday from February 7 through April 18 for the best non-stop party filled with an amazing parade, food and all of the beads you can catch!

http://glclk.about.com/?zi=23/6%5B9a